"The Privateer" presents a thrilling historical novel about a Welsh pirate, Henry Morgan, who wins several battles against the Spaniards in the Caribbean, eventually becoming Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica. The story starts when Henry, who was sold into slavery in Barbados, is given his freedom. He instantly joined fortunes with a group of men to plan their capture of a Spanish ship. From there on, he starts his daring, dangerous, and successful career.

Josephine Tey wrote this novel under her pseudonym, Gordon Daviot. This was last book, a romantic novel based on the life of the privateer Henry Morgan.