Published by Ace, 2000, ISBN 0-441-00695-7, $5.99, 322 pages

The war's over, and hero Izzy Umboto gets her first command--a decrepit leftover cruiser named Patton. A quarter of the guns don't work, systems fail, and just transiting jump points makes it more an adventure than a job. The Enterprise it is not.

Peace may reign most places, but not every place, and a backwater farming planet has a problem with disappearing citizens...and outer space pirates. The next thing you know, the kidnappers nab the Patton's Marine detachment leader, Lt. "Trouble" Tordon, and Izzy is in for the mission of her life.

While pretty standard fare, Moscoe creates strong characters that you come to care about. The plot moves on by without too many coincidental activities, the ship battles portray short but interesting ideas about tactics, and the ground actions offer a nice mix of the imaginary and the realistic.

The Price of Peace offers a pleasant read. If not exactly a burning page turner, it's not a cover closer either.