Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Synopsis
Praise for Joan Druett and A Watery Grave
"What a terrific idea New Zealand naval historian Joan Druett had for a mystery series."—Chicago Tribune
"This impressive debut will appeal both to fans of historical mysteries and to Patrick O' Brian readers."—Booklist (starred review)
"Evoking writers from Melville to Patrick O'Brian, and incorporating fascinating snippets of historical and anthropological lore, this novel is a fine start to a series sure to appeal to lovers of historical mysteries and fans of sea adventures."—Publishers Weekly
"Noted maritime historian Druett blends strong plotting and scads of authentic maritime detail in an impressive debut that should appeal to fans of historical mysteries and Patrick O'Brian. Highly recommended."—Library Journal
"The debut of a smart, appealing hero whose tale unfolds amid lots of interesting cross-cultural, historical, and nautical detail."—Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Maritime historian Druett's rousing second historical (after 2004's Watery Grave) set aboard the U.S. South Seas Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842 (the subject of Nathaniel Philbrick's Sea of Glory) offers rich nautical detail and an engaging and highly unusual protagonist: Wiki Coffin, the half-caste son of a Polynesian woman and a respected Salem shipmaster. Coffin, who's serving on the brig Swallow as both a "linguister" (or translator) and a sheriff's agent authorized to act at sea, gets involved in an investigation of two ships foundering in the shoals of Shark Island off the South American coast. A vulnerable captain, his beautiful young wife, a thuggish crew, a valuable and missing cargo and murder provide a stern test of Coffin's deductive abilities and his diplomatic skills. Druett should win plaudits from both mystery fans and aficionados of naval adventures. Agent, Laura Langlie. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.