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Title: The Devil's Own Luck (Privateersman Mysteries No. 1) by David Donachie ISBN: 1-59013-004-9 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 October, 2001 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4 (3 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Good but not O'Brian
Comment: Hard to miss with this combination mystery/detective story/nautical yarn. Harry Ludlow is an ex-Royal Navy officer now operating his own vessel as a privateer. His ship is destroyed, and he and his crew are taken on board the Magnanime, commanded by one of Harry's old enemies, Oliver Carter. James, Harry's brother, who had also been on Harry's ship, and is hardly a seaman, is discovered standing over the body of a murdered Magnanime officer. Harry must find the real killer in order to clear his brother.
Using his knowledge of the sea and ships, Harry worms his way into the good graces of some of the other officers and sailors. A raft of dark secrets soon emerges, including a secret space where several of the men and officers, would gather to conduct unmentionable activities.
I would rank Donachie somewhere between O'Brian and Forester. The addition of the mystery adds a nice twist to what would otherwise be a very credible naval series.
Rating: 3
Summary: A murder mystery at sea
Comment: I purchased this novel anticipating some amount of naval action. While it does contain some action, the author's knowledge of the subject seems to be lacking in some respects. He speaks of cannon being run out, loaded, and run back in, and of bar shot consisting of two bars connected by a chain (I can't imagine anyone trying to fire that mess from a cannon - bar shot was two half spheres connected by a short bar).
The main story concerns the feud between two officers, and the murder of an officer aboard a Royal Navy ship. Much of the action seems unlikely, but officers could become tyrants aboard their own ships. A captain commiting piracy by taking supplies from a British ship and then sinking the ship would almost certainly end his career (especially an officer without influence).
The story becomes a matter of intrigue aboard the ship, with various factions, secret routes, a hidden compartment, etc. The plot is based on some of the more evil aspects of Royal Navy service.
Rating: 5
Summary: Blends a whodunit with naval experiences
Comment: Devil's Own Luck is the first volume in the author's projected 'Privateersman Mystery' series and is a recommended pick for any who appreciate swashbuckling action, the high seas, and a good mystery. Take Forester and O'Brien and add intrigue and you have the makings of this novel, which blends a whodunit with naval experiences.
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Title: A Hanging Matter (The Privateersman Mysteries, No. 3) by David Donachie ISBN: 1590130162 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 April, 2002 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: An Element of Chance (The Privateersman Mysteries, No. 4) by David Donachie ISBN: 1590130170 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 May, 2002 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: The Scent of Betrayal (The Privateersman Mysteries, No. 5) by David Donachie ISBN: 1590130316 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: A Game of Bones (The Privateersman Mysteries, No. 6) by David Donachie ISBN: 1590130324 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: The Guernseyman (Richard Delancey Novels, No. 1) by Cyril Northcote Parkinson, C. Northcote Parkinson ISBN: 1590130014 Publisher: McBooks Press Pub. Date: 01 October, 2001 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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