Pirate Latitudes
Michael Crichton

HarperCollins
September 28, 2010/ ISBN 978-0061929380
Historical / 1665 Caribbean
Amazon

Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe

Pirate Latitudes is a real departure from the late, great, Michael Crichton's usual fare. The nearly completed manuscript was located among the author's papers, and I think it was likely written in his early years. There is no high tech or sci-fi in this pirate adventure novel. Captain Charles Hunter is a privateer who is hired by the governor of Jamaica’s Port Royal to steal a Spanish galleon and its cargo of gold treasure.

The story takes place in the Caribbean in 1665. Spanish control is nearly complete, and there is an uneasy peace with the English King Charles II. Everyone in the English Port Royal seems to ignore the government mandates and is on the make from the royal governor on down. Captain Charles Hunter has thoughts of taking the Spanish island of Matanceros with its impregnable fortress and the gold in the Spanish ships in the harbor. His crew of sixty are all experts in their fields, and anxious to join Hunter in this adventure. Progressing from stealing the gold to rescuing the governor's niece they battle against nearly insurmountable odds. Accused of Piracy, Hunter and his crew may face hanging.

This is no typical pirate adventure. It’s more of a caper novel in a high-seas, historical setting. The story is historically authentic and well researched, with fast, intense action. The characters are compelling and unforgettable, but nothing is ever quite what you expect, and you are never sure just what is on Captain Hunter's mind. The climax is as thrilling as it is unexpected. I'm going to miss Michael Crichton...

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