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Bannister’s Chart

by Antony Trew



      If you think that sea stories have to be about the Napoleonic Wars, think again.  Then read this delightful and unusual seagoing yarn about a more modern ship and its adventures.

The Sunglow is a working coaster, nearing her retirement and captained by the engaging Shamus Cassidy.  But as well as taking on cargo she also runs adventure cruises, where anybody with the money can enjoy a cruise with a difference.  This time, it is going to be very different, for not only is there going to be an out-of-season cyclone to cope with, but also a treasure hunt and various other nefarious activities.

I invariably enjoy books with a ship in them, and this one is no exception.  Exotic islands, murders, strange happenings on a "deserted" island, the search for shipwreck gold, a fierce storm and a possible case of insurance fraud are all packed into this tale of comparatively modest length.  In true Agatha Christie style, the passengers all seem dodgy or innocent by turns, and pages turn like lightning as the plot thickens and gets stranger all the time.  This is a reprint from 1984 and most welcome - what a shame the author is no longer with us and cannot write more novels like this one.  Recommended.

The Book

Robert Hale
30 June 2008
Hardback
0709086237 / 9780709086239
Mystery / Adventure
More at Amazon.com US || UK
Excerpt
NOTE: US edition is different

The Reviewer

Rachel A Hyde
Reviewed 2008
NOTE:
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