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Tommy Carmellini #5
Pirate Alley
A luxurious vacation cruise to the exotic locales of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden turns into a nightmare for passengers and crew when their ship is suddenly attacked and captured by a band of bloodthirsty Somali pirates. An initial rescue mission ends in failure; the decks are covered in blood. Unless they are paid a ransom of $200 million dollars within seven days, the pirates threaten to execute all their hostages. But information gleaned from a captured Al Qaeda operative indicates that there is a far more dangerous conspiracy afoot.
Once the ransom is paid, Islamic militants intend to swoop in and slaughter the passengers in an orgy of terror, hoping to provoke a massive American military response that will set the Muslim world aflame. Jake Grafton is assigned to negotiate with the brutal pirate chief while his right hand man, Tommy Carmellini, and a team of CIA and Navy SEAL operatives mount an undercover operation to save the hostages and keep the U.S. from being maneuvered into a murderous war.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2013
271 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Coonts
184 books764 followersStephen Coonts (born July 19, 1946) is an American thriller and suspense novelist.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
December 12, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure!! Non-stop action with excellent writing!!
May 2, 2019
In Pirate Alley uses the Somali pirates and Islamic terrorists in novel. Somali pirates capture a cruise ship with over 800 passengers and crew. Rumors of a plot to kill the hostages after the ransom bring Jake Grafton and Tony Carmellini on scene. Another high energy thriller.
Did not finish
November 3, 2018Temporary dnf until our next road trip where we need a ‘filler’ audio book.
February 14, 2013
I received this book today from a Goodreads First Read giveaway and began reading it immediately. Aside from the free copy of the advance readers' edition of the book, I have received no compensation for this review. Unfortunately for most of you, the book will not be mass published until May 2013.
The book is fast-paced with sufficient character introductions flowing with the storyline as to allow someone such as myself who had not read any others in the series to understand the motivations behind the recurring characters. The book is mottled with characters due to the scope of the story, but it is written in such a manner that it is easy to keep track of all the players. I was at first put off by the swapping between first-person and third-person narrative, but quickly found it helpful to understand the story and the perspective that was being presented.
The story was quite topical and engaging. More than a story ripped from the headlines about a cruise ship being hijacked by Somali pirates; More than a presentation on the multifaceted political structure of Somalia; This is a story told primarily from the prospective of the captives and those who are determined to rescue them at all costs. It is a perspective on the drama you would never get from the media, but would understand if you ever served in the military. The people and situations feel real and keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
As I began to read, a hole opened in the book and I fell through. I was no longer reading, but actually visualizing the actions behind every word on the page. Every sensory system shut down in the first several pages and I felt I could almost smell the smoke and sea air. It has been years since I have been this thoroughly drawn into a book. I was not able to put it down for more than fifteen minutes without coming back for more. I now look forward to going backwards and reading the remainder of Coonts' books as this was my first.
Due to the graphic nature of the violence and the emotions it brings out in characters, there are portions that will be hard for some to read. Bear in mind that this is a militaristic work of fiction. Violence is expected with such material. War is gritty and bloody. Without apology, Coonts has laid all of the grit and gore out there for us to see. But, in my opinion, it is never gratuitous nor over-the-top.
If you have read any other works by this author, read this book. If you enjoy Tom Clancy, read this book. If you have read American Sniper, read this book.
The book is fast-paced with sufficient character introductions flowing with the storyline as to allow someone such as myself who had not read any others in the series to understand the motivations behind the recurring characters. The book is mottled with characters due to the scope of the story, but it is written in such a manner that it is easy to keep track of all the players. I was at first put off by the swapping between first-person and third-person narrative, but quickly found it helpful to understand the story and the perspective that was being presented.
The story was quite topical and engaging. More than a story ripped from the headlines about a cruise ship being hijacked by Somali pirates; More than a presentation on the multifaceted political structure of Somalia; This is a story told primarily from the prospective of the captives and those who are determined to rescue them at all costs. It is a perspective on the drama you would never get from the media, but would understand if you ever served in the military. The people and situations feel real and keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
As I began to read, a hole opened in the book and I fell through. I was no longer reading, but actually visualizing the actions behind every word on the page. Every sensory system shut down in the first several pages and I felt I could almost smell the smoke and sea air. It has been years since I have been this thoroughly drawn into a book. I was not able to put it down for more than fifteen minutes without coming back for more. I now look forward to going backwards and reading the remainder of Coonts' books as this was my first.
Due to the graphic nature of the violence and the emotions it brings out in characters, there are portions that will be hard for some to read. Bear in mind that this is a militaristic work of fiction. Violence is expected with such material. War is gritty and bloody. Without apology, Coonts has laid all of the grit and gore out there for us to see. But, in my opinion, it is never gratuitous nor over-the-top.
If you have read any other works by this author, read this book. If you enjoy Tom Clancy, read this book. If you have read American Sniper, read this book.
June 30, 2013
A British cruise ship Sultan of the Seas, with 500 passengers and 350 crewmembers, is captured by Somali pirates and held for a ransom of $200,000,000. Following a gross initial miscalculation on how to handle the situation by dithering politicians while Sultan is still underway, she is towed to the pirates lair at Eyl, Somalia. Cooler heads prevail in Washington when the next steps are decided and retired U.S. Navy Admiral Jake Grafton, now a high-level employee of the CIA, accepts the offered role as chief negotiator to win the freedom of the 850 hostages, who have been transferred from the ship to a squalid, rat-infested old fort in the city. Grafton must contend not only with the blood-thirsty Somali pirates but also a terrorist group of jihadists, who are out to steal the ransom money from the pirates after it is paid.
This was a terrific novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys such thrillers.
[Book 27 of 2013 Target 50
(Jan-6; Feb-3; Mar-3; Apr-4; May-6; Jun-6)]
This was a terrific novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys such thrillers.
[Book 27 of 2013 Target 50
(Jan-6; Feb-3; Mar-3; Apr-4; May-6; Jun-6)]
March 5, 2013
Thanks to goodreads and the author I won this first-reads book.
This book was full of non-stop action and a look into how the military would operate under a hostage situation. The author did a great job vividly describing the many characters and scenes throughout this book. This was definitely a page turner and hard to put down. I enjoyed the story and how this could be something that could happen, even though it’s unlikely, but we do have modern day pirates still. I would actually like to see this book made into a movie.
This book was full of non-stop action and a look into how the military would operate under a hostage situation. The author did a great job vividly describing the many characters and scenes throughout this book. This was definitely a page turner and hard to put down. I enjoyed the story and how this could be something that could happen, even though it’s unlikely, but we do have modern day pirates still. I would actually like to see this book made into a movie.
April 12, 2013
An absolute "can't put down"! If you enjoy reading a story about Somali pirates, military operations that demonstrate intelligence, planning and operations beyond what a civilian force or politicians could ever imagine (or ever make happen), and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat... THIS is the book for you to read! Stephen Coonts comes through once again with characters, Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini, in one of his best. Can't wait for his next story to hit the presses.
January 24, 2024
The plot certainly was interesting (having only taken my first cruise a few months ago made it quite a bit more vivid), but I just couldn't quite connect with the main protagonist Tommy. Something about a CIA field operative who has a conniption about seeing dead militants up close when he watched one of his team members bleed out on the chopper floor earlier in the book with little more than a shrug because "he knew the risks" makes you pause. Or maybe it was his inner voice that I couldn't empathize with.
Either way, this might have been closer to 4 stars if not for the spate of typos and editing errors. One scene has a man named Schultz who leaves the office where Grafton and another man are talking, only to then be credited with saying a line clearly meant for one of the other two. A few errors are inevitable when you're talking thousands of words, but stuff like "I stuck my head it." (they meant "in") and "I turned it on.w" that I still can vividly recall a week after finishing the book are not a great sign.
Either way, this might have been closer to 4 stars if not for the spate of typos and editing errors. One scene has a man named Schultz who leaves the office where Grafton and another man are talking, only to then be credited with saying a line clearly meant for one of the other two. A few errors are inevitable when you're talking thousands of words, but stuff like "I stuck my head it." (they meant "in") and "I turned it on.w" that I still can vividly recall a week after finishing the book are not a great sign.
May 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I would have preferred more time spent on the boat and pirates, less about the terrorists.
Good story line, the only things that let it down is the overwhelming amount of characters introduced in the first 1/3 of the book who last for a paragraph or two and then you don’t hear from them again. It made me forget who was who and not pick up on the important people until later.
Also the main character seems really cool until the last chapter when he’s suddenly really cocky and arrogant! The ending where they clear up and return could have been much shorter.
Anyway, without the complaining... it was a great read and I would definitely recommend! I was expecting it to be a lot more graphic having read reviews before purchasing, but it was fine. Think I’ll try another by the author soon.
Good story line, the only things that let it down is the overwhelming amount of characters introduced in the first 1/3 of the book who last for a paragraph or two and then you don’t hear from them again. It made me forget who was who and not pick up on the important people until later.
Also the main character seems really cool until the last chapter when he’s suddenly really cocky and arrogant! The ending where they clear up and return could have been much shorter.
Anyway, without the complaining... it was a great read and I would definitely recommend! I was expecting it to be a lot more graphic having read reviews before purchasing, but it was fine. Think I’ll try another by the author soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2021
I found this story to be very exciting and enjoyable. Coonts' previous story, The Disciple took place in Iran where living conditions were poor. While many terrorist stories do involve oppressed people living in poor conditions, I wouldn't want to make that kind of story my reading staple. When I started reading Pirate Alley, my first thought was 'here we go again' with poor living conditions in Somalia. But in this case, the poor living conditions added to the excitement of the story. I also enjoyed the fact that while Tommy Carmallini was the main character, Jake Grafton had a major piece in this story. I always enjoy it when Jake works with POTUS and all the top military brass to thwart the enemy. This is one of those books where I'd say to myself 'I need to read a little more...and a little more'.
October 20, 2025
Pretty standard America’s might makes right, overlaid with politicians are idiots who need to get out of the way of the real warriors. (OK, currently plausible). Women are non-characters, victims to be raped or quietly support their husbands. Pirates and Muslims are poor, ignorant (although not necessarily stupid) blindly violent and easy to defeat. The Somali pirates were current events back in 2012, when this book was written. I think the book would have interested me more if the underlying causes behind the pirates had been presented with some empathy, and the bad guys given a little more depth. Lots of deserved appreciation for what Navy SEALS can do, some interesting trivia about weapons and explosives. Tommy’s budding career crisis and Grafton’s super strategist/diplomat skills didn’t really add anything for me.
March 23, 2026
I'd have to do the math, but at the point a person has read as many books from the Grafton + associated series as I have, I don't need a five-star experience to enjoy it. All I need is Jake, Tommy, Toad, bad guys, good guys, action and I'll be happy.
Pirate Alley is about the east coast of Africa where pirate roam the waters and wreak havoc. In this case, they have captured a luxury cruise ship and take the passengers hostage (bad guys- check). Enter Jake, Toad, and Tommy (check, check, and check) along with a cast of characters (good guys- check) and the action follows (the final check for my happy enjoyment). It's pretty good and definite good enough for me to add the next book from Stephen Coonts to my "to-read" shelf to enjoy at some future date.
Read as part of the 52 Book Club 2026 Reading Challenge, prompt 7, "Title starts with the letter, 'P'"
Pirate Alley is about the east coast of Africa where pirate roam the waters and wreak havoc. In this case, they have captured a luxury cruise ship and take the passengers hostage (bad guys- check). Enter Jake, Toad, and Tommy (check, check, and check) along with a cast of characters (good guys- check) and the action follows (the final check for my happy enjoyment). It's pretty good and definite good enough for me to add the next book from Stephen Coonts to my "to-read" shelf to enjoy at some future date.
Read as part of the 52 Book Club 2026 Reading Challenge, prompt 7, "Title starts with the letter, 'P'"
December 7, 2018
In Pirate Alley by Stephen Coonts, Somali pirates hijack a cruise ship and hold it for ransom. This was definitely a page turner and hard to put down. The beginning was intense and exciting as the novel should be; I definitely enjoyed the capturing of the ship. "'Pirates are aboard. At least a dozen. They will undoubtedly be upon the bridge, what's left of it, in seconds.' There followed a burst of gun-fire; then the radio went dead." Towards the end, it became long and drawn out, with all of the sneaking around however, it gave great insight into how the military would operate under a hostage situation. Coonts also paints a vivid picture of the idiots in Washington, DC. Only caring about themselves, and their politics.
March 8, 2019
Ok, rather enjoyed this, but two things bothered me:
1. I listed to the audio version, but I'm willing to bet that Disney knows how to pronounce Pirates of the Caribbean and anyone referencing should use that pronunciation.
2. Johnny Depp and his turn as Captain Jack is referenced OFTEN... but it REALLY bugged me that a reference was made to the amount of 'eye shadow' he wore..... any man who is married, or has had serious girlfriends knows that what Johnny is wearing massive amounts of is eye LINER.
1. I listed to the audio version, but I'm willing to bet that Disney knows how to pronounce Pirates of the Caribbean and anyone referencing should use that pronunciation.
2. Johnny Depp and his turn as Captain Jack is referenced OFTEN... but it REALLY bugged me that a reference was made to the amount of 'eye shadow' he wore..... any man who is married, or has had serious girlfriends knows that what Johnny is wearing massive amounts of is eye LINER.
October 22, 2017
It could be simple, plain, & cliché "america is great and the pirate is bad".. but apparently coonts has an acute islamophobic, so he had to portray moslem as worst people in the world, then also several times insulted their prophet.. it's not fun enjoyable fiction.. in fact, it's the worst kind of fiction: leading its reader to be a narrow minded haters.. regret to spent some money & times for this crappy book.. my first and last coonts book..
May 23, 2019
If you have pirate problem then it is time to call Tommy to solve it. The Somali pirates captured a cruise liner Sultan of the sea full of tourists. How do you secure their release? Jack Grafton call on Tommy and his bunch of merry men who happen to conduct an exercise in neighbouring Ethiopia to help rescue the hostage. To complicate matter, Al Shabab the Islamic arm of the Al Queda is also on hand to hatch their plan to hijack the ransom money.
February 25, 2025
A nice cruise turns horrible when Somali pirates attack and take over the ship. This sets in motion the numerous parties associated with the array of passengers, the crew, and the ship itself. The question is to pay or not pay the ransom. The number of characters in this web of intrigue will come down to the United States sending in their major fixer, Jake Grafton. Jake and his pal, Tommy Carmellini, formulate a plan to get the problem resolved. It won't be easy.
July 8, 2017
First time reading Stephen Coonts' books, Pirate Alley was indeed right up my alley! Exploring the Somalia piracy crisis, Coonts' tells a compelling tale of a pirate hijack of a luxury cruise liner. A fast paced thriller that weaves in domestic politics, a sound military plan and plausible execution, Pirate Alley is sure to please fans of military and geo-political thrillers.
July 25, 2019
Well it's for sure not my normal choice for a book to read but it wasn't awful. There was action although I had times where I was not entirely certain who the main character of the book was. There was even some parts that I found to be funny and found myself reading them out loud to my husband to see if he also found them funny.
August 8, 2019
A tense, engaging read that will keep readers entranced with a white knuckle grip until the last page is turned. If ever I find myself imprisoned on a cruise ship at the hands of pirates, I want Jake Grafton and his team on the job!
Great plot and characters join fantastic pacing to make this one great read!
Great plot and characters join fantastic pacing to make this one great read!
Read
December 25, 2019When a Cruise ship is attacked and captured by Somali Pirates it falls on the Navy and CIA operatives to mount a rescue operation. Commanders on the ground have to deal with the politicians back home who seem to be more interested in how things look politically then what needs to be done to accomplish the mission. Coonts writes a good tale with plenty of action throughout.
April 22, 2020
Somali pirates capture a cruise ship and plan to ransom them for $200 million dollars. Unbeknownst to the pirates, Islamic militants plan to kill all the passengers after the ransom is paid and steal the money. It’s up to Jake Grafton, Toad Tarkington, Tommy Carmellini, and others to stop the bad people and rescue the hostages. Good read.
January 7, 2024
Be prepared
This man can tell a story! I started reading it just after the attacks in Israel in December 2023. It made it hard for me to get through the first half of the book. Coonts paints a very realistic picture of a hijacking and hostage taking. Another excellent effort by this author. Great stuff!
This man can tell a story! I started reading it just after the attacks in Israel in December 2023. It made it hard for me to get through the first half of the book. Coonts paints a very realistic picture of a hijacking and hostage taking. Another excellent effort by this author. Great stuff!
November 2, 2019
Pirate Alley
Another Stephen Coonts thriller. Enjoying this complete series. Only a few more books to go and ill be sad when the series is over. I hope Stephen Coonts brings them back together again for more excitement
Another Stephen Coonts thriller. Enjoying this complete series. Only a few more books to go and ill be sad when the series is over. I hope Stephen Coonts brings them back together again for more excitement
December 30, 2021
When pirates capture a cruise ship and take the boat and 850 people to South Africa. The boss private wants 200 million used US dollars in one week or he will kill all of the people. Tommy and others try to save the people and kill the pirates
February 22, 2022
I read this for the library's "Blind Date with a Book" program. I would rate my date as "enjoyable" -- the book was fast-paced, engaging, and entertaining. However, the Somali pirates that tried to take over a cruise ship in the novel did not hijack my heart.
July 13, 2022
Coonts again at his best!
I always enjoy reading a Stephen Coonts' novel. He continues to bring the emotions of war, violence, the good & the bad aspects of our world to the forefront.
I always enjoy reading a Stephen Coonts' novel. He continues to bring the emotions of war, violence, the good & the bad aspects of our world to the forefront.
February 14, 2023
Great story. This story is closer to the truth when telling about ‘vacationing’ on a cruise between Africa & the Middle East.
I also love the women who get revenge. That is the most realistic part of a book I have ever read!
Write some more Stephen Coonts!
I also love the women who get revenge. That is the most realistic part of a book I have ever read!
Write some more Stephen Coonts!
December 29, 2024
Counts hits a strike with Pirate Alley
Liked the high pace of this book. Loved the attention to what ordanance is being carried and deployed. Action and suspense readers alike will not want to skip this one.
Liked the high pace of this book. Loved the attention to what ordanance is being carried and deployed. Action and suspense readers alike will not want to skip this one.
March 20, 2026
This is another good story by Stephen Coonts, #5 in the Tommy Carmellini story. Being a veteran adds to my enjoyment of the military related stories. There was almost some sexual content. I am ready for #6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews