East of the Hague Line

by Gordon Holmes

East of the Hague Line is an adventurous, dramatic and quickly paced suspense novel written about life at sea commercial fishing in the Gulf of Maine and the far reaching tempestuous North Atlantic. Maine's rugged Coastline is comprised of more than three thousand miles of bays, inlets, and peninsulas that create isolated close-knit fishing communities. The people who live in these seaside towns have one thing in common, a deep-rooted bond with the ocean. East of the Hague Line takes a close personal look at what it takes to live the life of an offshore fisherman. Writer Gordon Holmes, a Maine native, captures the rhythms and tensions of life aboard a commercial fishing boat. The crew of the fishing vessel Jubilee is comprised of four hardened fishermen, hopeful for good fishing, whose loved ones wait at home, fearful for the lives of their men. Fishermen depend on a good catch to earn their living... but what happens when manipulation, deceit and betrayal by a trusted crewmember changes the tide? Young Tom Anderson fulfills a lifelong dream when he signs on with Captain Joseph Scanton to go fishing aboard the Jubilee on the North Atlantic. He gets far more than he bargained for when his captain is forced to take his boat and crew into a perilous situation in uncharted waters east of the Hague Line. Scanton's decision puts their freedom and their lives at stake as they sail into a trap that will change their destiny... forever.

676 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2012

About the author

Gordon Holmes is the pen name of Louis Tracy

Reviews

[Elina Vaysbeyn]

East of the Hague Line is a deeply immersive and hard edged maritime suspense novel that captures the unforgiving reality of commercial fishing in the North Atlantic. From the first pages, the novel conveys the physical danger, emotional strain, and unspoken bonds that define life aboard a working fishing vessel. The setting Maine’s rugged coastline and the treacherous waters beyond it feels authentic and lived-in, anchoring the story in realism.

What sets the novel apart is its focus on human tension under pressure. The crew of the Jubilee are not romanticized heroes but working men bound by necessity, loyalty, and risk. As manipulation and betrayal creep aboard, the stakes rise far beyond a good catch. Tom Anderson’s coming of age experience unfolds against life or death decisions, making East of the Hague Line a compelling exploration of trust, ambition, and survival in one of the world’s most dangerous professions.

[Gena Wessel]

I loved this book so much. It was recommended by a boat captain out of Gloucester. (Jay from the hard merchandise)

I love fishing books so much!! This was captivating and interesting and even though it was 660 pages I will likely read it again. Loved

[Connor Smith]

Great set of characters, detail on fishing, and good plot. Deserves way more recognition.

[Donald Stanley]

Recall a thing you discovered so surprisingly excellent that the memory of it returns with clarity. This book is one of those. Inspired by actual events, here is a saga of man against the sea interwoven with the present day war on drugs and a tale of personal betrayal. If you enjoyed Sebastian Junger's Perfect Storm or Linda Greenlaw's Hungry Ocean then East of the Hague Line is for you.