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Tom Dugan #2
Deadly Coast
Listening Length: 8 hours and 53 minutes
Publisher's Notes
In the wake of his best-selling thriller Deadly Straits, which drew comparisons to Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, and W.E.B. Griffin, newcomer R.E. McDermott is back with an action-packed sequel.
Dugan thought Somali pirates were bad news. Then it got worse.
As Tom Dugan and Alex Kairouz, his partner and best friend, struggle to ransom their ship and crew from murderous Somali pirates, things take a turn for the worse. A US Navy contracted tanker with a full load of jet fuel is also hijacked, not by garden variety pirates, but by terrorists with links to Al Qaeda, changing the playing field completely.
With a possible link between piracy and terrorism now in play, the US and British governments order the halt of all negotiations for captive ships, and enraged pirates ratchet up the mistreatment of the captive crews. When one of his crewmen is murdered in front of him on a live video feed, a frustrated Dugan takes matters into his own hands and starts his own rescue operation, only to stumble across something far more sinister - a rogue salvage operation for a long lost weapon of mass destruction. Isolated at sea on an old tanker previously destined for the ship breakers, Dugan and his hastily assembled little force of Russian mercenaries find themselves the last line of defense between the world and a terrifying bio-weapon.
Weaving historical fact with speculative fiction, Deadly Coast takes the listener from London board rooms into the very real world of modern day pirates - and their victims.
©2012 Robert Eugene McDermott; (P)2013 Robert Eugene McDermott
Publisher's Notes
In the wake of his best-selling thriller Deadly Straits, which drew comparisons to Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, and W.E.B. Griffin, newcomer R.E. McDermott is back with an action-packed sequel.
Dugan thought Somali pirates were bad news. Then it got worse.
As Tom Dugan and Alex Kairouz, his partner and best friend, struggle to ransom their ship and crew from murderous Somali pirates, things take a turn for the worse. A US Navy contracted tanker with a full load of jet fuel is also hijacked, not by garden variety pirates, but by terrorists with links to Al Qaeda, changing the playing field completely.
With a possible link between piracy and terrorism now in play, the US and British governments order the halt of all negotiations for captive ships, and enraged pirates ratchet up the mistreatment of the captive crews. When one of his crewmen is murdered in front of him on a live video feed, a frustrated Dugan takes matters into his own hands and starts his own rescue operation, only to stumble across something far more sinister - a rogue salvage operation for a long lost weapon of mass destruction. Isolated at sea on an old tanker previously destined for the ship breakers, Dugan and his hastily assembled little force of Russian mercenaries find themselves the last line of defense between the world and a terrifying bio-weapon.
Weaving historical fact with speculative fiction, Deadly Coast takes the listener from London board rooms into the very real world of modern day pirates - and their victims.
©2012 Robert Eugene McDermott; (P)2013 Robert Eugene McDermott
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
537 people are currently reading
1150 people want to read
About the author
R.E. McDermott
13 books130 followersRobert E. McDermott grew up on the Gulf Coast. After graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he worked in positions from ship’s officer to shipping company management, traveling widely, and living and working in a number of countries. He splits his time between the U.S. and Singapore, where he operates a marine consultancy, advising clients on ship construction and operations. Deadly Straits is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 15, 2016
Update 4/15/16 Once again, this book is being offered for free download on Amazon. Grab it!
Update 2/20/15 This book is available for free download on Amazon. It's worth it.
Wow. Just wow. This book has everything - Somali pirates, Russian mercenaries, Islamic terrorists, old Japanese bio-warfare viruses, treasure, a multi-national team fighting piracy and so much more. What an excellent follow up to Deadly Straits. Full review to come.
In the meantime, check out the author's webpage. for some interesting video about maritime piracy.
Update 2/20/15 This book is available for free download on Amazon. It's worth it.
Wow. Just wow. This book has everything - Somali pirates, Russian mercenaries, Islamic terrorists, old Japanese bio-warfare viruses, treasure, a multi-national team fighting piracy and so much more. What an excellent follow up to Deadly Straits. Full review to come.
In the meantime, check out the author's webpage. for some interesting video about maritime piracy.
February 28, 2019
A shipping company with an embedded MI5 agent and strong CIA links comes up with plan to deal with Somali pirates. A fast paced sea-borne adventure.
April 27, 2015
This is the first book of the Tom Dugan series.
This book is a thriller on the high seas involving pirates, ransoms, executions, and a secret weapon thought to be buried beyond reach, created at the end of WWII.
It's clear that the author has extensive knowledge of shipping and life on the sea, which is confirmed by visiting the authors’ page on Amazon. He's spent his entire life around and on the sea, so it comes as no surprise that the story feels real with authentic descriptions that combine to make this a fantastic read.
The story centers on Tom Dugan, an American who’s a partner in a shipping company. The company has a very valuable shipment of Jet Fuel heading for Diego Garcia. The slow and time consuming passage through the Panama Canal allows stow aways that change the course of the shipment along with the lives of many people.
During the ordeal a friend of Tom's, Ward, a CIA operative stumbles onto a deadly WWII secret thought to be lost but the lynch pin of a terrorist group's plan to cleanse the world of infidels. The discovery of the plot that’s so farfetched, Ward's bosses scoff at the idea, leaving his last hope to stop the terrorists, is to convince Tom to change his plans currently underway to rescue the high jacked ship and go see if the plot is real.
Tom has no idea that the high jacking of his ship is also part of the terrorist’s plan, a diversion meant to keep the world focused away from what the real goal is.
The action is at times intense and gruesome. The multiple plot lines are weaved through the story to give the reader an almost 360 degree view of the plan and how all the different players unknowingly are connected in ways they never could have realized.
The book kept my attention and had me reaching for my laptop or phone to continue the story whenever I had free time.
Thrill fans with a love of the sea will particularly enjoy this book and those that just enjoy a good book full of action with a cast of real characters with faults and skills that we all can relate to. Will power rules the day. Those that dare win....usually.
This book is a thriller on the high seas involving pirates, ransoms, executions, and a secret weapon thought to be buried beyond reach, created at the end of WWII.
It's clear that the author has extensive knowledge of shipping and life on the sea, which is confirmed by visiting the authors’ page on Amazon. He's spent his entire life around and on the sea, so it comes as no surprise that the story feels real with authentic descriptions that combine to make this a fantastic read.
The story centers on Tom Dugan, an American who’s a partner in a shipping company. The company has a very valuable shipment of Jet Fuel heading for Diego Garcia. The slow and time consuming passage through the Panama Canal allows stow aways that change the course of the shipment along with the lives of many people.
During the ordeal a friend of Tom's, Ward, a CIA operative stumbles onto a deadly WWII secret thought to be lost but the lynch pin of a terrorist group's plan to cleanse the world of infidels. The discovery of the plot that’s so farfetched, Ward's bosses scoff at the idea, leaving his last hope to stop the terrorists, is to convince Tom to change his plans currently underway to rescue the high jacked ship and go see if the plot is real.
Tom has no idea that the high jacking of his ship is also part of the terrorist’s plan, a diversion meant to keep the world focused away from what the real goal is.
The action is at times intense and gruesome. The multiple plot lines are weaved through the story to give the reader an almost 360 degree view of the plan and how all the different players unknowingly are connected in ways they never could have realized.
The book kept my attention and had me reaching for my laptop or phone to continue the story whenever I had free time.
Thrill fans with a love of the sea will particularly enjoy this book and those that just enjoy a good book full of action with a cast of real characters with faults and skills that we all can relate to. Will power rules the day. Those that dare win....usually.
July 28, 2015
Another Intriguing Adventure From R. E. McDermott
The Tom Dugan series offers readers a glimpse into the world of the maritime business and their dealing with smugglers, terrorists, pirates, as well as other man-made and natural occurrences. Deadly Coast is a fictional account of the working of Somali pirate gangs capturing ships and kidnapping crews in free ocean waters with the added twist of religious fanatics who mimic the pirates in an attempt to succeed in their own objective. Mr. McDermott has written a creative story based on his research of the piracy problems and World War II. He is very good in the weaving of fact into the fiction into an exciting story that is extremely difficult to lay aside. (At the conclusion of the story, he describes his research and how he used it in this book.) I thoroughly enjoyed his plot line and characters. Although Deadly Coast is a part of a series starring character Tom Dugan and his colleagues, the plot of each book concludes without a cliffhanger or hints about future plots.
The Tom Dugan series offers readers a glimpse into the world of the maritime business and their dealing with smugglers, terrorists, pirates, as well as other man-made and natural occurrences. Deadly Coast is a fictional account of the working of Somali pirate gangs capturing ships and kidnapping crews in free ocean waters with the added twist of religious fanatics who mimic the pirates in an attempt to succeed in their own objective. Mr. McDermott has written a creative story based on his research of the piracy problems and World War II. He is very good in the weaving of fact into the fiction into an exciting story that is extremely difficult to lay aside. (At the conclusion of the story, he describes his research and how he used it in this book.) I thoroughly enjoyed his plot line and characters. Although Deadly Coast is a part of a series starring character Tom Dugan and his colleagues, the plot of each book concludes without a cliffhanger or hints about future plots.
April 13, 2019
The author and narrator hooked me from the start with such danger and excitement. Tom and Kairouz are partner in a shipping company, their ship is over taken by terrorist group which is carrying much need fuel, what takes place next could mean life or death for so many people. The twists and turns keep you hooked from the start, just as you think things will work out something else sets off a new chain of events. It was has a few heart stopping moments, some cute times but the danger is real.
The narrator does an outstanding job holding your attention giving true emotions, wonderful character voices with excitement and danger you can feel. There are no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a true exciting listen. I enjoyed his normal voice it is very pleasant to listen to as he delivers wonderful character voice that take you away a thrilling listen on the high seas with pirates, ransoms, and a secret weapon which hold you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what the author has planned for you. I knew who was talking and just what they were feeling. This is the first time I have listened to any of his work and look forward to listening to more of it.
I thought the author did a nice job keeping the listener entertained by making you feel you were part of the story. I had no trouble seeing the pictures in mind as the plot thickens with a little bit of everything. The audio really came alive for me and I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read this book. It will be one I will listen to again.
The narrator does an outstanding job holding your attention giving true emotions, wonderful character voices with excitement and danger you can feel. There are no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a true exciting listen. I enjoyed his normal voice it is very pleasant to listen to as he delivers wonderful character voice that take you away a thrilling listen on the high seas with pirates, ransoms, and a secret weapon which hold you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what the author has planned for you. I knew who was talking and just what they were feeling. This is the first time I have listened to any of his work and look forward to listening to more of it.
I thought the author did a nice job keeping the listener entertained by making you feel you were part of the story. I had no trouble seeing the pictures in mind as the plot thickens with a little bit of everything. The audio really came alive for me and I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read this book. It will be one I will listen to again.
June 20, 2019
The novel builds on a topical subject that plagues shipping: modern-day piracy, and uses this as the mechanism to deliver a far more sinister plot.
The story's plainly written with accessible language that makes it quickly digestible. The characters have just enough development for a disposable story. There's no need to get too attached to anyone here.
The resolution is satisfying but not challenging nor is it going to play with your expectations.
Enjoyable, passes the time, well-written, but not remarkable.
The story's plainly written with accessible language that makes it quickly digestible. The characters have just enough development for a disposable story. There's no need to get too attached to anyone here.
The resolution is satisfying but not challenging nor is it going to play with your expectations.
Enjoyable, passes the time, well-written, but not remarkable.
May 29, 2017
It has been a couple of years since I read "Deadly Straits" (Tom Dugan #1), so I was a bit rusty on the characters, and there wasn't a big intro on them, as the story was off and running.
It centers on the Somali pirate operations and add in a bit of WWII history and a touch of terrorism and you have a cracking good story.
Well done!
It centers on the Somali pirate operations and add in a bit of WWII history and a touch of terrorism and you have a cracking good story.
Well done!
August 12, 2017
Once again R. E. McDermott weaves a fictional account based on the realities of high seas piracy and global terrorism. His inclusion of WWII history in the mix adds a dark catalyst to the brew. The characters are well developed and it is replete with action. I also liked the time spent on explaining the actual history and facts used as a framework.
August 3, 2020
Overall a fairly entertaining thriller but I just couldn't get attached to the characters, that is, I couldn't picture them in my mind. Ironically, now in the middle of a virus hoax in the United States, the story here contains a lot of information about such viruses and bacteria that could be used militarily. The additional notes at the end of the book are very interesting.
May 23, 2017
Entertaining
Good action,good time line,like basing story on facts
Few to many characters,you really have to concentrate to keep up.
Have read 3 of your books,look forward to the next one
Good action,good time line,like basing story on facts
Few to many characters,you really have to concentrate to keep up.
Have read 3 of your books,look forward to the next one
September 5, 2017
Tom Dugan Novels
This series was terrific. I just wish there was another one. If you enjoy a non-stop thrill ride, with entertaining characters and plots that keep you up at night, do yourself a favor and jump into these books
This series was terrific. I just wish there was another one. If you enjoy a non-stop thrill ride, with entertaining characters and plots that keep you up at night, do yourself a favor and jump into these books
May 28, 2019
I think this book is even better than McDermott's first publication. I truly enjoyed the concept of 'fighting fire with fire' and even a little touch of revenge against an enemy that really has zero redeeming qualities. This is a worthy successor and a worthy read.
March 11, 2022
Good change of pace for me and I enjoyed it.
I usually read science fiction or world history books that are written by those who served. This was a good break in my reading as I needed a short change of pace. Thank you for your time and for writing the book.
I usually read science fiction or world history books that are written by those who served. This was a good break in my reading as I needed a short change of pace. Thank you for your time and for writing the book.
June 22, 2022
This is an exciting Maritime action thriller.
The plot is non stop and although far fetched with bullets / rockets flying everywhere but never hitting the good guys it is still an enjoyable romp.
Another wonderful read by R.E. McDermott.
The plot is non stop and although far fetched with bullets / rockets flying everywhere but never hitting the good guys it is still an enjoyable romp.
Another wonderful read by R.E. McDermott.
February 4, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆ Non-stop Action!
Tension, twists and turns, and gritty realism are packed onto every page! Hollywood needs to step up and turn Tom Dugan into the next Action Hero. This book was Money!! Well done, sir! Well done!
Tension, twists and turns, and gritty realism are packed onto every page! Hollywood needs to step up and turn Tom Dugan into the next Action Hero. This book was Money!! Well done, sir! Well done!
July 10, 2017
Revamped Alistair Maclean / Clive Cussler story. Fast moving but predictable. Perhaps good holiday read.
July 24, 2017
I always enjoy books in this series. There's plenty of action and the characters are admirable. 4.8 stars for me.
September 4, 2017
Loved this book.
I found it fast moving, exciting and interesting. I enjoyed the bits of humor and the facts explained after the end of the book were fascinating.
I found it fast moving, exciting and interesting. I enjoyed the bits of humor and the facts explained after the end of the book were fascinating.
November 28, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Lo
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Lo
June 25, 2018
If you enjoyed the 1st book in the series, you will
want to read "Deadly Coast", book 2 of the
Tom Dugan series.
RECOMMENDED
want to read "Deadly Coast", book 2 of the
Tom Dugan series.
RECOMMENDED
February 18, 2020
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
February 25, 2021
This was a good read. It was engaging and the pace was good.
September 20, 2021
Fantastic thriller!!
Hard to put down. Action packed. Surprised at each twist and turn.
Love the character development. On to another one!
Hard to put down. Action packed. Surprised at each twist and turn.
Love the character development. On to another one!
November 3, 2022
Strong read
I consider this a good beach book. It was well done and fast paced but nothing too taxing. It did start slow but picked up speed after the first chapters.
I consider this a good beach book. It was well done and fast paced but nothing too taxing. It did start slow but picked up speed after the first chapters.
July 10, 2024
Great series!
September 13, 2012
There is no better nautical thriller in bookstores today than Deadly Coast. I’m not being cheeky about this being an ebook (I presume Mr. McDermott will offer a softcover in the near future). I mean this is the best nautical thriller author writing today. And this is his second book. He started out great with Deadly Straits and just keeps getting better.
Being a native of the desert, I’m not one to judge the minutia of nautical stories. I’ll leave that to those who like arguing their ports and starboards, lee and windwards (there, exhausted my nautical vocabulary). I like a great thriller. And the fact that this one takes place on the high seas usually dissuades me from reading such foreign stories. However, I learned from his first book that Mr. McDermott can put any reader on any type of ship, slip us gently out to sea, and show us a thrilling time.
In the first book, Deadly Straits, the action was non-stop and the threats frighteningly real. In this book, we readers get all that and we’re treated to more depth of character. Not only is our favorite Russian, Major Andrei Borgdanov back from the first adventure, but so are our favorite heroes, Dugan, Arnett, and Milam. While these people are warm, friendly and familiar, the author shows his genius at the craft of writing with an incredibly deep and complex Japanese scientist. You’ll know him when you read him.
Villains are the key to any thriller. In Deadly Coast, there are more villains than you can shake a stick at. Not only are they well drawn, but there are different factions whose interrelations are equally well drawn. Anyone who reads the news is peripherally aware of the Somali pirate problem. Most of us think, as I often do, why don’t we just send in Seal Team 6 and wipe them out? Mr. McDermott takes us into the complex world of pirate clans, warlords, tribes, and the terrorists who swim around them. He gives us a well-researched, knowledgeable look at the problem from inside the pirate clans. In a very realistic view of the inner workings of the Somali coast, we begin to understand the extent of the issues involved.
Layered on top of those villains are the ultimate villains, the terrorists. Again, Mr. McDermott takes us inside a tight-knit group of fundamentalists who, at their core, are just as greedy as anyone else. As is the case with terrorists, their greed is for a different kind of recognition. He treats these terrorists with the contempt they deserve and makes sure they get what’s coming to them. Even though it’s too good for them. Mr McDermott’s appreciation for Islam is evident and respectful, and makes a clean break where the terrorists take it too literally. He even includes a scene similar to the one we know all suicidal jihadis live through at some point; something along the lines of: Aren’t you coming with me, dear leader?
The core characters, Dugan and his crew of merchant sailors turn in another admirable performance. Their actions in the face of adversity are realistically heroic tempered with moments of abject fear and the good idea gone awry. The solutions to problems encountered are clever and realistic. That is, as far as I know, because everything I know about oil tankers I learned on Myth Busters. Or was it the Science Channel? In any case, the math works.
The story centers around one too many ships hijacked off the Somali coast. This time the ship’s owners are fed up with government red tape and decide to do something about it. In the process, we learn about the loose registration involved in international shipping, the considerably lackluster efforts some countries go to in combating piracy, and the conditions that allow piracy to flourish. I am not an expert in these matters, but I feel a good deal better educated about them having read this book.
Mr. McDermott includes a section called “Facts Behind the Fiction”. Some facts were factually historical and we readers intuit those passages as we read. Some of the most outlandish and obviously fictional show up under facts at the end. One outrageous scene in particular involves a submarine toilet. I’m not going to spoil it for you, I’m just telling you to watch for it. I burst out laughing. But it’s not what you think. Read it.
If you like thrillers of any kind, you will love this book. If you like nautical thrillers in particular, you will really love this book. If you like Cussler, Clancy, or Connelly, you will love this book.
This one is not only worth reading, but worth buying in quantity to give as gifts.
Peace, Seeley James
Special NOTE: Stories about the many fake, sock-puppet, or straw-man reviews have been making the news lately. MY REVIEWS ARE MY REACTIONS TO THE BOOKS I’VE READ. I have no relationship, financial or familial, with the authors. I do not expect, but would not refuse, any reciprocal reviews or recommendations. Just sayin.
Being a native of the desert, I’m not one to judge the minutia of nautical stories. I’ll leave that to those who like arguing their ports and starboards, lee and windwards (there, exhausted my nautical vocabulary). I like a great thriller. And the fact that this one takes place on the high seas usually dissuades me from reading such foreign stories. However, I learned from his first book that Mr. McDermott can put any reader on any type of ship, slip us gently out to sea, and show us a thrilling time.
In the first book, Deadly Straits, the action was non-stop and the threats frighteningly real. In this book, we readers get all that and we’re treated to more depth of character. Not only is our favorite Russian, Major Andrei Borgdanov back from the first adventure, but so are our favorite heroes, Dugan, Arnett, and Milam. While these people are warm, friendly and familiar, the author shows his genius at the craft of writing with an incredibly deep and complex Japanese scientist. You’ll know him when you read him.
Villains are the key to any thriller. In Deadly Coast, there are more villains than you can shake a stick at. Not only are they well drawn, but there are different factions whose interrelations are equally well drawn. Anyone who reads the news is peripherally aware of the Somali pirate problem. Most of us think, as I often do, why don’t we just send in Seal Team 6 and wipe them out? Mr. McDermott takes us into the complex world of pirate clans, warlords, tribes, and the terrorists who swim around them. He gives us a well-researched, knowledgeable look at the problem from inside the pirate clans. In a very realistic view of the inner workings of the Somali coast, we begin to understand the extent of the issues involved.
Layered on top of those villains are the ultimate villains, the terrorists. Again, Mr. McDermott takes us inside a tight-knit group of fundamentalists who, at their core, are just as greedy as anyone else. As is the case with terrorists, their greed is for a different kind of recognition. He treats these terrorists with the contempt they deserve and makes sure they get what’s coming to them. Even though it’s too good for them. Mr McDermott’s appreciation for Islam is evident and respectful, and makes a clean break where the terrorists take it too literally. He even includes a scene similar to the one we know all suicidal jihadis live through at some point; something along the lines of: Aren’t you coming with me, dear leader?
The core characters, Dugan and his crew of merchant sailors turn in another admirable performance. Their actions in the face of adversity are realistically heroic tempered with moments of abject fear and the good idea gone awry. The solutions to problems encountered are clever and realistic. That is, as far as I know, because everything I know about oil tankers I learned on Myth Busters. Or was it the Science Channel? In any case, the math works.
The story centers around one too many ships hijacked off the Somali coast. This time the ship’s owners are fed up with government red tape and decide to do something about it. In the process, we learn about the loose registration involved in international shipping, the considerably lackluster efforts some countries go to in combating piracy, and the conditions that allow piracy to flourish. I am not an expert in these matters, but I feel a good deal better educated about them having read this book.
Mr. McDermott includes a section called “Facts Behind the Fiction”. Some facts were factually historical and we readers intuit those passages as we read. Some of the most outlandish and obviously fictional show up under facts at the end. One outrageous scene in particular involves a submarine toilet. I’m not going to spoil it for you, I’m just telling you to watch for it. I burst out laughing. But it’s not what you think. Read it.
If you like thrillers of any kind, you will love this book. If you like nautical thrillers in particular, you will really love this book. If you like Cussler, Clancy, or Connelly, you will love this book.
This one is not only worth reading, but worth buying in quantity to give as gifts.
Peace, Seeley James
Special NOTE: Stories about the many fake, sock-puppet, or straw-man reviews have been making the news lately. MY REVIEWS ARE MY REACTIONS TO THE BOOKS I’VE READ. I have no relationship, financial or familial, with the authors. I do not expect, but would not refuse, any reciprocal reviews or recommendations. Just sayin.
March 21, 2017
Fantastic! So hard to put down!
February 22, 2017
Nice job
Fast paced nautical thriller
Will look for more McDermot books I don't think you will be disappointed just enjoy the story
Fast paced nautical thriller
Will look for more McDermot books I don't think you will be disappointed just enjoy the story
December 24, 2015
Modern day piracy, particularly off the coast of Somalia, can be quite hot news, with many ships taking special precautions to ensure that they are not boarded by the pirates who will then hold out for ransoms for crew, cargo and vessel, often amounting to millions of dollars.
This forms part of the basis for this fast paced story, but there is another issue that appears first of all to be about treasure hunting (an American wartime ship carrying a great deal of silver coin) but then moves onto a sunken German submarine containing a form of deadly nerve gas created in Japan during the second world war.
There is probably enough going on there to form the basis for a number of stories, but here McDermott weaves them all into one, having done quite an amount of research into background previously described, as witnessed by his notes at the end of the book.
The book contains a number of interesting characters, not only Dugan, but hired Russian mercenaries, a lady ship’s captain, and numerous villainous pirates and extremists, enough to maintain most people’s interest. My only problem with the book was that my accompanying narration would not synchronise with my reading, always wanting to be three chapters ahead of where I actually was whilst reading!
It is a lively, gripping yarn that has a great deal of inventiveness and shows a great knowledge of ships, shipping, weather conditions and weaponry. The way in which the pirates are dealt with is both satisfactory and thought provoking – I wish that the scenario used could actually take place because the world would be a much safer place.
A good read for those who like stories of ships and the sea.
This forms part of the basis for this fast paced story, but there is another issue that appears first of all to be about treasure hunting (an American wartime ship carrying a great deal of silver coin) but then moves onto a sunken German submarine containing a form of deadly nerve gas created in Japan during the second world war.
There is probably enough going on there to form the basis for a number of stories, but here McDermott weaves them all into one, having done quite an amount of research into background previously described, as witnessed by his notes at the end of the book.
The book contains a number of interesting characters, not only Dugan, but hired Russian mercenaries, a lady ship’s captain, and numerous villainous pirates and extremists, enough to maintain most people’s interest. My only problem with the book was that my accompanying narration would not synchronise with my reading, always wanting to be three chapters ahead of where I actually was whilst reading!
It is a lively, gripping yarn that has a great deal of inventiveness and shows a great knowledge of ships, shipping, weather conditions and weaponry. The way in which the pirates are dealt with is both satisfactory and thought provoking – I wish that the scenario used could actually take place because the world would be a much safer place.
A good read for those who like stories of ships and the sea.
May 15, 2016
Although fiction, the author uses actual events in history to tell his story. Deadly Coast offered me the opportunity to learn more about the Somali pirates and how they operate. Although portions of the book were slow paced because of the large amount of discussions, the action scenes were enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. The Somali pirates mistreat hostages with torture and outright murder them if the ransom requests are not met. Hundreds of hostages and dozens of vessels are held for ransom - some for over a year. How many will survive the discussions and return home?
The second plot within the story follows a group of Middle Eastern terrorists in their efforts to recover silver bullion and coins from a sunken treasure ship. This is a smokescreen to cover the fact that they were most interested in salvaging a biological weapon from a sunken World War II German submarine in water over a mile deep. Silver coins and deadly canisters are salvaged and liter the deck of the vessel, all rejoice their future wealth, unaware that the contagion was already at work.
When Duncan and his crew get involved, their battles are on two fronts with orders to rescue the hostages and ships and to destroy the deadly contagion. The pirates soon suspect that those on the salvage vessel had something to do with their clan members who have disappeared and set out to attack the terrorists. There's much at risk...which group will be successful?
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War novel"
"When Can I Stop Running?"
The second plot within the story follows a group of Middle Eastern terrorists in their efforts to recover silver bullion and coins from a sunken treasure ship. This is a smokescreen to cover the fact that they were most interested in salvaging a biological weapon from a sunken World War II German submarine in water over a mile deep. Silver coins and deadly canisters are salvaged and liter the deck of the vessel, all rejoice their future wealth, unaware that the contagion was already at work.
When Duncan and his crew get involved, their battles are on two fronts with orders to rescue the hostages and ships and to destroy the deadly contagion. The pirates soon suspect that those on the salvage vessel had something to do with their clan members who have disappeared and set out to attack the terrorists. There's much at risk...which group will be successful?
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War novel"
"When Can I Stop Running?"
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