Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal

by Samuel Marquis

2025 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Gold Medal-winner

A breakneck adventure of war, romance, and politics in the golden age of piracy.

Captain William Kidd stands as one of the most notorious “pirate” outlaws ever, but his legend is tainted by a bed of lies. Having captivated imaginations for more than three hundred years and inspired many stories about pirates, troubling questions remain. Was he really a criminal or is the truth more that he was a buccaneer’s worst nightmare, a revered pirate hunter turned fall guy for scheming politicians?

In Captain Kidd, his ninth-great-grandson, bestselling author Samuel Marquis, reveals the real story. Kidd was an English American privateer and leading New York husband and father. The King of England himself dubbed Kidd “trusty and well-beloved,” and some historians describe him as a “worthy, honest-hearted, steadfast, much -enduring sailor” who was the “victim of a deliberate travesty of justice.” With honors far more esteemed than the menacing Blackbeard, or any other sea rover at the turn of the seventeenth century, how can Kidd be considered both gentleman and pirate, both hero and villain?

Marquis’ biography recreates Kidd’s perilous world of explosive naval warfare and the daring integrity he exemplified as a pirate hunter, as well as the political scandal that entangled Kidd in British–American history, rocking the New World and the Old, and threatening England’s valuable trade with India.

Captain Kidd is both thrilling and tragic. Behind the legend is a real man woven into the tapestry of early America, rendering him a unique colonial hero and scapegoat whose life story was fascinating, exciting, bizarre, and heartrending.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Pirates, Biography, American History, Memoir, Biography Memoir

616 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

The ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred Reviews, 5 Stars). His website is samuelmarquisbooks.com and for publicity inquiries, please contact BooksForward at info@booksforward.com.

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope my ninth-great-grandson writes a book about me! In the meantime, we get Captain Kidd's ninth-great-grandson, Samuel Marquis, who wants to settle a few scores with his book, Captain Kidd. And boy does he settle some scores. Down with Earl Bellomont!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Captain Kidd (and I am absolutely astounded that anyone can be) he was a "pirate" in the late 1600s. I put pirate in quotes because there is a pretty strong case to be made that he was not the pirate he was convicted of being. I am not saying he wasn't a pirate (and even Marquis hedges his bets), but there is definitely evidence the crimes he was hung for (spoiler?) were not actual crimes.

Marquis writes a very comprehensive story about Kidd's life. This is not a short, action-packed narrative to make money off the pirate craze. It's a thorough look at the known evidence and what we can glean from the facts. This story can never be told, but there is a lot to look at and arrive at the conclusion that Kidd was a political martyr. If you want more than just the well-worn highlights of pirate stories, then this book will scratch that itch.

My nitpicks are pretty minor. Marquis will shove some modern vernacular into the book at times. This wouldn't be a problem if it was throughout and sounded like the rest of the book. Here, it is too infrequent to be considered the tone, but it is frequent enough to be distracting. For the most part, Marquis is even-handed, but he does get a bit repetitious about things he wants to highlight certain things (e.g., Kidd and his wife's love match, Bellomont's treachery). I think the main takeaway is that if you are a descendant of Earl Bellomont, don't go near Samuel Marquis. He's still pretty ticked off. Rightfully so!

(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by the publisher.)

[Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes history needs to be retold.

Setting the record straight, leave it up to Samuel Marquis to reveal the truth behind the man, the myth, the legend of Captain Kidd. Marquis goes to great lengths to clear up the trickery and illusions that shaped Captain Kidd's image from a loyal privateer to "the devil incarnate." Beyond the "pirate," the reader connects with a man who loved madly, helped prosper the city he called home, and gave all he could to uphold the values of a true American. However, while Marquis is related to our American hero, he does not shy away from showing us that Kidd, after all, possessed that duality of man. In detail, the author shares the not-so-proud moments of this historical figure and what he had to face for them.

I am not a historical non-fiction reader, and my knowledge about pirates and privateers is very limited to what I was taught in history class while growing up in Puerto Rico, which is close to a Disney movie. Marquis truly wants the reader to understand the history surrounding Kidd. He provides a list of key historical figures and maps, and makes a thorough bibliography and endnotes accessible online. The narrative places the reader at sea in the middle of the adventure. It broadens our knowledge by introducing key information about the political, economic, and cultural context between scenes. Some of the scenes are rough and detail violence, while others will fill you with excitement. Kidd did some gnarly stuff.

I enjoyed Marquis's tone, which is sometimes almost conversational. There are a few cliches here and there, but it is still very enjoyable to follow along. I would like to pick up another book by him. I have my eyes set on Blackbeard to continue with maritime history.

I recommend reading Captain Kidd to anyone who has enjoyed a good pirate movie, likes conspiracies, and has an adventurous heart.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Books Forward for introducing me to this captivating book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Diversion Books and LibraryThing.com for this copy of the book. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Fiction is usually my genre of choice. However, this book was intriguing because it was written by the ninth-great-grandson of Captain Kidd. The exploits of Captain Kidd have gone down in history. Thanks to the massive research done by the author, we have a truer understanding of who this historical figure was. He was a family man, a patriot, and a great leader. He was maligned at the time, but he has been shown to be a good man who was railroaded because of people and things beyond his control.

People who love history, especially before the American Revolutionary War, who like biographies, and who become lost in a great narrative (in the style of Eric Larson), will want to read this. I recommend it highly. The record is set straight in this tome, and I have a new appreciation of Captain Kidd and his heart.

Thank you, Samuel Marquis, for giving us a glimpse of the real William Kidd

[John W Pipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note: Having won a Goodreads Giveaway, I was awarded the Kindle Edition of this book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book regarding the “notorious” Captain Kidd! After reading this book, as well as Samuel Marquis’s Blackbeard: The Birth of America, I have come to appreciate his writing style and the ease with which he brings the historical to life.

This book was no exception and very easy to read. I learned a great deal about Captain Kidd, especially his devotion to his wife and children. A balanced account of a man who wasn’t a saint, but certainly not a cutthroat pirate either. Certainly not to the level for which the Crown made an example of him.

Highly recommend this book for those interested in history and the Golden Age of Piracy.

The author really sums up Captain Kidd well: “…who remained resolute in his convictions, true to himself, and fiercely devoted to his wife, Sarah, and their daughters to the bitter end”.

[Noah Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I picked this up on a whim. Enlightening and very well researched

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about Captain Kidd other than the name and that he was a pirate.

I requested Captain Kidd from @booksforwardpr simply based on the title. I love reading non-fiction especially when it is a set the record straight. This did not disappoint.

@sammarquisbooks did an amazing job with the organization for the story and the use of facts. He used real factual documents to tell Captain Kidd’s story.

thank you @booksforwardpr for allowing me to read and review Captain Kidd.

[Michael G. Zink · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary story, and it deserves a more serious telling. This book reads like historical fiction, with many of the scenes and much of the dialogue seeming to flow from the author’s imagination. While the author has conducted basic research on the events and the historical characters, this is not classically researched, footnoted history.

It is an easy read. Swashbuckling 17th century privateers and pirates sailing in exotic locales. A courtroom drama in colonial English North America, and in London. Love stories. Betrayal. Treasure. Greed. Corruption. All the ingredients of pleasant historical fiction, written in a simple, accessible style that does not demand too much of the reader. Enjoy this book, as we await a proper history of Captain Kidd, his story, and his times.

[Amanda Zirn Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting & compelling biography of the infamous Captain Kidd. Full of adventure, mutiny, and treasure this thoroughly-researched but entertaining biography is perfect for readers of THE WAGER and THE WIDE WIDE SEA.

P.S., f*ck Bellomont.

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: The breakneck adventure of war, romance, politics, and betrayal, where noble gentleman privateer William Kidd becomes a scapegoat, and Crown and crew sink to unfathomable depths to brand him pirate enemy #1.

Captain William Kidd stands as one of the most notorious “pirate” outlaws ever, but his notorious legend is tainted by a bed of lies. Captain Kidd has captivated imaginations for over three hundred years and inspired many stories about pirates, but was he really a criminal? Just how many ships did he plunder, how many men did he force to walk the plank, and how many throats did he slit? Or is the truth more inconvenient, that he was a buccaneer’s worst nightmare, a revered pirate hunter turned fall guy for scheming politicians?

In Captain Kidd, his ninth-great-grandson, writer Samuel Marquis, reveals the real story. Kidd was an English-American privateer and leading New York husband and father, dubbed “trusty and well-beloved” by the King of England himself and described by historians as a “worthy, honest-hearted, steadfast, much-enduring sailor” who was the “victim of a deliberate travesty of justice.” With honors far more esteemed than the menacing Blackbeard or any other sea rover at the turn of the seventeenth century, how can Kidd be considered both gentleman and pirate, both hero and villain?

Marquis’ biography clears the foggy haze of five centuries of legend and British propaganda to illuminate the seafaring adventurer and civic leader. He scrupulously recreates Kidd’s perilous world of explosive naval warfare, the daring integrity he exemplified as a pirate hunter, and the political scandal that entangled Kidd in British-American history, rocking the New World and the Old and threatening England’s valuable trade with India.

Captain Kidd is both thrilling and tragic. Behind the legend is a real man woven into the tapestry of early America, rendering him a unique colonial hero and scapegoat, whose life story was fascinating, exciting, bizarre, and heartrending.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: From "privateer" (government-endorsed pirate) to "pirate" (privateer who pissed someone powerful off), Captain Kidd really comes alive in his ninth(!)-great-grandson's retelling of his biography. It's quite a tale indeed. Even sticking to well-attested facts in court records and sources of like stature, it reads like a novel.

That is not an indictment of the author's veracity but a comment on his story's narrative flow. The endnotes, hugely extensive, are not included in the ebook. They are redirected to the publisher's website via a link or a QR code, both of which I followed to be sure they went where I expected them to go. I'm mildly disgruntled by this.It is a decision that, I suppose, stems from the publisher's presumption that most people don't give a toss about endnotes, so why not...what? does it cost less to do it this way? is the same thing done in the print book?...anyway, it cost the book a star.

While the horror of what happened to Kidd was in no way acceptable to modern eyes, neither were his actions. A privateer might be commissioned by the government of the day to do damage to others' economic well-being, that kind of mercenary fig-leaf is seen in today's world as dishonest whole and entire. It still happens, especially where official government involvement in an activity would cause major PR problems (as ICE is demonstrating very capably right now), but we can ignore it until someone gets pissed off who has the power to make the one they're mad at suffer the consequences widely spreadable.

Any of this ringing some bells?

Kidd's execution was awful to read about, again because the author's storytelling chops are very much on display. It is amazing how much documentary evidence, anecdotal or not, still exists about Kidd. Author Marquis has, I am morally certain, clapped eyes on every single extant source for this grisly tale. It is a feat that took decades, and determination far greater than the ordinary, to accomplish. That he is a descendant of the man unjustly accused, and hanged—twice!—no doubt turbocharged his natural-to-writers research skills. What made it fun to read was both the subject matter...what little boy, however old he may be, isn't delighted by a pirate story?...and knowing while reading it that the author's telling a true family tale.

Maps, and notes, added to the text and I'd be warbling my fool lungs out about the story. as it is, I/ recommend you procure one if you're a superannuated pirate-loving kid like me, or if your dad/grandpa is, or if you're in the market for a story of government-by-grumpiness story to make today feel a tiny bit less unprecedented.

You might not feel better but knowing it's happened before has much to teach us.

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who hasn’t heard of Captain Kidd? His name is forever associated with murder and piracy, for which he is hanged (twice) after a trial of the century. A fitting end to a pirate, and a just one according to the law. But what if this simplistic recounting only tells a small part of the story and is viewed only through the eyes of those who had a specific end goal in mind – one that included making William Kidd a scapegoat?

Instead of beginning with Kidd’s birth and early years, Marquis opens with a declaration of war in 1689. Thirty-four-year-old Kidd, and seven compatriots, including Robert Culliford, serve aboard a French privateer. Sooner or later, it will become an “us against them” situation, so the Englishmen stage a mutiny. This seizure and subsequent events in the Caribbean set Kidd on a path that eventually elevates his standing within society and takes him to New York, where he weds the love of his life, Sarah. The way proves rockier than expected, for not all of his fellow mutineers agree with his intentions. They are also jealous because he has what they do not. One night, Culliford and others steal his ship and his hard-earned wealth and go a-pirating.

Despite such setbacks, Kidd lands on his feet and helps put down a rebellion in New York, attends a beheading on his wedding day, becomes a successful and respected merchant sea captain, and dotes on his two daughters. His acquaintance with Robert Livingston, a prosperous merchant with connections in the Red Sea trade, nets Kidd an offer of a pirate-hunting expedition while visiting London. The more he learns, the less successful the venture seems, but he is among powerful men who know how to get what they want no matter what. As a result, Kidd becomes captain of Adventure Galley. Soon after he and his men set sail, trouble begins and it proves to be only the start. Before long, he is declared a pirate, even though he steadfastly refuses to cross that line. Later, while his backers and men like Culliford go free, he pays the ultimate price.

The book begins with short biographies of the historical players connected to Kidd, either in principal or peripheral ways. Covering the years 1689 through 1701, these include New Yorkers, royal governors, monarchs, government officials in both England and India, naval officers, privateers, pirates, and pirate associates. The book includes three maps. Two show the West Indies, the Indian Ocean, and Madagascar. The third map depicts Kidd’s outbound and return voyages between 1696 and 1699.

Marquis divides Kidd’s story into five segments: The Making of a Sea Captain, The New York Gent and King’s Pirate Hunter, The Fateful Voyage, Treasure Fever, and The Trial of the Century. Each of these contains three to six chapters.

There are two drawbacks to this book, especially for those wishing to use it for research. The first is that there is no index. This means one must either be familiar with Kidd’s story enough to know approximately where in the book to look for the information or read the book from cover to cover in hopes of finding the sought-after information. The second involves the endnotes and bibliography. I am told these appear in the ebook version, but those who purchase the hardback must go online to acquire a PDF of the source(s) Marquis consulted. Sometimes, an endnote is a simple citation. Other times, a single sentence in the narrative may include multiple citations, which makes it difficult to know which source provides which information. In his acknowledgements, Marquis describes this book as “a scholarly work.” (354) While he relies predominantly on primary sources, with some reputable secondary sources, this is not a book written for scholars because of these omissions. Instead, the primary audience is lay readers, who will find a wealth of information about Kidd and others here. Whether they concur with Marquis’s conclusions or not will be up to each individual.

Marquis’s gift of storytelling shines through in this biography of his ninth-great-grandfather. He breathes life into Kidd, so readers see him as he is rather than as how propaganda, history, and myth portray him. Many historical persons intersect Kidd’s path, but throughout the narrative Marquis keeps the focus on Kidd, interspersing relevant details about others where the information is relevant. As fiction is separated from fact, Kidd’s complexity emerges complete with foibles and virtues.


(This review originally was posted at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/adult-bio-...)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal" is a historical book by Samuel Marquis that explores the life of William Kidd, a Scottish privateer who became a public icon of piracy despite his original role as a licensed pirate hunter. The book debunks the myth that Kidd was a ruthless pirate, instead portraying him as a victim of political propaganda, a deliberate miscarriage of justice, and a scapegoat for England's maritime wars.

One word I use when reviewing Samuel Marquis historical offerings is detail. When you read history, it needs to tell a story to help the reader be engaged and retain what they are reading. Sam Marquis brings that same attention to detail, even more so, in "Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal", the story of his ninth-great-grandfather. And who better to tell the story than Sam?

Unlike many who have taken on the story of Captain Kidd, Marquis does not treat him as either fully a martyr or hero. No captain during the Golden Age of Piracy was fully one or the other. Those treated as one or the other either escaped scrutiny for their questionable acts or were thrown to the wolves in spite of their more noble actions. As you read Marquis book, you’ll discover that Captain Kidd had his shades of gray, but what I enjoy is how Marquis gives the information you need to develop a more complete picture or opinion of the man and how he might have come to make the decisions he did, and if the things he was accused of matches the man. Instead, the author proves reasonably convincingly that Kidd was not a pirate but a privateer, following strict rules, and forbidden from attacking ships of nations friendly to England.

The only problem I had with the book author is the staggering number of characters, plots, counterplots, and innumerable names of ships, which make the book hard to follow in many places. For some readers, this will be bewildering. Other than that, it's a fine read for any landlubber or salty dog seeking the real story behind the legend! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! Buccaneer, Batten Down the Hatches or Walk the Plank.

[Virginia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and the description compelled me to read Samuel Marquis' Captain Kidd. I am fascinated with shipping narratives because there is a plethora of knowledge to learn. Marquis is a descendent (ninth great grandson) of the infamous pirate Captain Kidd. Marquis purposes to change the rhetoric of Kidd from pirate to hero who endured horrible British propaganda. Before Marquis begins his novel long argument, he provides an extensive glossary of historic names, places, and battles. I appreciate this addition because the reader can easily reference it for clarification during Marquis' narrative. Marquis provides readers with his extensive research. A complete Kidd history is provided: noting romantic interests, expeditions, battles, and injuries. To separate Kidd's name from pirate and establish him as a noteworthy British gentleman, Marquis discusses Kidd's attention to remaining law-abiding. Kidd obtained "letters of marque," which legally permitted him to target enemy ships or pirate ships. The plunder would benefit The Crown, of course, and some monies were given to Kidd to cover expenses and pay his crew. Marquis also discusses the origins of Kidd's falling into political trouble. A British war captain known as Wrong-Way-Warren tried to steal Kidd's crew, thus Kidd fled away from the pursuing captain in order to save his men. There are additional pieces of evidence that Marquis introduces into his argument. Marquis provides a strong argument to remove the derogatory rhetoric from Kidd's reputation. Is Kidd a pirate, a hero, or a combination of both? These are the questions that I am continuing to ask myself.

Thank you to #SamuelMarquis, #DiversionBooks, and #NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. #CaptainKidd was a pleasure to read.

[Thomas Feiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal, delivers all the intrigue and adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean, but with the added thrill that all the drama and suspense is grounded in history. Sam Marquis – himself a direct relative of the infamous pirate – delivers a pulse-pounding, meticulously researched account that reads like the best historical fiction.

What sets this book apart is not just the riveting subject matter, but the author’s unique perspective. As Captain Kidd’s own descendant, Marquis brings an authenticity and personal connection that infuses the narrative with passion and insight. He doesn’t just recount history – he resurrects it, giving readers a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating sagas of the Golden Age of Piracy.

While blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean dazzle with its fictional rogues and supernatural escapades, Marquis’s account plunges you into the true-life drama of William Kidd, a man whose story is far more complex and poignant.

Marquis’s writing style is the perfect match for this tale of high seas adventure and treacherous betrayals. His prose crackles with energy and suspense, pulling you into the 17th-century world of pirates, politics, and peril. You can feel the salt spray and hear the ship’s timbers creak as Marquis unravels the mysteries and myths surrounding Captain Kidd’s legendary treasure and tragic downfall.

If you love a good swashbuckling adventure but want a story rooted in real events – complete with a hero who might have been more honorable than any pirate of legend – this book is an absolute must-read.

[Scott Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in expecting a swashbuckling romp full of yo-ho-hos and bottles of rum, but what I found instead was a tragic story of a man who fell in with the wrong crowd—the bloody English nobility.

Captain Kidd’s journey took him from New York City to the Indian Ocean, where he endured storms, mutiny, disease, starvation, thirst, and betrayal at every turn. Though he held a letter of marque from the king authorizing him as a privateer to hunt down pirates, he was branded a pirate himself for offending the wrong powers—chiefly the East India Company and the Royal Navy. After the infamous pirate Henry Avery attacked and plundered the Mughal Sultan’s treasure ship, threatening to shut down England’s lucrative trade, the Crown needed a scapegoat. Captain Kidd fit the bill all too neatly.

In the end, Kidd “Ned Starked” himself by being too honorable. He could have vanished with the treasure or bargained for a pardon by exposing his wealthy backers. Instead, he trusted the system—only to be imprisoned, denied legal counsel, and condemned in what remains one of the most infamous sham trials in history.

The book, written by Kidd’s ninth great-grandson, may lean a little in his favor, but it’s still a compelling and heartbreaking account of how quickly a hero can be recast as a villain when politics and profit demand it. A fascinating read—I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars.

[Tyler Veretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books so far! First pirate specific book, and it was an awesome journey. The author is fantastic and will be looking more into his books, especially the Blackbeard one!

Great story of his life and brought serious emotions out of me reading how hard he had it at the end. Seriously cannot believe he was played just so the English Crown could get a leg up on the pirating going on. He was treated so unfairly and I felt awful for him and his family. He was an honorable man and always tried to stick to the rules.

I learned a lot about pirating and privateering and the connection between America, England, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean trade. I feel like he was the beginning of the American Revolution, might have been one of the first major figures to stand up and bash the Crown at the end. Such a nail biter too with the captures of ships, mutiny on his ship, and how cruel London was and how shady the rich backers of his journey. The trial was amazing suspense, and best of all Gods wink of the rope snapping when he was hung was incredible. Usually they say that and let them go but not in his case, which is also major unfairness from England towards poor Captain Kidd

[Gage McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up in place of a non fic of an entirely different nature.

Knowledge of the popular era of pirates was limited to a little info on Jean Laffite of New Orlean's fame

As the author and relative of the subject himself points out, Kidd was himself no pirate.

Before diving into the details of the voyages leading to Kidd's everchanging fate, we get a vivid, exciting look at the state of seafaring life in the 17th century's largely English-dominated waters.
What it meant to be an outright pirate vs the more common privateer. How the laws of the era, as well as the demands of warring countries on the global stage, made it possible for one to risk everything and make a fortune outside the brutal confines of their respective Navy. Politics and power, warfare and general conduct at sea, what was of value, general "wildness" of smaller coastal lands of the Caribbean..

This book was everything I hoped for and more. Lots of fun and fascination while learning loads along the way. Many narrative moments that altogether beg why there hasnt been a popular on-screen adaption of this life more amazing than any fiction I can imagine. Unlike many popular figures who are later truly discovered, disgraced and dethroned I feel Kidd deserves his reversal here.

[Auriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up loving swashbuckling movies, and that led to an interest in learning about real pirates and privateers. One person I did not know much about was Captain William Kidd. In "Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal", Samuel Marquis brings the captain's story to life. It's clear he did a great deal of research about Kidd's life and activities, but this is no dry history book. Marquis creates vivid word-pictures of scenes and situations involving Captain Kidd and the people he knew.

Marquis provides context about political and socioeconomic conditions of the time, in between describing bloody battles on the high seas and on land. He relies heavily on historical accounts of everything from how people looked to the weather on the day of a battle. As a journalist and genealogist myself, I appreciate how he couches what he doesn't know with careful word selection, like "he may have seen."

"Captain Kidd" is both riveting and detailed, a must-read for anyone who wants to know true stories about real pirates, as well as fans of historical non-fiction.

I received an advance reading copy through NetGalley; thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

[Beth Selesky]

I hesitate to rate this book because it is apparent after reading it, that a pirate’s life is definitely NOT for me! Yet, since my earliest girlhood, I have loved swashbuckling stories of fearless pirates and their high seas adventures. The author’s last chapter analysis of his distant relative and how history has handled the narrative and still grapples with it today was most interesting. The amount of research for the details in this book is impressive. For lovers of history, understanding the politics of the time and the type of seafaring merchants that kept the colonies humming, it revealed a perspective on early American and British history we do not as often consider. Also interesting are the details that ground the folklore we have about pirates and privateers, in general, such as hanging a hung pirate in a steal cage for 22 years as a constant reminder to the public of what happens to a convicted pirate. Disney did not make it all up. Just enough to make an interesting story. Yet, sometimes, real life is truly stranger than fiction. It was worth the read.

[Carter F Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s better than history - it’s personal.

Captain Kidd: A True Story is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I love history. I didn’t know the author before picking it up, but from the very first pages, I was drawn in by the balance of serious research and sheer entertainment.

The story of Captain Kidd has been told and retold over centuries, often weighed down by myth or sensationalism. What makes this book stand out is the way it blends meticulous historical detail with a narrative style that reads like an adventure novel. The author brings to life not just Kidd himself, but the world of seafaring, piracy, and law in the early modern era—making the stakes feel immediate and the people surprisingly human.

It’s rare to find a history book that can satisfy both the scholar and the casual reader, but this one manages it brilliantly. Informative, lively, and wildly entertaining, it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys history that doesn’t just sit on the page, but leaps off it.

[Oscar Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sad. I have read about deaths in the wilderness, grisly war casualties, the Holocaust, Prisoners of War, all kinds of tragedy and trauma. But this has got to be about the saddest and infuriating narrative ever. Its been said that the famed stock detective and assassin Tom Horn was railroaded. But actually he was a cold blooded murderer who was hanged for the wrong crime. But Kidd!? If there was ever a better example of someone being egregiously and completely railroaded by the system I want to hear it. The man was sacrificed for avarice and cowardice of useless lords. The American Revolution couldn't have possibly come too soon. They took a brave and loyal (to a fault) New Yorker to the scaffold for piracy. Ironic, since England was and always will be the largest most successful pirate kingdom that ever existed.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves a true pirate story even more than the fictional kind, Captain Kidd was exactly the kind of book I’ve been craving. Samuel Marquis doesn’t just recount history—he breathes life into it. With the skill of a novelist and the rigor of a historian, he unravels the real story behind one of piracy’s most infamous names, revealing Captain William Kidd as a far more complex and tragic figure than the villain legend suggests.

What I appreciated most is how Marquis draws the reader in from the first chapter, keeping the pace brisk and the storytelling vivid—without ever compromising the truth. It’s rare to find nonfiction that reads like an adventure novel, and even rarer when it’s this well-researched and balanced.

[Angelle Barbazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that challenge my perception of history, and "Captain Kidd" by Samuel Marquis does exactly that. Was history’s most notorious pirate even a pirate at all? Marquis sets out to dismantle centuries-old myths and set the record straight about the legendary adventurer. With a personal connection to the past (Captain Kidd is the author's ninth great-grandfather!) and unparalleled access to historical sources, Marquis brings this story to life. With vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, this book immerses readers in the treacherous world of 17th-century maritime warfare and betrayal. This is a must-read for history buffs and anyone who loves a fresh take on the past!

[Jen Tucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be more interesting than a book with true stories of pirates! Samuel Marquis, the 9th generation grandson of Captain Kidd has written a fascinating account of Captain Kidd's life. Captain Kidd was a man of integrity and was known to look out for his crew. The story of how he came from nothing, created a life of respect and wealth in colonial New York, then was betrayed by his peers and the fickle government he loyally served is fascinating even 325 years later. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves anything maritime related, sailing, privateers and pirates, or history.

[Yosef Leibowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The infamous captain Kidd was hardly a pirate at all, he was a misunderstood privateer, whom through a series of bad fortunes and missteps became one of the most wanted pirate of his time.

Samuel Marquis writes well but tends to repeat information over and over which can become tedious at times. The Book felt like he was constantly trying to justify his ancestors actions and it is only until the epilogue that he admits that perhaps Kidd wasn't the angle the book depicts him to be.

Nevertheless it is a fun read, and opened up perspective into a historical figure I had never thought much about.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Captain Kidd a pirate hunter or notorious outlaw? This biography reveals the truth behind the legend, exposing the political conspiracy that transformed a respected privateer into a scapegoat. A fascinating story for history afficionados, the book is engrossing and immersive, bringing the challenges faced by a privateer captain to life.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Frederick Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history major in college, I found Marquis' Captain Kidd a fascinating novel about a completely misunderstood historical figure. Kidd was unfairly screwed by his partners and the English rule of law. Kidd proved to be an American patriot 75 years before his time. A page turner from page one. I couldn't put it down. A " pirate " back then is certainly not a " pirate " of today. A must read for all who have heard of Captain Kidd, but have no earthly idea of who he really was.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an interesting and insightful book about Capt. Kidd written by one of his descendants. I think when we think of pirates, we think of rough seamen only looking for treasure and to overtake ships in the area they’re in. Some captains had the backing of countries and felt like they could do as they pleased. The author was very thorough and I learned some interesting facts about Captain Kidd.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding tale of an individual that history has mis-judged. Was Kidd the fearsome pirate that history has painted him, or was he wrongfully accused by England and punished to keep him quiet and be a scapegoat? The author makes good points about his life and from the book, you can feel that he was wronged. A great tale!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched tome, demonstrating to the reader the many facets of Captain Kidd's character, in an era of grey and blurred lines.

The bulk of the narrative focuses on Kidd's arrest and trial, with the author offering his personal opinion on Kidd towards the end of the book, before delving into the legend, the legacy and long-lost loot.

Overall, a worthy tome.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I love history of most any kind and I was looking forward to readding this book. Not sure what the problem was, but the book just did not hold my interest. Over the course of a couple of weeks, I was only able to get to 30 percent read. So DNF. Maybe it was just the back and forth same details, fights, misunderstanding's.