What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curse of the Lonesome Mariner
Part 1 of 3
Harry Straight doesn’t want any complications in his life. Recently divorced, he’s about to set sail on a small boat along England’s south coast in order to reconcile with his estranged father. The last thing Harry needs is the responsibility of a mischievous and unpredictable beer-drinking dog called Lacey.
But when Harry’s canine crewmate discovers he’s only ever been with one woman, the fun loving terrier takes it upon himself to educate Harry in the livelier side of life, leading him from one inappropriate liaison to the next… with disastrous consequences.
Please be advised this is part 1 of 3. (Parts 2 & 3 need to be downloaded separately)
From the writer of The Travel Auction.
Harry Straight doesn’t want any complications in his life. Recently divorced, he’s about to set sail on a small boat along England’s south coast in order to reconcile with his estranged father. The last thing Harry needs is the responsibility of a mischievous and unpredictable beer-drinking dog called Lacey.
But when Harry’s canine crewmate discovers he’s only ever been with one woman, the fun loving terrier takes it upon himself to educate Harry in the livelier side of life, leading him from one inappropriate liaison to the next… with disastrous consequences.
Please be advised this is part 1 of 3. (Parts 2 & 3 need to be downloaded separately)
From the writer of The Travel Auction.
- GenresFiction
ebook
First published December 21, 2014
20 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Mark Green
6 books41 followersMark Green is a British guy who got bored with the soulless nature of his job in the construction industry. In 2007, he and his girlfriend, Nicky, spent three months backpacking around South America, which provided the backdrop to this book. Upon returning to the UK after their adventure, Mark and Nicky decided that a conventional life wasn’t for them. They rented out their house and spent three years renovating a small sailing boat where they now live on Britain’s south coast. The Travel Auction is Mark’s first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 5, 2015
I wasn't really sure if I would get to grips with this book because of it's involvement with boats but I am so glad I gave it a go.
I fell in love with the characters within the book and especially with the dog. The story is well constructed with loads of twists and turns. The dog is a loyal and playful with his own voice and at times had me laughing out loud at his antics.
The entire three parts are based on a trip aboard a sailing yacht that has been refurbished. Harry Straight and his four legged companion depart on a mission to visit his father and so the story begins to unfold. The descriptions of the boat, the characters, the scenery, the weather and challenges along the way are beautifully narrated.
The book is split into 3 parts involving cliffhangers, it has everything humour, drama, emotion and as I said so many twists and turns. I found that I enjoyed learning things that I didn't know about sailing and have developed an appreciation of the hard work and long hours put into looking after and sailing a boat.
Really looking forward to the next book from Mark Green. Fantastic work.
I fell in love with the characters within the book and especially with the dog. The story is well constructed with loads of twists and turns. The dog is a loyal and playful with his own voice and at times had me laughing out loud at his antics.
The entire three parts are based on a trip aboard a sailing yacht that has been refurbished. Harry Straight and his four legged companion depart on a mission to visit his father and so the story begins to unfold. The descriptions of the boat, the characters, the scenery, the weather and challenges along the way are beautifully narrated.
The book is split into 3 parts involving cliffhangers, it has everything humour, drama, emotion and as I said so many twists and turns. I found that I enjoyed learning things that I didn't know about sailing and have developed an appreciation of the hard work and long hours put into looking after and sailing a boat.
Really looking forward to the next book from Mark Green. Fantastic work.
March 9, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this book having read The Travel Auction by the same author. It being published in three parts, I was sceptical that each part wouldn't stand on it's own. But they do...well this first one does (looking forward to reading the next two).
Going through a challenging time at the moment means finding any humour in life is difficult. But to my amazement, within minutes of picking it up, the Lonesome Mariner had me chuckling out loud. It's not in the least bit silly or stupid (something I find highly irritating). It's simply grown-up humour, very funny with plenty of daft bits involving a dog that speaks. Or to be accurate, a dog that behaves like a dog should, makes normal doggie sounds, but the reader gets to know what it's thinking.
If you want a pick me up and have a need to escape; need something that's short enough to lose oneself in for a couple of hours, yet substantial enough to feel you've had a decent read, then this is a book I'd highly recommend.
Going through a challenging time at the moment means finding any humour in life is difficult. But to my amazement, within minutes of picking it up, the Lonesome Mariner had me chuckling out loud. It's not in the least bit silly or stupid (something I find highly irritating). It's simply grown-up humour, very funny with plenty of daft bits involving a dog that speaks. Or to be accurate, a dog that behaves like a dog should, makes normal doggie sounds, but the reader gets to know what it's thinking.
If you want a pick me up and have a need to escape; need something that's short enough to lose oneself in for a couple of hours, yet substantial enough to feel you've had a decent read, then this is a book I'd highly recommend.
January 23, 2015
This review is for all three parts!
I read this book on the back of The Travel Auction, which was as funny as it was unusual.
This book is very different and, in many ways much better. I wasn't sure about the first few seafaring pages, but don't let this put you off. I'm not going to spoil it for you, but this is the story of a physical journey and a psychological one. On the surface it's about a man making a trip to see his dying father with a mad pooch on board, however it is so much more than that. It's a story of battling old and new demons in addition to living with and through disibilities - leading to final acceptance.
Now in writing terms that's not easy to pull off and with nearly a laugh in each page.
Mark Green you made me laugh and you very nearly made me cry so well done.
I read this book on the back of The Travel Auction, which was as funny as it was unusual.
This book is very different and, in many ways much better. I wasn't sure about the first few seafaring pages, but don't let this put you off. I'm not going to spoil it for you, but this is the story of a physical journey and a psychological one. On the surface it's about a man making a trip to see his dying father with a mad pooch on board, however it is so much more than that. It's a story of battling old and new demons in addition to living with and through disibilities - leading to final acceptance.
Now in writing terms that's not easy to pull off and with nearly a laugh in each page.
Mark Green you made me laugh and you very nearly made me cry so well done.
January 14, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed my first read by Mark Green -The Travel Auction - so was eagerly anticipating his next offering.
When I saw the title of this I had no idea what to expect or whether it would be my kind of thing...a bit of a boat trip?...Lonely fella on a boat trip?....
I was definitely not prepared for the comedy antics of Lacey the boozy dog with poor Harry who could never ever be described as lonesome! This damn dog had me laughing out loud with his own witty dialogue and ending this book right at the crucial moment......very naughty and off to read part two right now!
A great start and highly recommended.
When I saw the title of this I had no idea what to expect or whether it would be my kind of thing...a bit of a boat trip?...Lonely fella on a boat trip?....
I was definitely not prepared for the comedy antics of Lacey the boozy dog with poor Harry who could never ever be described as lonesome! This damn dog had me laughing out loud with his own witty dialogue and ending this book right at the crucial moment......very naughty and off to read part two right now!
A great start and highly recommended.
January 15, 2015
This was an excellent read and a worthy follow-up to The Travel Auction.
I loved the way that Lacey the dog has got his own wonderful personality, and the scene on the boat with the police had me crying with laughter.
The writing had a gentle and persistent flow - rather like a wave - and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out what was happening. It was obvious that there was something behind Harry's wish to sail to see his father, but this was kept very low key in this first book.
And what a cliffhanger!
Where's the next one?!?
I loved the way that Lacey the dog has got his own wonderful personality, and the scene on the boat with the police had me crying with laughter.
The writing had a gentle and persistent flow - rather like a wave - and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out what was happening. It was obvious that there was something behind Harry's wish to sail to see his father, but this was kept very low key in this first book.
And what a cliffhanger!
Where's the next one?!?
May 23, 2015
Not sure where the story is going which typically makes me put the book down not wanting to finish it. But there is enough present to make me want to continue to part two. The dog commentary is a great side comical addition to the workings of the main character. Right now the story feels like the Forty Year Old Virgin without the virginity. The cliffhanger is for part one leading into part two leaves you asking what happens next and I am looking forward to part two just to answer that if not for the dog's commentary.
March 30, 2015
It was a pleasant enough read but the construct of the "speaking" dog limited the appeal it had for me personally. Also the arbitrary split into three books didn't work for me even though I bought them all in one go and had the next one immediately to hand - it still interrupted my read. I don't think I quite got the point at the end of the book. I briefly clicked back a few pages but gave up. A shame no doubt.
January 5, 2015
what a totally delightful read.
from the first page i was immersed in the story. Harry is a non threatening character ant very likeable but the star in my opinion is Lacey.
every time that Lacey "talks" it has me smiling.
a very easy read which had me unable to put it down on finishing I immediately commenced part 2
review of that to follow......
from the first page i was immersed in the story. Harry is a non threatening character ant very likeable but the star in my opinion is Lacey.
every time that Lacey "talks" it has me smiling.
a very easy read which had me unable to put it down on finishing I immediately commenced part 2
review of that to follow......
April 15, 2015
Interesting idea for a book, and the added dimension of Lacey's view added a lot of humour. Really enjoyed it, a great follow up to The Travel Auction, and shows an author with plenty of ideas and styles.
January 18, 2015
I don't know what to think about this book. I liked lacey the dog, as the thoughts that she had where hilarious but apart from that it was ok.
February 11, 2015
Too funny... especially when you have a husband who is learning to sail!
February 13, 2015
This is a great start to this series. The situations that Harry and Lacey find themselves in are very funny. Lacey's comments are hilarious. Can't wait to read the next book.
November 3, 2020
Having been a follower of author Mark David Green's 'Travel' series, 'The Curse of the Lonesome Mariner' had, up till now, been overlooked.
It didn't take me too long from starting to read it that this was going to be one of those books, that I had previously known about but seriously questioned why I have taken so long to get around to reading it. Dogs, boats and dysfunctional family... what is there not to like?
Lacey, the dog is the glue that holds the story together, and his thoughts, that are heard by the reader, if not by Harry owner, are written in such an insightful way that the author really understands how a dog's mind works. My dog is a female version of Lacey and tracks every move, facial expression, raised eyebrow, word I say (even if I don't say it and spell it) and also reads my thoughts, which is why I can relate to Lacey's character, in a way only a dog owner would fully understand.
Harry Straight, is approaching forty, and is on a mission to reconcile with his father who is in a care home suffering with dementia. He has restored the family boat, Jessica, and intends to sail it from Poole to Falmouth where his father resides. However, due to his brother Keith's brush with the law, Harry has been left with his brother's dog Lacey, two days before he is due to set sail.
Lacey is a wilful pooch that runs rings around Harry and sets the tone for much comedy thoughout the narrative. However, his cute adorable puppy-dog eyes easily attracts female attention and made Harry's love-life more interesting.
There is poignancy to the plot when serious issues of disfigurement, terminal illness and death are integral to the plot and adds weight to this well-rounded story, that ends in a way I would not have predicted.
It didn't take me too long from starting to read it that this was going to be one of those books, that I had previously known about but seriously questioned why I have taken so long to get around to reading it. Dogs, boats and dysfunctional family... what is there not to like?
Lacey, the dog is the glue that holds the story together, and his thoughts, that are heard by the reader, if not by Harry owner, are written in such an insightful way that the author really understands how a dog's mind works. My dog is a female version of Lacey and tracks every move, facial expression, raised eyebrow, word I say (even if I don't say it and spell it) and also reads my thoughts, which is why I can relate to Lacey's character, in a way only a dog owner would fully understand.
Harry Straight, is approaching forty, and is on a mission to reconcile with his father who is in a care home suffering with dementia. He has restored the family boat, Jessica, and intends to sail it from Poole to Falmouth where his father resides. However, due to his brother Keith's brush with the law, Harry has been left with his brother's dog Lacey, two days before he is due to set sail.
Lacey is a wilful pooch that runs rings around Harry and sets the tone for much comedy thoughout the narrative. However, his cute adorable puppy-dog eyes easily attracts female attention and made Harry's love-life more interesting.
There is poignancy to the plot when serious issues of disfigurement, terminal illness and death are integral to the plot and adds weight to this well-rounded story, that ends in a way I would not have predicted.
January 8, 2026
Entertaining, however, I've only read the first part (maybe I got it as a freebie, I can't remember), so a full review will have to wait until I've read the whole book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews