The Downeaster: Deadly Voyage

by Paul Thomas Fuhrman

"Fuhrman has delivered a Gilded Age adventure on the high seas certain to please fans of Patrick O'Brien and Joseph Conrad. Told through the eyes of a clipper ship captain, a teenage apprentice, and a spinster nurse with a secret, the story travels from the waterfront taverns and brothels of New England to the saloons and tattoo parlors of San Francisco via a harrowing voyage around Cape Horn." —Mary Miley; author of The Impersonator [2013], winner of the national Mystery Writers of America award for the Best First Crime Novel Faithfully based on a historical log of a challenging ‘round the Horn adventure in 1872, The Downeaster features riveting and authentic depictions of maritime history, and the development of a unique and enduring love relationship between the thoughtful yet godless captain and the high-spirited feminist Irish nurse. Ultimately, the transformation of the courageous, inexperienced, enthusiastic young apprentice into a highly skilled sailor with valor, dedication, integrity, (and a great new tattoo!) also occupies center stage, along with the torturous daily chores, antics, and tragedies that unfold for the rest of the crew. The Downeaster provides armchair sailing at its best for both experienced seamen and any reader tantalized by unique adventure, the overcoming of adversity, displays of character, and self-discovery! Inspired by the close scrutiny of ships’ logs of the age, this historically accurate, engrossing account will likely appeal to seasoned seadogs and landlubbers alike. A clever, riveting, and multifaceted tale about sailing, so vivid that readers should taste the salt spray. –Kirkus Reviews

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2016

Reviews

[J.P. Cane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuhrman is masterful at putting this reader out to sea. My seat practically rolled on each crest and trough the author described, painting vivid pictures of 19th century life aboard the sailing vessel, Providence, on its journey from New England to San Francisco. The details are remarkable and show the great care in the author’s research.
Time is of the essence — Captain Isaac Griffin must trim every second off the voyage in order to save his company from sinking into bankruptcy. But also, he is in love with Kayleigh and every mile and every day apart from her tears at this stoic man’s heart.
We also get to see life aboard ship through the eyes of 16-year-old Nicholas Priest. Sickly, the boy is in over his head. Danger surrounds him, not only from the elements, but from a fellow crew member. He will need to grow up fast in order to survive.
No less compelling is Kayleigh’s own story. The young woman does not sit and dwell on what has become of Griffin. She has work to do in her role as a nurse while challenging the contemporary views on a woman’s place in the world.
A terrific blend of high-sea adventure, romance and coming-of-age storytelling.