The Contraband Shore

Contraband Shore #1

by David Donachie

1787. Captain Edward Brazier is on a recently paid off from his frigate and comfortably off with prize money, he is headed to Deal to propose marriage to the young and lovely widow Betsey Langridge. He must navigate the bustle of the town's narrow streets that are busy with legal, illicit and
depraved business flowing from and around the ships at dock. But all does not go well; between Betsy's brother and guardian Henry Tulkington prohibiting the match, and Brazier marked out for trouble by a local smuggling gang, his plans
are in disarray. And when it slowly emerges that there may have been a decades old injustice closer to home, Brazier is caught up in more than he'd bargained for.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2017

About the author

aka Tom Connery, Johnny 'Two Combs' Howard, Jack Ludlow, Jack Cole.

David Donachie was born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has had a variety of jobs, including selling everything from business machines to soap. He has always had an abiding interest in the naval history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he drew upon for the many novels he has set in that period. The author of a number of bestselling books, he lived in Deal with his wife, fellow A&B author Sarah Grazebrook.

Reviews

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Brazier, prize money in hand, has arrived in Deal, eager to propose marriage to widow Betsy Vaughan. When the lady's brother objects and Captain Brazier is targetted by local smuggling gang, he finds himself caught up in more than he bargained for.

Edward Brazier is an enjoyable lead for the series. He's spent his time at sea and is prepared to find a wife to be by his side. His reaction to the trouble he encounters was believable and made me more sympathetic to the situation he finds himself in.

The research the author put into the book shines through. Every time I opened the book, I felt transported to the time.

For readers looking for the start to a historical adventure series, I would definitely recommend this. I received a copy from NetGalley and am reviewing of my own choice.

[Bernard Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Donachie’s attention to general detail, in this eighteenth century scenario, THE CONTRABAND SHORE, makes for reliable reading and maintains the strong theme running throughout his adventurous script.
Captain Edward Brazier, a Royal Navy flag-officer living ashore, with/and in the hope of, landing a sea command. However, remains smitten by an earlier infatuation in his life. He is a man of exemplary character, possessing strong, honest and determined personal traits, which supports his resilience in the face of various, demanding and unexpected hurdles that lie in wait to waylay his progress, seemingly unconnected, in pursuit of his proposal of marriage to the mature, attractive land and property-owning widow, Betsy Langridge..
However, in so doing, he accidentally stumbles upon a gang of successful south coast smugglers operating in and around the busy port of Deal, and who are none too pleased with his subsequent interference.
His life suddenly becomes as spine-chilling and thrilling as any previous high-seas chase and resultant broadside-to-broadside engagement!

[DonLallier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slow words story that drags.

I found my self wondering when this long winded author would ever get out of the drawing room and at sea?
I was never so bored by the first two chapters of this book as this one.
David is a excellent author, but he needs to accomplish a rewrite of this book.
I think "Litle women" may have more action.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure exactly why I haven't come across this author before. His writing is pretty good. Albeit it's naval historical fiction without any boats!
Not sure if I'm going to like how the plot line develops or find it annoying - reckon it's 50:50 either way. Only one way to find out!

[Heidi Boniface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got off to a slow start but got better as it went along

[M von Lipwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great descriptions, odd lack of sea: was the sailor persona a bit pointless? maybe. And a really disappointing and bizarre ending - maybe the author had a sudden deadline, its the only explanation

[Edmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think i was going to finish this but I persisted and glad I did. Surprise ending which made me want to move on to the next book in the series.

[Bernard Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Donachie’s attention to general detail, in this eighteenth century scenario, THE CONTRABAND SHORE, is an exciting read and maintains the strong theme running throughout his adventurous script.
Captain Edward Brazier, a Royal Navy flag-officer living ashore, and is in the hope of landing a sea command. However, remains smitten by an earlier infatuation in his life. He is a man of exemplary character, possessing strong, honest and determined personal traits, which supports his resilience in the face of various, demanding and unexpected hurdles that lie in wait to waylay his progress -seemingly unconnected- in pursuit of his proposal of marriage to the mature, attractive land and property-owning widow, Betsy Langridge..
However, in so doing, he accidentally stumbles upon a gang of successful south coast smugglers operating in and around the busy port of Deal, and who are none too pleased with his subsequent interference.
His life suddenly becomes as spine-chilling and thrilling as any previous high-seas chase and resultant broadside-to-broadside engagement!