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Dead Men Tell No Tales
A marvelous adventure story with plenty of twists and turns! The writing is great, and the plot moves quickly with plenty of hair-raising danger. Hornung is a master at painting lovable scoundrels and villains that you love to the point where you actually want them to succeed in their crimes and escape the police! Excellent characters balanced on the sides of good and evil!
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1899
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146 people want to read
About the author
E.W. Hornung
352 books78 followersErnest William Hornung known as Willie, was an English author, most famous for writing the Raffles series of novels about a gentleman thief in late Victorian London.
In addition to his novels and short stories Hornung wrote some war verse, and a play based on the Raffles stories was produced successfully. He was much interested in cricket, and was "a man of large and generous nature, a delightful companion and conversationalist".
In addition to his novels and short stories Hornung wrote some war verse, and a play based on the Raffles stories was produced successfully. He was much interested in cricket, and was "a man of large and generous nature, a delightful companion and conversationalist".
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 7, 2012
I'm surprised that the ratings are so low and that the reviews tend towards the negative for this book.
I thought it was a very engaging story and revealed quite a bit about English mores and manners at around the turn of the (20th) century.
There's a hard-boiled plot that starts with a disaster at sea. There's stolen gold and gun-play. There's suspense, there's a good guy, some really bad guys, and at least two complex characters who contain a modern amount of both good and bad. One of whom is a dame. Wait, I don't think that word came into fashion until a couple of decades after this book was written. But, still, it seems to fit. :)
What's not to like?
The only caveat is: the n-word is used several times in the book, so if it offends you, better go on to something else.
Recommended, especially for people who enjoy fiction that was fashionable in its day.
I thought it was a very engaging story and revealed quite a bit about English mores and manners at around the turn of the (20th) century.
There's a hard-boiled plot that starts with a disaster at sea. There's stolen gold and gun-play. There's suspense, there's a good guy, some really bad guys, and at least two complex characters who contain a modern amount of both good and bad. One of whom is a dame. Wait, I don't think that word came into fashion until a couple of decades after this book was written. But, still, it seems to fit. :)
What's not to like?
The only caveat is: the n-word is used several times in the book, so if it offends you, better go on to something else.
Recommended, especially for people who enjoy fiction that was fashionable in its day.
August 7, 2008
The title of this book is way more interesting than the actual book. I love saying it with a graveling voice and no inflection at all (maybe I mean monotone). There were moments though in this book where the tempo would pick up and something exciting would happen, but for the most part it was rather dull. The first 10 chapters were quite particularly dull and the then things got a bit more energetic and the whole point of the story started to emerge. But still it dragged here and there and ended a bit stronger than the rest of the story seemed to suggest.
January 5, 2020
Delizioso libro di un autore per me ingoto, che è comunque riuscito a sorprendermi. Devo assolutamente approfondire la sua conoscenza!!! Grazioso il "colpo di scena" finale ...
November 15, 2008
E.W. Hornung's "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is not a bad book, but its relatively slight plot is overwhelmed by its overwrought language -- the type often found in books from the Victorian era. In the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle (who happened to be Hornung's brother-in-law), that type of writing helps transport the reader back in time; in Hornung's book, though, it leads the reader to wonder what Hornung is making such a fuss about. The story and characters are simply not interesting enough to justify the weight of the writing.
It doesn't help that much of "Dead Men"'s plot is driven by the narrator's obsession with Eva Denison. Because Cole, the narrator, spends so many of the book's early pages recounting his constant arguments with Eva and disparaging her character, it's hard to see what aside from her looks attracts Cole to her. A squabbling, mismatched couple may work fine in a half-hour sitcom, but it's harder to take in a 260-page book. Cole's affection for Frank Rattray is similarly hard to understand, and seems almost completely driven by Cole finding Rattray a handsome man. It's hard to stick with a narrator so lacking in depth.
"Dead Men" also suffers from an over-reliance on cliches. Granted, the book's age makes many of the cliches so dated that they almost feel fresh again, but readers at the time Hornung was writing must have been annoyed by such expressions as "In for a penny, in for a pound" and "the devil take his own" cropping up so often.
Still, Hornung knew how to keep a story moving along, making up for some of the faults in his writing. I'm still looking forward to reading his Raffles stories, for which he is best known. It was perhaps a mistake to read this one first, and I only did so because it was written before the Raffles stories. It's not surprising, though, that this book is so little discussed or read today.
It doesn't help that much of "Dead Men"'s plot is driven by the narrator's obsession with Eva Denison. Because Cole, the narrator, spends so many of the book's early pages recounting his constant arguments with Eva and disparaging her character, it's hard to see what aside from her looks attracts Cole to her. A squabbling, mismatched couple may work fine in a half-hour sitcom, but it's harder to take in a 260-page book. Cole's affection for Frank Rattray is similarly hard to understand, and seems almost completely driven by Cole finding Rattray a handsome man. It's hard to stick with a narrator so lacking in depth.
"Dead Men" also suffers from an over-reliance on cliches. Granted, the book's age makes many of the cliches so dated that they almost feel fresh again, but readers at the time Hornung was writing must have been annoyed by such expressions as "In for a penny, in for a pound" and "the devil take his own" cropping up so often.
Still, Hornung knew how to keep a story moving along, making up for some of the faults in his writing. I'm still looking forward to reading his Raffles stories, for which he is best known. It was perhaps a mistake to read this one first, and I only did so because it was written before the Raffles stories. It's not surprising, though, that this book is so little discussed or read today.
August 2, 2014
This classic begins with the whole sea tragedy after an ocean love episode then slips into the survival then rescue adventure, and becomes a tad bit confusing until the mystery eventually plays out.
April 10, 2020
The classic story ties together themes of adventure and romance. Hornung’s traditional writing style is incredibly descriptive and can be often relaxing to read. The story of Dead Men Tell No Tales doesn’t rush but rather takes it’s time to develop characters and provide indulgent details for readers. The tale of Mr. Cole and Ms. Eva is an excellent addition to any library and showcases some of Hornung’s greatest strengths as an author.
December 13, 2018
I finished this a week ago and forgot to enter it onto my completed list
I find that with these old mysteries I have no idea where the story will go. This one started with a steam and sail powered cruise, a love story, gold and notorious bad guy guys who will do anything to keep their gold.
I find that with these old mysteries I have no idea where the story will go. This one started with a steam and sail powered cruise, a love story, gold and notorious bad guy guys who will do anything to keep their gold.
March 1, 2016
Okay. It is exactly what you expect from the period and the genre, no more and no less.
Add another 1/2 star for coining or using a most excellent phrase in the title.
Add another 1/2 star for coining or using a most excellent phrase in the title.
February 28, 2021
I just love how Hornung writes novels, and this is my second outside of the Raffles series. It may start off slow, but then whizz-bang! Suddenly you’re hooked and you just gotta keep reading. I wanted to read for an hour last night and it was with major difficulty that I tore myself away from just...continuing on, even though it was already four in the morning. There’s just something about his writing that compels a reader. I’m not sure what it is, but by GOD I wish I had it in my own works!
As for some complaints as to the language used, Hornung was known of the time to write simply. It’s just run-of-the-mill 19th century type writing style, but really it just works beautifully and isn’t at all hard to understand.
I would, however, put out a warning that it has the period-typical word for a black man used almost solely in terms of referring to one character. Do be advised on that front.
PS: the narrator is SO STUPID. Just. WOW.
As for some complaints as to the language used, Hornung was known of the time to write simply. It’s just run-of-the-mill 19th century type writing style, but really it just works beautifully and isn’t at all hard to understand.
I would, however, put out a warning that it has the period-typical word for a black man used almost solely in terms of referring to one character. Do be advised on that front.
PS: the narrator is SO STUPID. Just. WOW.
February 22, 2023
A plot worthy of Enid Blyton, told in a mix of Romantic and Victorian style.
At first the narrator tells us how much he loathes Eva Denison and then spends the rest of the book saying how much he loves her. The villains are also indecisive.
At first the narrator tells us how much he loathes Eva Denison and then spends the rest of the book saying how much he loves her. The villains are also indecisive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2018
Not a bad story. I did enjoy it more than the Raffles tales but that's just me.
October 29, 2019
Entertaining story with so much time-period-appropriate-I-guess racism and misogyny that it was a bit of a slog.
March 3, 2020
Eh. Read Daniel's review. Sums it up nicely.
December 22, 2022
Pretty good tale of piracy or something, I sure didn't figure things out!
September 27, 2021
Hornung is decidedly one of the most underrated Victorian authors. His books and stories often feature characters that are so unconventional and ingenious that they manage to gain the reader's sympathy in spite of all their mistakes and imperfections.
The novel's main concern is with the concept of duality which spread among the Britons of the fin-de-siècle. This theme is developed by means of Frank Rattray's character. The aforementioned young man leads a double life by being a gang member on the one hand, and a cheerful, agreeable young squire on the other. In this manner, Rattray is used as an illustration of the double dealings of his time. The moral collapse of the Victorian era is similarly investigated by means of the Lady Jermyn case, and the brutal manner in which all those that were on board of her had been sacrificed in order not to leave any witnesses of the illegal gold cargo.
The final escapade made by Rattray can be read as a symbolic scene reflecting the author's own view point in connection with social degeneracy. Rattray was nothing more than the fruit and end result of a long line of lawless kin. From beginning to end, we see him struggle with his faulty moral training on the one hand, and with his drives for goodness on the other. For such reasons, the young man had deserved an opportunity to start anew somewhere where he will only be accountable for his own acts.
The novel's main concern is with the concept of duality which spread among the Britons of the fin-de-siècle. This theme is developed by means of Frank Rattray's character. The aforementioned young man leads a double life by being a gang member on the one hand, and a cheerful, agreeable young squire on the other. In this manner, Rattray is used as an illustration of the double dealings of his time. The moral collapse of the Victorian era is similarly investigated by means of the Lady Jermyn case, and the brutal manner in which all those that were on board of her had been sacrificed in order not to leave any witnesses of the illegal gold cargo.
The final escapade made by Rattray can be read as a symbolic scene reflecting the author's own view point in connection with social degeneracy. Rattray was nothing more than the fruit and end result of a long line of lawless kin. From beginning to end, we see him struggle with his faulty moral training on the one hand, and with his drives for goodness on the other. For such reasons, the young man had deserved an opportunity to start anew somewhere where he will only be accountable for his own acts.
December 9, 2015
Įsigijau elektroninę knygų skaityklę ir reikėjo ją kažkaip išbandyti – paeksperimentuoti. Taip atsitiktinai paspaudžiau ant „Dead Men Tell No Tales“ failo. Padidinau šriftą, sumažinau paraštes, pakeitinėjau apšvietimą. O kad jau pradėjo skaičiuoti statistiką šiai knygai, nusprendžiau ją pačią pirmą ir skaityti elektroniniu formatu. Skaitydama vis labiau džiaugiausi savo pirkiniu ir vis labiau vargau su knyga. Geriau nepradėsiu liaupsinti skaityklių, o pereisiu tiesiai prie to, kas mane vargino knygoje.
Anglų kalba. Ne, ne dėl to, kad aš angliškai prastai suprantu (yra sakančių, kad atvirkščiai – mano anglų kalba labai gera). Tiesiog ši anglų kalba buvo labai neįprasta. Vis tik knyga parašyta XIX amžiaus pabaigoje ir tuo metu rašybos taisyklės buvo visai kitokios. Ir kalbos stilius kitoks. Todėl buvo sunku priprasti ir perprasti tekstą.
Jūrininkystė. Kažkada bandžiau paskaityti Žiulio Verno romaną „Penkiolikos metų kapitonas“. Nepabaigiau. Nepatiko visas tas techniškas laivų ir jūrininkų gyvenimo vaizdavimas ir nusprendžiau, kad tai knyga berniukams. Praėjo šitiek metų, o ši tema vis dar nepatinka. („Karibų jūros piratai“ nesiskaito, juk ten piratai.) O dabar pabandykite įsivaizduoti, kad angliškai pirmą kartą skaitote apie laivo sandarą. Pusės žodžių reikšmės net neįsivaizdavau, o kita pusė priminė kitus žodžius, kurie tokiame kontekste nenaudojami.
Tačiau XIX amžiuje būti jūrininku buvo pats didžiausias gyvenimo nuotykis. Pavojingas, bet labai viliojantis. O dar ir pelningas. Akivaizdu, kad berniukai svajojo tapti jūrininkais ir paaugę, vienų ar kitų paskatų vedini, stengėsi tapti laivo įgulos dalimi. Kelionės ir pažinimo džiaugsmas dar ir dabar traukia žmones. O tie, kurie negali sau leisti keliauti arba bijo iššūkių, imasi skaityti kitų išgyventas ir aprašytas istorijas.
Prisipažinsiu, net skaitydama knygą sunkiai galėjau prisiminti, kas joje vyksta. Matyt kaltas patirties trūkumas tokių tekstų skaityme. Dar ir dėmesio nesutelkimas (važiuojant traukiniu dar reikia ir savo stotelės nepravažiuoti, ne tik paskęsti knygoje). Per daug nenusivyliau, puikiai tiko skaityklei išbandyti.
Anglų kalba. Ne, ne dėl to, kad aš angliškai prastai suprantu (yra sakančių, kad atvirkščiai – mano anglų kalba labai gera). Tiesiog ši anglų kalba buvo labai neįprasta. Vis tik knyga parašyta XIX amžiaus pabaigoje ir tuo metu rašybos taisyklės buvo visai kitokios. Ir kalbos stilius kitoks. Todėl buvo sunku priprasti ir perprasti tekstą.
Jūrininkystė. Kažkada bandžiau paskaityti Žiulio Verno romaną „Penkiolikos metų kapitonas“. Nepabaigiau. Nepatiko visas tas techniškas laivų ir jūrininkų gyvenimo vaizdavimas ir nusprendžiau, kad tai knyga berniukams. Praėjo šitiek metų, o ši tema vis dar nepatinka. („Karibų jūros piratai“ nesiskaito, juk ten piratai.) O dabar pabandykite įsivaizduoti, kad angliškai pirmą kartą skaitote apie laivo sandarą. Pusės žodžių reikšmės net neįsivaizdavau, o kita pusė priminė kitus žodžius, kurie tokiame kontekste nenaudojami.
Tačiau XIX amžiuje būti jūrininku buvo pats didžiausias gyvenimo nuotykis. Pavojingas, bet labai viliojantis. O dar ir pelningas. Akivaizdu, kad berniukai svajojo tapti jūrininkais ir paaugę, vienų ar kitų paskatų vedini, stengėsi tapti laivo įgulos dalimi. Kelionės ir pažinimo džiaugsmas dar ir dabar traukia žmones. O tie, kurie negali sau leisti keliauti arba bijo iššūkių, imasi skaityti kitų išgyventas ir aprašytas istorijas.
Prisipažinsiu, net skaitydama knygą sunkiai galėjau prisiminti, kas joje vyksta. Matyt kaltas patirties trūkumas tokių tekstų skaityme. Dar ir dėmesio nesutelkimas (važiuojant traukiniu dar reikia ir savo stotelės nepravažiuoti, ne tik paskęsti knygoje). Per daug nenusivyliau, puikiai tiko skaityklei išbandyti.
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August 13, 2016 Mr. Cole takes a boat to Australia during the gold rush. He finds little gold, so he goes back home. As it happens, he gets on the same boat he came out on, the 'Lady German.' Whereupon he meets Eva Denison. He does not immediately fall in love, but he does eventually. She is being escorted back to England by her step-father, Jorges Santos.
The boat is not just taking some folks back to England, but has a secret cargo, and, as it happens, catches fire and is lost at sea. Mr. Cole, it appears, is the only survivor of this tragedy. There are some hints of the coming events, but none that explain the full extent of what is occurring.
The story explains Mr. Coles survival and his life in London, where Mr. Cole is feted and praised as the survivor to distraction. Etc.,etc., the events happen and everything turns out for good because others have evidence and wit to realize what is happening, so save the day.
This not a swashbuckling tale, or detective fiction, but it could be one or the other to my mind. It was inetesting to hear.
The boat is not just taking some folks back to England, but has a secret cargo, and, as it happens, catches fire and is lost at sea. Mr. Cole, it appears, is the only survivor of this tragedy. There are some hints of the coming events, but none that explain the full extent of what is occurring.
The story explains Mr. Coles survival and his life in London, where Mr. Cole is feted and praised as the survivor to distraction. Etc.,etc., the events happen and everything turns out for good because others have evidence and wit to realize what is happening, so save the day.
This not a swashbuckling tale, or detective fiction, but it could be one or the other to my mind. It was inetesting to hear.
June 14, 2017
A marvelous adventure story with plenty of twists and turns! The writing is great, and the plot moves quickly with plenty of hair-raising danger. Hornung is a master at painting lovable scoundrels and villains that you love to the point where you actually want them to succeed in their crimes and escape the police! Excellent characters balanced on the sides of good and evil!
I was disappointed in the portrayal of the one female character though. She was just a perfect porcelain doll with no color or life for most of the book.
I was disappointed in the portrayal of the one female character though. She was just a perfect porcelain doll with no color or life for most of the book.
February 28, 2014
When I read this book, it was on an old 1930's copy, to which, I think, only added to the old story. The book has a beautiful language to it, and each word delicately paints the picture of every moment from his departure on the ship, to the very terrible moment his plans of a smooth voyage take a turn for the horrible. I had to read and reread the way he describes what he saw happening here, only because I was so taken aback at the details.
Every moment in this book is plagued by some unexpected event, and held my attention through every mysterious moment up until the very surprising end.
Every moment in this book is plagued by some unexpected event, and held my attention through every mysterious moment up until the very surprising end.
February 13, 2012
Really weak. I only read it because it was included in QuickReader on my iPhone. 1 star
April 7, 2013
I would rate this book a four until the end. I also really disliked Ava at the end. Weak character. but the book audio was free so oh well.
April 15, 2013
I'm just happy they ended up together, though, in the writer's words, I fall in love with Rattray more than with Cole.
December 15, 2013
Librivox
December 31, 2013
It was an ok read. Not brilliant but not too bad. i'd be looking into other works of the author.
June 6, 2015
Fluffy fluff. Fun but not much too it. The end has a bit of a surprise.
January 13, 2016
Ok for its time and genre. Couldn't make out the very end. Did he end up with her or not? There is a contradiction in the last two lines.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews