The Iceman

World War II Navy #5

by P.T. Deutermann, John Pruden (Narrator)

The Iceman is an action-packed World War II military thriller featuring a daring United States Navy submarine commander during the Pacific war in 1942-43.

In 1942, off the port city of St. Nazaire in occupied France, a United States Navy S-class submarine assigned to the Royal Navy lurks just outside the borders of the minefield protecting a German U-boat base. Lieutenant Commander Malachi Stormes, the boat’s skipper, patrols dangerously close to the minefield entrance and manages to trap and sink three outbound U-boats in one spectacular attack. Britain decorates him, the U.S. Navy promotes him and then gives him command of a brand new class of submarine, a fleet boat called Firefish. Based in Perth, Australia, having been driven out of the Philippines by the Japanese juggernaut, the Perth boats are the only American forces capable of hitting the Japanese in the western Pacific.

Stormes, with his cold, steely-eyed focus on killing Japanese ships, is an enigma to his officers and crew, especially when it becomes clear that he is willing to take huge chances to achieve results. Firefish sinks more ships than any Perth boat on her first war patrol, but Stormes’ unconventional tactics literally frighten his crew. Driven by a past steeped in the whiskey-haunted violence of the Kentucky coal fields, whose psychological scars torment his sleep and close him off from personal relationships, Stormes is nicknamed The Iceman. His crew is proud of their boat’s accomplishments, but wonder if their iron-willed skipper will bring them home alive.

With intense action and featuring authentic submarine tactics in the early years of the Pacific war, The Iceman continues P. T. Deutermann's masterful, award-winning cycle of thrillers set during World War II.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Military Fiction, World War II, Audiobook, War, Suspense

Audible Audio

First published August 21, 2018

About the author

P. T. Deutermann is a retired Navy captain and has served in the joint Chiefs of Staff as an arms control specialist. He is the author of eighteen novels, and lives in North Carolina. His World War II adventure novel Pacific Glory won the W. Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction, administered by the American Library Association; his other World War II novels are Ghosts of Bungo Suido and Sentinels of Fire. His most recent novel is Cold Frame, a contemporary thriller set in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capt Duetermann has once again written an outstanding look at the US Navy in World War II. In this entry to his WW II series he once again turns his eyes to the Silent Service. This time he looks at the early efforts of the Navy to utilize their submarines and some of the problems encountered as prewar attitudes and doctrines are tested and found wanting. These include just what should the subs targets should be (combat ships vs merchant shipping) and most famously – inadequately tested torpedoes and firing mechanisms.

The novel opens with the main character, CDR Malachi Stormes, in command of an obsolescent S-class submarine lurking off of the German U-boat base of St. Nazaire, mapping the mine fields. His coolness under fire and his agressiveness are established in this scene and he is subsequently transferred to the Submarine Fleet in Darwin, Australia and given the command of a modern fleet boat, the USS Firefish, whose previous commander has been relieved for lack of aggression. His coolness under fire soon causes the crew to nickname him “The Iceman”.

In telling the tale of “The Iceman”, Capt Deutermann explores many of the issues the Navy had early in the war in just how to use their submarine force. According to the novel in addition to the torpedo failures, just what they should be targeting was a big issue. Naval doctrine has the subs targeting naval vessels, the bigger the better. CDR Stormes feels that they should be targeting the merchant fleet, esp tankers. This leads to some friction between him and his commanders starting with his squadron commander and going up. However his success shields him from a lot of the fall out for so adamantly disagreeing with his bosses. Another issue touched on is the lack of aggressiveness of submarine commanders early in the war. The author also gives some possible reasons for that lack of aggression.

The author also tells the story of the problems the dogged the MK14 torpedo that the the US submarines carried early in the war. Cdr Stormes has extensive experience with the torpedoes, including a stint on the development board. He figures out what the problem is and successfully modifies the settings and has a very successful first patrol. He again runs into problems with his bosses when he deactivates the magnetic triggers, which just don’t work. He boss however was on the board that developed them and issues a command that magnetic triggers WILL be used.

In telling the story of the Firefish, the author looks at just what makes CDR Stormes tick, the horrible secret he is carrying, how that secret affects both his personality and his relationships with both his crew and the other sub commanders in his squadron. The author also looks at some of the moral dilemmas that the submarine commanders faced. These include just what to do about survivors of the ships he sinks. In one memorable scene, he actively machine guns the crew of a flying boat he catches floating on the surface. This scene triggers a confrontation with his XO, who wants nothing to do with it. I felt the author handled both the scene and the subsequent actions very well.

There is also a love story sandwiched in between patrols. After his first patrol, Malachi meets and falls for an Australian Surgeon. She happens to be the daughter of one of the more important citizens of Western Australia. He eventually unburdens his soul and tells her his secret.

As usual with Cap Deutermann, he writes of the rhythms of shipboard life excellently. He makes the characters believable and sympathetic. I basically inhaled this book, finishing it in two days. (I had to go to work, or I would have finished it in one sitting) My rating if GR allowed would be 4.75 stars so I rounded up.

In fairness, I received an advanced copy of this novel from St. Martins Press in exchange for an honest review. There were some copy editing problems (misspellings and a couple of missing words) that I'm sure will be fixed in the print edition.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a number of books by Captain Deutermann. He is a great writer of naval stories. In this book our protagonist is Commander Malachi Stormes. He has been transferred from the European Theatre to the Pacific. He is been ordered to take command of the submarine USS Firefish.

The book is well written and researched. The pace is fast. The action is non-stop. The author is a great naval storyteller. Deutermann served twenty-six years in the Navy and grew up a Navy brat, needless to say, the stories are authentic. As with most of Deutermann’s books, this one is hard to put down. If you enjoy a good submarine story about World War II, this is a great choice.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and forty-one minutes. John Pruden does a good job narrating the book. Pruden is a voice actor and is well known for his many audiobook narrations.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one tells a naval action story like P.T. Deutermann in my opinion. Of course he is a Naval Academy graduate and served 26 years in the U.S. Navy; that may have something to do with it. Beyond that though, he is a wordsmith with a great writing style. He makes the reader a member of his ship's crew and you actually live the story. This is a submarine story and begins with a bit of live history which introduces us to our hero, Commander/Captain Malachi Stormes, serving in the
Atlantic fleet during 1942. Soon, though, he is transferred to the Pacific fleet operating out of Freemantle/Perth Australia which plays a key role in supporting our Marines in the Solomon Islands and, in fact, defending Australia from a possible Japanese invasion. He is given command of the USS Firefish and his crew is astonished at his aggressive tactics which are diametrically opposed to
those of their previous skipper. This is a high octane, take no prisoners and come home with no torpedoes tale. Buckle up and hang on. I loved it.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I was a teenager one of my most consistent reading genres has been sea stories. I assume this derives in part from my father’s service in the WW2 Royal Canadian Navy or maybe all those pirate movies of the 1950s. My enthusiasm has ranged from the adventures under sail of Forester’s Hornblower or Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin sea tales to the future naval adventures of authors such as Patrick Robinson or Rick Campbell. The “World War II Navy” * series of ex-Navy author P.T. Deutermann has become a favorite ever since I read Pacific Glory, the first book of the series in 2012. Iceman is Deutermann’s latest and the fifth in the series.

All five novels share a similar narrative thrust: Place fictional characters in very specific combat zones throughout the Pacific theatre of operations. These fictional characters stand in for the many men who sailed in harm’s way from 1941 t0 1945. What is particularly well wrought is how Deutermann spins his fiction in the midst of these very real battles. Also admirable is that these are men on small boats, destroyers and submarines; carriers, battleships, admirals and others of high rank are mostly relegated to the background. Iceman is the second book in the series, after Ghosts of Bungo Suido, to feature submarine combat and the cramped quarters, unreliable weapons and combat operations are tensely described. Indeed, Captain Gar Hammond in Ghosts of Bungo Suido and Captain Malachi Stormes in Iceman share an affinity for certain unconventional tactics.

(Deutermann has an amusing near-Dickensian affinity for character names. Aside from Gar and Malachi other books feature Glory Hawthorne, Pudge Tallmadge and Harmon Wolf to name just three).

There is no better setting for tension and fear than a submarine at war. There is also no better place for grace under pressure and Stormes possesses that in spades. His coolness is such that it rattles the crew and leads to the “Iceman” moniker. One small example: Stormes orders the sub to attack on the surface, which rattles everyone, then while waiting for his sub to close the distance, he orders the gun crew and watch below and sits down on the bridge to have a cigarette. I appreciated the lesson in submarine attack geometry which clarified my understanding of various tactics. Despite my great enjoyment of Iceman I felt a certain repetition of technical information, particularly with the troubles with the Mk 14 torpedoes. Additionally, like all of Deutermann’s books that I’ve read there is a romance subplot. I appreciate that women provide a poignant example of what we were fighting for, they also provide a strong example of all that women did for the war effort, and they bring a sympathetic ear to the fear and tension all around but it’s difficult to bring depth to these relationships within the context of a 320 page novel.

Nevertheless, as with other Deutermann novels I tore through it with a highly focussed attention. What is greatest about these novels, indeed what is brave and virtuous about the characters is that, while fictionally created, they resound with the aura of the real men who served. Just read any good history of the Pacific War and you will hear the stories of the men whom, I am sure, continue to inspire Pete Deutermann.

* Goodreads refers to the series as “World War 2 Navy” while the author’s catalog in Iceman refers to the series as “Sea Stories.” This list contains two earlier books, The Edge of Honor and Scorpion in the Sea. Deutermann’s personal web site makes no mention of any series classification only featuring individual titles. FYI

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an advance reading copy of Iceman.

[Rob Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In fairness, I received an advanced copy from St. Martin's Press probably based on the fact that I have read everything P. T. Deutermann has written. Yes, he is one of my favorite authors. Now for the review:

This is the fifth historical novel he has written about naval efforts in the Pacific during World War II. While each is distinct and different, each has the same theme, Leadership. Iceman is no exception. It is the story of a submarine Captain fighting the Japanese, the Naval bureaucracy, and his own demons. All of this is woven into the story of a submarine's exploits. In short, a naval thriller. While not a submariner, I did spend 25 years in the Navy, and he gets it right. That is not always true of naval adventures.

[Tony Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you've outdone yourself, Pete… The Iceman is definitely deserving as much recognition, if not more, than “... Glory!” I commend your ongoing dedication in bringing to life WWII naval history through thorough research and your creativity in developing characters that reflect the mind and trials of those who served, especially those in the Silent Service. I often found myself relating your tale of submarine ops to those that I grew up hearing from my father who was one of the early batch of aggressive sub skippers who brought new fleet boats to the war during the early months of ‘42 and was later tasked by Lockwood to “fix the problem” when it came to defective firing pins on the MK 14 torpedos.

Bravo Zulu, shipmate!

[Craig Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I asked for a copy of this book to read and review I expected to read about a screamer of a commanding officer whos hubris and incompetence put his crew and boat in constant danger. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The CO, nicknamed the Iceman by the crew, is a dedicated and knowledgable submariner who only wanted to sink Japanese ships. His icy personality was brought about by his early past and he has difficulty relating to the crew and officers in a human way. Of course, that all slowly changes as the story progresses. This is a well crafted World War II novel with realistic battle action. Very good book!

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Deutermann. About submarine operations in the Pacific out of Australia. I learned all about the problems of the Mark 14 torpedo. Deutermann does use the same sea area that he covered in his last WWII book, except from the submarine rather than the destroyer perspective.
Recommend.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for an advanced reading copy of P.T. Deutermann’s newest WWII military thriller THE ICEMAN. This is the 4th of Mr. Deutermann’s standalone WWII novels I have read. The previous books include PACIFIC GLORY, GHOSTS OF BUNGO SUIDA and THE COMMODORE. They all are about different ship’s captains facing primarily Japanese opponents during the war. They offer a great look at what the United States Navy was facing in the days after Pearl Harbor. I recognized some of the stories from reading nonfiction naval histories about the same war theater and period.

THE ICEMAN features Lt. Commander Malachi Stormes a brilliant submarine captain who makes his mark by sinking three German destroyers off the coast of St. Nazaire, France in early 1942. He and his sub are on loan to the British Navy. As a result of this triumph, Stormes is awarded the British “Distinguished Service Order” medal (second only to the Victoria Cross) and is promoted to full Commander by the U.S. Navy. As an additional reward, he is given command of the newish fleet submarine Firefish based in Perth, Australia (west coast).

On his first patrol in the Solomon Islands, he breaks with regulations governing the use of Mark 14 torpedoes which gets him into the Admiral’s doghouse. In Commander Stormes background is a three year stint in Newport, Rhode Island working on those munitions so he intimately knows their quirks. Because of his sometimes fearless approach to sinking enemy ships, his crew calls him The Iceman.

During his shore leaves between patrols, Stormes meets an Australian heiress, Kensie Richmond, who is a surgeon, in a Perth hospital. Her mother, Margery, is looking for a match for Kensie with a social status equal to the Richmond’s but who can stop the machinations of Cupid? Lambert the father is hoping that his daughter finds a partner who can help out in his empire. The reader is treated to four patrols of the Firefish and its crew. All are different in the nature and location of the events that take place. Nonstop action alternates with the development of the relationship between Stormes and Kensie. During this phase a deep, dark secret is revealed that could torpedo the relationship.

I could not put the book down. The military action rings true on many fronts. Some real people populate the story. Both Peter Deutermann and his father had long Navy careers. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this story and the other three I mentioned earlier.

GO! BUY! READ!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this advance copy of The Iceman by PT Deutermannn in exchange for an impartial review.

The main character in this World War II submarine thriller is Commander Malachi Stormes, USN. It begins off the French coast in 1942 where Stormes takes his sub dangerously close to the entrance of a heavily mined German port where he torpedoes and sinks a group three U-boats as they leave the harbor. For this he is decorated by the British and promoted to full captain by the American navy. He is sent to the Pacific and given command of a newer submarine, the USS Firefish, based in Perth, Australia. After the fall of the Philippines and the rapid advance of the Japanese, Australia is the only safe base available. For the Firefish’s first mission they are sent out to patrol the main channel, known as “The Slot”, that the Japanese are using to attack the ships surrounding Guadalcanal. The mission is a spectacular success and the crew is thrilled of their accomplishments, but are a little afraid of their new skipper. They call Stormes “The Iceman” because he is so daring and calm in action, and willing to take dangerous chances to accomplish his mission.

I have read a couple of WWII submariners' diaries and Deutermann’s descriptions of submarine life and action are very accurate and descriptive. He also stays away from the standard submarine plot devices giving a very fresh look at the Silent Service. He includes descriptions of the day to day life on a sub while including enough thrilling action that it is never boring. He even manages to throw in a little romance without it getting in the way of the main story. It deals a lot with the very real problems the skippers had with the torpedoes in use in the early war. They were very erratic and often failed to explode. The Navy refused to listen and blamed the problems on poor tactics by the submariners. The book provides an interesting look at the politics involved. Although somewhat of a student of WWII I learned a lot from this book which reads like an outstanding cross between a history book and a thriller. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in wartime action and the Pacific war and submarines in particular. Stormes is a fascinating character with an interesting background and real human foibles. My only minor quibble is his repeatedly referring to his cigarettes as “cancer sticks.” I between that term was first appeared in about 1958. But apart from that very minor compliant I very much enjoyed this book.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

P. T. Deutermann's sea-based novels are fascinating introductions to dangerous skills. Just as "Sentinels of Fire" left an indelible impression of what it was like to be in a destroyer screen protecting big ships from kamikaze attacks off Okinawa, and just as "The Commodore" brilliantly described how the use of destroyers evolved during the brutal sea actions off Guadalcanal, "The Iceman" provides considerable insight into what submariners did to carry out their missions and stay alive during the Pacific war's first year or so. Taken together, they are stunning, and Deutermann has written sixteen other books.

Deutermann's mastery of technical detail is really impressive, as is his highly developed set of writing skills. His ability to create fictional characters that seem real elevates his novels into a rarified company of writers (Nicholas Monserrat, C. S. Forester, and David Poyer territory, say). Though he has written excellent thrillers (including the tremendous Cam Richter books), it's his novels of the sea that I wait for most eagerly.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great edition of historical fiction from P.T. Deutermann and another submariner tale from the Pacific...Story of a Kentucky-born, sub commander and his forays from Perth during the early years of WWII...wonderful characterization of the undefeatable American spirit that kept the Japanese Empire from over running Australia...great effort was taken to give us the feel of submariner combat...Das Boot in a book!...Good Stuff!

[Paul J. Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding WWII submarine story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one of the best WWII (fiction) stories I have read. It is great when you find a book to read that you cannot put down, when you are so involved in the story that you do not want to be interrupted. Sadly I have reached the end.

[Rellim]

11/26/2021 - $1.99 on Chirp. Military thrillers.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best submarine novel I've ever read, and a worthy read even for those not particularly keen on submarines.

[Scott Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid entry in the series.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. As an aside, the reader was excellent! I read lots of military fiction books and in particular like books about submarine warfare. This is just a great book and I am disappointed that I didn't know about this author and his many novels before, but am ecstatic that I have many more of his novels to read! I thoroughly recommend giving this book or any of his other books a whirl!

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: a military thriller based on true events. It features a daring WW2 submarine commander.

[David D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review of The Iceman, by P.T. Deutermann

A Thrilling Submarine Tale
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018
Author P.T. Deutermann has written a thrilling story about submarine warfare in the Pacific.

Lieutenant Commander Malachi Stormes has made a reputation for himself in the European theater. As commander of an aging American S-boat, he managed to sink three German U-Boats emerging from a minefield. Now, Malachi has been transferred to Perth, Australia, and given command of the submarine USS Firefish. In the early stages of the Pacific war, the American fleet submarines were the primary tools used at hitting back at the Japanese fleet. Malachi and his untested crew have now been thrust into the forefront as an attack boat.

Throughout the course of the story, Malachi slowly converts his crew into a group of fearless (and somewhat apprehensive) men who thrive on sinking enemy ships. The scores begin to roll up as the Firefish begins to terrorize Japanese shipping. But the boat is plagued by ineffective torpedoes as well as some of the men who believe Malachi is too aggressive. But the results cannot be ignored.

Malachi is soon dubbed the Iceman for his detached personality and his sole desire to kill the Japanese. Although the Firefish has become one of the highest scoring boats in the fleet, will Malachi be able to overcome his Iceman persona?

"The Iceman" is a fine book and Deutermann has written a tale that accurately depicts the state of the American submarine force early in the war. It is true that American submarines were plagued with faulty torpedoes that either failed to explode or ran too deep. This narrative is constant throughout the book, but I miss Dick Hill. Also, the story of life in port after a patrol is well-described, with Malachi falling in love with a pretty Australian doctor. Deutermann even subtly mentions (not by direct name) some of America's greatest submarine skippers, including Dudley "Mush" Morton and Richard "Dick" O'Kane.

I give this fine book my highest recommendation. Deutermann has written a great fictional submarine tale that accurately depicts early American submarine warfare in the Pacific.

[Sam Reaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

P.T. Deutermann's novels about the U.S. Navy in World War II provide a vivid look at the reality of naval combat in that epic conflict. Deutermann is himself an ex-naval officer, and he has evidently mined some rich resources in his research. The books are full of convincing detail and revealing insight into the grim reality of naval warfare.
In this one, submarine captain Malachi Stormes is sent to Perth, Australia to join the Pacific fleet in summer, 1942, as the U.S. is just beginning its comeback after the shock of Pearl Harbor and the early defeats in the Pacific and the Philippines. An invasion of the Solomons is in the works, and the subs are sent out to hunt the Japanese cruisers and destroyers that stand in the way.
Stormes assumes command of a boat that was previously skippered by a captain known for his caution; that goes out the window fast as Stormes establishes a reputation for aggressive, risky attacks and unorthodox tactics. He racks up kills while confronting the doubts of his crew and the disapproval of the brass safe at their desks in Perth, earning the nickname 'the Iceman'.
It's great military adventure, probably for naval history buffs only; there's the obligatory subplot involving the comely Australian doctor back in Perth waiting anxiously for the Iceman's return, but that's not why we read these books.

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a submarine captain working in the SWPA during WWII during 1942 and early 1943.

As a study of naval command, it's excellent, with believable characters at every level and a strong plot.

The captain got his new submarine command after a very successful command of an S-boat in the Atlantic and has a complex history, including as a coal miner in Kentucky while he was a boy. His character is well-described and evolves believably during the course of the book. Of his crew, we mostly see his executive officers and his CoB; the rest of the crew, while important to the story, are sketched in. His superior officers exhibit the mix of abilities and attitudes common to senior officers in both the Army and Navy at the start of WWII, which makes for a certain level of tension.

The story involves combat patrols in The Slot, near Guadalcanal, and several other location in the Southwest Pacific.

This isn't as compelling as the previous two books in this series, but its view into the world of a WWII submarine commander is still very good. This book is definitely recommended.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iceman continues P.T. Duetermann's run of terrific naval stories set in the south Pacific in World War II. After a successful submarine attack on a German submarine pack, American Captain Stormes is reassigned to Perth to command a S-class submarine, the Firefox, in combatting the Japanese navy that is controlling the waters of the Pacific. From day one he accepts the challenge to "kill the Japs" that are battling the beleaguered American forces on Guadalcanal. To do that he must challenge his crew to do things that they have not been required to do and to test the limits of his submarine. His crew nickname him "The Iceman" because of his attitude, determination, and tactics. Captain Stormes must also contend with defective torpedos and Admirals that don't believe in the problems. In following his orders, Captain Stormes uses novel attacks and exercises his submarine to the fullest. This is a gripping story highlighting submarine tactics against a superior enemy force. It is hard to put down, drawing the reader on to an exciting conclusion.

[Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this WW2 series. The writing is super easy to follow and get into. In this book, we follow the exploits of a Tambor class fleet sub in the WW2 Pacific theater. The protagonist is Captain Malachi Stormes.

The book starts with him as a S-class sub in the North Atlantic where he torpedoes 3 U-boats at the same time. He is promoted to command the Tambor class sub where he achieves a lot of success. We get the captain's POV during attacks on convoys, large ships of war, freighters, transports, etc. and even a seaplane. As most of Deutermann's plots are done in easy mode, the ship escapes relatively unscathed in all of its escapades.

Not too much is written about the daily life of a submariner but we do get a long expose on the faults of the Mark 14 torpedo. There is also a relatively detailed romantic subplot but as this is a stand lone book, all it does is take away from the action.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading “The Iceman” by P.T. Deutermann. I was anxious to read this, the fifth in Deutermann’s sea stories as I had enjoyed all the others. Deutermann’s book” Pacific Glory” is , in my opinion, the gold standard for all books, both fiction and non-fiction, about World War II in the Pacific Ocean.. Mr Deutermann is retired from 26 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, and the son of a career naval officer. It is safe to say that the author has some personal knowledge of naval operations. As with the 4 other sea stories written by Deutermann, “The Iceman” accurately describes the horror of the war in the Pacific and the valor of the young men who served there. The story follows Commander Malachi Stormes, skipper of the American submarine, the USS Firefish on 5 missions in the western Pacific in 1942. Based out of Perth, Australia, Stormes leads his crew as they battle the naval bureaucracy, faulty equipment, and the Japanese. This book is a work of fiction, but it reads like non-fiction. This is another winner for P.T. Deutermann. Thanks to St.Martins press and net galley for the opportunity to read this fine book.

[Clearview Library District · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deutermann writes of WWII naval battles and procedures as well as anyone. His stories are interesting, compelling, realistic, and sometimes brutal. The Iceman refers to Malachi Stormes, Commander of the submarine Firefish and its exploits in the South Pacific. You will find out why Stormes is called the Iceman. Deutermann's stories are based on his naval knowledge and experience, and reveal Navy procedures and foibles. For instance, he talks about when a sub does not return from patrol, there is rarely any knowledge of what happened to it, but the crew is listed as missing in action so the family can continue to get the sailor's pay.
This story relates four successful missions for the Firefish and the things that can go wrong on a boat that had to remain submerged during daylight hours. If you are into WWII history or Navy policy and procedure, this is your book.

Bruce

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A submarine, WWII, and a captain who takes no crap, is very daring and totally committed to his job. That is sinking enemy ships, in this case Japanese, at every opportunity using tactics that the brass often does not completely approve of. This book is a solid adventure and the author's submarine expertise surely shines. Suspenseful and somewhat witty, I enjoyed this book. Much of the story revolved around the torpedo problems and the failure of the Navy to properly test them before commissioning them to be used by the subs. Egos got in the way and sub captains had to break numerous directives from the people who expect results but have never sailed on a sub. If you are into this type of story, P T Deutermann provides a nice variety of books to soothe your desires.

[Studebhawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action at Sea
This story moves at a steady pace. There is abundant action to please any armchair reader of naval historical fiction. The author weaves into the story great detail of WWII submachine action that only underscores hid deep knowledge of his material. The portrayal of his main character struggles to balance his duty as a commanding officer at wartime with his obligation to his crew for which he bears ultimate responsibility only underscores the dilemma of a very human condition. This moral dilemma adds dimension to his main character as a naval officer and as a human being.
The steady drumbeat of naval action on almost every page will leave the most casual reader wanting more. I know I will.

[Clyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This WWII novel detailing the intricacies of submarine warfare in the Pacific theater was absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed not only the strategies and tactics demonstrated, but the more technical day to day operations of a WWII submarine together with the problems that sub captains faced with unreliable torpedos, and the politics that got in the way of improvements. I know the book was based on real research done by the author, and is likely historically based, but I don’t know if the tours described were actual, or a collage of multiple experiences. It made for interesting reading regardless!

[John Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed historical novel about submarine warfare in the Pacific during World War II. It is full of technical details about submarines and how torpedoes work.
It’s main attraction, however, is Malachi Stormes, the risk talking captain of the Firefish, who earns the nickname “The Iceman”, for his bold, but very rewarding actions in the war. Malachi’s romance with Australian surgeon Kensie Richmond and his relationship with his cautious Executive Officer, Marty, figure strongly in the story, making it appealing to a wider group of readers. This is a great adventure, full of historical facts and technical details.

[David Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, edge of your seat WW II naval story. However, to truly appreciate it, you must be prepared for some very technical reading regarding the inner workings of a submarine. If you’re good with that, then I highly recommend this book. For me, it was a joy to read because Deutermann clearly did his homework and demonstrated excellent knowledge of WWII submarine warfare. I am very interested in submarines, so this book was right up my alley.

Malachi Stormes was a perfect character for this story, and I actually didn’t mind the mushy love story on the side LOL! This is my second book by this author, and I look forward to reading more books by him.