Red Tide: Historical Fiction Pirate Thriller

by Scott R. Greer

Moby Dick meets Hannibal Lecter in this Thrilling Historical Fiction.View the full-length trailer at scottrgreer.comShanghaied from Boston Harbor in 1898, aspiring medical student Wilhelm is stranded aboard the infamous ship – Red Tide. Ran by a man known only as Captain, the Red Tide is filled with renegades and criminals who remain hidden in the open ocean.When the Captain learns of Wilhelm's medical education, he forces him to perform horrific surgeries in a makeshift infirmary deep within the belly of the ship. After two years in captivity, Wilhelm escapes aboard a flaming vessel and returns home, hungry for revenge. He assembles his own crew of misfits and sets out on a hunt for the Red Tide.Prepare to embark on a thrilling historical adventure. Can Wilhelm get the vengeance he desires, or be just another victim of the ruthless Captain?“Red Tide by Scott R. Greer is a fantastic novel. Historical thriller with a twist ending! This book had me all-in from the opening scene until the twisted end which no one sees coming. Get your copy, highly recommended. Movie material.”

The Review Boss

“I haven't read a good pirate story in a long time! This one was really enjoyable too. Lots of great characters that are well developed. A great storyline with nice twists and turns and a really nice writing style as well.”

TRVLR

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289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2020

About the author

With the official release of my first full length historical fiction, Red Tide and well underway into other projects, the sky is the limit.

Please visit www.scottrgreer.com for more information.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PPQJWP?...

Reviews

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the tale of Red Tide, the author takes the reader on a terrifying adventure. Young Wilhelm, a medical student, is kidnapped and held captive on a renegade pirate ship out of Boston in 1898. The sadistic captain of the ship has no pity for injured slaves and his interest in medical experimentation causes many of the ship’s crew to strenuously downplay cuts or broken bones. Through the hardships of the next two years, Wilhelm is forced to witness the captain’s gruesome pursuits.

The action scenes and confrontations are tightly woven together, with many emotional encounters that Wilhelm is forced to experience. This is not Pirates of the Caribbean with the charismatic humor of Johnny Depp turning tragedy into comedy. Red Tide presents a realistic narrative of degradation and desolation on the high seas under forced labor, excuse enough to overlook the use of Joe Pesci’s favorite cuss word - see Casino; or not. But the author’s ability to present a cohesive story, with a strong command of dialogue and flowing scenes, makes this novel about abject despair and bittersweet revenge as captivating as a blockbuster movie.

[Tarun Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and adventurous stories are something that I can vouch for that to at any day and when such refreshing and fresh storyline comes it feels cheery on top as thriller, mystery and action adventure is one of my top favorite genres which I cannot miss without a fail.

Through this the author has teleported the readers to 1898 era where a medical student Wilhelm found himself abducted in the most atrocious pirated ship called Red Tide. Where he was forced to stay for a couple of years and encountered some of the most brutal incidents which he was forced to be a part of, with the captain. And finally after 2 years Wilhelm was successful in the escape and decided to take his revenge.
But will he be able to hunt down the bad guys? Or will he be another victim by them?
This book was indeed much thrilling dose of adventure with a much developed characters and storyline. I personally loved the title of the book.

[Nellie Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Tide presents a compelling narrative set in 1898, following Wilhelm, a medical student forcibly conscripted aboard a pirate vessel. The novel’s strength lies in its atmospheric tension and morally complex protagonist. Greer constructs a claustrophobic maritime setting where survival hinges on submission, and the protagonist’s transformation is marked by psychological deterioration and eventual resolve.

The pacing is consistent, with a clear arc from captivity to revenge. The surgical scenes, while graphic, serve a narrative purpose and reinforce the theme of autonomy under duress. Dialogue is functional and occasionally sharp, though secondary characters could benefit from deeper development.

Stylistically, the prose leans cinematic, with vivid descriptions and a strong sense of place. The revenge plot, while familiar, is executed with enough emotional weight to maintain reader engagement. The novel’s conclusion offers a satisfying payoff, though some readers may find the brutality excessive.

Overall, Red Tide succeeds as a historical thriller with psychological depth. Recommended for readers seeking a darker, character-driven maritime narrative.

[Lauren Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott R. Greer’s Red Tide is an intense blend of historical adventure, psychological horror, and high-seas action. Set in 1898, the novel follows Wilhelm, an aspiring medical student who is shanghaied aboard the infamous Red Tide, a ship ruled by a ruthless Captain and his lawless crew. Forced into performing gruesome surgeries in a hidden infirmary, Wilhelm endures two years of captivity before escaping—only to return, driven by a relentless thirst for revenge.

Greer masterfully builds tension, immersing readers in a dark and brutal maritime world where survival is never guaranteed. The pacing is relentless, the stakes are high, and the psychological depth of Wilhelm’s journey makes for an unforgettable read. The novel’s twists—especially its shocking conclusion—cement Red Tide as a must-read for fans of gritty historical fiction.

If you enjoy stories with the atmospheric depth of Moby-Dick and the psychological intensity of The Revenant, Red Tide delivers on all fronts. A thrilling, cinematic experience that’s perfect for fans of historical thrillers with a dark edge. Highly recommended!

[Zee's Bookish Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Tide takes us on a thrilling pirate adventure. This is my first time reading a pirate thriller and the author did not disappoint. It is incredibly chilling how realistic the narration is, while extremely thrilling with all the action and confrontation. The entire book is well woven and wonderfully written. Definitely should be checked out by anyone interested in thrillers and pirates. I have received a free copy on BookMuffin from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review