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Dead Rich
Super yachts are secretive, like their owners. The bigger the richer. Like castles, they are created to inspire awe. Like castles too, they are defended. They are an entire world, separate from the rest of us.
Kai, a carefree once-successful musician is invited by his new Russian girlfriend Zina to join her family's Caribbean holiday. Impulsively accepting he learns that Zina is the daughter of a Russian oligarch, Stepan Pirumov and that the trip is aboard his yacht, the Zinaida, moored in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
On arrival Kai discovers that the head of security has been arrested, armed guards are below deck, there's an onboard panic room and a strong sense of all not being quite right beneath the gleaming surfaces of the Pirumov's lives. An unnerving presence punctures the atmosphere: a murderous imposter is on board the Zinaida, but who is it?
Kai will find that the only person he can trust will be Erin and that the world of the super-rich will become a prison from which they must escape.
Kai, a carefree once-successful musician is invited by his new Russian girlfriend Zina to join her family's Caribbean holiday. Impulsively accepting he learns that Zina is the daughter of a Russian oligarch, Stepan Pirumov and that the trip is aboard his yacht, the Zinaida, moored in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
On arrival Kai discovers that the head of security has been arrested, armed guards are below deck, there's an onboard panic room and a strong sense of all not being quite right beneath the gleaming surfaces of the Pirumov's lives. An unnerving presence punctures the atmosphere: a murderous imposter is on board the Zinaida, but who is it?
Kai will find that the only person he can trust will be Erin and that the world of the super-rich will become a prison from which they must escape.
406 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2022
18 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
G.W. Shaw
4 books39 followersWilliam Shaw is a crime writer and wrote the Alex Cupidi series set in Dungeness, Kent and the Breen & Tozer series set in London in 1968-9. He also write under the name G.W. Shaw.
From William Shaw bio
From William Shaw bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 23, 2022
That was surprisingly good! Kai Smith is a musician whose career is on the decline, particularly after COVID, so he is considering taking a regular job. But his new girlfriend, Russian art student Zina, suddenly asks him to join her on the family super yacht for a little jaunt in the Caribbean. Kai is not keen but Zina begs him to go - she hates her family and says she needs him there as she doesn’t want to go either but her father, Russian oligarch Stepan Pirumova, insists on this sudden trip. Of course Kai has no idea how rich the family actually is and that Pirumova believes his life is in danger.
There are more staff than guests on this floating palace. The Captain and the first mate, Erin Wade, are permanent staff and basically live on the yacht but the rest of the crew had to be sourced through an agency due to the sudden nature of the trip. While they are waiting for the patriarch to arrive Kai dives into the clear water for a swim and Erin has to take the RIB out to rescue him from the rip he didn’t notice.
Eventually they are all aboard and set off. There is some tension among the family and Kai is wishing he had not come. On the second day gunshots are heard and the Pirumovas grab Kai and head for the panic room. Erin has concealed herself but is shocked to see the bodies of some of the crew. This is really bad. Even worse, the yacht seems to be taking on water and listing to one side. A powerboat picks up the shooters but hangs around to make sure the yacht sinks with the family on board. All the lifeboats and inflatable rafts have been sabotaged and all the EPIRBS, satellite phones and other communication devices removed.
So the story is a bit ‘locked room’, a bit ‘pirate attack’, a bit political hit and a bit adventure in the Caribbean during a tropical storm. Who are the shooters? How do the survivors get out of this pickle? And are the survivors safe when they finally reach land? This was a highly entertaining read that had me turning the pages well into the night. The characters were engaging and some were very likeable, others not so much. There was action aplenty and the plot flowed really well. Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
There are more staff than guests on this floating palace. The Captain and the first mate, Erin Wade, are permanent staff and basically live on the yacht but the rest of the crew had to be sourced through an agency due to the sudden nature of the trip. While they are waiting for the patriarch to arrive Kai dives into the clear water for a swim and Erin has to take the RIB out to rescue him from the rip he didn’t notice.
Eventually they are all aboard and set off. There is some tension among the family and Kai is wishing he had not come. On the second day gunshots are heard and the Pirumovas grab Kai and head for the panic room. Erin has concealed herself but is shocked to see the bodies of some of the crew. This is really bad. Even worse, the yacht seems to be taking on water and listing to one side. A powerboat picks up the shooters but hangs around to make sure the yacht sinks with the family on board. All the lifeboats and inflatable rafts have been sabotaged and all the EPIRBS, satellite phones and other communication devices removed.
So the story is a bit ‘locked room’, a bit ‘pirate attack’, a bit political hit and a bit adventure in the Caribbean during a tropical storm. Who are the shooters? How do the survivors get out of this pickle? And are the survivors safe when they finally reach land? This was a highly entertaining read that had me turning the pages well into the night. The characters were engaging and some were very likeable, others not so much. There was action aplenty and the plot flowed really well. Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
March 13, 2022
Dead Rich is a highly enjoyable stand-alone action thriller, about an attempted assassination on a Russian oligarch’s super yacht, by a British author who is new to me. I gather he also writes crime fiction under the name William Shaw, and have heard good things about those books too. I know almost nothing about sailing - my boat is a sea-kayak - but that didn’t matter, it’s a fast-paced well written adventure with two mostly likeable main characters.
Kai Smith is a down-on-his luck London musician who is facing having to get a desk job, when his new girlfriend, glamorous young art student Zina, invites him to join her for a family holiday on her father’s luxury yacht in the Caribbean. Erin Ward is the first mate aboard the Zinaida, who just wants to get the job done to save up for her dream of sailing around the world, and knows putting up with the whims of the super-wealthy is her route to achieving it. Kai has never heard of Stepan Pirumov, but he’s happy to go along with Zina’s wishes - until they find themselves trapped aboard a floating prison with a merciless killer…
This has a confusing opening scene and it wasn’t clear how this fitted in to the main plot, but bear with it, as we are soon introduced to the main players and the tension begins to ramp up. Die Hard type plots are one of my favourite tropes, and the role reversal here brings something new, as it’s tough sailor Erin who does most of the rescuing of slightly dumb-blond muso Kai. I also liked that this is set in a post-Covid world that acknowledges but doesn’t dwell on the pandemic. Reading about Russian skulduggery a few weeks into the current war felt apposite, while a story about travel to tropical islands brought mixed feelings - it certainly didn’t make me want to take up sailing!
The twists weren’t all that surprising but I was gripped enough to finish this within a day, and will be looking out for more of Shaw’s work. Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Dead Rich is published on May 26th.
Kai Smith is a down-on-his luck London musician who is facing having to get a desk job, when his new girlfriend, glamorous young art student Zina, invites him to join her for a family holiday on her father’s luxury yacht in the Caribbean. Erin Ward is the first mate aboard the Zinaida, who just wants to get the job done to save up for her dream of sailing around the world, and knows putting up with the whims of the super-wealthy is her route to achieving it. Kai has never heard of Stepan Pirumov, but he’s happy to go along with Zina’s wishes - until they find themselves trapped aboard a floating prison with a merciless killer…
This has a confusing opening scene and it wasn’t clear how this fitted in to the main plot, but bear with it, as we are soon introduced to the main players and the tension begins to ramp up. Die Hard type plots are one of my favourite tropes, and the role reversal here brings something new, as it’s tough sailor Erin who does most of the rescuing of slightly dumb-blond muso Kai. I also liked that this is set in a post-Covid world that acknowledges but doesn’t dwell on the pandemic. Reading about Russian skulduggery a few weeks into the current war felt apposite, while a story about travel to tropical islands brought mixed feelings - it certainly didn’t make me want to take up sailing!
The twists weren’t all that surprising but I was gripped enough to finish this within a day, and will be looking out for more of Shaw’s work. Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Dead Rich is published on May 26th.
June 17, 2022
Holy moly I loved this one! Yet another novel that mentions the pandemic and the aftereffects, and honestly, I love books that do. It happened and we need to try and move on as best we can. I felt bad for Kai throughout most of the book, as he was saved a lot by Erin. It’s clear that poor Kai had no idea just how rich his new girlfriend is and just how big a target he has on his back. If you want a book to fly through in one day then look no further!
Thank you Quercus for sending me a copy!
Thank you Quercus for sending me a copy!
May 19, 2022
As I have loved William Shaw’s crime novels, I was keen to try his first thriller, under a slightly different pen name…. The plot is built around Russian oligarchs and their yachts, the ‘symbols of power,’ as Mr Shaw refers to them, although many have now been impounded. However, we are firmly in the world of the super wealthy and influential.
Kai is a down on his luck, out of favour, singer, who was once famous but is now debating getting a ‘proper job.’ Unknown to him, his recent girlfriend, Zinaida, is the daughter of a Russian oligarch and, when her parents tell her she needs to join them on the Virgin Islands for a holiday, she drags Kai along. The yacht is run by Captain Marius Falk and First Mate Erin Wade, but new staff are brought in for the trip. These crew come from all over the world - from Sweden, Lagos, London, Poland, Taipei, and LA. Nobody knows each other, but the crew all know how to behave around the wealthy and that’s what matters. Want some cocaine? Sure, no problem. Yoga on the helipad? Of course. Movies, special menus, fireworks…
However, no matter how luxurious the surroundings, Kai still feels hemmed in and unwelcome. His phone has no signal and why does the yacht have a panic room installed? A storm is brewing out at sea and trouble is very definitely about to begin on board. A great new venture from a very talented author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Kai is a down on his luck, out of favour, singer, who was once famous but is now debating getting a ‘proper job.’ Unknown to him, his recent girlfriend, Zinaida, is the daughter of a Russian oligarch and, when her parents tell her she needs to join them on the Virgin Islands for a holiday, she drags Kai along. The yacht is run by Captain Marius Falk and First Mate Erin Wade, but new staff are brought in for the trip. These crew come from all over the world - from Sweden, Lagos, London, Poland, Taipei, and LA. Nobody knows each other, but the crew all know how to behave around the wealthy and that’s what matters. Want some cocaine? Sure, no problem. Yoga on the helipad? Of course. Movies, special menus, fireworks…
However, no matter how luxurious the surroundings, Kai still feels hemmed in and unwelcome. His phone has no signal and why does the yacht have a panic room installed? A storm is brewing out at sea and trouble is very definitely about to begin on board. A great new venture from a very talented author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
June 6, 2022
Discover the locations in Dead Rich
This was a unique thriller. Set in the world of luxury yachts and Russian oligarchs. There’s an interesting and shocking chapter at the start of the novel before you get to the yachts though and that really intrigued me. What on earth was going on?
The plot starts fast and sharp. Kai is a musician whose girlfriend invites him onto a yacht. Well, you know from the start that this is going to go badly. Everyone is hiding something and there’s some seriously bad shenanigans going on.
The novel raced on and I had no idea where it was going or who was going to do what. The picture is revealed gradually so you find things out as the characters do.
The world of luxury yachts is so well described. It wasn’t one that I have ever experienced in real life and not that much in books to be honest so this was a real treat. It must be wonderful to sail on one of these with all the luxuries associated with it, the water lapping as you read on deck with a cocktail in hand….
With a unique setting and sharp thriller contained with a mystery, this is a compelling read
July 3, 2022
Fast pace and addictive thriller set on the sea with excellent characters
Turns out the rich really ARE different as one hapless young lad is about to find out, as a holiday on the yacht of his girlfriends rich father descends into murder and mayhem.
Plenty of action keeps you turning the pages. This is brilliant edge of the seat storytelling. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Turns out the rich really ARE different as one hapless young lad is about to find out, as a holiday on the yacht of his girlfriends rich father descends into murder and mayhem.
Plenty of action keeps you turning the pages. This is brilliant edge of the seat storytelling. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 21, 2023
Loved it! Best William Shaw since Breen and Tozer!
October 3, 2022
Wow what a read. At times my heart was beating so fast I had to put it down. Brilliant thriller.
June 3, 2022
Dead Rich is enjoyable enough as a brain-off read, but despite its setting aboard the super-yacht of a super-rich oligarch, it’s a pretty run-of-the-mill, generic thriller.
The set up is probably the best part of the book. It’s a slow build, but a good one; Our Hero, Kai, is adrift in London as his career as a successful music producer and DJ has declined. He has a new relationship with the daughter of a Russian oligarch, and when she is summoned to join her parents on their yacht in the Caribbean, Kai accepts her invitation to join them. However, Sinister Forces are at work and the family are under threat. We also meet Erin, the supremely competent First Mate of the yacht; she and Kai don’t get on at all to begin with…and of course, I wouldn’t dream of giving away any spoilers about that or subsequent developments on the yacht.
It reminded me rather of some old Alistair MacLean thrillers; decent protagonists battling evil, an unlikely but rather obvious romance - plus a little added modern geopolitics. It’s competently written, there’s plenty of action and the aftermath plays out for some time – too long, in my view, so that it got more than a little silly by the end. Nonetheless, it did hold my attention despite having to suspend disbelief, sometimes from a considerable height.
This would make a good beach read in that it’s quite enjoyable but rather readily disposable. 3.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to Quercus Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
The set up is probably the best part of the book. It’s a slow build, but a good one; Our Hero, Kai, is adrift in London as his career as a successful music producer and DJ has declined. He has a new relationship with the daughter of a Russian oligarch, and when she is summoned to join her parents on their yacht in the Caribbean, Kai accepts her invitation to join them. However, Sinister Forces are at work and the family are under threat. We also meet Erin, the supremely competent First Mate of the yacht; she and Kai don’t get on at all to begin with…and of course, I wouldn’t dream of giving away any spoilers about that or subsequent developments on the yacht.
It reminded me rather of some old Alistair MacLean thrillers; decent protagonists battling evil, an unlikely but rather obvious romance - plus a little added modern geopolitics. It’s competently written, there’s plenty of action and the aftermath plays out for some time – too long, in my view, so that it got more than a little silly by the end. Nonetheless, it did hold my attention despite having to suspend disbelief, sometimes from a considerable height.
This would make a good beach read in that it’s quite enjoyable but rather readily disposable. 3.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to Quercus Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
January 10, 2023
Thriller set on a yacht in the CARIBBEAN
A Russian oligarch, who has fallen out with the regime in Moscow and feels threatened, takes his wife, daughter, and her new English boyfriend for a voyage around the Caribbean on his rather splendid and extravagant yacht. Partly to be together as a family and partly because he feels it will be a safe environment. It is not. A few strange things begin to happen on board – lights flicker, odd images appear on the navigation system, the security officer is ‘arrested’ and taken off the yacht – and then all hell is let loose.
The boyfriend, Kai, and the first mate, Erin, decide they have to escape. But where to aim for and how to get there?
The book moves on to a well thought through and exciting conclusion – that leaves you guessing.
Dead Rich is a really good thriller, but it is also an insight into the lives of the super rich. People who expect their every whim to be catered for. People who react in perhaps unexpected ways when danger strikes. Some cower and some raise their game…
G W Shaw is clearly an experienced sailor. The technical speak about the yacht and it systems rings true. As does his description of sailing a much smaller, and damaged, boat in adverse weather conditions. You feel the power of the sea and elements.
In TripFiction terms, the location of the Caribbean comes through pretty well – although mainly in an off land sense. One island, Dominica, does though feature and is well described.
An exciting book, that is well worth a read.
A Russian oligarch, who has fallen out with the regime in Moscow and feels threatened, takes his wife, daughter, and her new English boyfriend for a voyage around the Caribbean on his rather splendid and extravagant yacht. Partly to be together as a family and partly because he feels it will be a safe environment. It is not. A few strange things begin to happen on board – lights flicker, odd images appear on the navigation system, the security officer is ‘arrested’ and taken off the yacht – and then all hell is let loose.
The boyfriend, Kai, and the first mate, Erin, decide they have to escape. But where to aim for and how to get there?
The book moves on to a well thought through and exciting conclusion – that leaves you guessing.
Dead Rich is a really good thriller, but it is also an insight into the lives of the super rich. People who expect their every whim to be catered for. People who react in perhaps unexpected ways when danger strikes. Some cower and some raise their game…
G W Shaw is clearly an experienced sailor. The technical speak about the yacht and it systems rings true. As does his description of sailing a much smaller, and damaged, boat in adverse weather conditions. You feel the power of the sea and elements.
In TripFiction terms, the location of the Caribbean comes through pretty well – although mainly in an off land sense. One island, Dominica, does though feature and is well described.
An exciting book, that is well worth a read.
December 22, 2022
What a ripper of a read. Have just finished Dead Rich written by G.W. Shaw otherwise known as William Shaw. A real thriller which carried you along at such a fast pace. There are Oligarchs, super yachts, assassins and more. I loved William's Cupidi books. This is completely different but I loved this too. Ordered it through my library here in Brisbane months ago and I was no. 1 on the list and it finally arrived a couple of days ago.
January 7, 2022
Invited on a free holiday in the Caribbean aboard a super yacht, Kai smith, a has been musician, jumps at the opportunity. His girlfriend of a week Zina has invited him along to spare her boredom while holidaying with her incredibly rich and powerful family.
Aboard the super yacht the crew are prepared for every want and need the affluent family may have.
What they are not prepared for is a killer on board. A killer who will stop at nothing.
Will anyone escape the yacht alive?
Wow I absolutely loved this novel. What a ride from the very start! When kai arrives on the yacht, he is in awe of the vessel and also in shock at how rich his new girlfriend actually is. The glamour soon wears off when it dawns on him and the crew that Zina’s father is in some sort of trouble and he may have a target on his back. The story is a real adventure and I couldn’t predict what was coming next. The plot was unlike anything I’ve read so far which was very welcome. With so much action, the book kept up its momentum from start to finish keeping my full attention. Not knowing who to trust, the fight for survival is on. Thrilling and at times suspenseful, this holiday will be one to remember!
Aboard the super yacht the crew are prepared for every want and need the affluent family may have.
What they are not prepared for is a killer on board. A killer who will stop at nothing.
Will anyone escape the yacht alive?
Wow I absolutely loved this novel. What a ride from the very start! When kai arrives on the yacht, he is in awe of the vessel and also in shock at how rich his new girlfriend actually is. The glamour soon wears off when it dawns on him and the crew that Zina’s father is in some sort of trouble and he may have a target on his back. The story is a real adventure and I couldn’t predict what was coming next. The plot was unlike anything I’ve read so far which was very welcome. With so much action, the book kept up its momentum from start to finish keeping my full attention. Not knowing who to trust, the fight for survival is on. Thrilling and at times suspenseful, this holiday will be one to remember!
June 19, 2022
I went to a reading party for this and wasn’t sure if it would affect my enjoyment of the book (you read extracts to each other) but it really didn’t it was like returning to an old friend when you reached that section.
This is an intriguing story that has ended up being very presient. It has all the elements of a classic adventure style story with a modern twist, the characters are excellent and you get really involved with what happens to them. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down, at every stage you can never quite work out what will happen next and you are constantly intrigued. What an excellent read from an outstanding author
This is an intriguing story that has ended up being very presient. It has all the elements of a classic adventure style story with a modern twist, the characters are excellent and you get really involved with what happens to them. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down, at every stage you can never quite work out what will happen next and you are constantly intrigued. What an excellent read from an outstanding author
July 17, 2022
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this but I ended up loving it. Kai ( who used to be a famous musician) is unexpectedly invited onto a super yacht by his one week girlfriend Zina. She is the daughter of a Russian oligarch but hasn’t revealed her background until they are on the yacht.
Erin is the first mate, no nonsense and very capable. What unfolds tests Erin’s resolve and skill to the utmost. Someone wants Stephan Pirumov , the oligarch, out of the picture and they will do almost anything to achieve this. Kai has been sucked into a dangerous game, where no one is who they appear to be. Can they survive? Who will be left standing at the end? I encourage you to read Dead Rich to find out.
NB you don’t need to understand the sailing terminology to enjoy the book.
Erin is the first mate, no nonsense and very capable. What unfolds tests Erin’s resolve and skill to the utmost. Someone wants Stephan Pirumov , the oligarch, out of the picture and they will do almost anything to achieve this. Kai has been sucked into a dangerous game, where no one is who they appear to be. Can they survive? Who will be left standing at the end? I encourage you to read Dead Rich to find out.
NB you don’t need to understand the sailing terminology to enjoy the book.
October 4, 2022
This is something a little special from William Shaw, all his stories are guaranteed to keep noses to books yet this is something a little different, a real, heart pounding thriller! It has everything, including a glimpse into the glamorous world of the super rich, travel to exotic and distant shores, intrigue, plots and counter plots, the world of music and much more.
The further I got in to the story the faster I read, I had to slow myself down so as not to miss anything.
As is usual with William Shaw's books we learn something new about the world around us.
As with all his work, this is beautifully written
June 16, 2022
Entertaining and timely thriller set on a Russian super yacht. A washed-up musician takes what he thinks is a short Caribbean break with his new girlfriend. Only to find that her dad is a Russian oligarch. Who has displeased the regime, with fatal consequences. An insight into the lives of the obscenely wealthy, this vivid thriller by William Shaw (the GW is to differentiate this from his excellent crime novels) rattles along at a breakneck pace, somehow staying believable. I read it in three sittings: it's always a good sign when you can't put a book down!
May 30, 2022
This stand-alone high octane thriller introduces us to the world of the super rich, those people who can own a multi-billion pound yacht only for it to stand idle in prestigious ports around the world. The Zinaida, named for his daughter, Zina, belongs to Russian oligarch, Stepan Pirumov, is moored in St Thomas in the Virgin Islands and this luxurious floating palace only needs the slightest indication that it is needed for it a well organised team, from around the world, to spring into action.
Kai, a musician down on his luck, has been the latest lover of Zina for just over a week when Zina is summoned by her mother to join the Zinaida in a cruise around the Caribbean. Zina persuades Kai to accompany her on this trip much to the fury of her father who wanted only his family on this voyage. Stepan Pirumov is a man used to having his own way in all things but as we soon discover enemies have a way of infiltrating even the most protected of spaces. Amongst a mixed selection of staff on board the Zinaida, Erin Wade, the first mate, finds herself with rather more than she bargained for at the start of this fateful trip.
I was drawn into the world of the super rich right from the start and wallowed in the description of a lifestyle that very few of us can ever imagine. Dead Rich is rather timely, as many of these super yachts are currently impounded, their owners subject to scrutiny. With a fine eye for even the smallest of detail and with vivid description of life on board we get the impression of what it could be like to be this super rich but with a lifestyle in which you are forever looking over your shoulder for enemies who are not afraid to kill in order to get what they want.
Exciting, fast paced and wonderfully descriptive, I raced through Dead Rich in the space of a couple of afternoons. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings and a fitting conclusion which brings everything together in a very satisfactory way. All in all, perfect escapism which would be great for holiday reading
July 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book so much so that I couldn't put it down. Good read
September 28, 2022
Exciting book that makes you want to read on. Only let down was slightly convoluted ending.
May 24, 2022
This is from an author I know from his two series - Breen & Tozer and Cupidi - but writing under a pseudonym for this stand alone. And, like the series, I blooming loved this book.
Kai is invited by his Russian girlfriend to join her on the family yacht for a Caribbean holiday. Her father being the Russan oligarch, Stepan Pirumov. The crew have been recently assembled mostly for their vast experience both on the water and around hugely rich people! The yacht itself is also rather impressive, well it would be - hello - Russian oligarch!
But things soon start to get a bit hairy when the chief of security employed for the yacht is arrested, followed by rumours of peril for Pirumov in the form of assassination. Panic ensues, the family hole up in the panic room, and then the yacht is boarded... aaaarrrrgggh pirates!
Well, isn't this a bit topical at the moment with the shenanigans coming from Moscow! I'm going to leave that there as we all know what is happening, I don't need to spell it out. We also start with a strange scene, which is actually quite well described, if it does take a while to come clear why it is significant! That said, the main story hits the ground running and ramps up the action steadily all the way through until the end where it all starts to calm down as it all becomes clearer. Pacing matching the narrative all the way through, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Characters are all well drawn and all act according to their remits - more of which I can not expand on here. I guess it helped that I connected with Kai right from the get-go so I was rooting for him throughout. Containing no padding or superfluous waffle, and with descriptions that only served to assist the reader rather than distract, the story got on with itself very well indeed. I even learned a bit about sailing along the way (that which was described was included to progress the plot).
All in all, a cracking read that I have no hesitation in recommending for fans of the both the genre and the author. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Kai is invited by his Russian girlfriend to join her on the family yacht for a Caribbean holiday. Her father being the Russan oligarch, Stepan Pirumov. The crew have been recently assembled mostly for their vast experience both on the water and around hugely rich people! The yacht itself is also rather impressive, well it would be - hello - Russian oligarch!
But things soon start to get a bit hairy when the chief of security employed for the yacht is arrested, followed by rumours of peril for Pirumov in the form of assassination. Panic ensues, the family hole up in the panic room, and then the yacht is boarded... aaaarrrrgggh pirates!
Well, isn't this a bit topical at the moment with the shenanigans coming from Moscow! I'm going to leave that there as we all know what is happening, I don't need to spell it out. We also start with a strange scene, which is actually quite well described, if it does take a while to come clear why it is significant! That said, the main story hits the ground running and ramps up the action steadily all the way through until the end where it all starts to calm down as it all becomes clearer. Pacing matching the narrative all the way through, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Characters are all well drawn and all act according to their remits - more of which I can not expand on here. I guess it helped that I connected with Kai right from the get-go so I was rooting for him throughout. Containing no padding or superfluous waffle, and with descriptions that only served to assist the reader rather than distract, the story got on with itself very well indeed. I even learned a bit about sailing along the way (that which was described was included to progress the plot).
All in all, a cracking read that I have no hesitation in recommending for fans of the both the genre and the author. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 4, 2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 28, 2022
When I learned that one of my favorite authors, William Shaw, had written a thriller under the name G.W. Shaw, I had to get my hands on it. I was in the mood for murder and mayhem on the high seas, and Dead Rich delivered exactly what I needed. If this book had been available last year, I could probably have read it with less prejudice, but it didn't. Now I've read too many articles about Russian oligarchs having their yachts impounded and how many hundreds of millions of dollars these yachts cost to build. It's obvious from my reaction to this obscene display of wealth that I have quite a few serfs in the upper branches of my family tree.
The story in Dead Rich boils down to two characters: Kai and Erin. Kai, once a well-known name in the music industry, has had his dream fulfilled but is now resigned to watching it slip away. On the other hand, events in Erin's life have always prevented her from fulfilling her dreams. Her life has taught her to be wary and distrustful. From the first, I found myself holding back from Kai while finding myself completely on Erin's side.
Once things begin to go wrong on board the Zinaida, Dead Rich turns into a white-knuckle ride, and I loved every minute of watching Kai and Erin fight for survival. There may be serfs in my family tree, but there are also a few generations of sailors. I am of the opinion that a well-written tale of skullduggery on the high seas is one of the best kinds of locked room mysteries, and Shaw certainly delivers the goods. Dead Rich is my favorite escapist read of the year so far.
The story in Dead Rich boils down to two characters: Kai and Erin. Kai, once a well-known name in the music industry, has had his dream fulfilled but is now resigned to watching it slip away. On the other hand, events in Erin's life have always prevented her from fulfilling her dreams. Her life has taught her to be wary and distrustful. From the first, I found myself holding back from Kai while finding myself completely on Erin's side.
Once things begin to go wrong on board the Zinaida, Dead Rich turns into a white-knuckle ride, and I loved every minute of watching Kai and Erin fight for survival. There may be serfs in my family tree, but there are also a few generations of sailors. I am of the opinion that a well-written tale of skullduggery on the high seas is one of the best kinds of locked room mysteries, and Shaw certainly delivers the goods. Dead Rich is my favorite escapist read of the year so far.
June 10, 2022
Not my normal genre but I absolutely loved this book, easy to read and exciting.
Fresh and up to date with references to current events which made the plot plausible.
Fresh and up to date with references to current events which made the plot plausible.
January 4, 2022
An exciting thriller featuring luxury yachts, Russian oligarchs with a Caribbean setting. Kai is a musician who has passed his prime, he is no longer popular but still tries to maintain the pretense that he is merely undergoing a minor set back. His young art student girlfriend of one week, is suddenly ordered to join her parents on their yacht in the Caribbean, and just to be awkward she insists that Kai goes with her. As Kai marvels at the splendor of the luxury yacht, he finds himself an unwitting player in the political drama that unfolds.
As always, William Shaw's wonderful writing style makes this book a joy to read. As the tension increases, I found I couldn't put the book down. The setting is wonderful with great characters and action scenes and the yachting details were fascinating. Plenty of surprises and twists along the way. A very enjoyable read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
As always, William Shaw's wonderful writing style makes this book a joy to read. As the tension increases, I found I couldn't put the book down. The setting is wonderful with great characters and action scenes and the yachting details were fascinating. Plenty of surprises and twists along the way. A very enjoyable read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
January 9, 2022
Pure, unrestrained entertaining. Set on a luxurious yacht on the Caribbean Sea, amongst the family of a wealthy Russian oligarch. You get murder, conspiracy, and siege combined with the sun, splendour, and panache that can remind one of the certain James movies. There is also quite a lot interesting aspects of the sailing craft mentioned, a diverse set of characters, and occasional beaks with the Hollywood cliches, which kept the plot interesting yet familiar enough so you can safely bet you’ll enjoy it.
The writing was easy to follow, dialogues were funny, and the structure of the narrative was refreshing, with a small overlap of the events at each change of POV, and the interestingly presented wrap-up of the story.
The writing was easy to follow, dialogues were funny, and the structure of the narrative was refreshing, with a small overlap of the events at each change of POV, and the interestingly presented wrap-up of the story.
April 12, 2024
What a fabulous first thriller from William!
November 5, 2022
Wow! That was fast paced, and incredibly addictive. I loved it!
I could barely put the book down at points, and once it got going I read it in two further sittings that had I not had real life in the way, would have easily been one sitting. I just couldn't get enough of the story and needed to know just how everything would turn out.
I love books featuring the mega rich, I love thrillers set in exotic locations and this combination worked so so well in this instance.
I could picture the yacht, the Zinaida so clearly, I also felt in danger when the characters were clearly in danger, and my heart was racing at times too. I was just completely absorbed in the story, completely oblivious to real life and just was caught up in everything that was happening.
It's full of danger and peril and although I'll admit I didn't really understand everything that was going on with the Russian Ogliarch, it didn't remotely detract from my enjoyment. It did shock me some of Stepan's decisions, but he comes from a different world to me.
I loved Erin, she embodies girl power, and is just wonderful. And Kai really grew on me as the story ramped up and we got to see new sides to him.
This was the first book I've read from this author but if he writes more like this then I will certainly be first in line. It hit all my boxes and I was completely addicted.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I could barely put the book down at points, and once it got going I read it in two further sittings that had I not had real life in the way, would have easily been one sitting. I just couldn't get enough of the story and needed to know just how everything would turn out.
I love books featuring the mega rich, I love thrillers set in exotic locations and this combination worked so so well in this instance.
I could picture the yacht, the Zinaida so clearly, I also felt in danger when the characters were clearly in danger, and my heart was racing at times too. I was just completely absorbed in the story, completely oblivious to real life and just was caught up in everything that was happening.
It's full of danger and peril and although I'll admit I didn't really understand everything that was going on with the Russian Ogliarch, it didn't remotely detract from my enjoyment. It did shock me some of Stepan's decisions, but he comes from a different world to me.
I loved Erin, she embodies girl power, and is just wonderful. And Kai really grew on me as the story ramped up and we got to see new sides to him.
This was the first book I've read from this author but if he writes more like this then I will certainly be first in line. It hit all my boxes and I was completely addicted.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 26, 2022
William Shaw is one of my favorite British mystery writers (I’ve gone on and on about my love for his DS Alexandra Cupidi series) and here he’s trying something new, under a slightly-different name: A straight-up thriller about a Russian oligarch who’s billion-dollar yacht is the site of an assassination attempt. Seems the rich guy pissed off some higher-ups in Russia (no names are mentioned, but I’m willing to bet one of them has the initials V.P.) and a hit is ordered on him and his family. Along for the ride are first mate Erin and the Russian’s daughter’s boyfriend of the moment, Kai, who try and survive this wild ride through paradise. This one really doesn’t start moving until about halfway through the book, but once it does, it’s a pretty amazing and unrelenting thrill ride. On a personal note, I chased this book all through the UK on my trip in September, hoping to find it in either paperback (supposedly a special edition existed at WH Smith) or even a hardback, to no avail. I finally tracked down a copy on eBay in the beginning of December … it was well worth the wait. But I still want another Cupidi, novel @william1shaw !
March 28, 2025
This thriller is a Tour de Force in my view. It is rare for me to be so hooked by a book that I genuinely cannot put it down. Many a night I read way past my 'bed-time' so keen to find out what happened next.
Set largely on a luxury boat, it's about a 'has-been' rockstar, who has spent most of his life winging it. The chance to spend a few days with his new lover at sea in supreme opulence is too good to refuse. It very quickly turns horribly wrong. Somewhat redolent of Harlan Coben in tone (who I love), I thoroughly enjoyed this roller-coaster ride. The narrative style is fast-paced and slick, throwing the reader into unexpected scenes of jeopardy at every turn - at sea and back on dry land, when everything looks hunky-dory. It's immediately visual and I hope it might get optioned for the screen at some stage, as it would work very well (expensive to make, however 😘).
Shaw also writes as 'William Shaw' - which is how I first came across him. I'm making my way through his catalogue, as the crime/mystery novels under that name are full of atmosphere and so far have involved remote coastal and seascapes which I love. I highly recommend this author's body of work.
Set largely on a luxury boat, it's about a 'has-been' rockstar, who has spent most of his life winging it. The chance to spend a few days with his new lover at sea in supreme opulence is too good to refuse. It very quickly turns horribly wrong. Somewhat redolent of Harlan Coben in tone (who I love), I thoroughly enjoyed this roller-coaster ride. The narrative style is fast-paced and slick, throwing the reader into unexpected scenes of jeopardy at every turn - at sea and back on dry land, when everything looks hunky-dory. It's immediately visual and I hope it might get optioned for the screen at some stage, as it would work very well (expensive to make, however 😘).
Shaw also writes as 'William Shaw' - which is how I first came across him. I'm making my way through his catalogue, as the crime/mystery novels under that name are full of atmosphere and so far have involved remote coastal and seascapes which I love. I highly recommend this author's body of work.
February 8, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kai, a sort of has-been musician finds himself flying from London to St. Thomas with his new girlfriend Zina, to accompany her and her parents on a trip on her father Stepan's yacht. Stepan is a very rich Russian and the yacht is equipped with a panic room and has some hired muscle accompanying them on the trip along with the large staff. Of course things start to go wrong once they are out to sea, including a power outage, a storm, and the fact that people on the boat want Stepan and his family dead.
Despite the great Caribbean and yacht settings, this book was just ok for me. I found that it was slow getting going. Later, I felt like there was a lot of action, but not a lot of substance about why Stepan was being targeted, except political differences. I was hoping there would be more twists and turns but there really weren't. I am not a big fan of action sequences or stories of survival, so I think I was sucked in by the Caribbean setting, but the rest of it wasn't my thing.
Kai, a sort of has-been musician finds himself flying from London to St. Thomas with his new girlfriend Zina, to accompany her and her parents on a trip on her father Stepan's yacht. Stepan is a very rich Russian and the yacht is equipped with a panic room and has some hired muscle accompanying them on the trip along with the large staff. Of course things start to go wrong once they are out to sea, including a power outage, a storm, and the fact that people on the boat want Stepan and his family dead.
Despite the great Caribbean and yacht settings, this book was just ok for me. I found that it was slow getting going. Later, I felt like there was a lot of action, but not a lot of substance about why Stepan was being targeted, except political differences. I was hoping there would be more twists and turns but there really weren't. I am not a big fan of action sequences or stories of survival, so I think I was sucked in by the Caribbean setting, but the rest of it wasn't my thing.
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