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Thrillers #2
Sea Lord
A splendid thriller of skullduggery and smuggling, politics and passion, in the Carribean waters, with a twentieth-century Sharpe at the helm.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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About the author
Bernard Cornwell
497 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 9, 2021
Book 2 in a series of seafaring thrillers published 1989.
An easy 4 stars.
I’ve read nearly all of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels and I’ve enjoyed them all.
This was the first time that I have read a work of his not steeped in history.
One of the many things I like about Mr. Cornwell’s work is his meticulous research on the current topic he is writing about.
In this case he applies his knowledge of all things nautical. So much so that at times I felt like I was reading a book written in a foreign language.
At the start of the book I knew nothing concerning sailing, part from the obvious; put a sail on a boat and the wind propels you forward. And although there was a lot of nautical terms and explanations used in the book by the end I was none the wiser as most of it went straight over the top of my head.
So as an introduction to sailing it failed miserably but as a thriller it ticked all the boxes.
Lord John Rossendale, an impoverished lord of the realm, has no interest in titles or money. All he cares about is sailing his much loved ‘Sunflower’ yacht anywhere the wind takes him.
On hearing of his mothers death John, reluctantly, returns home.
Once a family of some standing the Rossendale family have now descended into penury.
There is nothing left to keep the families head above water.
That is with the exception of the painting of ‘Sunflowers’ by Van Gough. It’s currently worth around the $22,000,000. mark.
The only problem is no one knows where the painting is, it has disappeared.
The commonly held belief is that John stole the painting on the death of his father. This, John strenuously deigns but no one believes him.
On his arrival back home things start to get very ugly. Accusations are flying, people are assaulted and hatred is thick in the air. All John wants to do is get back on his boat and leave his sorry excuse for family behind. But when someone tries to kill him and destroy his boat John is left with no alternative but to fight back.
This was an intense thriller with dialogue so thick with hatred you could feel it.
But be warned there is a lot of, leeward, tops’ls, gunwales and the like to get through.
An easy 4 stars.
I’ve read nearly all of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels and I’ve enjoyed them all.
This was the first time that I have read a work of his not steeped in history.
One of the many things I like about Mr. Cornwell’s work is his meticulous research on the current topic he is writing about.
In this case he applies his knowledge of all things nautical. So much so that at times I felt like I was reading a book written in a foreign language.
At the start of the book I knew nothing concerning sailing, part from the obvious; put a sail on a boat and the wind propels you forward. And although there was a lot of nautical terms and explanations used in the book by the end I was none the wiser as most of it went straight over the top of my head.
So as an introduction to sailing it failed miserably but as a thriller it ticked all the boxes.
Lord John Rossendale, an impoverished lord of the realm, has no interest in titles or money. All he cares about is sailing his much loved ‘Sunflower’ yacht anywhere the wind takes him.
On hearing of his mothers death John, reluctantly, returns home.
Once a family of some standing the Rossendale family have now descended into penury.
There is nothing left to keep the families head above water.
That is with the exception of the painting of ‘Sunflowers’ by Van Gough. It’s currently worth around the $22,000,000. mark.
The only problem is no one knows where the painting is, it has disappeared.
The commonly held belief is that John stole the painting on the death of his father. This, John strenuously deigns but no one believes him.
On his arrival back home things start to get very ugly. Accusations are flying, people are assaulted and hatred is thick in the air. All John wants to do is get back on his boat and leave his sorry excuse for family behind. But when someone tries to kill him and destroy his boat John is left with no alternative but to fight back.
This was an intense thriller with dialogue so thick with hatred you could feel it.
But be warned there is a lot of, leeward, tops’ls, gunwales and the like to get through.
May 21, 2013
Another seafaring thriller from Bernard Cornwell. The story in this one is quite slow, and flavoured with romance, and there's lots of technical detail when it comes to the sailing; Cornwell can't resist showing off his proficiency. Despite all this, it's a cracking read with some wonderful chapters.
This time around, the action is centred on the English channel with a plot slightly reminiscent of the likes of LOVEJOY or BERGERAC, although of course with Cornwell there's a harder edge to the action. The slow pacing gives it a realistic touch, and there are some fascinating villains and harrowing moments of action; I think because the violence is so sparse, it makes it all that more effective.
The romantic subplot is rather sweet and handled well, and Rossendale is another one of Cornwell's charismatic heroes; the reader is soon on side and behind him in a plot filled with murky twists and turns. And there are some great twists, one of them truly jaw-dropping. As is usual with these seafaring books, the passages on the yachts are the best, because the author is able to pass on some of his unbridled enthusiasm for the hobby to the reader. I look forward to the next.
This time around, the action is centred on the English channel with a plot slightly reminiscent of the likes of LOVEJOY or BERGERAC, although of course with Cornwell there's a harder edge to the action. The slow pacing gives it a realistic touch, and there are some fascinating villains and harrowing moments of action; I think because the violence is so sparse, it makes it all that more effective.
The romantic subplot is rather sweet and handled well, and Rossendale is another one of Cornwell's charismatic heroes; the reader is soon on side and behind him in a plot filled with murky twists and turns. And there are some great twists, one of them truly jaw-dropping. As is usual with these seafaring books, the passages on the yachts are the best, because the author is able to pass on some of his unbridled enthusiasm for the hobby to the reader. I look forward to the next.
November 26, 2025
An engrossing and exciting thriller. I don't often read thrillers but throw a sailboat in the story and I'm hooked as an armchair sailor. The main character is an English Earl, despised by his family who are nearly broke. He shuns the title spending years sailing the world. The plot thickens upon his return to England for his mother's funeral. He inherits a highly valuable family Van Gogh painting which has been missing for years. Sinister characters are out to kill him and locate the painting. Who is involved, family, friends? All he wants is to return to the sailor's life. Until he falls in love with a beautiful woman. This absorbing and fast passed mystery unfolds to a surprised ending. Hard to put down. Many pages are filled with sailing the English Channel with great descriptions of sailing techniques. The time period is likely the 1980’s.
Have read and enjoyed three other sailing novels by Bernard Cornwell, CRACK DOWN, STORM CHILD and SCOUNDREL. A must read for sailors.
Have read and enjoyed three other sailing novels by Bernard Cornwell, CRACK DOWN, STORM CHILD and SCOUNDREL. A must read for sailors.
December 18, 2020
Though best known for his historical fiction, Cornwell also turned out a couple of nautical thrillers in his early days. Killer's Wake is one of them.
John Rossendale, 28th Lord of Stowey, is the black sheep of his family and has taken to the sea in his sailboat Sunflower to escape their scorn. Called home to England by his mother's impending death, he finds himself dragged into a hunt for a family heirloom, a Van Gogh painting he'd previously been accused of stealing. His mother has only called him home to curse him before she dies and tell him she's willed the still missing painting to his spiteful twin sister.
He reluctantly agrees to help in the search for the painting after the tycoon who lusts for it agrees to provide security for Rossendale's mentally challenged other sibling, the only one of his family he does care about. The quest pits him against vicious adversaries who threaten his life as well as that of the tycoon's stepdaughter who soon becomes Rossendale's romantic interest.
A fast-moving plot with myriad twists, realistic characters and lots of nautical action.
Despite his passion for sailing, Cornwell has been accused of making a few blatant errors in his nautical jargon, but don't let that keep you from reading what all-in-all is a decent thriller.
January 21, 2021
A good thriller. As usual for a Bernard Cornwell's book it ended with a cruel twist.
October 17, 2010
Having read all of Cornwell's historical novels I am going through the five books of his thriller/mystery genre. This is the fourth I have read and it is definitely the best so far.
It has a lot of sailing which I like and also a nice little love story which I liked. The writing is very good and the mystery story is very good. No Cornwell fan should miss this book.
It has a lot of sailing which I like and also a nice little love story which I liked. The writing is very good and the mystery story is very good. No Cornwell fan should miss this book.
July 21, 2018
Well written but the ending was obvious from about chapter 2.
By the end I found myself caring less about this outcome and wanting to hear more about the protagonists earlier adventures that were often referred to in passing, and frequently sounded more interesting!
By the end I found myself caring less about this outcome and wanting to hear more about the protagonists earlier adventures that were often referred to in passing, and frequently sounded more interesting!
August 1, 2019
Sea fare
Basic sea and sailing based thriller which calls to mind the thrillers of the 1930s. The sailing is well researched or written from experience but the plot is somewhat predictable
Basic sea and sailing based thriller which calls to mind the thrillers of the 1930s. The sailing is well researched or written from experience but the plot is somewhat predictable
January 29, 2020
This is a very British book about low-end royalty (think Earls), sailing, family squabbles, murder, art , betrayal and love. There's both a lot going on and then pages of just sailing talk. The book does build to a crescendo that would make a heck of movie scene due to the open ocean nature of things, but for some reason it kinda left me a bit disappointed in the end.
If you are a big sailor from England, would think this would be required reading - otherwise, makes for a decent summer sort of beach read but that's it.
If you are a big sailor from England, would think this would be required reading - otherwise, makes for a decent summer sort of beach read but that's it.
March 16, 2021
A modern adventure with sailing as a main character. A good read.
September 9, 2019
Another rollicking thriller from Bernard Cornwell. His thrillers are not world changing stories, they usually involve a boat and a dissaffected Englishman, a sultry, mysterious woman, and usually have a twist or two. This is no different - but it's still a page turner, even though it is all a little formulaic.
His historical novels are far, far better.
His historical novels are far, far better.
February 14, 2022
Early Bernard Cornwell - very early, like 1989 - but if you haven't read it, it's new, right?
Interesting tale involving a stolen painting, a British Lord who would rather be sailing the seas, a twin sister who hates him, deceitful people and the obligatory (for these kind of novels) beautiful female romantic interest. All the ingredients for a fast-reading, fun tale - and in true Cornwell fashion, he delivers.
However, not being someone who is into nautical terminology, I found it necessary to keep a dictionary (you know, one of those old-fashioned books where you looked up the meaning of words before the internet came along) handy to keep looking up nautical terms. At times, this slowed down the reading pace and it took a while to pick up the pace again. Sigh. Guess I'm just not a sea faring type!
During his early years, Cornwell wrote a series of books incorporating sea faring types and if my memory is correct, this is the second in the series. The remaining two are in the To Be Read pile and will no doubt be read later this year since people I enjoy reading don't seem to be writing as much these days as they did in the past. I'll keep the dictionary handy!
Recommended for Cornwell fans (obviously) and for those who enjoy a rip-roaring adventure that has a little bit of everything, but doesn't become trite in the telling.
Interesting tale involving a stolen painting, a British Lord who would rather be sailing the seas, a twin sister who hates him, deceitful people and the obligatory (for these kind of novels) beautiful female romantic interest. All the ingredients for a fast-reading, fun tale - and in true Cornwell fashion, he delivers.
However, not being someone who is into nautical terminology, I found it necessary to keep a dictionary (you know, one of those old-fashioned books where you looked up the meaning of words before the internet came along) handy to keep looking up nautical terms. At times, this slowed down the reading pace and it took a while to pick up the pace again. Sigh. Guess I'm just not a sea faring type!
During his early years, Cornwell wrote a series of books incorporating sea faring types and if my memory is correct, this is the second in the series. The remaining two are in the To Be Read pile and will no doubt be read later this year since people I enjoy reading don't seem to be writing as much these days as they did in the past. I'll keep the dictionary handy!
Recommended for Cornwell fans (obviously) and for those who enjoy a rip-roaring adventure that has a little bit of everything, but doesn't become trite in the telling.
June 12, 2025
Occasionally tripped up by tangled nautical jargon, Cornwell ( Wildtrack ) nevertheless delivers a pretty fair yarn. John Rossendale, 28th Earl of Stowey, is a 30-ish semi-rebel who has escaped his nasty, impoverished family by bumming around the world in his sailboat Sunflower . He returns to England in time to receive a maternal death-bed curse and then, before he can get away again, is embroiled in a search for the ''Stowey Van Gogh.'' Stolen years ago (John was a suspect), the lost family heirloom is lusted after by a mega-rich tycoon. To provide for his only nice sibling, the retarded Georgina, Rossendale agrees to help find the Van Gogh, which is being held for ransom, and to give it to the tycoon. Rossendale also succumbs to the charms of the tycoon's step-daughter (herself a contessa) and thinks about settling down. But first there's a mystery to solve and perils to face, culminating in a foggy duel in dangerous Channel waters. The narrator-hero is a bit precious (''Call me John,'' his lordship says, often) but his story is an amusing read. I gave it a 4 out of 5 because I thought it could have been shorter.
November 17, 2021
A missing Van Gogh painting of sunflowers serves a the central figure in this fast-paced mystery novel that keeps you guessing right to the end. The setting is the sea, like several of Bernard Cornwell’s novels that aren’t historical fiction. His use of sailing jargon indicates that he must be an experienced man of the sea. The story finds his main character facing death several times as he tries to find out who took his family’s priceless painting and where it is now. To say more would be too much of a spoiler. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell you will enjoy this sailing novel like you do all of his books. Even if you are new to his writing, you will enjoy the way he involves the reader with sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of his story.
December 31, 2016
Another very enjoyable read by Bernard Cornwell.
September 16, 2023
A brilliant novel that keeps you on the edge of the seat throughout. The story is about John Rossendale, who finds himself the Earl of Stowey. He has been the black sheep of the family and has been oblivious to his duties as an Earl and happy to be away alone in his ship The Sunflower. The family has come down in their fortunes, having had to sell their ancestral home in Stowey and living ordinary lives.
The story begins when he decides to come home in his ship to England, hearing that his mother is in a critical condition at the hospital. He finds that the accusation that he stole the most precious painting the family - A Van Gogh.
The story takes off almost immediately, and features his childhood friend Charlie who travelled with him on boats but now owns a successful business and is rich; his twin sister Elizabeth who is burning with hatred for him and is convinced that he stole the painting and sold it secretly; his other sister Georgina who loves him genuinely but is dim witted and needs care all her life.
The story is one of adventure and dangers, with unknown enemies trying to do him in. Accelerates and reaches a crescendo and doesn't let up until almost the last page!
A great read.
For a more detailed review, please see here.
-- Krishna
The story begins when he decides to come home in his ship to England, hearing that his mother is in a critical condition at the hospital. He finds that the accusation that he stole the most precious painting the family - A Van Gogh.
The story takes off almost immediately, and features his childhood friend Charlie who travelled with him on boats but now owns a successful business and is rich; his twin sister Elizabeth who is burning with hatred for him and is convinced that he stole the painting and sold it secretly; his other sister Georgina who loves him genuinely but is dim witted and needs care all her life.
The story is one of adventure and dangers, with unknown enemies trying to do him in. Accelerates and reaches a crescendo and doesn't let up until almost the last page!
A great read.
For a more detailed review, please see here.
-- Krishna
August 18, 2024
The problem with this is mostly the main character. I struggled to figure out exactly what he wanted from this plot, and I'm not sure that he knew either. He's constantly being out-smarted by idiots. At no point does he come across as "hero material". In fact I'm not sure what any of the characters' motivations are for engaging in what happens. It's very unfocussed and convoluted. It's really a "box ticking exercise" of a thriller, hitting all the key moments needed but not really fleshing out beyond that. No spoilers but the closing section of Part One (pages 70-75 or thereabouts) is perhaps the strangest passage of fiction I've ever read. It's borderline (unintentionally) hilarious and made the rest seem like a bit of a joke. On the plus side, the sailing side of things is done brilliantly. No expense was spared with details of how boats/sailing works. Anyone with an interest in that will love this. I think what saves this is that - after reading - I googled the author in more detail and I easily found a quote from him dismissing this (and the others in his contemporary thriller series) as being inferior to his historical fiction. Unfortunately it doesn't inspire me to now go and check out the Sharpe novels or anything else. Bernard Cornwell is a real heavyweight name in publishing and I just expected a lot more.
May 17, 2020
Ho terminato "Il mistero dei girasole" di Bernard Cornwell.
Un famoso quadro di Van Gogh, appartenente ad una nobile famiglia inglese ormai decaduta, è sparito da anni. John è l'erede designato del quadro e dei titoli nobiliari della famiglia; ma non è interessato a niente di tutto questo. L'unica cosa che gli interessa è vivere per mare sulla sua barca e girare il mondo. Ha rinnegato da tempo le sue origini, ma la malattia della madre lo richiama in Inghilterra. E non appena rimette piede a terra John verrà travolto dai guai perché, nonostante egli si proclami innocente da anni, tutti credono che sia stato proprio lui a sottrarre il quadro.
In molti sono interessati a quel quadro, che vale ovviamente tantissimi soldi, e tutti sono disposti ad andare ben oltre i limiti per ottenerlo.
Una bella trama, scorrevole, ben delineata, anche se forse troppo ricca di gergo marinaresco, che per chi non è pratico, diventa un elemento destabilizzante. Comunque un libro piacevole, anche se di questo autore ho preferito la saga su Artù e i suoi cavalieri, che ha ispirato anche la serie tv The last kingdom.
Un famoso quadro di Van Gogh, appartenente ad una nobile famiglia inglese ormai decaduta, è sparito da anni. John è l'erede designato del quadro e dei titoli nobiliari della famiglia; ma non è interessato a niente di tutto questo. L'unica cosa che gli interessa è vivere per mare sulla sua barca e girare il mondo. Ha rinnegato da tempo le sue origini, ma la malattia della madre lo richiama in Inghilterra. E non appena rimette piede a terra John verrà travolto dai guai perché, nonostante egli si proclami innocente da anni, tutti credono che sia stato proprio lui a sottrarre il quadro.
In molti sono interessati a quel quadro, che vale ovviamente tantissimi soldi, e tutti sono disposti ad andare ben oltre i limiti per ottenerlo.
Una bella trama, scorrevole, ben delineata, anche se forse troppo ricca di gergo marinaresco, che per chi non è pratico, diventa un elemento destabilizzante. Comunque un libro piacevole, anche se di questo autore ho preferito la saga su Artù e i suoi cavalieri, che ha ispirato anche la serie tv The last kingdom.
June 13, 2021
I'm sure if you mentioned the name Bernard Cornwell to most readers, they would immediately think of historical-set 'boys-own' mainly and-based action-adventure novels, which I once read described by one critic as 'men behaving badly, but with incredible brio' (which I had to go and look up what that meant).
So, not a contemporary (at the time of Cornwell's writing) set mystery, then, with a heavy slant towards nautical matters.
Yet that is precisely what this is.
While I can't comment on the accuracy (or otherwise) of the naval segments - other than to say they seemed plausible to this land-lubber - I have to say, I also found this to be rather predictable fare, with it startlingly obvious - at least to me - just who stole the priceless Van Gogh (the McGuffin that provides the drive for the plot) further early on, not long after that character is introduced.
Sorry, Mr Cornwell: not your best effort.
So, not a contemporary (at the time of Cornwell's writing) set mystery, then, with a heavy slant towards nautical matters.
Yet that is precisely what this is.
While I can't comment on the accuracy (or otherwise) of the naval segments - other than to say they seemed plausible to this land-lubber - I have to say, I also found this to be rather predictable fare, with it startlingly obvious - at least to me - just who stole the priceless Van Gogh (the McGuffin that provides the drive for the plot) further early on, not long after that character is introduced.
Sorry, Mr Cornwell: not your best effort.
June 10, 2021
As a big Bernard Cornwell fan, this book was a big disappointment. If I didn't know, I never would have thought he had written this.
Billed as a thriller, we have a long and slow story with very few genuine thrills. When a twist does come, most readers would have seen it many pages before.
Having carried out lots of sailing research, the author puts in a lot of unnecessary nautical terms into the sailing scenes to the point that it almost feels comical. There are some paragraphs that will mean nothing to most readers and simply add to the length of the book.
This is very much a man's book with women either damsels in distress; sex objects or nagging wives. Not sure that this reads well for the modern reader.
Will try one more in the series and hopefully this was a one off dud.
Billed as a thriller, we have a long and slow story with very few genuine thrills. When a twist does come, most readers would have seen it many pages before.
Having carried out lots of sailing research, the author puts in a lot of unnecessary nautical terms into the sailing scenes to the point that it almost feels comical. There are some paragraphs that will mean nothing to most readers and simply add to the length of the book.
This is very much a man's book with women either damsels in distress; sex objects or nagging wives. Not sure that this reads well for the modern reader.
Will try one more in the series and hopefully this was a one off dud.
May 7, 2023
I got this book used on a whim so I had it awhile before I just now got to reading it. It's actually not a bad thriller. It reads like the '90's (when it was written), but that's to be expected. I had to gloss over all the minutiae about sailing and sailing vessels, as I'm lucky if I know what a keel is. I would think that if a reader knows about that stuff, it would probably ratchet up the suspense a good deal.
Interestingly enough, I figured out the truly guilty party long before the ending - it actually seemed a little obvious (well, to me at least). I'm usually clueless till the end of books like this, so I was a little smug at the reveal (like "D'oh! How could you possibly overlook This Person? Sheez!")
Better than much of the Clive Cussler I've read. I don't bother w/Patterson, but since he writes a book approximately every 48 hours, it has to be better than those as well.
Recommended if you like thrillers and can forgive the '90's feel to the interactions.
Interestingly enough, I figured out the truly guilty party long before the ending - it actually seemed a little obvious (well, to me at least). I'm usually clueless till the end of books like this, so I was a little smug at the reveal (like "D'oh! How could you possibly overlook This Person? Sheez!")
Better than much of the Clive Cussler I've read. I don't bother w/Patterson, but since he writes a book approximately every 48 hours, it has to be better than those as well.
Recommended if you like thrillers and can forgive the '90's feel to the interactions.
April 29, 2022
Would give it a 4.25 rating if I could. As of today, 4/29/22, I’ve now read all of Bernard Cornwell’s books and I’m sad there are not currently more. I read through the Last Kingdom series 1st, then back through all the others finishing with what I’ll call the ‘sailing novels’ that he wrote much earlier. The feeling I got was that he loved this genre. Killer’s Wake was a good story that was hard to put down. Though not his best, it was well worth the time. I could feel the spray in my face. Made me want to go sail around the world.
April 13, 2025
John Rossendale, 28th Earl of Stowey - a bankrupt British noble family - is tipped into a nautical odyssey to find a valuable picture that he is believed to have stolen. This deception is achieved by the actual thief, who also procures villains to murder John and wreck his boat.
It's a well written thriller, with some quite genuine characters supported by others whose purpose in life is simply to contain story elements that require these characteristics. Quite slow paced for a thriller, except in the final rather implausible sea based cat and mouse episode, and especially the opening chapters are slow.
Cornwell handles John's interactions very well, particularly relationships have more insight than the usual genre of male written thrillers. It adds enjoyment to the reading. The two wealthy male characters are quite thin by comparison, and unbelievable except that they are needed for the story. That does not really detract.
It's a good read, and I've marked it down from 5 stars because of the pace and the almost relentless sailing and boating detail.
It's a well written thriller, with some quite genuine characters supported by others whose purpose in life is simply to contain story elements that require these characteristics. Quite slow paced for a thriller, except in the final rather implausible sea based cat and mouse episode, and especially the opening chapters are slow.
Cornwell handles John's interactions very well, particularly relationships have more insight than the usual genre of male written thrillers. It adds enjoyment to the reading. The two wealthy male characters are quite thin by comparison, and unbelievable except that they are needed for the story. That does not really detract.
It's a good read, and I've marked it down from 5 stars because of the pace and the almost relentless sailing and boating detail.
July 11, 2017
Perhaps it's the Pina Colada, but I loved this, its perfect.
Bernard Cornwell, is so very good at painting a world, your character in it (we're all the protagonist) and why you breathe, yearn, are willing to die for the story. And to do these sailing the deep water, loving so deeply, entangled by a stolen Van Gough, family, friendships - oh, so good.
Someone write a screenplay, Marcus.. or the team on The Night Manager get to work - this can't stay hidden.. its just too good.
Bernard Cornwell, is so very good at painting a world, your character in it (we're all the protagonist) and why you breathe, yearn, are willing to die for the story. And to do these sailing the deep water, loving so deeply, entangled by a stolen Van Gough, family, friendships - oh, so good.
Someone write a screenplay, Marcus.. or the team on The Night Manager get to work - this can't stay hidden.. its just too good.
January 13, 2021
This has to be one of the top books I've ever read.
It has a brilliant mix of intrigue, good characters, and above all, sailing. And Bernard goes into some serious detail when it comes to boats and their technicalities - which is something I enjoy.
It's pretty much a simple plot, but well written, keeps you turning the pages, and I'll say for one last time - conjures up the excitement and adventure of sailing!
It has a brilliant mix of intrigue, good characters, and above all, sailing. And Bernard goes into some serious detail when it comes to boats and their technicalities - which is something I enjoy.
It's pretty much a simple plot, but well written, keeps you turning the pages, and I'll say for one last time - conjures up the excitement and adventure of sailing!
April 12, 2021
John, the sea lord of the title, had fled to sea to get away from his family after they had accused him of stealing a very valuable painting. Now he is called back to England having got a message about his mother being very ill. While he is back, he wants to clear his name and find the real thief. But there are those who have other intentions and do not want him to discover the truth.
I found this to be another great story by Bernard Cornwell and one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I found this to be another great story by Bernard Cornwell and one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 2, 2021
This is a good stand alone modern day novel by Bernard Cornwell of Sharp's Rifles fame. A British nobleman who has left his family in disgrace, having been accused of stealing the family's Van Gogh, has been at sea, sailing solo. He is told to return to England since his mother is dying and he will be in charge of the family's dwindling estate. Not as much about the craft of sailing, and more about the attempts on his life. It is a good story with suspense and mystery.
November 8, 2021
I love the Sharpe books so I was excited to read this book, especially after just finishing Hornblower, but I didn’t really enjoy it. I never gelled with the main character, John Rossendale, Earl of Stowey. He is prideful and I didn’t like his attitude towards women or his lack of respect of monogamy.
The story was also slow and I worked out who had stolen the Van Gogh early on. I stuck with it though in case I was wrong, but I wasn’t. 3 stars
The story was also slow and I worked out who had stolen the Van Gogh early on. I stuck with it though in case I was wrong, but I wasn’t. 3 stars
January 31, 2023
Cornwall's protagonist this time is an aristocrat called Johnny who cuts his ties with his newly impoverished family to sail around the world. Except he's accused of stealing the family's missing Van Gogh and the lure of such a prize means his life is soon in danger. Full marks for some great descriptions of sailing and the attempts on his life, but unfortunately Cornwall's characterisation is paper-thin and the romantic element an awkward add-on that simply doesn't work.
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