Ferry twisty nautical crime novel
Murky Waters, by HM Stevens
Murky Waters starts briefly on a Normandy beach in the Second World War with a visionary prologue by a soldier – who takes time out from the whiz of dodging bullets to imagine a cross channel ferry service in the future. The story then zooms to the future ferry service where the mystery crime saga plays out.
Writing under the pen name HM Stevens, the author showcases his depth of knowledge from a career at sea, particularly in the case of a purser character.
While promising a 'salty, risque' tale, the author assures any former colleagues that although he may draw on his maritime experiences, they will search in vain to identify themselves in his fictitious characters. Just as well, as the plot revolves around embezzlement: two brothers who inherit the ferry company who have 'stupidly defrauded HMRC' and now face financial ruin but are saved by the philandering CEO of a major shipping line.
Also onboard in the novel are a secretive group of crew who run a tobacco smuggling racket, a ship's purser lining his pockets and a 'kinky sexual predator'. You could not make it up… but this real life mariner author has!
Murky Waters
By HM Stevens
Self-published (available in the Nautilus Bookshop)
ISBN: 979 86778 59670
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.