First published 1971
Philip Marsham has no choice but to run from London after a deadly accident threatens his life. The orphaned young man does what comes naturally to him and heads to sea, joining the crew of the Rose of Devon as it sails toward Newfoundland's shores. Philip's seafaring skills and courage quickly earn his captain's respect aboard the frigate. But disaster strikes when cunning men from a shipwreck take control of the Rose of Devon in the middle of the ocean. Philip finds himself trapped among these ruthless pirates, forced to join their violent raids across the seas. Now branded a buccaneer whether he likes it or not, Philip faces the gallows if he ever returns to England. His survival depends on navigating the treacherous world of piracy while holding onto his principles in a life he never chose.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, forced-proximity
Setting: England, London, Newfoundland
Period: 19th-century
246 pages · Hardcover · Little Brown & Co
Content warnings: violence