
David McK (3610 KP) rated Scoundrel (the sailing thrillers, #5) in Books
Nov 29, 2023
Maybe because I'm *from* Belfast, Northern Ireland and have relatives who lived through the period of history colloquially known as The Troubles (I was a teenager in the 90s, when they 'ended', and when this is set), so know exactly what the IRA and their loyalist counterparts were/are like.
It made my blood boil to read passages in this where they were treated as heroes by some in Boston (and, yes, I know it's a fiction book): surely to goodness nobody could be that naive??
Anyway, I normally like Bernard Cornwell (Author) novels.
I know he spent a bit of time here (the BBC, I believe?), before moving to the States.
His knowledge of landmarks does show.
I would have thought he would have known better, though, in how he portrays the tangled mess that is politics and history that went on in this fair isle.
Sorry, Mr Paul Shanahan: you're unlikeable as a lead character; no match to a Richard Sharpe or an Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
(his other stand-alone sailing thrillers - those I have read, at least - are all much better)

OFT in Danger': The Life and Campaigns of General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley
Book
This is the biography of the most distinguished field commander of modern times, who turned to...

A Practical Guide to Construction Adjudication
Book
In the United Kingdom, adjudication is available as a right for parties to a construction contract,...

Staging Beckett in Great Britain
David Tucker and Trish McTighe
Book
Beckett's relationship with British theatre is complex and underexplored, yet his impact has been...

The Boy on the Shed
Book
Today was his first climb to the top. He knew if he was there, watching, then she would never leave...

Diaries Volume Three: Power and Responsibility: Volume 3
Book
"Power and Responsibility" is the third volume of Alastair Campbell's unique daily account of life...

Inside Man: Loyalists of Long Kesh - The Untold Story
Book
"My name is William 'Plum' Smith. I was born and bred on Belfast's Shankill Road, on its streets of...
Reeds Nautical Almanac 2018
Perrin Towler and Mark Fishwick
Book
Reeds Nautical Almanac is the indispensable trusted annual compendium of navigational data for...
Reeds Nautical Almanac: 2010
Book
Reeds Nautical Almanac is the indispensable annual compendium of navigational data for yachtsmen,...

The UK's County Tops: Reaching the Top of 91 Historic Counties
Book
This inspiring guide describes 82 walking routes to the highest points (?tops') of the UK's 91...