This is a very quick read of about 60 pages. You follow the crew of HMS Roanoke from the Royal British Navy on their way to a British Territory outpost. They have departed from St. Helena to Port Wilbury on Cranmer Island. While there are handful of main characters the focus is on two Midshipman Wolsey and Lieutenant Commander Tanner you learn a little bit about their past and what leads them to where they are now. The real story begins when the crew comes upon a ghost ship with no clues and signs of some sort of struggle. The book will keep you riveted till the end but in my opinion the ending is lacking after such a good build up. I would rate this 3 1/2 stars out of five.

Definitely short. HMS Roanoke is heading for somewhere near the Falkland Islands when she meets up with HMS Steadfast, abandoned with plenty of blood and gore on board but no people. Carries on to destination where they meet a mixed community of whalers, settlers and odd balls frankly. Trying to find out more about the Steadfast they inevitable run into trouble and murders occur, the telegraph station is wrecked, they are on their own ending up fighting to survive. Back in old Blighty and the Lt. Commander has his own ship, sees someone he recognises, turn page and... that's it. What? I presume that this will be a "to be continued" moment. The basic story is good and the descriptions of crew, vessels and times (1903) feel realistic, especially life on board. It's just so short though. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

66 pages

5 stars

The description of this book has little to do with the story line.

That being said, it is a great little short story. I’m a sucker for stories about sailing ships.

What we have here is an intense mystery. I never guessed the final outcome. I thought, “Oh, of course.” Mr. Adderley had me in just sixty-six pages.

This short story has it all, tension, drama and mystery. I loved it. I cannot wait to hear more from Mr. Adderley.

I want to thank NetGalley and Mr. Adderley for forwarding to me a copy of this great little story for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

A good nautical mystery. The story is well developed and the plot will hold your interest. A good read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not a huge fan of nautical adventures, I don’t think. Though I do like a good novella. And this one turned out quite good, nautical or otherwise.
Through alternating perspectives of a young midshipman and a lieutenant commander, it tells a story of a ship named Roanoke (why, why would you name your ship that?) that in 1903 comes across an abandoned ship named Steadfast (see, a much nicer name, but then again…) and decides to come ashore on a small island a 100 miles north of Falklands to see if they can find out what’s what.
The situation quickly turns dangerous because (surprise, surprise) the locals are hiding secrets. Now it’s a game of survival. But, of course, it’s no game for those in it.
A thoroughly entertaining dynamic tale well told. Very nicely done for what looks like a self-published debut. Lean and effective, it should entertain fans of historical fiction and sea adventures. Thanks Netgalley.