By Tim Sage, Grand Rapids Public Library, West Side Branch
It can be a shock when your favorite author dies unexpectedly. So how would you feel if you stumbled upon a new book by the same author a year later? This recently happened to me when an assistant of Michael Crichton discovered a complete manuscript for a book called Pirate Latitudes.
Crichton, author of books such as Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and State of Fear, had died of lymphoma a year earlier. In fact, he was so secretive about his work that not even his publisher knows when he worked on it and if Crichton even planned on publishing it.
Pirate Latitudes is set in the Caribbean during the 17th century. A Spanish ship full of treasure is forced to spend the season at the fort of Matanceros and the English Governor of Jamaica wants it captured. He conspires with Charles Hunter to round up the greatest “privateers” (pirates in other words) in port for a daring raid on the island fort. A classic pirate tale full of high seas battles, adventure and betrayal follows.
All Michael Crichton books are well researched. Adept at weaving the historical information into the story, you hardly realize that it is happening. If you liked the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and are looking for a book with all of the action and a little knowledge thrown in check out Pirate Latitudes. Besides, how often do you get to read a book published from beyond the grave?
