Pirate Latitudes

Master storyteller Michael Crichton sustains his reputation posthumously with this seventeenth-century pirate tale of the Caribbean. Swashbuckling Captain Charles Hunter is loafing in Jamaica, enjoying both women and rum, when he's enticed by news of a treasure-laden Spanish galleon moored at another island. John Bedford Lloyd's cool narration is an excellent match to Hunter's bravado in the face of sharks, cannibals, and a bloodthirsty opponent. Lloyd provides a straightforward portrayal of Hunter and shades the rest of the diverse cast--a fingerless Jewish explosives expert, a transvestite sharpshooter, a gargantuan Moor with an amputated tongue, and a kidnapped noble lady who secretly enjoys being ravished by pirates--with a profusion of vocal color. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

January 25, 2010
In Crichton’s posthumously published novel, Capt. Charles Hunter leads a lovable gang of pirates in a raid on a Spanish ship loaded with gold off the coast of Jamaica. Hunter’s determination must contend with a host of rapacious cannibals, hurricanes, sea monsters, simmering mutiny, and capture by sadistic Spaniards. Crichton draws on every pirate cliché in the book, refreshing and reanimating them with heady atmosphere, crackling dialogue, and an endearing hero—all of which are brought to life by John Bedford Lloyd, who excels at accents and colorful personalities. Lloyd’s deep and controlled voice projects energy and excitement, and steers clear of caricature. A Harper hardcover.