Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

Cindy Vallar, Editor & Reviewer
P.O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

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When Napoleon Bonaparte and Moses smoke on a balcony, while a pirate with gold earring and cutlass steals Queen Elizabeth’s diamond necklace, while Henry VIII and Joan of Arc watch, you know you’re in trouble!  Thus begins Keith Thomson’s rollicking adventure into the world of the pirates of Pensacola.

Morgan Arthur Baker, a meek accountant for Vail & Company, plans for the day when he can pay off his debts and purchase the car and house of which he dreams.  That happening anytime soon, however, is unlikely until his father materializes in his living room.  Morgan’s having a rotten day, and wants nothing to do with his long-absent father and his get-rich-quick scheme, especially since it would mean Morgan would have to help Isaac steal the company yacht to collect the gold he buried long ago.  When Morgan refuses, Isaac gives up--too easily--which should make Morgan suspicious, but he’s a landlubber not searching for adventure of any kind, so it doesn’t.

Before long Morgan finds himself aboard the yacht, with Isaac, bound for the Caribbean to collect the treasure.  Along the way, he learns his dad is really a pirate, that he is descended from noteworthy pirates from days long past, and that Isaac stole the buried loot from a pirate in league with drug kingpins.   Morgan just wants to go home and resume his staid job, but fate--and Isaac--have other plans.  In the ensuing adventures, Morgan finds himself with Laffite swords at his throat, enamored with a tattooed woman, hunted by mercenaries intent on killing him, imprisoned in a Spanish fortress, facing disgruntled pirates in a haven masquerading as a religious commune, and much more.

Thomson displays an ingenious knack for taking the facts of piracy and twisting them to fit the modern world.  Replete with humor and satire, this story enchants and enthralls in spite of all the improbable and impossible situations Morgan encounters, yet the reader never once thinks any one of them might not happen.  Pirate lingo, lifestyle, women, ships, and rum abound.  I particularly enjoyed the author’s definitive explanation regarding the Bermuda Triangle.  A story you’ll treasure forever.
 

History of Piracy according to Pirates of Pensacola
The Blarg (aka blog of a pirate)
Tripod Book Cult – Personal Stories from the author

Book Review Copyright ©2005 Cindy Vallar

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