Reviews of what’s new on the shelves this season

The storm prophet
by Hector Macdonald
Review by Carol Waterkeyn

This extraordinary novel is set around the world-famous Sydney–Hobart yacht race and the role played by Petra Woods, fictitious Director of Sydney New Coastguard, a lifeboating organisation in Australia.

When a psychic boy predicts a violent outcome for the race, Petra, who has already witnessed the truth of his prophecies, tries to get it called off. But with almost everyone against her, and the weather forecast fine, the race inevitably goes ahead ...

This is a truly gripping read with a strong and courageous main protagonist. As a woman myself, I wasn’t totally convinced by Hector Macdonald’s first-person portrayal of his heroine, but nevertheless the plot’s twists and turns will keep you hooked to the end.

Launching his book at a special reception on the TS Queen Mary on the River Thames last November, the author explained he is already writing a sequel and hopes that Petra Woods will develop into a major fictional character, who will fly the flag for lifeboat crews around the world.

Published by Viking
ISBN 9780670071012
Price: £10.99 paperback (plus postage)

Skeletons for sadness
by Ewen Southby-Tailyour
Review by Jon Jones

Despite its gloomy title, Skeletons for sadness is a beautifully crafted love story set against a backdrop of adventure and espionage during the Falklands war.

Edward Casement, sailing for Cape Horn in his ketch Nomad, calls in at the Islands for a brief stopover. Following a series of mishaps, Edward finds himself obliged to sail for the Governor with English nurse Heather Cooper. While delivering medical care and supplies the quarrelsome pair start to grow closer. But when the threat of an Argentine invasion becomes reality they are drawn into the conflict and Edward soon discovers that his lovely Heather is not quite who she seems.

Using his intimate knowledge of the islands, the author fleshes out convincing dialogue with descriptions of breathtaking scenery, some of which are reproduced in watercolours and sketches. This book is compelling throughout, often moving and, surprisingly, sometimes funny.

Published by Seafarer Books
ISBN 9781906266028
Price: £9.95 paperback

Walton and Frinton lifeboat
A station history 1884–2005
by John Steer
Review by Derek King FWCMT

Crammed with facts and details, this book is one for the real enthusiast, especially with an interest in the Essex coast. The author has researched in detail the history of the lifeboat and its effect on the locals it has served. The accounts of small community politics will bring a wry smile to those in other coastal towns and villages!

He seems to feel that the station and its crew play more of a publicity and fundraising role nowadays, and thus he does not deal with modern ‘shouts’ in as much detail, or sea safety and accident prevention. A considered foreword by Captain Richard Woodman MNI puts the current station and crew in sharper focus.

The book contains many interesting illustrations and a quirky use of typefaces. Mr Steer’s book will earn its place on the bookcase of all with a love of the history of the RNLI 

Published by Walton and Frinton History
Book Fund, ISBN 9780955216008
Price: £14.95 paperback (all profits to the RNLI)

Available from the RNLI shop at Walton and Frinton lifeboat station; by writing to PG Oxley Ltd at 47 High Street, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8BE; or by emailing [email protected]. Please add £4 postage.