Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Joan Druett

    January 1, 1939

    This author's deep dive into maritime history was sparked by a serendipitous discovery on the tropical island of Rarotonga. Stumbling into an exposed grave revealed a headstone dating back to a young whaling wife who sailed in 1845, igniting a lifelong fascination. This passion has culminated in an extensive body of work exploring the sea's rich past. His latest book illuminates the life of an extraordinary individual: Tupaia, a master navigator and gifted artist.

    Shark Island
    Rough Medicine
    Island of the Lost
    Tupaia
    Finale
    Tupaia
    • 2022

      Lady Castaways

      • 238 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The book highlights the extraordinary experiences of women who faced perilous situations at sea, showcasing their resilience and bravery. Through the lens of historical figures like Lucretia Jansz, an enslaved concubine, and other heroines such as Mary-Ann Jewell and Millie Jenkins, the narrative reveals the often-overlooked contributions and survival stories of women in maritime history. Award-winning historian Joan Druett brings these remarkable tales to life, emphasizing their significance alongside male counterparts in the harsh realities of seafaring life.

      Lady Castaways
    • 2022

      Storm Swept

      • 318 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      Ships belonging to Harold Pederson are facing significant challenges, threatening their operations. As the situation escalates, the story unfolds around the efforts to resolve these crises, delving into themes of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. The narrative explores the dynamics of the maritime industry and the personal stakes involved for those connected to the ships, highlighting both the technical and emotional aspects of navigating troubled waters.

      Storm Swept
    • 2021

      Daughters of the Storm

      • 266 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of a fierce hurricane, the story unfolds in a remote fishing village where lives intertwine amid chaos. A London nightclub dancer arrives at the local clinic, accompanied by a heroic firefighter. Meanwhile, the wife of a shipping tycoon fights to keep her luxury yacht afloat, and a young winemaker's wife desperately seeks help for her injured husband. The narrative weaves together themes of resilience and courage as characters confront nature's fury and personal crises.

      Daughters of the Storm
    • 2019

      The Discovery of Tahiti

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Tahiti, the narrative explores how the island's allure and its enchanting inhabitants inspired the Romantic Movement. Captain Wallis and his crew's encounters with the island's beauty and its captivating queen fueled tales that captivated writers, artists, and filmmakers alike. Joan Druett expands on her acclaimed biography of Tupaia, delving into this fascinating historical moment and the cultural impact it had on the world, highlighting the intertwining of romance, adventure, and artistry.

      The Discovery of Tahiti
    • 2019

      Island of the Lost

      • 304 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      4.0(275)Add rating

      Auckland Island is a godforsaken place in the middle of the Southern Ocean, 285 miles south of New Zealand. With year-round freezing rain and howling winds, it is one of the most forbidding places in the world. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death.

      Island of the Lost
    • 2018

      Judas Island

      • 246 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of a treacherous sea voyage, Harriet Gray, an English actress, grapples with betrayal as she finds herself aboard the brig Gosling. Stranded by a deceitful shipmaster, she faces a lusty crew and a volatile pirate captain on a quest for the secrets of Judas Island. As their journey unfolds, the pursuit of treasure reveals an ancient tragedy, intertwining Harriet's fate with the dark history of the island and the enigmatic captain.

      Judas Island
    • 2018

      Finale

      • 262 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Set in 1905, this tale unfolds in the vibrant goldfields of New Zealand, where the Golden Goose Hotel, a renowned venue for Murder Mystery Weekends, faces turmoil. The legacy of Captain Jake Dexter and actress Harriet Gray is jeopardized by Timothy Dexter, whose dubious claims threaten the family's inheritance. Amidst the intrigue, a real murder disrupts the festivities, and young tourist Cissy Miller, armed with a Harlequin costume and a mysterious task, may hold the crucial clues to unraveling the deadly puzzle.

      Finale
    • 2018

      Calafia's Kingdom

      • 306 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      The narrative follows Harriet Gray as she navigates the treacherous waters of love and deceit, haunted by the return of Frank Sefton, a charming yet ruthless figure from her past. Abandoned in New Zealand, she now faces his manipulative schemes without the protection of Captain Jake Dexter, her treasure-hunting love. Set against the backdrop of the California gold rush, the story explores themes of resilience and danger, featuring well-crafted characters and a richly detailed historical context that promises an unforgettable adventure.

      Calafia's Kingdom
    • 2018

      Dearest Enemy

      • 222 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The narrative centers on Captain Jake Dexter, a former Yankee mariner turned infamous pirate, who unexpectedly becomes the manager of Sacramento's first theater. As he navigates this new venture, he faces unforeseen dangers that threaten both his life and that of actress Harriet Gray. The story weaves together themes of adventure and romance, highlighting Jake's treasure hunt and Harriet's quest for true love, culminating in a thrilling climax filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

      Dearest Enemy
    • 2016

      A Promise of Gold

      • 606 pages
      • 22 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of the California gold rush, the story follows seventeen-year-old Harriet Gray, an orphaned actress who cleverly secures a place on the brig Gosling, captained by the ambitious Jake Dexter. As they pursue legendary conquistador gold, Harriet harbors her own secrets that will challenge the crew. The narrative promises engaging characters and rich historical detail, capturing the adventurous spirit of the era and the allure of treasure hunting on the high seas.

      A Promise of Gold