A Watery Grave
A Watery Grave by Joan Druett is a historical fiction novel published by Macmillan in October 2005, featuring 304 pages in English. Set in 1838, the story follows the United States Exploring Expedition as it embarks on a journey into uncharted waters. The narrative centers on Wiki Coffin, a ship’s linguist of mixed New Zealand Maori and American heritage, who faces wrongful arrest for a murder he did not commit just before the expedition’s departure.
As the convoy sets sail, Wiki is exonerated and must catch up with the ships while navigating the complexities of his role. He is tasked with identifying the real murderer, who the local sheriff believes is among the crew. This edition presents a blend of action, adventure, and mystery, enriched by Druett’s expertise in maritime storytelling. Readers will find a richly detailed account of life at sea, the challenges of the expedition, and the intricate dynamics of the characters involved.
Official synopsis Publisher
The year is 1838, and after more than ten years in the planning, the famous United States Exploring Expedition is set to launch into uncharted waters from the coast of Virginia. A convoy of seven ships filled with astronomers, mapmakers, naturalists, and the sailors charged with getting them around the world, the “Ex. Ex.” is finally underway, with much fanfare.
Aboard the convoy as ship’s linguist is Wiki Coffin. Half New Zealand Maori and half American, Wiki speaks numerous languages and is expected to help the crew navigate the Pacific islands that are his native heritage. But just before departure Wiki, subject to the unfortunate bigotry of the time, is arrested for a vicious murder he didn’t commit.
The convoy sails off, but just before the ships are out of reach Wiki is exonerated, set free to catch up with his ship and sail on. The catch: the local sheriff is convinced that the real murderer is aboard one of the seven ships of the expedition, and Wiki is deputized to identify the killer and bring him to justice.
Full of the evocative maritime detail and atmosphere that have won her numerous awards for her nonfiction, Joan Druett’s A Watery Grave is the mystery debut of a masterful maritime writer.
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