Pirate Latitudes

By: Michael Crichton

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

From one of the best-loved authors of all time comes an irresistible adventure of swashbuckling pirates in the New World, a classic story of treasure and betrayal.

The Caribbean, 1665. A remote colony of the English Crown, the island of Jamaica holds out against the vast supremacy of the Spanish empire. Port Royal, its capital, is a cutthroat town of taverns, grog shops, and bawdy houses. In this steamy climate, there's a living to be made, a living that can end swiftly by disease - or by dagger.

For Captain Charles Hunter, gold in Spanish hands is gold for the taking, and the law of the land rests with those ruthless enough to make it. Word in port is that the galleon El Trinidad, fresh from New Spain, is awaiting repairs in a nearby harbor. Heavily fortified, the impregnable harbor is guarded by the bloodthirsty Cazalla, a favorite commander of the Spanish king himself. With backing from a powerful ally, Hunter assembles a crew of ruffians to infiltrate the enemy outpost and commandeer El Trinidad, along with its fortune in Spanish gold. The raid is as perilous as the bloodiest tales of island legend, and Hunter will lose more than one man before he even sets foot on foreign shores, where dense jungle and the firepower of Spanish infantry stand between him and the treasure....

Pirate Latitudes is Michael Crichton at his best: a rollicking adventure tale pulsing with relentless action, crackling atmosphere, and heart-pounding suspense.

©2009 Michael Crichton (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Amazing story, Great performance

This is another incredible tale told. Truly one of our master story tellers in his truest fashion. I loved it. The research and depth into the background for this story is really exceptional.
Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton is another favorite of mine!!

John Bedford Lloyd did an absolutely incredible job reading. He really blew my mind!

4/5 stars, only because the tale is uncomfortably graphic at times. It's real life and accurate to the time and place and events no doubt. But I did have to use care which ears were hearing my book.

Crichton or not Crichton? Who cares?

I really don't care whether or not Crichton wrote this not, or if he did, if it's one of his earlier works. It is a boatload of fun to listen to and that's what matters.

The narrator works - he has a lovely voice, distinguishes the characters, and reads at the right pace.

The story works - it's a well-crafted, atmospheric,cohesive tale full of action and interesting characters. I was mesmerized by Port Royale, it's politics, pirates and precarious position in the 17th century Carribbean. It's a swashbuckling yarn that feels grounded in real history.

I'll be listening to it again - on vacation, driving in the car, doing the ironing, grocery shopping, walking the dog ......

Not Bad

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If the friend really enjoyed pirate adventures and didn't have high expectations.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I wish the plot had a few more twists. The story was very linear.

Would you listen to another book narrated by John Bedford Lloyd?

Maybe. He's good with accents but his narration was a little flat. I'd give him at least one more try before making up my mind, though.

A great story from my favorite Author

It was slow to start but then hard to stop. The characters were clearly described and we'll thought. A classic Pirate story that ended smoothly and left me satisfied.

A Great Audiobook!

A reading of a great Writer! Time well spent enjoying this. Best Pick.

great listen

Great take on the life of a privateer! Could not stop listening, it was another great Crichton novel!

Great Adventure on the High Seas Novel

I don't care whether or not MC actually wrote this book or when he wrote it, it is so entertaining and chock full of action that I hated for it to end. Also, the narration was very well done.

Pirate Latitudes

AAAAAAAArrrr Maties, it is a great pirate tale based on real information.

A Fun Pirate Experience

This is a very fun story that I have finished twice. Both times, I could not put it down. Very interesting characters and fun adventure.

love this book

it's a good book keeps you Interested the while time, you will love this book