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

an absorbing Tale

extraordinarily researched amd performed. classic Michael Crichton storytelling extremely entertaining as well as thought-provoking material

Unpolished and entertaining

After reading that this was found on his hard drive after his death, I went into it not expecting much, but was happily surprised. Like most of his novels, it was easily seen in my minds eye. Full of action and good twists, I was excited to see what would happen next and stayed in the car a few extra minutes to find out. Overall it was a good story and flowed well. It is not his best, but worth listening to. The reader also did a fine job to keep my interest. Would give it 3.5 stars. Will likely make a good action movie.

Not what you might expect from Crighton

Any additional comments?

There is no evidence of the deep research you find in most of Crighton's other books. This was a decent listen, but maybe a bit silly comparatively. High adventure and heroes doing things beyond what a mere mortal should be able to manage. Use caution, if you are a big fan of this author you may be disappointed, but not altogether bad.

Crichton was terrific as was Mr. Lloyd

Wonderful book, so sorry his is no longer with us.

loved it

awesome story and fantastic narration. enjoyed every aspect and I wish there was more to listen to.

great narration, fantastic story

narrator was great. loved the story. Michael Crichton is a top 5 author of mine.

A quick review by a novice reader

I haven't read (listened to) many books in my time. As a lover of adventure and the sea I decided to give this one a shot. A lot of other reviews said this was not as good as Crichtons other works. Having read none of them I can't say.

Coming in to this book blind I can say I absolutely loved it!

If you're looking for a swashbuckling Adventure look no further

Loved it!

Such an enjoyable listen! Especially if one listens while in Florida. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

really enjoyed this!

I have always loved pirate stories, and this was no different. great book, very entertaining.

Perfect Escapism

Immeasurably more enjoyable than any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Not the best Chrichton novel, but certainly not the worst (see Next). Pure fun that will have you searching for more pirate novels.