Find the Wind's Eye

Andrew Gunn Trilogy, Book 1

By: Alton Fletcher

Narrated by: Stephen Molloy

In 1854 Boston, Third Lieutenant Andrew Gunn of the United States Revenue Cutter Service questions the President’s direct order to extradite a fugitive slave, Anthony Burns, back to Virginia aboard his ship—a lawful order that he believes is immoral and unjust. Torn between his own reverence for freedom as an American and his sworn duty, Gunn suffers the hazards of hard choices that threaten his own life, liberty, and happiness. His first real exposure to the scourge of slavery brings chaos to his ordered life, despite his desperate attempts to control it.

Set aboard a small ship in the midst of a gathering political storm, Find the Wind's Eye is a timely, moving story about a man of principle trying to find his way in a fast-changing, increasingly ambivalent world. He strives to do the right thing, while struggling with the ugly truth of his own complicity in the national sin of slavery. Based on actual events surrounding the trial of Anthony Burns. A rousing sea story in the tradition of C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian.

©2001 Alton Fletcher (P)2025 Alton Fletcher

Authentically Grounded

In 1854 Boston, Third Lieutenant Andrew Gunn grapples with a presidential order to extradite fugitive slave Anthony Burns—a command he recognizes as legal but morally abhorrent. Aboard a small ship amid rising political turmoil, he must confront the harsh realities of slavery, his own principles, and the personal cost of choosing between duty and conscience. Based on the true events surrounding the Burns trial, Find the Wind’s Eye delivers a stirring maritime tale of moral conflict in the tradition of classic sea fiction.

Author Alton Fletcher demonstrates a strong command of historically accurate and well-researched detail, grounding the story in authenticity. His descriptive writing and smooth narrative flow create an immersive experience, while the dialogue remains engaging and consistently advances the plot. Altogether, it is a well-written work that showcases both craft and careful attention to historical nuance and accurately depicts the horrors of slavery.

Narrator Stephen Molloy delivers a powerful performance, giving each character a distinct and richly textured presence through his versatile voice. His cadence and delivery remain smooth and deliberate, maintaining a steady narrative pace. With thoughtful tonal inflections and well-placed pauses, he enhances the depth of both the characters and their situations, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.

This was a well-written audiobook that is historically accurate to the time period.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

a rare view into a tough era.

poignant reminder of what our nation (US) went through prior to the civil war .
one can see this author's knowledge and understanding of the pain endured by slaves, and the awful duty those tasked with upholding the law were required to fulfill.
action keeps this story moving well.
A great read (listen).