Pirate Hunters

Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship

By: Robert Kurson

Narrated by: Ray Porter

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY CHICAGO TRIBUNE • A thrilling adventure of danger and deep-sea diving, historic mystery and suspense, by the author of Shadow Divers

Finding and identifying a pirate ship is the hardest thing to do under the sea. But two men—John Chatterton and John Mattera—are willing to risk everything to find the Golden Fleece, the ship of the infamous pirate Joseph Bannister. At large during the Golden Age of Piracy in the seventeenth century, Bannister should have been immortalized in the lore of the sea—his exploits more notorious than Blackbeard’s, more daring than Kidd’s. But his story, and his ship, have been lost to time. If Chatterton and Mattera succeed, they will make history—it will be just the second time ever that a pirate ship has been discovered and positively identified. Soon, however, they realize that cutting-edge technology and a willingness to lose everything aren’t enough to track down Bannister’s ship. They must travel the globe in search of historic documents and accounts of the great pirate’s exploits, face down dangerous rivals, battle the tides of nations and governments and experts. But it’s only when they learn to think and act like pirates—like Bannister—that they become able to go where no pirate hunters have gone before.

Fast-paced and filled with suspense, fascinating characters, history, and adventure, Pirate Hunters is an unputdownable story that goes deep to discover truths and souls long believed lost.

Praise for Pirate Hunters

“You won’t want to put [it] down.”—Los Angeles Times

“An exceptional adventure . . . Highly recommended to readers who delight in adventure, suspense, and the thrill of discovering history at their fingertips.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“A terrific read . . . The book gallops along at a blistering pace, shifting us deftly between the seventeenth century and the present day.”—Diver

“Nonfiction with the trademarks of a novel: the plots and subplots, the tension and suspense . . . [Kurson has] found gold.”—The Dallas Morning News

“Rollicking . . . a fascinating [story] about the world of pirates, piracy, and priceless treasures.”—The Boston Globe

“[Kurson’s] narration is just as engrossing as the subject.”—The Christian Science Monitor

“A wild ride [and an] extraordinary adventure . . . Kurson’s own enthusiasm, combined with his copious research and an eye for detail, makes for one of the most mind-blowing pirate stories of recent memory, one that even the staunchest landlubber will have a hard time putting down.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The two contemporary pirate-ship seekers of Mr. Kurson’s narrative are as daring, intrepid, tough and talented as Blood and Sparrow—and Bannister. . . . As depicted by the author, they are real-life Hemingway heroes.”—The Wall Street Journal

“[Kurson] takes his knowledge of the underwater world and applies it to the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’ . . . thrillingly detailing the highs and lows of chasing not just gold and silver but also history.”—Booklist

“A great thriller full of tough guys and long odds . . . and: It’s all true.”—Lee Child

Engrossing True Pirate Story!

I feel almost silly writing about pirates. It seems as if I am discussing a fantasy genre. But this book is no fantasy--it is all true.

Robert Kurson did it again! He wrote two of my favorite audiobooks, "Shadow Divers" (the true bestselling story of the search for a German U-boat from WWII including the dramatic deaths of two divers, a father and son team) and more recently, "Crashing Through" (recently reviewed by me, the story of Michael May who regained his eyesight as an adult after losing it at age 3). As far as I am concerned, all three of these books are unforgettable and must-reads.

Pirate Hunters is about the search for a pirate ship, the Golden Fleece, by two experienced shipwreck divers, John Chatterton and John Mattera. There is a great deal of information presented, so you really get to know the story behind the infamous pirate, Joseph Bannister (fascinating!) who stole and commanded the Golden Fleece, the two shipwreck divers, Chatterton and Mattera, in addition to the history of piracy. In no way could you ever describe Kurson's characters as cardboard or weak; they are always very well-developed, so you really feel like you know exactly who they are.

Add to this a narration by Ray Porter and you KNOW you have a winner. I am so glad I finally got around to purchasing and listening to this book. You can, too!

When your heart says "go" you must listen....

I absolutely enjoyed this book. As I get older myself, I find inspiration from Mattera and Chatterton regarding following ones heart. Pirate stories are always awesome and to combine that with diving adventure makes this account pure genius. In today's risk averse society, this book inspires to "DO" rather than stand by and live through some reality TV series.
If Bowden was reading this, I'd urge him to understand that legends are bigger than business disputes. How would he want the world to remember him after he kicks the bucket? A stingy old stubborn dog who is stuck on the fine print of a business deal OR a true treasure hunter who cared about exploring regardless of the $$ signs.
I would love to be on the Spanish Galleon trip!!
Also, Porter deserves an Oscar for his narration, it was spot on.
To Kurson, thank you for knocking this one straight out of the ballpark.

Road trip

It made for a captivating road trip listen. We learned a lot and were often enthralled. Our 10 year old son loved it too (but note, there is frequent swearing that we semi-sensored:)

Gripping and informative. Couldn't stop listening

As a diver for 20+ years I could relate to the characters in this true-to-life story and yet overwhelmed by their passion and drive to conquer the impossible. This is the stuff that all great stories are made of. The narrator, Ray Porter, is the best, by far, and kept the story interesting with perfect pace, inflection and even characterized his voice to each of the subjects in the story. Just awesome. So glad I stumbled upon this "treasure".

Awesome

Would totally recommend. Good from start to finish. Shadow divers was also a good book.