Pirate Hunters

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

By: Robert Kurson

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

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 unpausable story that goes deep to discover truths and souls long believed lost.

©2015 Robert Kurson (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A great thriller full of tough guys and long odds...and: It's all true." (Lee Child)

" Pirate Hunters is a fantastic book, an utterly engrossing and satisfying read. It tells the story of the hunt for the rare wreck of a pirate ship, which had been captained by one of the most remarkable pirates in history. This is a real-life Treasure Island, complete with swashbuckling, half-crazy treasure hunters and vivid Caribbean settings - a story for the ages." (Douglas Preston)

" Pirate Hunters is a gripping account of two courageous divers' quest to uncover the shipwrecked vessel of Joseph Bannister, one of history's most infamous pirates. Robert Kurson will keep you on the edge of your seat in this high-stakes journey around the globe that ultimately teaches these explorers about much more than an old ship." (Sen. John McCain)

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.

Not at all what I expected but great book.

This is not the type of book I normally would pay any attention to. I’ve listened to other books narrated by Ray Porter, he does an excellent job. This one seemed interesting so I thought I’d give it a listen.
Overall the story and content were interesting. There were a few slow parts when the author discusses the background of the divers but overall not bad.
The pirate history was really interesting and well researched. I’m not sure if maps were included in the print version but if they were a pdf to look at would be nice. The locations discussed were easy to find on google maps. I wasn’t sure what to think when I started but was not disappointed.

Second listen and I still can't hit pause

Completely addictive even the second time through! if you enjoy amazing true stories, adventures or pirates this is the book for you.

AMAZING!!!

What a story!! I couldn't put it down and the day just passed by unnoticed while I sat on the verge of my seat through this whole adventure!!Treasure hunting where can I sign up??!

At least as good as Shadow Divers

An excellent story and a perfect follow-up to Shadow Divers. Has every element of a great adventure story.

What a Ride!!

Great listen. Keeps you hooked from the very beginning. So much knowledge in this book.