Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

 

The time is 1665.  Spain holds sway on the oceans with their mighty Armada which transports the gold and silver they are steadily extracting from the New World.  Captain Charles Hunter, sailing under the English flag, is sure that the treasure would be much happier with him and his crew.  Sailing out of Jamaica, he searches for a ship to attack.

News reaches him of a huge ship that has put into shore, probably for repairs.  It is at a secluded bay which is protected by a fortress that has never been successfully attacked.  But that doesn't stop him.  As he and his trusted gang spy on the fort, they discover that a woman has been captured, probably for ransom.  When they attack and get the treasure, they also rescue her only to discover that she is the niece of Jamaica's governor.

Returning to Jamaica, Hunter finds everything changed.  His mentor, the governor, is under 'protection', his office being appropriated by his subordinates.  They immediately arrest Hunter and his crew and after a mock trial, sentence them to death.  Is this the end of Hunter?

This is a posthumous book written by Michael Crichton.  It has his trademarks of exhilarating adventure and a plot that could have easily been adapted for a movie.  Readers will easily guess at the plotline but it is always fun to go along for the ride with Crichton.  This book is recommended for readers of thrillers.