The Spirit of the Autumn Wind

by Dorae Shae

Overview

Set in post-World War II Morocco, Ireland, and the Mediterranean, The Spirit of the Autumn Wind is a high-seas adventure brimming with mystery and romance.

When respected sea captain Regan Quinn and his lifelong friend, Niko, are accidentally involved in the murder of a drug lord's son in a back alley in Tangiers, they fear for their lives and must flee on separate ships. They make a plan to meet up in Ireland, where they hope to leave the past behind and start a new life. Niko hides out working as a galley cook aboard the Autumn Wind, where he is entrusted with the care of Regan Quinn's son, Christos, and must keep him, as well as a young family being smuggled aboard, safe from an unstable captain and the vengeful drug lords pursuing the ship. Regan Quinn, captain on the Seaward Angel, finds himself in a dangerous dilemma as he falls in love with Loren Lombardi, an attractive undercover investigator on board with a mission to prove he is guilty of murder.

As the two ships sail toward their final destinations, danger and intrigue ensue while the colourful cast of characters, desperate to find answers and a safe place to land, must band together to survive.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525533150
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	06/14/2019
Pages:	390
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

A retired real-estate agent, Dorae Shae lived and worked on farms at Breton, Alberta for over thirty years. Writing always took second seat to her country life and career, and she is excited to now have the time to write full time and bring more stories to life. Dorae published her previous book of three novellas, Restless Secrets, in 2017. She lives with her husband and their Dachshund named Tex in Leduc, Alberta.

Editorial Reviews

2019-07-24
A friendship is tested when a chance encounter results in death and an unexpected conspiracy in Shae's (Restless Secrets, 2017) thriller.Regan Quinn and Nikolas "Niko" Mararious have been close ever since they were kids. They grew up together in a Greek orphanage, so they have a unique bond that's helped them through the worst of times. Both are accomplished sailors, but after years of grueling work, they're ready for a change. When Regan comes to Niko with some exciting news, it seems like things are looking up: A lucky bargain allowed Regan to buy an old marina and restaurant in Ireland, and he asks Niko to be his business partner. Niko's initial elation is quickly overshadowed by a dark secret that he's reluctant to share, even with his close friend, involving a criminal past. To make matters worse, the pair find themselves involved in a murder after a confrontation turns deadly. Knowing their lives are at risk, they make plans to leave for Ireland, confident they'll be safe at last. But little do they know that Liam O'Hare, the sinister captain of the infamous ship the Autumn Wind and Niko's former boss, will stop at nothing to derail their plans. Shae describes the ruggedness of sea life in startling detail, and the sense of dread surrounding the activities aboard the titular boat heightens the sense of anxiety: "He did not speak of what went on aboard the ship; no one did, because the crew was made up of desperate men who were safer on the Autumn Wind than anywhere else." There are a few side plots that add other intriguing elements, such as a budding romance between Regan and Loren Lombardi, an Italian crime reporter. Mistaken identities, revenge, and betrayal all have a part to play, and the exotic locales only add to the intoxicating atmosphere of intrigue. The contrast in characterization between Niko and Regan is strikingly complex, and their opposite personalities generate tension and exhilaration. Several other side characters keep things lively and amusing, and the addition of an organized crime element gives the story a satisfying edge.

A gratifying page-turner that's perfect for a summer read.

Kirkus Reviews