“Shadow Wind” is a fast-paced tale of seafaring intrigue, dashed with a mystic element.
Maxwell Houghton, son of a wealthy Bostonian banker, dreads carrying on in his father's footsteps and becoming a strait-laced society gentleman. A late-night gathering in a local tavern in the autumn of 1869 forever changes the course of his life. Falsely accused of murder, he must track down the real killer to prove his innocence. Maxwell soon realizes he has been dragged into a conspiracy from his grandfather's past. The elusive ship that haunts the horizon as he journeys to San Francisco reveals that someone aboard it is guiding Maxwell's fate, and nothing has been left to chance. From the high seas to the back streets of Rio, from a deserted tropical island to the majestic hills of northern California, the mysterious outlaw he seeks holds all the answers-as well as a hidden agenda.
Excerpt
Davies turned and Maxwell felt a prick of fear as the stranger's eyes briefly met with his own. The man’s cold stare and harsh words eluded to the likes of which Maxwell had never known. His life would depend upon split second decisions and his every action.
Maxwell fell to his knees and scoured the snow for the gun, but Davies had O'Rourke backed against the wall of the tavern.
Maxwell's heart thumped. The piano and laughter from inside mocked reality. No time to go for help. He got to his feet at about the same time O'Rourke made a desperate grab at Davies' knife hand, then recoiled and winced. O'Rourke stepped backward and clutched his wrist as blood pattered on the snow.
Davies drew back with the blade, ready for the kill.
Professional Reviews
Intriguing! Very highly recommended
Maxwell Houghton rejects the spoiled life of a socialite and the possibility of taking over his father's business. Instead, he admires his grandfather's restless spirit and rebellious imagination. Nevertheless, Grandfather Ben makes his work at the bank bearable. His father, however, longs to bring both Grandfather Ben and Maxwell to heel. Then Maxwell is framed for murder, and Grandfather Ben uses his resourcefulness to get Maxwell on an outbound ship before he can be arrested and tried for murder.
Grandfather Ben puts Ben aboard a ship he mistaken believes bound for Charleston, planning to use the three months absence to prove his grandson's innocence. Instead, they have fallen into a trap set by a devious man from Grandfather Ben's past. Maxwell is bound for San Francisco and will be absent at least a year. Worse, he has become a pawn in a deadly game and can trust no one.
In a fascinating mix of genres, including intrigue, suspense, mystery, and sea faring drama, Edward Mann creates a novel that will suit fans of any ilk. Indeed, SHADOW WIND presents a rising voice in fiction with fluid dialogue, rich characterizations, and a strong premise that not only provides a strong foundation for SHADOW WIND but also the two planned sequels. Further, Maxwell's maturation at sea and his devotion to his grandfather create strong sympathy in the reader. In addition, the fast paced plot will keep readers hooked to the last page and clamoring for the sequels. Very highly recommended.
Word Wrap: A book review by Cindy Penn
Shadow Wind, Reviewed by Pat Hayworth
Edward Mann has written a fast paced adventure tale of life on the high seas in 1869 involving mutiny, pirates and murder. It is the story of Maxwell Houghton who is raised by his widowed father, a wealthy Bostonian banker. He seems at a loss trying to deal with feelings about the differences between them and also those of his haughty friends.He has no desire to follow in the footsteps of his father in the world of banking but has instead inherited the love of the sea from the adventurous grandfather he dearly loves.
Reviewed by Pat Hayworth
Shadow Wind, by Edward Mann, Paperback: 271 pages, Publisher: Domhan Books; ISBN: 1583456031; (August 2001)
"The first mate paid no heed to the burgeoning storm. Frigid air whipped through the rigging, rattling blocks and tackle above his head as the black sea raised countless frothing peaks. There would be no call for all hands. He needed to be alone with ugly thoughts that bewitched him, thoughts like those he carried aboard his Union gunboat while floating down the Mississippi. He had to let the storm swallow him if he was to follow through. Rage would justify the act."
Thus begins the prologue and plot of Shadow Wind. Edward Mann has written a fast paced adventure tale of life on the high seas in 1869 involving mutiny, pirates and murder. It is the story of Maxwell Houghton who is raised by his widowed father, a wealthy Bostonian banker. He seems at a loss trying to deal with feelings about the differences between them and also those of his haughty friends. He has no desire to follow in the footsteps of his father in the world of banking but has instead inherited the love of the sea from the adventurous grandfather he dearly loves.
Maxwell joins his grandfather in a meeting at a tavern with an old friend from his grandfathers past.The friend is subsequently murdered and Maxwell is falsely blamed. His grandfather wants to get him away until he has time to clear him of the murder. He knocks him out with a drink and has him placed on a ship as a passenger, supposedly bound for Charlestown. Unknowingly he has played into the hand of the murderer and Maxwell finds himself on the way to San Francisco where both the mysterious murderer and the answers to questions from his grandfathers past await. Throughout his travel murder and mayhem insues.
Being a land lubber myself this book was an unusual read for me, however if you are a seafarer or adventure buff you will enjoy following Maxwell's adventures at sea as the mystery swirls around him and his ultimate resolution to the siren call of the sea.
As an added note to the reader, Mr. Mann has created a Maxwell Houghton series with the second book ,Long River,to be published this summer. He is currently working on the third book in the saga, Endless Blue.
For more information about Shadow Wind visit Shadow Wind
About the Reviewer: Pat Hayworth lives in Coleridge,NC. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing, painting, and working in her garden. E-mail address: pathayworth@rtmc.net
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