The Seafarer’s Secret: Blackbeard and Treasure (5 Stars)

Recently, I was able to read an ARC of The Seafarer’s Secret by Carol Ann Collins. The actual book will not be published until January 30, 2024. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend preordering this book. It has murder, mystery, Blackbeard, treasure, and a whole lot more.

The story takes place in modern times in Eden, North Carolina. I’m not familiar enough with the area or with Blackbeard, to know if this is true, but according to the story, Blackbeard lived in the area. There are rumors that he left behind some of his treasure in or around Eden.

Thoughts on the Book

This was a really good book. I’ve read about 75 books this year, and I’d put this one in my Top 5 for 2023. I feel like it perfectly captures the spirit of small-town living when it comes to gossip and meddling in other people’s lives.

Blackbeard: History Mixed with Fiction

I like how the writer interwove fiction with some history. The biggest piece of history is the regular mentions of Blackbeard, the pirate. I knew a little about him, mostly thanks to the old Disney movie Blackbeard’s Ghost. I grew up watching the movie, and that combined with this book made me interested in learning more about him. It would be interesting to know what was real and what came from a writer’s imagination both concerning the book and the movie.

Other Thoughts

This was a well-written book. I do feel like there were a few things that were a little too obvious, but I’ll give them a bit of a pass. This isn’t a super fast-paced thriller murder mystery, but I also didn’t feel like the plot was dragging.

There is some swearing in this book. When it comes to sexual content, the closest you come to that is some kissing and talk of some characters having affairs. It’s pretty mild. There are a few murders, both before the book starts and during the book. There’s also a character who gets knocked out and another character who’s shot at. I would describe the violence as mild. I would say that the violence is “cozy mystery” level.

This is a book that I’d feel comfortable recommending to family and friends. I actually nearly passed on reading it. The book’s description didn’t fully pull me in, but something about it sounded interesting enough for me to give the book a chance. I’m glad that I didn’t pass on reading this because it is well worth reading.