Run Foul (Wiki Coffin Mysteries S.) - Tapa dura

U.S. Exploring Expedition linguist Wiki Coffin sails with the famous convoy of ships toward Brazil, with no idea the amazing encounter the fates and the winds have set in motion. As the great flagship Vincennes leads the convoy under the dubious command of eccentric captain Charles Wilkes toward a dramatic entrance in the port of Rio, careless manoeuvring leads one of the vessels to run afoul of a Boston trading ship. As it turns out, the trader is owned and commanded by the famous and larger-than-life Captain William Coffin, father to Wiki and sailor of all seven seas. The encounter sets in motion a series of confounding events that reunite William with his illegitimate half-Maori son and that, before they are through, will see two men dead, William on trial for murder, and Wiki working feverishly to unmask the real killers before the Expedition sails on-leaving his father at the mercy of an unforgiving Brazilian court.

Praise for the Novels of Joan Druett

Shark Island

"Rousing . . . Druett should win plaudits from both mystery fans and aficionados of naval adventures."
--Publishers Weekly

"Basing her tale in part on the actual Exploring Expedition's voyages, Druett describes with contagious conviction floggings, cramped quarters, pettifogging officers, and rum rations."
--Kirkus Reviews

A Watery Grave

"This impressive debut will appeal both to fans of historical mysteries and to Patrick O'Brian readers."
--Booklist (starred review)

"Evoking writers from Melville to Patrick O'Brian, this novel is a fine start to a series sure to appeal to lovers of historical mysteries and fans of sea adventures."
--Publishers Weekly

"Noted maritime historian Druett blends strong plotting and scads of authentic maritime detail in an impressive debut that should appeal to fans of historical mysteries and Patrick O'Brian. Highly recommended."
--Library Journal