The Shadow in the Sands by Sam Llewellyn; Headline 1998; Headline 1998; 278pp; 0-7472-2191-X; £12.99; CA 15294


“...... a sheet of filthy water jam-packed with coasting ships and barges, narrow boats they call them. You can hardly see the quays under heaps of corn sacks and tar barrels and potatoes in boxes” - That is how Charlie Webb, through whose eyes Sam Llewellyn tells the story of his new adventure, saw Limehouse Basin in 1903: “....not a popular place with yachtsmen who like to keep their darlings clean”

The story is based upon papers of the shipping magnate Baron Webb. He fished out of Norfolk ports and rose later, through the extraordinary tale told here, to the House of Lords. It meshes remarkably into the story of “The Riddle of the Sands” and the author dedicates this novel to the memory of Erskine Childers.

The narrative style captures the spirit and the ambiance of the age as well as deftly using the speech patterns of his Norfolk hero. It is a gripping book in its own right and the first for several months of which I can honestly say I found difficulty in laying it down. You will enjoy this whether you like thrillers or sailing adventures. To have both in one is a bonus.

For those few who have not read the Childers yarn, the current offer from the publishers includes a free copy when you buy the Llewellyn. - MJD

Page added 5 October 1998

Home New Acquisitions