The Devil's Own Luck

By David Donachie

Book Overview

David Donachie sails into a breach in the naval line, firing as he bears, with an exciting twist on the chronicles of the Age of Fighting Sail. Blending seagoing adventure with the mystery and twists of a whodunit, his Privateersman Mysteries series re-invents the genre.

1793: The onset of Britain's conflict with Revolutionary France. Harry Ludlow, forced out of the Royal Navy, becomes a privateer in partnership with his younger brother James. But for the Ludlows, murder and intrigue take more of their time than hunting fat trading vessels. Harry and James find themselves aboard the Navy's 74-gun Magnanime. In command is a captain with whom Harry has crossed swords in the past. But when James is found standing over the body of a dead officer, Harry's feud shifts into the background. From the dark bowels of this troubled ship of the line, where perversity hides in the shadows, secrets start to surface on all sides.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1493095056
• ISBN13: 9781493095056
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: McBooks Press
• Length: 304 Pages

Customer Reviews

Good but not O'Brian

Hard to miss with this combination mystery/detective story/nautical yarn. Harry Ludlow is an ex-Royal Navy officer now operating his own vessel as a privateer. His ship is destroyed, and he and his crew are taken on board the Magnanime, commanded by one of Harry's old enemies, Oliver Carter. James, Harry's brother, who had also been on Harry's ship, and is hardly a seaman, is discovered standing over the body of a murdered Magnanime officer. Harry must find the real killer in order to clear his brother. Using his knowledge of the sea and ships, Harry worms his way into the good graces of some of the other officers and sailors. A raft of dark secrets soon emerges, including a secret space where several of the men and officers, would gather to conduct unmentionable activities. I would rank Donachie somewhere between O'Brian and Forester. The addition of the mystery adds a nice twist to what would otherwise be a very credible naval series.

Blends a whodunit with naval experiences

Devil's Own Luck is the first volume in the author's projected 'Privateersman Mystery' series and is a recommended pick for any who appreciate swashbuckling action, the high seas, and a good mystery. Take Forester and O'Brien and add intrigue and you have the makings of this novel, which blends a whodunit with naval experiences.