“Dead in the Water” attempts to unravel the enigmatic events surrounding the alleged hijack and attempted scuttling of the Brillante Virtuoso, an oil tanker embroiled in a complex web of ownership and insurance connections. The book’s initial sections hint at an enticing examination of contemporary piracy through a specific case filled with intrigue. However, the narrative becomes mired in repetitive discussions of convoluted ownership structures and legalistic manoeuvres aimed at avoiding tax liabilities. Despite a promising premise and a brief exploration of the Greek shipping industry’s development, numerous intriguing tangents remain unexplored.
The story weaves a maze of murder mysteries, hidden ownership frameworks, and legal manipulations. Unfortunately, the author’s effort to enhance depth by introducing key characters, such as a colourful Greek ship owner, an enigmatic Yemeni-based British detective with possible ties to intelligence services, and various quarrelsome solicitors, falls short. These characters feel disconnected, failing to intertwine effectively despite the author’s attempts to craft an engaging narrative around their interactions.
While the author strives to personalize the story through a journalistic lens, the execution is lacking. The narrative frequently drags, giving the impression of stretching the story beyond its natural limits. A more concise approach would have better served the material. The book feels like a short story stretched beyond its breaking point, potentially exploring aspects of the shipping industry, piracy, and other related topics.
At its core, “Dead in the Water” reads more like an extended essay than a cohesive novel. While there are moments of engagement, the book struggles to maintain momentum. As the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay invested, and even the resolution of the Yemeni murder investigation, though somewhat satisfying, offers little new information beyond what was already known.
Despite its shortcomings, “Dead in the Water” provides some insights, albeit not as much as it could have with a more focused approach.
I would generously rate the book a 6.5 out of 10 for the Gentleman’s Book Club. It’s a decent read that introduces unfamiliar territory but doesn’t fully realize its potential. Nonetheless, I appreciated the time spent with it and believe it offers value to those interested in the subject matter.