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Thrillers #5
Scoundrel
“A gifted storyteller and orchestrator of suspense.”
—Philadelphia Inquirer
“Bernard Cornwell is to the yachting adventure novel what ex-jockey Dick Francis is to the racetrack thriller.”
—Orlando Sentinel
The New York Times bestselling author of The Fort, the Saxon Tales, and the immensely popular Richard Sharpe novels, Bernard Cornwell has been called, “perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today” (Washington Post). He demonstrates another side of his extraordinary storytelling talents with Scoundrel, a contemporary tale of excitement and danger on high and treacherous seas. A gripping tale of an outlaw yacht captain who decides to cross the Irish Republican Army for a $5 million payday only to find himself pursued by intelligence agents, terrorists, and killers across perilous open waters, Scoundrel is a masterful thriller in the Tom Clancy vein—a masterwork of suspense from one of today’s most versatile and accomplished popular novelists.
—Philadelphia Inquirer
“Bernard Cornwell is to the yachting adventure novel what ex-jockey Dick Francis is to the racetrack thriller.”
—Orlando Sentinel
The New York Times bestselling author of The Fort, the Saxon Tales, and the immensely popular Richard Sharpe novels, Bernard Cornwell has been called, “perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today” (Washington Post). He demonstrates another side of his extraordinary storytelling talents with Scoundrel, a contemporary tale of excitement and danger on high and treacherous seas. A gripping tale of an outlaw yacht captain who decides to cross the Irish Republican Army for a $5 million payday only to find himself pursued by intelligence agents, terrorists, and killers across perilous open waters, Scoundrel is a masterful thriller in the Tom Clancy vein—a masterwork of suspense from one of today’s most versatile and accomplished popular novelists.
326 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
455 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 24, 2021
A fun thriller with some sailing adventure, terrorist groups and counterterrorism, mostly revolving around Boston Irish. A quick, fun, easy read.
Having read a mountain of Cornwell's historical fiction, and needing something unlike my usual reads, I decided to give this a go. He doesn't disappoint, whatever the genre.
Having read a mountain of Cornwell's historical fiction, and needing something unlike my usual reads, I decided to give this a go. He doesn't disappoint, whatever the genre.
May 18, 2014
An oldie but a goodie: one of Cornwell's stand-alone thriller, sea stories in which character is as important as action.
The protagonist, Paul Shanahan, hatches a plan to fund his retirement as a CIA undercover IRA activist by stealing $5 million in gold supposedly intended for the purchase of 53 Stingers and funded by Ghaddafi's Libyan apparatchiks. Of course not is all as it seems on either side of the transaction. The action happens against the background of the first Iraq War.
He's bearded when he goes home to his Cape Cod house after seven years in Europe only to find that his hated brother-in-law has leased it for five years to a Manhattan based painter who calls the police when he lets himself in while she's in residence. This blows his carefully constructed alias and he has to deal with his CIA handlers before he's ready. Paul tells them about everything except a sailboat, the "Rebel Lady", and her hull full of gold. As the plot unfolds, surprise surprise, it turns out the hull contains more than just the five million and the secret may set off a nuclear disaster if the boat, is not found in time.
The suspenseful race to the finish, is reminiscent of Cornwell's other books and brings the story to a satisfying close.
The protagonist, Paul Shanahan, hatches a plan to fund his retirement as a CIA undercover IRA activist by stealing $5 million in gold supposedly intended for the purchase of 53 Stingers and funded by Ghaddafi's Libyan apparatchiks. Of course not is all as it seems on either side of the transaction. The action happens against the background of the first Iraq War.
He's bearded when he goes home to his Cape Cod house after seven years in Europe only to find that his hated brother-in-law has leased it for five years to a Manhattan based painter who calls the police when he lets himself in while she's in residence. This blows his carefully constructed alias and he has to deal with his CIA handlers before he's ready. Paul tells them about everything except a sailboat, the "Rebel Lady", and her hull full of gold. As the plot unfolds, surprise surprise, it turns out the hull contains more than just the five million and the secret may set off a nuclear disaster if the boat, is not found in time.
The suspenseful race to the finish, is reminiscent of Cornwell's other books and brings the story to a satisfying close.
May 15, 2023
A roustabout is hired to transport some gold in exchange for some Stinger missiles. Everyone double crosses him.
Dreary.
Dreary.
June 8, 2017
Outstanding
All of his books r 5 star. This a great sailing adventure. I have read most of his books, including all of the Sharps Rifle series. I even have the tv series. That an English friend gave me. The boo!is r better.q
All of his books r 5 star. This a great sailing adventure. I have read most of his books, including all of the Sharps Rifle series. I even have the tv series. That an English friend gave me. The boo!is r better.q
December 23, 2015
Scoundrel, by Bernard Cornwell
As part of my continuing experiment with Scribd’s ebook subscription service, I stumbled upon Scoundrel, by one of my favorite authors, Bernard Cornwell. I know him from his great historical fiction - some of my favorites are the Saxon Chronicles, his novel about Agincourt and the Thomas of Hookton Archer series. Who knew he’d written sailing novels?
Scoundrel, by Bernard Cornwell
Bostonian Paul Shanahan is a smuggler, an arms dealer, a suspected CIA agent, and a sailor. Now he’s agreed to haul $5M in gold across the ocean in a sailboat to help the IRA….Scoundrel is a kind of Patriot Games with Sailboats. Good fun. If you’re looking for a good airplane book, this’ll do the trick.
The first real “discovery” I had using Scribd, it found this book for me, and I thought I was aware of every book in Cornwell’s resume. While it’s nothing like as serious as his other works, it was good fun all the same.
As part of my continuing experiment with Scribd’s ebook subscription service, I stumbled upon Scoundrel, by one of my favorite authors, Bernard Cornwell. I know him from his great historical fiction - some of my favorites are the Saxon Chronicles, his novel about Agincourt and the Thomas of Hookton Archer series. Who knew he’d written sailing novels?
Scoundrel, by Bernard Cornwell
Bostonian Paul Shanahan is a smuggler, an arms dealer, a suspected CIA agent, and a sailor. Now he’s agreed to haul $5M in gold across the ocean in a sailboat to help the IRA….Scoundrel is a kind of Patriot Games with Sailboats. Good fun. If you’re looking for a good airplane book, this’ll do the trick.
The first real “discovery” I had using Scribd, it found this book for me, and I thought I was aware of every book in Cornwell’s resume. While it’s nothing like as serious as his other works, it was good fun all the same.
April 27, 2015
Scoundrel is a baffling story, full of spies, counter-spies, terrorists, wanna-be terrorists-- and enough literary twists and turns to keep the most literary roller coaster affficinado happy.
Paul Shanahan, hasn't been trusted by his IRA contacts for quite some time. Finally, they bring him in on an operation that is right up his alley... he is to bring a ship across the Atlantic carrying five million in gold. So Paul, does what any normal Scoundrel would do, plots out how to steal that gold. That isn't the end, or even the beginning of the story. But, I won't tell more because that would provide spoilers.
Our hero is indeed a scoundrel and figuring out whose side he is really on is very difficult. Is he CIA, is he IRA, is he connected with Libyan terrorism? Is he just a tough kid who grew up in an Irish town with Irish buddies and IRA connections who plays at being IRA?
I do have one major gripe with the publisher, at least of the edition I read. GET THE INFORMATION ON THE BACK OF THE BOOK RIGHT... There is a line on the back of the book about a woman Paul loved being killed in a "hail of gunfire" and that is so deceptive and so far from the truth and an integral part of the story that it makes one wonder if they guy who wrote the blurb for the back of the book actually read the book. REALLY stupid!
This one becomes a page turner after a bit of a slow start and comes to a stunning conclusion...
Paul Shanahan, hasn't been trusted by his IRA contacts for quite some time. Finally, they bring him in on an operation that is right up his alley... he is to bring a ship across the Atlantic carrying five million in gold. So Paul, does what any normal Scoundrel would do, plots out how to steal that gold. That isn't the end, or even the beginning of the story. But, I won't tell more because that would provide spoilers.
Our hero is indeed a scoundrel and figuring out whose side he is really on is very difficult. Is he CIA, is he IRA, is he connected with Libyan terrorism? Is he just a tough kid who grew up in an Irish town with Irish buddies and IRA connections who plays at being IRA?
I do have one major gripe with the publisher, at least of the edition I read. GET THE INFORMATION ON THE BACK OF THE BOOK RIGHT... There is a line on the back of the book about a woman Paul loved being killed in a "hail of gunfire" and that is so deceptive and so far from the truth and an integral part of the story that it makes one wonder if they guy who wrote the blurb for the back of the book actually read the book. REALLY stupid!
This one becomes a page turner after a bit of a slow start and comes to a stunning conclusion...
February 10, 2013
Having read Cornwell's 30 odd historical novels I decided to try one of the suspense novels set in the current era. I really liked this book but can't quite give it a 4 rating. Like all his books it is very well written and does keep you in interesting suspense to the end. It is certainly as good or better than any of the early Ludlum thrillers.
I will definitely try more of the Cornwell suspense novels, as I wait for his soon to be availabe next historical novel.
I will definitely try more of the Cornwell suspense novels, as I wait for his soon to be availabe next historical novel.
Read
July 7, 2009Cornwell makes history a gritty, complicated mess of combat, loyalty, honor and confusion. Sounds like life. I highly recommend the entire Sharpe's series.
February 22, 2022
I started Bernard Cornwell with the Saxon books, which were long and just ok. Years later I read and finished the Sharpe series which I liked a lot better. Then I decided to read his stand alone books and this is the first one.
Spoilers ahead:
This is a spy thriller and not what I expected. It's very different from his other books and reads like it was written during the Cold War. Since this was published during 1998 I would say it's very good and authentic period piece writing.
Summary:
Irish-American Paul Shanahan is associated with the Irish IRA. He lives in Belgium and owns a small boat/pleasure boat company that delivers boats for the owners from one port to another and does marine surveying. His other job is being a go-between the IRA and various terror groups but mainly ones in the Arab world.
In the book he is tasked with delivering $1M in gold from N. Africa to Miami so that the IRA can buy Stinger missiles. He decides to steal the gold. He does that by killing his guards that accompany him and pretending that the boat sunk during a storm. Based on the cover art you would think that's the story. But that's just 20% of the book. The rest of the book deals with what happens afterwards, and there are a lot of twists!
This is quite a contrast from the other Cornwell books I've read (historical fiction) and I think Cornwell has done a fantastic job. First of all, the writing is easy to read and follow, I got into the book right away despite me not really believing that he could do a good job of this.
He also adds relevant background and writes intelligently regarding the setting (IRA) in the book. Overall a very good read.
Spoilers ahead:
This is a spy thriller and not what I expected. It's very different from his other books and reads like it was written during the Cold War. Since this was published during 1998 I would say it's very good and authentic period piece writing.
Summary:
Irish-American Paul Shanahan is associated with the Irish IRA. He lives in Belgium and owns a small boat/pleasure boat company that delivers boats for the owners from one port to another and does marine surveying. His other job is being a go-between the IRA and various terror groups but mainly ones in the Arab world.
In the book he is tasked with delivering $1M in gold from N. Africa to Miami so that the IRA can buy Stinger missiles. He decides to steal the gold. He does that by killing his guards that accompany him and pretending that the boat sunk during a storm. Based on the cover art you would think that's the story. But that's just 20% of the book. The rest of the book deals with what happens afterwards, and there are a lot of twists!
This is quite a contrast from the other Cornwell books I've read (historical fiction) and I think Cornwell has done a fantastic job. First of all, the writing is easy to read and follow, I got into the book right away despite me not really believing that he could do a good job of this.
He also adds relevant background and writes intelligently regarding the setting (IRA) in the book. Overall a very good read.
November 29, 2023
It's been a long time since a book has made me this angry.
Maybe because I'm *from* Belfast, Northern Ireland and have relatives who lived through the period of history colloquially known as The Troubles (I was a teenager in the 90s, when they 'ended', and when this is set), so know exactly what the IRA and their loyalist counterparts were/are like.
It made my blood boil to read passages in this where they were treated as heroes by some in Boston (and, yes, I know it's a fiction book): surely to goodness nobody could be that naive??
Anyway, I normally like Bernard Cornwell (Author) novels.
I know he spent a bit of time here (the BBC, I believe?), before moving to the States.
His knowledge of landmarks does show.
I would have thought he would have known better, though, in how he portrays the tangled mess that is politics and history that went on in this fair isle.
Sorry, Mr Paul Shanahan: you're unlikeable as a lead character; no match to a Richard Sharpe or an Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
(his other stand-alone sailing thrillers - those I have read, at least - are all much better)
Maybe because I'm *from* Belfast, Northern Ireland and have relatives who lived through the period of history colloquially known as The Troubles (I was a teenager in the 90s, when they 'ended', and when this is set), so know exactly what the IRA and their loyalist counterparts were/are like.
It made my blood boil to read passages in this where they were treated as heroes by some in Boston (and, yes, I know it's a fiction book): surely to goodness nobody could be that naive??
Anyway, I normally like Bernard Cornwell (Author) novels.
I know he spent a bit of time here (the BBC, I believe?), before moving to the States.
His knowledge of landmarks does show.
I would have thought he would have known better, though, in how he portrays the tangled mess that is politics and history that went on in this fair isle.
Sorry, Mr Paul Shanahan: you're unlikeable as a lead character; no match to a Richard Sharpe or an Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
(his other stand-alone sailing thrillers - those I have read, at least - are all much better)
July 5, 2023
“Scoundrel” by Bernard Cornwell is not the typical historical fiction story that Cornwell is known for.
This story takes place in the early 90’s, about the time of the first Gulf War.
Paul Shanahan, the main character, is an IRA agent helping to obtain money and arms from Palestinian terrorists in Libya and Iraq. He is, however, called out a CIA agent by his former girlfriend, who has already been proclaimed as a traitor for turning in an IRA operative to the British and is no longer involved in IRA operations.
However, a while later he is tasked with transporting $5,000,000 in gold for the purchase of stinger anti-aircraft missiles for the IRA.
The story then goes through the typical political/spy thriller story: what is the true reason for transporting this gold; what does the IRA intend to do with the missiles; what does the IRA intend to do with Paul after the delivery; and where is Paul’s loyalties?
With the typical twists of loyalty, motivation and miraculous escaping from numerous almost fatal situations, the story keeps you guessing, and usually wrong.
Overall a good story.
This story takes place in the early 90’s, about the time of the first Gulf War.
Paul Shanahan, the main character, is an IRA agent helping to obtain money and arms from Palestinian terrorists in Libya and Iraq. He is, however, called out a CIA agent by his former girlfriend, who has already been proclaimed as a traitor for turning in an IRA operative to the British and is no longer involved in IRA operations.
However, a while later he is tasked with transporting $5,000,000 in gold for the purchase of stinger anti-aircraft missiles for the IRA.
The story then goes through the typical political/spy thriller story: what is the true reason for transporting this gold; what does the IRA intend to do with the missiles; what does the IRA intend to do with Paul after the delivery; and where is Paul’s loyalties?
With the typical twists of loyalty, motivation and miraculous escaping from numerous almost fatal situations, the story keeps you guessing, and usually wrong.
Overall a good story.
July 27, 2018
Although this book dealt with modern themes I felt the writing of it was a little old fashioned . The murders and bombings by the IRA and middle eastern terrorists came across as something out of a James Bond film . Perhaps a more gritty approach to this book and terrorist atrocities might have been too much? Modern TV and films do not hold back and violence for violence sake is not to everyone's taste. Having said that I enjoyed the book and Bernard's style always reads like a film for me . I had no sympathy with Paul who acted like a terrorist himself then tried to backtrack and turn CIA sleeper agent . As he sowed so he reaped .
July 17, 2025
It's Bernard Cornwell, so therefore is excellent!
I'm struggling to find books from Bernard Cornwell that I haven't read (numerous times!).
I just happened to find this book and it's pure gold!
It's not all about sailing, although there's some of that, but about espionage, IRA, Eastern terrorists, CIA (yep, just about all the baddies you can think of). A great plot, great lead character and a thoroughly good read, if not a bit sentimental at times, probably to appeal to the American readers...but no Kevin Costner giving over enthusiastic salutes ;-)
Bernard Cornwell is possibly rivalling Stephen King as the best author out there!
I definitely recommend this book!
I'm struggling to find books from Bernard Cornwell that I haven't read (numerous times!).
I just happened to find this book and it's pure gold!
It's not all about sailing, although there's some of that, but about espionage, IRA, Eastern terrorists, CIA (yep, just about all the baddies you can think of). A great plot, great lead character and a thoroughly good read, if not a bit sentimental at times, probably to appeal to the American readers...but no Kevin Costner giving over enthusiastic salutes ;-)
Bernard Cornwell is possibly rivalling Stephen King as the best author out there!
I definitely recommend this book!
October 24, 2025
Slightly implausible shenanigans
I enjoy reading Cornwell’s books but for me this was not his best. Dealing with recent history especially the legacy of the IRA is tricky, and I thought he did a pretty fair job of depicting both the patriotic passion and commitment of their ‘volunteers’ and the brutality of the terrorist campaign. There are plenty of twists and turns in the storyline but I just found the main plot too implausible. On a positive note, there hasn’t been enough said about the IRA’s links with middle eastern terrorists so I think this story does serve as a reality check for those who have chosen to ignore that part of their history.
I enjoy reading Cornwell’s books but for me this was not his best. Dealing with recent history especially the legacy of the IRA is tricky, and I thought he did a pretty fair job of depicting both the patriotic passion and commitment of their ‘volunteers’ and the brutality of the terrorist campaign. There are plenty of twists and turns in the storyline but I just found the main plot too implausible. On a positive note, there hasn’t been enough said about the IRA’s links with middle eastern terrorists so I think this story does serve as a reality check for those who have chosen to ignore that part of their history.
August 23, 2020
Paul(ie) Shanahan accepts a job to transport gold across the Atlantic in a yacht. Who is the real source of the gold? What is the gold really going to buy? Where are Paul's loyalties? Does his past, including romances, haunt his future?
A well told story with interesting characters. It is a challenge to attempt to figure out who the characters may be aligned with.
Unfortunately, I did not share a passion or interest in Irish life or boating. Also, the book is set in 1990 (in the backwash of the Iraq-Kuwait war) so much of the context is lost on a current reader.
A well told story with interesting characters. It is a challenge to attempt to figure out who the characters may be aligned with.
Unfortunately, I did not share a passion or interest in Irish life or boating. Also, the book is set in 1990 (in the backwash of the Iraq-Kuwait war) so much of the context is lost on a current reader.
April 12, 2021
Paul Shanahan is the hero of this book. What made him surprising, in my view, was that he was ex-IRA, a group normally associated with "baddies". Paul has been going straight and has built up a business but, because he is recognised as a very competent sailor by his former colleagues, he is persuaded by them to do one last job to deliver a load of gold for an arms deal. As with all great mysteries, nothing is all as it seems to the point where Paul is surprised by the final outcome! A very good story which keeps you guessing right to the end.
July 28, 2021
Stand alone suspense novel. Paul Shanahan is the Scoundrel of the title. He has a business as a marine surveyor, evaluating and repairing sailing vessels. He has a side business dealing with arms dealers and terrorists. After 4 years on the fringes after he was accused but not proven to be a CIA agent, he is approached with an offer to sail a vessel from North Africa to the US. He is not sure that the job as proposed is as straightforward as it sounds.
Cornwell is a great storyteller and this novel is a really good read.
Cornwell is a great storyteller and this novel is a really good read.
April 6, 2025
A real rogue of a thriller from the undoubted master of historical action fiction.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading of the misadventures of Irish American scoundrel Paulie Shannahan, who finds himself all at sea after betraying old loyalties while naively trying to double cross multiple terrorist and counter-terrorist organisations for personal gain in the build up to the first Gulf War. Be warned that it is not only the sea that cuts up rough on this villainous voyage, with some surprising twists and turns to be cleverly navigated if this crooked sailor is ever to make safe harbour again.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading of the misadventures of Irish American scoundrel Paulie Shannahan, who finds himself all at sea after betraying old loyalties while naively trying to double cross multiple terrorist and counter-terrorist organisations for personal gain in the build up to the first Gulf War. Be warned that it is not only the sea that cuts up rough on this villainous voyage, with some surprising twists and turns to be cleverly navigated if this crooked sailor is ever to make safe harbour again.
June 13, 2020
Of his independent sailing action thriller novels, I like this one the best. The main character did some things that left me thinking "There is no way this will work" and sure enough it didn't. Cornwell is excellent at adding sailing detail to his novels, it makes them more interesting. The story had twists and turns and the dialogue was good. I am curious to see if his other series are as good as the Sharpe series.
October 7, 2021
Good holiday page-turner. Lots of twists and turns but nothing too complicated for a beach brain (or countryside brain in my case). Not as good as other Cornwell works, maybe because the hero was unlikeable. I think ‘scoundrel’ is a misnomer; he was a thug with no redeeming qualities other than the will to survive. Happily, the IRA were painted in their true colours. Shocked. They always seemed such honest young gentlemen.
April 3, 2018
Looks like Bernard Cornwell can do it all: wonderful historical fiction, exciting nautical adventures, thrilling spy or counterspy novels. Scoundrel is the story of a kind of n'er do well, but his heart is in the right place, um, scoundrel. Good stuff, but I would have liked more sailing adventure. He got back to dry land way too early.
June 24, 2020
Entertaining book
I’ll admit, it wasn’t the best Cornwell I’ve read, but it was still a very entertaining read. I was unaware of these standalone boat tales and now I suppose I’ll have to read them all. The main character is comparable to my other Cornwell favorites such as Thomas of Hookton, Derfel Cadarn or Uhtred Ragnarsen, but in a modern (early 90’s) open sea tale.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t the best Cornwell I’ve read, but it was still a very entertaining read. I was unaware of these standalone boat tales and now I suppose I’ll have to read them all. The main character is comparable to my other Cornwell favorites such as Thomas of Hookton, Derfel Cadarn or Uhtred Ragnarsen, but in a modern (early 90’s) open sea tale.
October 2, 2017
Paul Shanahan has spent four years on the sidelines after a lifetime involved in terrorism. When the call comes to transfer five million dollars on a yacht across the Atlantic he is excited to be back in business. Or so he thinks until things start to unravel. A good read.
July 30, 2019
This was my first book by this author and was a gift as I love to sail and read about sailing! It was a page turner and filled with interesting twists and some unexpected turns! Enjoyed it and will now look at his other 3-4 sailing thrillers!
September 7, 2019
Even though I know very little about sailing or the worlds of espionage and terrorism, the detailed descriptions of the people and technology involved just seem to ring true - even if there's no empathetic character, including the anti-hero.
December 1, 2020
Good stand alone for Bernard Cornwell. If you like authors like Nelson De Mille you will enjoy this read. I am a fan of the Saxon Tales series and this is a good modern setting thriller which shows Cornwell’s varied talents as a writer.
October 8, 2022
Great story
Bernard Cromell weaves an intriguing tales
which keeps you hooked from start to finish. His analysis of terrorism and the IRA seems exceptionally well researched and presented whilst unusually set again the backdrop of life the sea. I really enjoyed it.
Bernard Cromell weaves an intriguing tales
which keeps you hooked from start to finish. His analysis of terrorism and the IRA seems exceptionally well researched and presented whilst unusually set again the backdrop of life the sea. I really enjoyed it.
May 18, 2017
I wish there had been more sailing, but that isn't what the story is about. He leads you to an ending, but it isn't, again and again, and then the real ending is quite the surprise.
June 10, 2017
A good story
Very difficult to put down. Not Starbuck, but he still tells a good story set in modern times - and disturbingly believable.
Very difficult to put down. Not Starbuck, but he still tells a good story set in modern times - and disturbingly believable.
October 10, 2017
The book started slowly. Not much happened for the first 75 to 100 pages. Beginning with Part Two, there were a number of twists and the suspense built steadily.
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