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The Sea of the Vanities
The ocean is vast and deep. What lurks beneath can tear boats asunder.
Richard Shaw, an insurance investigator from Lloyds of London, arrives in Rio de Janeiro in 1851. He is there to discover why so many of the great sailing ships of the world are disappearing in the south Atlantic, never making it to or from the Pacific Ocean.
From each side of the continent, two ships set one helmed by Captain Peech to hunt for treasure and the other ferrying passengers like Cassandra Coulter, who only hopes for safe passage. Both ships encounter murder and supernatural forces. When the survivors unwillingly rendezvous in Cape Horn, they run straight into Richard Shaw.
The Sea of the Vanities is a supernatural sea adventure that answers the should death be feared? Or is it a mercy?
Richard Shaw, an insurance investigator from Lloyds of London, arrives in Rio de Janeiro in 1851. He is there to discover why so many of the great sailing ships of the world are disappearing in the south Atlantic, never making it to or from the Pacific Ocean.
From each side of the continent, two ships set one helmed by Captain Peech to hunt for treasure and the other ferrying passengers like Cassandra Coulter, who only hopes for safe passage. Both ships encounter murder and supernatural forces. When the survivors unwillingly rendezvous in Cape Horn, they run straight into Richard Shaw.
The Sea of the Vanities is a supernatural sea adventure that answers the should death be feared? Or is it a mercy?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2023
13 people want to read
About the author
Lou Kemp
15 books306 followersAlthough originally from California, Lou resides in the Pacific Northwest with family and a herd of cats who like to block her computer screen whenever possible. Before turning to writing full time, she was an engineer and project manager. When not writing, Lou quilts for charity and edits on a pro-bono basis for other authors.
Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure, all painted with a horrific element as needed.
She is one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and sometimes writes herself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps entice the moodier muse that must be present. Listening to Black, by Pearl Jam, really helps.
Chronological milestones:
1988-1993: Short stories in small presses Crossroads, Eldritch Tales, Nightmares, Heliocentric Net, Cabal Asylum, Black October, and Pirate Writings.
1994: Santa Barbara Writers Conference SF/Fantasy/Horror award.
2002: Barnes and Noble anthology 365 Scary Stories
2003-2004: Ghost story anthologies Monsters From Memphis and More Monsters From Memphis. It is possible to find old copies on Amazon.
2003: Honorable mention from Ellen Datlow in The Years Best Fantasy and Horror for one of my short stories.
2009: Anthology story Sherlock’s Opera, Seattle Noir edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online.
May 1, 2009, Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology. This was a very happy day.
2009: Three books written. Sea of the Vanities, Farm Hall, and Circle of Fifths.
2010: In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling anthology edited by Charlaine Harris–Crimes by Moonlight. At the time I was the only non-agented, non-book published author accepted into the anthology. The Celwyn series begins. A few months later I hooked up with my agent, Justin Bell of Spectrum Literary.
2018: The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn Series begins.
The present: the Celwyn Series continues with books 1-5 available now, and book 6, Swango, available 12-29-24. The Sea of the Vanities is the first companion book, with others to follow. In 2025 Lucky and Mrs. Nemo, book 7 will be released. Book 8 is in draft now.
Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure, all painted with a horrific element as needed.
She is one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and sometimes writes herself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps entice the moodier muse that must be present. Listening to Black, by Pearl Jam, really helps.
Chronological milestones:
1988-1993: Short stories in small presses Crossroads, Eldritch Tales, Nightmares, Heliocentric Net, Cabal Asylum, Black October, and Pirate Writings.
1994: Santa Barbara Writers Conference SF/Fantasy/Horror award.
2002: Barnes and Noble anthology 365 Scary Stories
2003-2004: Ghost story anthologies Monsters From Memphis and More Monsters From Memphis. It is possible to find old copies on Amazon.
2003: Honorable mention from Ellen Datlow in The Years Best Fantasy and Horror for one of my short stories.
2009: Anthology story Sherlock’s Opera, Seattle Noir edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online.
May 1, 2009, Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology. This was a very happy day.
2009: Three books written. Sea of the Vanities, Farm Hall, and Circle of Fifths.
2010: In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling anthology edited by Charlaine Harris–Crimes by Moonlight. At the time I was the only non-agented, non-book published author accepted into the anthology. The Celwyn series begins. A few months later I hooked up with my agent, Justin Bell of Spectrum Literary.
2018: The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn Series begins.
The present: the Celwyn Series continues with books 1-5 available now, and book 6, Swango, available 12-29-24. The Sea of the Vanities is the first companion book, with others to follow. In 2025 Lucky and Mrs. Nemo, book 7 will be released. Book 8 is in draft now.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 31, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Sea of the Vanities is a supernatural sea adventure that answers the question: should death be feared? Or is it a mercy? Lou Kemp has created a captivating and original story that blends fantasy, horror, and romance in a seamless way. The book is full of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and flaws. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, transporting the reader to a world of magic, mystery, and terror. The writing style is engaging and elegant, with rich descriptions and poetic language.
The Sea of the Vanities is a book that will appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers, historical fiction, and Gothic romance. It is a book that explores themes such as love, loss, redemption, and fate. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and wonder. It is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of the paranormal.
The Sea of the Vanities is a supernatural sea adventure that answers the question: should death be feared? Or is it a mercy? Lou Kemp has created a captivating and original story that blends fantasy, horror, and romance in a seamless way. The book is full of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and flaws. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, transporting the reader to a world of magic, mystery, and terror. The writing style is engaging and elegant, with rich descriptions and poetic language.
The Sea of the Vanities is a book that will appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers, historical fiction, and Gothic romance. It is a book that explores themes such as love, loss, redemption, and fate. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and wonder. It is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of the paranormal.
July 20, 2023
"The Sea of the Vanities," the first book in "The Companion Novels of Jonas Celwyn" series, takes readers on a thrilling journey through treacherous waters, blending supernatural elements with a gripping sea adventure set in the 19th century. Lou Kemp weaves a tale that grips readers from the first page and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The story revolves around Richard Shaw, an insurance investigator from Lloyds of London, who arrives in Rio de Janeiro in 1851 to uncover the mysterious disappearances of numerous sailing ships in the south Atlantic. As he delves into the investigation, he encounters a world where superstitions, legends, and dangers from the deep come to life.
Kemp's storytelling skill shines through the vivid portrayal of the vast and ominous ocean, a world where lurking beneath the waves are untold horrors capable of tearing ships asunder. The maritime setting adds a sense of authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in the perilous lives of sailors and the hardships they face on the high seas.
Two ships, each with its own mission, become central to the plot. One is captained by the enigmatic Captain Peech, on a quest for treasure, while the other carries passengers like Cassandra Coulter, a woman hoping for nothing more than a safe voyage. As both ships encounter murder and unexplained supernatural occurrences, the tension builds, leaving readers questioning the very fabric of reality.
The character development in "The Sea of the Vanities" is commendable, with each individual possessing depth and complexity that draws readers into their respective arcs. Richard Shaw, with his investigative prowess and tenacity, becomes an engaging protagonist, while the enigmatic Captain Peech and the resilient Cassandra Coulter add layers of intrigue and unpredictability to the story.
As the survivors of the two ill-fated ships unexpectedly rendezvous in Cape Horn, the story reaches a crescendo of suspense and intrigue. The interweaving of the various characters' paths adds an element of surprise, as secrets and revelations come to light.
Lou Kemp's prose is descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the harsh and awe-inspiring maritime world. The author's ability to blend supernatural elements seamlessly into the historical setting enhances the overall experience, creating a captivating tale that leaves readers pondering profound questions about mortality, fear, and the nature of mercy.
In conclusion, "The Sea of the Vanities" is a riveting supernatural sea adventure that masterfully combines history, mystery, and the paranormal. Lou Kemp's intricate storytelling and well-crafted characters will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in "The Companion Novels of Jonas Celwyn" series. If you enjoy maritime adventures with a touch of the supernatural, this book is a must-read
June 19, 2023
What a fabulously descriptive story. The writing is so beautifully detailed that you can see, hear and smell the surrounds. Little details like the passengers diet, surrounds and the squid attacking a whale must have taken extensive research and makes the world come alive for the reader.
This book starts out from Shaw’s perspective, and I admit I didn’t know where it would go. There was a lot of world building, as you would expect from a series, but also mystery with the joint perspective of Cassandra’s journey with her rather painful fellow passengers and the underlying storyline of a shipwreck and single surviving passenger.
I love a dual perspective book where worlds run in parallel. Just when you think this is a story about a journey, it becomes a fantasy/mystery with murder and intrigue.
This book has so many wonderful inclusions; quotes and the latitude/longitude in each chapter not to mention the beautiful typesetting which brings the whole book to life.
If you are looking for an escapist fantasy read, rich with detail and a tapestry of storylines, this is for you.
This book starts out from Shaw’s perspective, and I admit I didn’t know where it would go. There was a lot of world building, as you would expect from a series, but also mystery with the joint perspective of Cassandra’s journey with her rather painful fellow passengers and the underlying storyline of a shipwreck and single surviving passenger.
I love a dual perspective book where worlds run in parallel. Just when you think this is a story about a journey, it becomes a fantasy/mystery with murder and intrigue.
This book has so many wonderful inclusions; quotes and the latitude/longitude in each chapter not to mention the beautiful typesetting which brings the whole book to life.
If you are looking for an escapist fantasy read, rich with detail and a tapestry of storylines, this is for you.
July 4, 2023
It is such a good book!
This book was full of all the good stuff adventure, suspense, murder and mayhem. The characters were first rate. There is a touch of magic woven into the piece also. This is the first book from this author I have read but it will not be the last and I highly recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was full of all the good stuff adventure, suspense, murder and mayhem. The characters were first rate. There is a touch of magic woven into the piece also. This is the first book from this author I have read but it will not be the last and I highly recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 4, 2023
Wow this book is a really good read I really enjoyed reading this book a lot very well written really good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2023
"The Sea of the Vanities" by Lou Kemp is a captivating supernatural sea adventure that immerses readers in a world of mystery, danger, and the unknown. Set in Rio de Janeiro in 1851, the story follows Richard Shaw, an insurance investigator from Lloyds of London, who arrives in the city with a crucial mission: to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of numerous sailing ships in the treacherous south Atlantic.
As Shaw delves deeper into his investigation, two ships set sail from opposite sides of the continent. Captain Peech leads one ship on a quest for treasure, while the other carries passengers seeking safe passage, including Cassandra Coulter, who hopes for a journey free from harm. However, both ships soon encounter unexpected challenges, including murder and supernatural forces that threaten their lives and sanity.
Eventually, the survivors of these harrowing encounters find themselves unintentionally converging in Cape Horn, where they cross paths with Richard Shaw. As their paths intertwine, they must confront the mysteries and dangers that lie ahead, grappling with the profound question of whether death should be feared or viewed as a mercy.
"The Sea of the Vanities" takes readers on a thrilling journey across the vast and perilous ocean, exploring themes of mortality, courage, and the supernatural. Lou Kemp skillfully weaves together elements of adventure, mystery, and the unknown to create an atmospheric tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through the vividly portrayed characters and the dangers they face, the novel prompts readers to question their own perceptions of life and death, and to contemplate the forces that lie beneath the surface of the sea and the human experience.
As Shaw delves deeper into his investigation, two ships set sail from opposite sides of the continent. Captain Peech leads one ship on a quest for treasure, while the other carries passengers seeking safe passage, including Cassandra Coulter, who hopes for a journey free from harm. However, both ships soon encounter unexpected challenges, including murder and supernatural forces that threaten their lives and sanity.
Eventually, the survivors of these harrowing encounters find themselves unintentionally converging in Cape Horn, where they cross paths with Richard Shaw. As their paths intertwine, they must confront the mysteries and dangers that lie ahead, grappling with the profound question of whether death should be feared or viewed as a mercy.
"The Sea of the Vanities" takes readers on a thrilling journey across the vast and perilous ocean, exploring themes of mortality, courage, and the supernatural. Lou Kemp skillfully weaves together elements of adventure, mystery, and the unknown to create an atmospheric tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through the vividly portrayed characters and the dangers they face, the novel prompts readers to question their own perceptions of life and death, and to contemplate the forces that lie beneath the surface of the sea and the human experience.
July 1, 2023
Cass has been traveling across the southern continent. She is a renowned singer who is fleeing a scandal and her memories, though no matter how far she goes, both still seem to find her. She is currently taking passage on the sailing ship "Passat," hoping for a nice quiet trip. Unfortunately, fate seems to have other plans.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book, and enjoyed this seafaring tale of adventure, murder, pirates and a touch of the paranormal. It was set in the 1800s, and I found the story and the characters quite captivating. Traveling across oceans in the days when pirate ships roamed free was often dangerous, and the pirates in this book were more than a little bloodthirsty. But they weren't the only dangers the Passat's passengers would encounter.
So far as I could tell, the setting and the characters in the book were fairly accurate portrayals for the time, and their stories added to my enjoyment of this book. I know that I'm being rather vague about this one, but I don't want to risk spoiling the plot for you. This was a companion book to a series that I have not read, though after reading this book, I want to track down Ms. Kemp's other books to find out what I've missed.
I think that if you enjoy tales of adventure, pirates, and ocean voyages, that you would likely enjoy this book too. Just be warned, there are some rape scenes in this book. And while most of it takes place "off camera" it leaves little doubt that rape was involved.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book, and enjoyed this seafaring tale of adventure, murder, pirates and a touch of the paranormal. It was set in the 1800s, and I found the story and the characters quite captivating. Traveling across oceans in the days when pirate ships roamed free was often dangerous, and the pirates in this book were more than a little bloodthirsty. But they weren't the only dangers the Passat's passengers would encounter.
So far as I could tell, the setting and the characters in the book were fairly accurate portrayals for the time, and their stories added to my enjoyment of this book. I know that I'm being rather vague about this one, but I don't want to risk spoiling the plot for you. This was a companion book to a series that I have not read, though after reading this book, I want to track down Ms. Kemp's other books to find out what I've missed.
I think that if you enjoy tales of adventure, pirates, and ocean voyages, that you would likely enjoy this book too. Just be warned, there are some rape scenes in this book. And while most of it takes place "off camera" it leaves little doubt that rape was involved.
July 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me from the start! Kemp drew me in with the amazing descriptions that brought me deep into 19th-century London, or the sweaty decks of a a man-o-war in the middle of the Atlantic. I could smell the oily smoke and hear the cry of the gulls. Impeccable.
The story gripped me from the start. With intriguing characters (and an amazing introduction), I had no choice but to continue reading. The characters are deep and familiar, and every one of them is layered so expertly, that I felt like it was reading about old friends and enemies.
Peech is a cad of the highest order, someone I wouldn’t want to meet in broad daylight, let alone a vessel in the middle of the sea. Shaw is a fantastic, inquisitive character that I rooted for the entire time. And yes, was frustrated with a lot of the time! Cassandra was hard for me to identify with because I wanted so much to happen faster! But it was all part of it! And done so well. And Jessica. Ah, Jessica…I can’t say more and wish I could!
There were spooky bits of horror, sexy bits of flirting, and wondrous sparks of magic. This book covers it all, and the end was absolute perfection. If you’re looking for pirates, murder on the high seas, sexy spicy reluctant love, and a hefty dose of magic, then look no further. Sea of the Vanities has it all, and it was truly a pleasure to experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me from the start! Kemp drew me in with the amazing descriptions that brought me deep into 19th-century London, or the sweaty decks of a a man-o-war in the middle of the Atlantic. I could smell the oily smoke and hear the cry of the gulls. Impeccable.
The story gripped me from the start. With intriguing characters (and an amazing introduction), I had no choice but to continue reading. The characters are deep and familiar, and every one of them is layered so expertly, that I felt like it was reading about old friends and enemies.
Peech is a cad of the highest order, someone I wouldn’t want to meet in broad daylight, let alone a vessel in the middle of the sea. Shaw is a fantastic, inquisitive character that I rooted for the entire time. And yes, was frustrated with a lot of the time! Cassandra was hard for me to identify with because I wanted so much to happen faster! But it was all part of it! And done so well. And Jessica. Ah, Jessica…I can’t say more and wish I could!
There were spooky bits of horror, sexy bits of flirting, and wondrous sparks of magic. This book covers it all, and the end was absolute perfection. If you’re looking for pirates, murder on the high seas, sexy spicy reluctant love, and a hefty dose of magic, then look no further. Sea of the Vanities has it all, and it was truly a pleasure to experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2023
Not sure what the goal of the story could be...
Romance between Browne and Cass brought vibes of Pride and Prejudice.
Murder mystery had kept you guessing who the culprit was.
Shanghaied by pirates developed a whole separate adventure tale.
Horror from fantastical beings ended in death.
A hodgepodge of characters blended into a salty stew that tidy up together for the end.
I will admit the author's flair for description and scenery had memorable merit.
Unfortunately, this whale of a tale had me lost at sea.
Romance between Browne and Cass brought vibes of Pride and Prejudice.
Murder mystery had kept you guessing who the culprit was.
Shanghaied by pirates developed a whole separate adventure tale.
Horror from fantastical beings ended in death.
A hodgepodge of characters blended into a salty stew that tidy up together for the end.
I will admit the author's flair for description and scenery had memorable merit.
Unfortunately, this whale of a tale had me lost at sea.
August 7, 2023
The suspense and the body counts pile up quickly in this seafaring page turner. Engaging characters, l unexpected heroes, unspeakably evil villains, and vivid details. I enjoyed the “did not see that coming” surprises as the two ships sail towards each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
The Sea of the Vanities by Lou Kemp is an amazing supernatural adventure fantasy. The Sea of the Vanities is the first book in The Companion Novels of Jonas Celwyn series. The story is adventurous, entertaining, interesting, engaging, and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2024
The way the author writes, you’re put there instantly on page one. The level of detail along with the story line made this highly enjoyable. Cult following this author now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews