Thieves of Mercy

Samuel Bowater #2

by James L. Nelson

Book by James Nelson

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Nautical, American Civil War, Civil War, Military Fiction

Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

About the author

James L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.

Reviews

[James Marinero]

Serendipity strikes again! This book is another gem I picked up at a charity shop (sorry James Nelson, no money for you but at least I can write an honest review). Another author/series to follow and enjoy.

I knew only the basics about the details of the US Civil War, but this book has really given me a taste for Nelson's series featuring Sam Bowater. OK, I do know a bit about sailing and the related content is plausible and accurately described using the correct terminology. Armored paddle steamers is a whole new topic for me (along with the battles on the Mississippi River), and as far as I can tell very well researched and portrayed.

Enough of the contemporaneous tech., what about the story? There's plenty of action from female spies and intertwining plotlines engaging sharply painted characters in detailed action sequences as the story switches back and forth between Norfolk and Memphis.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more stories in the series.

[William]

Another James Nelson winner

Civil War on the Mississippi River with the confederate river boat fleet with aside to the Virginia ironclads defense of Richmond. A real page turner that holds you till the last shot is fired.

[Stuart]

He really does do a great job with these books. The characters are fun and interesting. The interweaving plots keep the pacing lively. And the historical details seem accurate, and informative.

[Todd Stockslager]

Second in the series, covers the Confederate abandonment of Norfolk and the pincer movement of the Yankees north and south on the Mississippi through 1862 (brief epilogue propels the action up through the momentous date of July 4, 1863).

Broader humor (well handled but not greatly done) but less tautly drawn battle action makes this slightly less satisfying than the premier novel.