Excellent book. Interesting story with a wealth of interesting material. The first book i have given the max of 5 stars.

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The writer is right up there with Eric Larson in her ability to weave a true story and history into a page turner.

An excellent work of research, journalism and clear writing style. Explanations of hurricane formation and behavior, ship construction and performance and the human element in sailing were very informative. One suggestion: a map of the ship’s route keyed to critical times and the location of the storm and its eye would have most welcome. Jim Lyons, Denver, CO

Ms Slade and her publisher knew the first titilating book to the trough about this tragedy would sell big. As a published author and maritime Academy grad who spent years on merchant ships and an insider to the troubles at Saltchuck, I see her writing as mediocre and her research misses the real reason for this tragedy. She spends a great deal of time giving her views on race relations ( generally not a problem on ships) and other social topics and misses the real heart of this story...the big corporate problem of profit before safety at the parent Saltchuk. Wait for a better researched book to find out what really happened

A very engrossing read. Didn’t know anything about this actual event, so reading about it and learning about the maritime industry (what an absolutely criminal mess) made me furious and sad. As long as rich ship owners exist, we will continue to see these preventable tragedies happen. I just hope authors like this one continue to tell the world about them.

Could not put it down: insightful, thoroughly researched and eminently readable factual presentation of the causes, including hubris, of the sinking of El Faro and loss of its crew. Also, a good overview of maritime law, history and current fault lines that should be a must-read for anyone in the shipping industry. Makes one appreciate the sacrifices so many make to give us all the goods we really take for granted. Bravo!

Poignant, riveting, jaw dropping, outrageous, and oh so sad! A beautifully written piece on a preventable tragedy, I could not put it down. Steve Mathews Nashville TN

This is a compelling story written by someone who really understand the maritime industry. The “but” is there is too much extraneous information which interrupts the flow of the story. After reading the book I was angry at the captain, the shipping company and the Coast Guard.