Overview

In Blue Water, Clarke’s former government clerk turned reluctant spy, Laurence Jago, boards the mail-ship Tankerville in December 1794 en route to Philadelphia. His mission: protect a vital treaty whose loss could drag America into war with Britain. But when the treaty disappears and a passenger dies aboard the ship, Jago must navigate treachery, life at sea and secret motives in close quarters.

Writing & Voice

Nattrass delivers crisp, atmospheric prose that evokes 18th-century seafaring life, war-politics and layered intrigue. The voice blends spycraft, maritime detail and mystery with fair dexterity. Some readers may find the density of characters and plot threads a little heavy, but the journey is engaging.

Characters

Laurence Jago anchors the story with depth and moral ambiguity; companions like journalist William Philpott and the crew of the ship add colour and tension. The crowded passenger list gives rich suspects, though at times the sheer number of characters may dilute the individual impact.

Themes

The novel explores loyalty, identity and the sea as both refuge and trap. The treaty’s disappearance becomes metaphor for lost direction, and Jago’s voyage serves as much an internal journey as a physical one—what happens when you’re adrift and expected to steer everyone else to safety?

What Worked

• Evocative setting: the ship, the sea and the period feel vividly rendered.
• Strong premise: espionage and murder aboard a confined vessel heighten tension.
• Good balance: historical detail and mystery combine to engaging effect.

Minor Quibbles

• The long roster of characters sometimes made the plot harder to follow.
• Some sub-plots and suspect motivations were lightly sketched, giving less payoff than some readers expect.

Final Thoughts

A smart, layered historical thriller that succeeds more often than it struggles, Blue Water is well worth the voyage. It may not be flawless, but for readers who enjoy nautical espionage with depth and detail, this is a strong pick.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0 / 5)