THE NYLON PIRATES

by Nicholas Monsarrat ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 1960

The ""millionaires'"" cruise of the Alcestis is the scene of a wholesale victimization, carefully planned by Carl Wenstrom for whom preying on his fellow men is the only way of life. He is to operate in the poker field, young Kathy, his mistress of six years, and the more obvious Diane, are to use their appeal (and bodies) for cash blackmail, while Louis applies the same rules to the ladies and the Professor is to be the eyes and ears for Wenstrom's ""family"". The operation is off to a worthwhile start with Louis and Diane getting their haul in dollars and jewels; Kathy however is held back by her response to life at sea -- and, later, by her interest in a young officer. The people they ""take"", and how they do it; the places they visit and the way happenings are handled; the little incidents -- the Professor's petty thievery, Diane's infection, Louis' rebellion that lands him a heiress, Wenstrom's winnings and Kathy's inability to earn her way -- bring Captain Harmer to attention and, secure in the backing of his British employers, he is able to rid his ship of further scandal. This is slick, attention-holding -- and, often unpleasant, sharp in characterizations, but cheap, and not one of Monsarrat's worthier books.

Pub Date: Oct. 24, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow-Sloane

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1960

Categories: FICTION