THE PRISON SHIP

A seasoned adventurer faces off against the terrorists who’ve targeted the city of London.

With summer vacation drawing to a close, enthusiastic Mary Mariner convinces her father Richard to go on one final adventure touring several impressive ships, including the government submarine Ocelot, currently docked in the River Medway. Both father and daughter notice the increased security in the vicinity. The 2012 London Olympics are fast approaching, and the government isn’t taking threats of terrorism lightly—wfith good reason. The pleasure jaunt goes horribly wrong when an explosion hits the Ocelot in a genuine terrorist attack. Richard’s call to his wife and customary sidekick Robin (Benin Light, 2008, etc.) helps save the day and some lives, though dozens are killed. The incident is traced to the dangerous Sayed Mohammed, who’s quickly arrested. By virtue of his seagoing experience, Richard finds himself involved in the plans to use a prison ship, Discovery, to house terrorists on a tributary of the River Thames. But his apprehensions about certain details fall on mostly deaf ears. Far from backing down, Mohammed throws gasoline on the situation by declaring himself above the proceedings of the British court. Press and populace rise up in an outrage that is only compounded when several prisoners escape from the Discovery and a plot involving local sympathizers is disclosed. Mary and the Mariners’ son William help give chase and foil the plot.

Mariner’s 21st adventure is as generous as ever with colorful scenes of action and interesting maritime detail. And Tonkin’s plot is satisfyingly timely.