In the eighteenth century, the coast of Cornwall, England, was notorious for being a haunt and haven for smugglers, buccaneers, thieves, scavengers, and similar scallywags. Les Cribb has brought this lawless land back to life.
Cribb, a native Englishman and long-time resident of Canada, has reached back in time and memory to infuse energy and charm into what is, at times, a Dickensian or Stevensonian story. His witty tale is populated by characters with names like Miss Prudence, Tubby, Sailmaker, Captain Whitestone of the "Customs and Revenue Service," and numerous other effervescent and colourful characters, not each of whom as is said of one man, 'take pains to pronounce his aitches."
"Cribb writes very well, with a style reminiscent of historical novelists of a bygone era. His prose is at times evocative of the works of Raphael Sabatini (of Captain Blood Fame) and it is seasoned with touches of Robert Louis Stevenson and Thomas Hardy. There are characters describes as the "lecherous ones" or as having a 'wicked need," as well as brave and tortured souls and "dead blokes" involved in a grand, sweeping story described by one of the key players as "a murder, compounded by a smuggling investigation, and with Customs officers swarming all over."
In that story with the modern bits stripped away, lies the true treasure of the Fo'c'sle Door."
Mark McLaughlin
When I was visiting Mom in Fergus over the Holidays, she loaned me her copy of your book. I just finished it a couple of days ago and I want to tell you how much I enjoyed it! I am just amazed by your story-telling abilities, not to mention your knowledge of life in 18th century coastal England, as well as ship-lore...and how about the voodoo stuff!
I don't usually pick up such a thick book, as I do most of my pleasure reading in bed and it gets a bit heavy after a few pages. I just couldn't put your book down and stayed up much later than usual, just to make good headway. Les, you really surprised me. I can't help but think that if you'd taken to writing at an earlier age, we all could be boasting that we're related to a famous author! Well done, Les. I hope that lots of readers have the chance to enjoy your very entertaining book.
... Perhaps it will be possible to drop in on you and Joyce at some opportunity. I'd love to hear how you came to formulate the story of The Fo'c'sle Door.
all the best to you and Joyce in 2014
Love Pat
Dear Mr. Cribb,
Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed your book, "The Fo'c'sle Door.
Thank you for taking me on a wonderful adventure, introducing me to interesting characters, allowing me to visit Ryeport and Nextwest and the Guiding Light Church, and providing me a mystery that kept me intrigued!
I look forward to your next mystery
Thank you for keeping me entertained.
Best Regards,
Lauretta Kraus
I feel so honoured. Thank you!
I started your book & after the first two chapters, I was caught! I went back to the beginning so that I could memorize all the characters and meet them! It was almost personal, I had to get into their lives.
Wow!! what a beginning.
Your research and knowledge is amazing. Now I 'm ready to get on with the mystery. Congratulations.
I can't wait to read on.
Sincerely,
Elise
"This is a brilliant idea for a tale, and Cribb's well-travelled life and obvious interest in his subject matter makes this novel a rich and exciting read. "
"All in all, this book would make a fantastic movie- I can see Morgan Freeman and Tom Hanks in the lead roles now, something between Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure and Da Vinci Code. Well worth a read."
"The cliche about not judging a book by its cover holds true with The Fo'c'sle Door. With its uninviting title and simple pencil drawing on the cover, it doesn't exactly scream "bestseller" -- and yet readers will find a gripping epic adventure within its pages."
" ..... the town's present day vicar begins reading from the journal of the vicar who built Ryeport's famous church centuries ago. From here, the story becomes all-consuming."
"..... Cribb's characters are likeable, his dialogue convincing and his knowledge of English history and ships impressive, adding to the main story's realism. He deftly progresses the narrative until the end, when the book returned to the present. The paranormal denouement works (although some may feel the story of McDowd and Ryeport's past is more entertaining that the ending's artificiality) Overall, this is an entertaining, satisfying novel delivered by a talented storyteller.
"In Cribb's debut novel, a pair of suspicious deaths sets the stage for a historical mystery spanning several centuries."
"Cribb has plenty of space to introduce a huge cast of characters, providing salty flavour to the tough little village of Ryeport. Thanks to Cribb's vivid descriptions and smooth dialogue, the plot is engaging and the characters likable. Though Latour's introduction could have come earlier, he's one of the more interesting players in the past as well as the present."
".... in the end, he manages to nicely tie up loose ends and strikingly connect the past with the present.
Readers willing to undertake this daunting tome will be rewarded with an engaging, adventurous tale."
I was so happy to hear that Les Cribb was writing this book and even happier that he was able to complete it after his stroke and have it published before his passing. His characters come to life as you easily visualize them and their personalities unfold. Ryeport although fictional is a place you would love to visit. There is much misadventure and sorcery to keep you turning the pages. You will fall in love with its characters. I can't wait to read it again. Than you Les!
My dear friend of many years - 65 years!! now lives in Canada. He has written this most intriguing story which is one of the most exciting books I've read. When I spent three weeks in hospital earlier this year, I was in an isolation ward - if I had not had this book to read I'm sure I would have gone mad! A great read. If you are a reader I urge you not to miss it.
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