Seafaring historical adventure, perfect for fans of Julian Stockwin, Patrick O'Brian and Bernard Cornwell.

"A real adventure story, the like of which I have not read in many a year. Suspend reality, hold on & enjoy the adventure" – R.P. Smith, Amazon reviewer.

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An historical sailing adventure of piracy, love and revenge in the Caribbean in the seventeenth.

Leo is born in Spanish Panama in 1659. When he is twelve years old he witnesses the violent rape and murder of his mother by three of the Caribbean's most feared pirates: Tarr, Blake and Hornigold, and swears revenge at all costs.

Gabriella is trapped in an abusive marriage to a ruthless Dutch slave trader, who is in business with the same English cut-throats. She risks all to escape with her life.

Leo and Gabriella meet aboard one of the most horrific ships in the Caribbean - a slaver - and join forces against their common enemy. They face a number of challenges as they battle not only the dangers of a life at sea, including storm, drowning, and being cast adrift in a crippled ship, but also repeated attacks by Blake and Hornigold.

But their biggest threat proves to be each other. Can they reconcile their hearts in time for the fiercest battle in their quest of revenge, and survive the gallows?

Dead Reckoning was long-listed in the 2011 Mslexia Novel Competition.

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Karen Perkins grew up in and around boats and competed in her Contender dinghy, The Ride of the Valkyrie, at national and European level, taking the ladies title in both championships in 1995.

What readers say about Karen Perkins:

"Ms Perkins is a true artist of the spoken word" – Author JJ Toner

"Karen Perkins is truly a master of words, emotion, and craft" - Author Linda George

"A must read for anyone who loves stories of high adventure, privateers, and romance on the open seas" – Amazon reviewer

"Karen Perkins is a real gem of a writer!" – Amazon reviewer

"I love Karen Perkins style of writing and her connecting tales." – Amazon reviewer

"Your books are like a binge watch on Netflix because once you start you can't put it down"– Instagram review