The Devil in Paradise

Captain Putnam in Hawaii

By: James L. Haley

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Captain Bliven Putnam returns, venturing into the Pacific to fight pirates in Malaya and match wits with the royals in Hawaii, in this next installment of award-winner James L. Haley's gripping naval saga.

Following the naval victories of the War of 1812 and the Second Barbary War, the United States is finally expanding its navy to take a place of prominence in world affairs. Bliven Putnam, now Captain of the sloop of war Rappahannock, has come into his own as a leader and is ordered to the Pacific. But with this new tour of duty to last more than two years, his patient wife, Clarity, unwilling to accept such a brief time together, at last puts her foot down. If she can't keep Putnam with her, then she'll just have to go with him.

As Putnam sets sail for his new home port in Honolulu, Clarity joins a new missionary effort from Boston to Hawaii. On their respective paths, the Putnams encounter a new breed of pirate and meet an unexpected force of nature: Kahumanu, the formidable queen of the Hawaiian Islands. Inspried by the real-life Olowalu Massacre and the famed Congregationalist missoin of 1819, this third outing will be unlike any adventure the Putnams have faced before.

Critic reviews

"Haley does a brilliant job of introducing the reader to Hawaii as it existed in the early 19th century." —New York Journal of Books

“A most ingenious plot and story…Haley evidently knows his way around an archive, salting the meat of his story with savory details of Native Hawaiian society and political rivalries….But what elevates The Devil in Paradise is the equal time and storylines given to Clarity….The result is an adventure story of unusual historical detail and appeal to both—make that all—genders.” –Honolulu Magazine

"Here, Haley combines the style of Patrick O'Brian and James Michener in the highest quality historical fiction." —Historical Novel Society

“Brimming with Haley's signature delight in nautical detail and suspense, this entertaining tale stokes readers' expectations for more of Putnam's high-sea exploits.”—Booklist

“Haley spins a rousing naval yarn laced with action against slavers, a new breed of pirate, and an enraged sea captain seeking vengeance. An intimate understanding of Hawaiian history recounted through well-drawn, three-dimensional characters enriches his narrative. The Bliven Putnam novels bring a refreshing point of view to naval fiction, with a marked Yankee flavor.”—Quarterdeck Magazine

Insightful study of race relations

I have always loved stories set on tall fighting ships, usually for their elements of adventure and nostalgia for the past. This was the first time a tale touched me with it’s social commentary. The dialogue between Clarity and Thomas captures perfectly the marginalization I experienced growing up. It will forever be one of my favorite passages from modern literature.

Third in the Series. Domestic Affairs

I love this series. The characters seem like old friends but this third one is heavier on character interaction in various locations but no so much blowing things up and swinging from the Yard Arms. While I enjoyed the softer version of Captain Putnam this one lacked the sea warfare and international intrigue that I found so fascinating in the other two. The first one is still my favorite but I will always wait for the next one and ship out with him again sometime.

good

it would be a 5 across the board but I liked the first book a little better. that said I loved this book and I cant wait for the next one to come out.

Zero sailing adventure

The narrator is very good, as always. This series is definitely not as good as the Hornblower or Brewer books. This book is more about Hawaiian history and missionaries. The title should have been about that since the sea action was less than 5% of the book. If you want some ship to ship action, skip this one. I wish I had.