cover image The Iceman

The Iceman

P.T. Deutermann. St. Martin’s, $26.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-250-18137-4

At the start of this exciting WWII naval thriller set in 1942 from Deutermann (Red Swan), Lt. Comdr. Malachi Stormes launches a submarine attack on a German U-boat base in France that destroys three enemy subs. His daring earns him a promotion and the command of the USS Firefish, a new long-range sub based in Perth, Australia, replacing a timid skipper more concerned with preserving torpedoes than engaging foes. The Firefish’s crew members are unprepared for his aggressive and unorthodox tactics. The phlegmatic captain earns the nickname “the Iceman” for his cool detachment, even taking time to grab a smoke while an enemy destroyer bears down on his boat. But a family history of alcoholism and violence back home in Kentucky haunts the captain and could adversely affect his judgment. Deutermann packs authentic information on submarine tactics and naval warfare in between the taut underwater action. Fans of old-school submarine novels like Run Silent, Run Deep will be rewarded. [em]Agent: Nick Ellison, Nick Ellison Agency. (Aug.) [/em]