I’m not sure how I heard about The Law of the Sea, but I’m glad I did. Who doesn’t like a story about a hunt for treasure, especially a sunken treasure ship with all kinds of people competing to get it? This is one of those books where the power of a unique and compelling plot can overcame some other weaknesses, making it a fun and interesting read.

Jack Carver is a young lawyer in Houston. His new client, Ashley Marcum, wants someone to investigate the death of her brother, who died while working for large oil company. The oil company has been less than transparent about how he died, and Ashley might not have pursued things any further, but after his death she discovered a packet containing some old gold coins. With the coins as their only clue, Jack begins to pursue their provenance and files a wrongful death lawsuit against the oil company to compel them to release information on how and why Ashley’s brother died.

Vastly outgunned by the oil company’s legal team, Jack has to scramble to keep up with the intense pressure of their legal maneuvering, while also fighting the partners in his own law firm who do not want to antagonize such a powerful and politically connected corporation. Meanwhile, the coins seem to point to the discovery of a sunken treasure ship. How did Ashley’s brother get his hands on these coins, and was his death somehow related to a discovery of sunken treasure? While pursuing these questions, Jack and Ashley begin to uncover a vast conspiracy to not only cover up Ashley’s’ brother’s death, but a nefarious attempt to evade the law of the sea.

This book is a Grisham style legal thriller with a Clive Cussler treasure hunting plot, which makes for a intriguing and fun read! This a Gerard’s fist book, which he began writing when the pandemic began. Although this book could have used a bit more editing and stronger character development, I think Gerard may have great potential as a writer and hope there are more Jack Carver adventures in the future!

Brenda’s Rating: ***1/2 (31/2 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Keith, Marian and Sharon

Book Study Worthy? yes

Read in ebook format