The Takedown by Evie Hunter is out today! Get your copy 💥
Being a firm believer in unnecessary research, when my editor suggested setting my next revenge crime thriller in an exotic location I didn’t have to think about where. The world of superyachts sounds ultra-glamorous, and it is, if you happen to be the owner and can fly in by helicopter whenever it suits you and have minions taking care of your every need.
Spare a thought for the hardworking minions in question, for whom it’s a very different story. Housed in the bowels of the yacht, (beneath the helicopter pad probably!), in stifling summer heat, often without air conditioning, it isn’t quite as exotic. All that endless cleaning, fetching and carrying and fighting the effects of seasickness. It helps to
be young! I was in Antibes in the South of France a few years back. It was late at night and we sat outside a bar in a charming cobbled street, enjoying the cooler evening air and the local tipple. The bar was full of raucous crews from moored up superyachts letting their hair down. Given the nature of their duties and confined living space whilst at sea, it was easy for us to understand why they take every opportunity to party.
At midnight a harried barmaid called time, but no one took a blind bit of notice. She came out into the street, arms akimbo, and yelled, ‘Come on, guys. Ain’t you got no boats to go to?’ Her cry was greeted with good-natured derision. And totally ignored. That incident stuck in my mind and the barmaid’s plea is recorded in the opening
line in The Takedown, the latest Evie Hunter revenge crime novel, due for publication 8th May and, you’ve guessed it, set onboard a superyacht. I’ve experienced that mode of transportation myself, both as a guest and as a crew member, and so I’ve seen the “glamour” from both sides.
In The Takedown, the boat’s new hostess, (think housekeeper), and the skipper join forces when they discover that they both have compelling reasons to revenge themselves upon the yacht’s bullish owner. But he’s rich and powerful. Too well connected for lowly members of his crew to get anywhere near him.
Or is he …
Enjoy!
Evie Hunter