Investigating the Mary Celeste is an interesting partly fictionalized account of possible solutions to the perennial mystery of what happened to the unlucky crew of the Mary Celeste, written by D. Lawrence-Young. Released 26th March 2024 by Cranthorpe Millner, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The author has written an interesting mix of fiction alongside the factual recreations and recorded historical information which is extant from records of the time. It's possibly not as effective as if he'd stuck to one or the other, facts or fiction, and not presented them as a blended story. It's not a dry historical record; it's not annotated and there are no chapter notes.

Readers looking for a deeply researched historical record won't find it here. Likewise, readers looking for a fictional story won't be satisfied either. The concluding chapter with the different scenarios and their likelyhood was logically laid out and accessible to laymen.

The author/publisher have included a bibliography for further reading.

Three stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, as well as for readers interested in naval history and nonfiction.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

INVESTIGATING THE MARY CELESTE is an interesting take on the mysterious Mary Celeste, a ghost ship found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. The ship was found with no trace of those who were originally on it nor were any members of the crew ever found and yet the ship was found intact as if everyone had just simply disappeared out of thin air.

Intrigued by the mystery surrounding the Mary Celeste, I was interested in Lawerence-Young's novelization and while in some ways the author did not fail to disappoint, in others I was left to wonder what was going on. A mix of fiction and non-fiction, it seemed as if the author wasn't sure which way they wanted to go with their telling of the Mary Celeste and instead tried to combine two different books together - a fictional take on what may have happened to the Mary Celeste and then a non-fiction book about the Mary Celeste and other ghost ships - and that he should've have chosen one or the other in order to breath life into the book.

While the fictional take on the Mary Celeste featured introductions to several characters, none of them had any personality to them leaving them more one-dimensional than anything and the dialogue was dry, stiff and more than once seemed forced leaving this section to be more boring than interesting. However the second half of the book giving theories on what may have happened aboard the Mary Celeste along with information about other ghost ships changes the whole tone of the book making it way more interesting and showing that the author has done a lot of research about the Mary Celeste and many other ghost ships.

this uses the concept of a historical fiction novel in a perfect way in telling the story. i was engaged with the characters and how everything worked in this sailing story. I was enjoying the historical elements and thought it had a great concept for the crime element. I enjoyed how good D. Lawrence-Young wrote this and left me wanting to read more.

I think most people have heard of the 'Mary Celeste' - a deserted ship found sailing on in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. No trace of those known to have been onboard was ever found & what happened has been an enduring mystery for decades, becoming part of history. I was therefore intrigued to read 'Investigating the Mary Celeste', an imaging of the crew's final preparations before setting sail & speculations on what may have happened to them.

This book was a mix of nonfiction & fiction, with the known facts incorporated into a fictional account of what may have transpired aboard the Mary Celeste. There was also a section at the end where the author weighs the probability for/against certain theories & notes several cases of other 'ghost ships' which was very interesting. As for the fictional section, I found the introduction to the Briggs family & the crew members intriguing & was looking forward to getting to know the characters, but that doesn't really happen. The reader doesn't have much time to become invested in them as people before they have disappeared (which happens off-page).

I think the historical fiction aspect could have either been a bit longer with the characters more deeply drawn, or written from a completely nonfiction viewpoint. I think half & half-ing it didn't really work. The other issue with the narrative is that the conversations between the characters do not flow naturally at times, & although I understand that it was to get certain information across to the reader (i.e. information about how the ship was built, how big it was, how much it could carry etc), certain conversations seem very stilted & artificial. Overall it's a fascinating topic but certain aspects of the book didn't quite work.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Cranthorpe Milner Publishers, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Investigating the Mary Celeste by D. Lawrence Young

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley for the ebook ARC. I stepped outside my comfort zone with this one because I was genuinely curious about what happened and the theories that surrounded it. While I did not enjoy the specific way this book was written, I’m still giving 3 stars for content. It will be available for purchase next week (3/26).

#netgalley #investigatingthemaryceleste #goodreads

The subject matter of this book is really interesting and the author clearly did a lot of research! Unfortunately I could not get through the whole thing because of the format. Instead of the book just presenting the information, it was shown in scenes where people awkwardly spoke the historical facts in unrealistic dialogue. Since I didn’t finish the book, I’m not sure if this is the style for the entire thing. However, it was enough to make me stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

An interesting true 'ghost' story told in a narrative style. Somtimes a bit simplistic in the writing but the tale is so fantastic it just reels you in! A ship that is found abandoned with no sign of trouble? What happened? Will we ever know?

I enjoyed the narrative and all the theories that were presented at the end. I do wish there was some 'full' documents such as Mrs. Brigg's last letter home and I want to know what happened to Arthur! Overall, a solid 3.5 out of 5- especially if you love a good mystery!!!

As a kid of the seventies I relished the television programming that delved into all things weird and creepy. My favorite episodes had to do with ghost ships. Hulking vessels that should have been filled with crew and cargo but mysteriously found completely empty of humans, floating listlessly, with evidence of people leaving in a great hurry, dinners left uneaten, important supplies abandoned. Oooo spooky.

So when I saw the book Investigating the Mary Celeste, those childhood moments of wonder and intrigue were stirred once again. I eagerly Kindle-clicked and took sail on the ill-fated ship.

Investigating the Mary Celeste, written by D Lawrence-Young, who has penned over 25 historical and crime novels, promotes itself as a novel but it quickly became apparent that the characters who were participating in the pages had no vibrancy, no weight, and just one dimension. The persons who inhabited the story were only there to present exposition. Need to know how the ship was built? How large she is? What she’s made of? Well, two characters will meet in a pub and one will ask the other - tell me about the ship, and then the other character will flatly tell you every detail, like he’s reading from a Wikipedia entry. This happens continually throughout. From descriptions of New York City, to explanations of cargos, or the personal background of an individual, there is a character who will explain every detail to you in the most boring way possible.

Surprisingly, three-quarters of the way through the book, the story of the Mary Celeste ends, however the remainder of the book gives reference to the Mary Celeste in literature and in print, plus a section on possible theories on what happened on the MC - from pirates to mermaids, practically every possible scenario was explored. And then, as a little bonus, if you hadn’t had enough of the ghostly galleons, Lawrence-Young presents us with other tales of spectral ships and their disappearing crew from as long ago as 1921 to as recent as the new millennium.

It is here that I wished that the entire book would have taken the tone of the last quarter of the book. There were no “fictional” overtones, no characters spouting expositions about the rock of Gibraltar, just historical facts - but engaging information none-the-less. I very much enjoy this last section. If Mr Lawrence-Young felt the need to make the story of the Mary Celeste more palatable by having the story told through novel format, then he needed to lean into the creation of a novel. Instead he gives us the historical realities of this ill-fated voyage parroted through characters we just don’t care about.

So herein lies the true mystery of Investigating the Mary Celeste. It seemed to me that a choice needed to be made, either make Investigating the Mary Celeste a full-fledged novel - spending a great deal of time developing characters with backstories, passion, and emotions - characters that a reader can connect to, root for, and care about. Or go full-bore non-fiction and give the facts in a vibrant way, including the actual humans who experienced it all. To mix the two felt to me like the book didn’t know what it was. Commit to one or the other because to meld the two genres created a book that once you stepped on board you found no signs of life.

When it comes to reading historical fiction, I love not being able to tell what is real and what is fiction. I think D. Lawrence-Young does a fantastic job relaying the possible story of the Mary Celeste and what could have happened to her on her mysterious voyage.

Ghost ships and lingering mysteries alway draw me in and this was an amazing read. Not only does it read as though we are hearing the accounts from the men who found the ship and were there, but we also go through several plausible and implausible scenarios which make it all the more fun. For me, one of my favorite pastimes is watching the spooky ghost captures on YouTube and trying to determine “could it be real”. This book gives me that same general vibe.

As with the rest of the world, I would love to know what truly happened to the individuals who vanished from the decks of the Mary Celeste. However, the people who could tell us, are the ones who disappeared. I was incredibly entertained by this book and want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

An intriguing look at the strange disappearance of the crew of the Brig Mary Celeste. That the mystery has not been solved as of yet makes it all the more powerful. The author does a great job of telling the tale and the aftermath of the events. He also provides a wide variety of possible and impossible scenarios that may have occurred. Overall, a great nautical novel and one well worth reading.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Investigating the Mary Celeste" by D. Lawrence-Young

"Investigating the Mary Celeste" by D. Lawrence Young is a compelling dive into one of the greatest maritime mysteries ever recorded. This book stands out in its exploration of the enigmatic disappearance of the crew of the Mary Celeste in 1872, a topic that has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for over a century.

What makes Young's rendition of this tale unique is his meticulous research and the way he presents various theories surrounding the mystery. The author, with a rich background in crime and historical novels, skilfully brings together different possible explanations, credible hoaxes, and even delves into tales of other ghost ships. This comprehensive approach provides a fresh perspective on a well-trodden subject, making it particularly appealing to history buffs like myself.

The book is well-structured, moving from the initial discovery of the Mary Celeste by Captain Morehouse of the Dei Gratia, through the intense criminal investigation that followed. The narrative is enriched by the author's detailed descriptions and historical insights, painting a vivid picture of the events and the era.

Reviewers have praised the book for its well-researched content and the author's attention to detail. They have also appreciated the exploration of various theories about the Mary Celeste's fate, which adds depth to the narrative and allows readers to ponder the many possibilities.

What I personally enjoyed about "Investigating the Mary Celeste" was its pacing. The story unfolds in a manner that is both engaging and informative, holding the reader's attention throughout. The book doesn't just rehash old theories; it provides a nuanced view that makes you think about the Mary Celeste in a way you might not have before.

In conclusion, "Investigating the Mary Celeste" is an excellent read for anyone interested in maritime history and mysteries. Young's approach to this enduring enigma is both professional and personal, making the book not just a historical account but also a fascinating story that keeps the reader involved. I would recommend it to history enthusiasts and anyone looking for a well-crafted narrative about one of the sea's most enduring mysteries.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Mary Celeste is a fascinating mystery and this book does a good job of humanising that mystery.

I liked that the story is not simply a bunch of facts, but is instead a story filled with dialogue and description. That makes these historical figures and their mystery tangible, which in turn makes it more emotional.
However, that dialogue is dry and, for me, made they story drag.

I enjoyed the latter half of the book more. The other ghost ships and the various theories of that happened. These anecdotes and theories are very well written, researched and presented.

All in all an interesting look at the Mary Celeste. Grab this book for a weekend read, but maybe not a nautical weekend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

This book was very interesting and informative, reviewing the known and potential outcomes of the ghost ship, The Mary Celeste. I did find parts of this book to be extremely repetitive, and felt the author put in a lot of unnecessary fluff with his repetition. Overall, the book was very informative and explored many of the possibilities of what happened to the ship and her crew.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book.

While this book started off slow for me, I rather enjoyed the mystery. The author does a fantastic job of relaying historical event (and modern reports). The book is split into three parts: a fictional account of the history of the Mary Celeste and the investigation, a listing and description of other famous ghost ships, and the last part detailing various conspiracy theories including what the author surmised. I enjoyed the later portions far more than the retelling of the events. The perspective, prose, and jargon were not up to par. The other accounts of ghost ships and the long list of possible reasons for the ghosting read like a university paper — which works for me. It gives the accounts credibility. I agree with the author's theory, but I think it was less about possible explosions…and more that the fumes were harmful to the crew and child. I can't imagine how industrial alcohol in gaseous form wouldn't make someone cough and want to leave a ship. They wouldn't have taken things like jewelry, because they would have expected to return. Great account. Leave off the first part of the story the next time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Fascinating book about the Mary Celeste. Well researched by the author and very detailed. I enjoyed the descriptions of other ghost ships at the end and also the different possibilities of what actually happened to the crew on the ship. It drives me crazy that no actual physical explanation was ever found for their disappearance. However the author did great in giving us the most likely things that had happened and it did make sense.
Well written, researched and documented.

This was an amazing read. I had heard about the Mary Celeste -aka- the ghost ship. I’d heard the tales and theories.
I enjoyed the ‘what if’ and what had happened story. The maritime details, history, facts and theories had me glued to the pages.
One character annoyed me as I questioned him a lot as well as the lawyers repeatedly asking the same questions.

After reading this novel I have found myself down a rabbit hole in regard to the Mary Celeste and it has definitely spiked my interest.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read and review this book.

A very interesting novelisation of the Mary Celeste mystery, one of the greatest maritime mysteries ever recorded.

Obviously, there's no 'mystery solved' element to this book, what the author has done is give an example of what may have happened as well as an account of what occurred once the ship was sailed back into port.

I actually found the last chapters more interesting, with details of other Maritime mysteries and also historical (and modern) theories as to what actually happened. (I have to say I favour the sandbank theory, especially if it happened close to an Island)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read and review this book.

Lawrence-Young takes readers back to the origins of the infamous Mary Celeste, in a bid to understand the mystery of her abandonment mid-Atlantic, in 1872, 3 weeks after she set sail from New York to Genoa, with a cargo of 1700 barrels of industrial alcohol. Built in Nova Scotia and originally called Amazon, her history seems to have been fated from the start, although it’s easy with hindsight, to attribute unlucky events to her star-crossed history. For this reader, the dialogue felt stiff, and the story didn’t pick up pace until the sailing of the Dei Gratia and her discovery of the abandoned Mary Celeste. From there we are taken through Captain Morehouse’s splitting of his small crew in order to sail both ships to Gibraltar and there claim salvage. The months long enquiry is interesting, along with Lawrence-Young’s tales of other ghost ships and the possible eventualities which may have befallen the ship. I enjoyed the novel and I can attest to learning a great deal that I didn’t know. Readers interested in ghost ships and tales of the sea will find this packed with interesting information.

I enjoyed this mystery to the fullest.
I'll read anything about ships and I thought this one was unusual and unique.
I didn't want this book to end. I passed a pleasant evening fully invested until the end.
I did however find a few annoying little spots in this book and it was during the questioning of Captain Morehouse. That's all I'll say. I don't want to give anymore away.
Why they kept repeating a certain question got on my nerves. I don't really understand why lawyers do that but ok.
I'm giving this one 5 stars for a wonderful adventure!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.