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There are currently 29 member reviews
for The Montevideo Brief
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Claire M. (Wrentham, MA)
A Brief Yet Absorbing Binge Read
The latest serial installment of the adventures of Thomas Grey delivers on all counts. Impeccable historical research shapes the escapades of the Crown secret agent with high seas encounters in the Age of Sail. Grey is a naval marine captain attached to the War Department where his talent in foreign affairs makes him a valued asset. At his English home he is well supported by an indomitable housekeeper and a wise stable master. He walks out with an intriguing local widow. The stage is set for a comfortable pause from action, so we know that won't last.
Concerns of the Empire propel Grey from a forced sabbatical at home in England to ports of Tripoli in North Africa (Libya) on the Mediterranean and then Montevideo in South America (Uruguay) on the South Atlantic. In the early 1800s British and American interests are allied, engaging with pirates and French opponents. In a few years the tide will turn, with the War of 1812. For now, the focus is on a budding Spanish/French alliance. Will Grey fulfill his mission and save the Empire? The camaraderie of common cause fuels multiple hand-to-hand skirmishes on both land and sea. Readers are propelled by the action to a conclusion which neatly sets up the next installment.
No words are wasted in this perfect action-adventure story detailing life under sail with a dashing and appealing protagonist.
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Bink W. (Dade City, FL)
Ruined in the storm
Quiet enjoyed the book until the deluge swept it away. Will check it out of the newly opened library to finish.
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Jane H. (Indian Shores, FL)
The Montevideo Brief by J.H. Gelernter
One of my favorite genres is Historical Fiction so I looked forward to reading the Montevideo Brief. This is a good choice for all those who love pirate stories intertwined with with historical events taking place 1804 during wartime among Britain, Spain, and France as they aimed to protect their naval fleets and the tons of gold aboard them as well as the hope of increasing their Empires. The main character, Thomas Gray, an agent for HIs Majesty's Secret Service, has the dangerous job of preventing Spain from delivering the 2,000 tons of gold to Spain as it travels from South America back to Spain when he must capture their fleet of 4 ships. Many adventures occur with Gray as he travels from South America and runs into trouble with little time to spare for his important mission for Britain. Gelernter has done great research to keep the story historically accurate as he creates an adventurous novel. However, at times his writing style becomes labored with too much description such as when he spends pages on the minute description of the game of tennis which is off topic from the story. I think the novel would benefit greatly from further editing and tightening up these long descriptions. Montevideo Brief is a great story to tell with many exciting adventures to keep the reader engaged.
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Doris K. (Mountain Iron, MN)
The Montevideo Brief
Historical fiction readers here is a book for you. The author combines sailing ships, pirates, government intrigue and even Beethoven in a fascinating story. Although this is a stand alone story it does have some references to the previous Thomas Grey novels. I would have liked to have read them first. Because of lengthy sections on armaments and sailing ships this book will probably be appreciated more by men than women. However I appreciated learning more about the early 1800s. The author's prologue and Historical notes added helpful information to understand the novel. Overall a good read.
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John A. (Austin, TX)
James Bond Equivalent in the Early Nineteenth Century
The Montevideo Brief features an early nineteenth century James Bond equivalent whose adventures carry him from Europe to South America with intermixed duels, a Beethoven concert, many seafaring battles, imprisonment by pirates and later a very successful venture against them, international intrigue between England, Spain, and France, encounters with the fledgling American intelligence agency and budding navy, and a slowly developing female relationship. There was a lot of good historical data as well as some exciting scenes. However, it seemed more like a screenplay than a standard novel.
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Gary R. (Bolingbrook, IL)
Ahoy Matey!
Shades of Patrick O'Brian, there's nothing better than a good read about the age of sail. Thomas Grey is tasked with saving the British Empire by stopping the Spanish from delivering their plunder to Madrid and declaring war on the British by allying themselves with the French. If you enjoyed O'Brien's books you will love this, great read! Don't want to give anything away,you're just going to have to read it. Thanks to bookbrowse for giving me another author to read!
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Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)
A Book for All
The Montevideo Brief was a surprisingly good read. It was a mix of history, adventure, friendship and pirates...what a combination! This book provides suspense and laughter. It is set in the early 1800s and travels the world. I don't want to give anything away, but I feel readers will be captivated by this tale. It keeps you wondering what will happen next. I feel all readers will enjoy this book - the action is just right and not gory. I highly recommend this book.
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