Sea witch by Alistair Maclean

"Sea witch" by Alistair Maclean. This book is published by Collins in 1977 and has 192 pages.

 

Lord Worth is a billionaire oil producer. He operates the only TLP (Tension leg platform) in the world at that time named 'Sea witch'. TLP is more cost effective than jack up or drillship. Moreover he is drilling in international waters, in Gulf of Mexico, making him extremely cost effective. A group of 10 oil producers from various countries decides to take remedial action and employ services if John Cronkite who has a grudge against Lord Worth.

 

What will Cronkite do? How will Lord Worth defend? What roles would Mitch and Rumor, private detectives who are also friends of Lord Worth's daughters, play? What would be the future of Sea Witch?

 

The story has the background of oil industry. More specifically offshore oil industry. Those who are not familiar will have some difficulty in understanding the technical jargon which author has tried to keep to essential minimum.

 

Characterization is good. Arrogant and shrewd Lord Worth. His daughters who do not care for his money. Extremely competent private detectives. Devious Cronkite. Band of goons on both sides. Politicians. Etc. 

 

What is not convincing is that a lot of gun fights and explosives are used on and around the TLP,  but there is no incident with oil. The battle takes place on Sea Witch. Also it is unconvincing that  theft of nuclear devices Is so easy and that the government will declare theft on news media. 

 

Although you don't abandon the book, you do not enjoy it very much. 

 

Give it a miss.