Dangerous Shallows: In Search of the Ghost Ships of Cape Cod

Weather, ledges, shoals and, yes, German U-boats are among the many antagonists to be found in Dangerous Shallows, a collection of maritime detective stories told by professional salvage diver and mariner Eric Takakjian, along with co-author and researcher Randall Peffer. The scene is set in the treacherous waters of Southern New England where, for centuries, ships and their crews have been lost in storms, struck hidden ledges and shoals, or collided with other vessels as they steamed and sailed through pea-soup fog or raging gale. Each chapter features a new wreck—many of which Takakjian found for the first time thanks to the meticulous research that he and his mates relentlessly undertake. And with each new dive, the authors dig deep to share details about the cargo and crewmembers that perished at sea. Binge-read chapters or pick up the book and savor each adventure on its own. Either way, these are sea stories well-told, by authors who know their stuff.