McBooks Press

06/20/2025

The Summer 2025 issue of QUARTERDECK is available by clicking on this link: https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/globepequot-wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20143554/SUMMER-2025-QUARTERDECK.pdf.

06/02/2025

05/14/2025

If you'd like to read Chesapeake Bound (available now wherever you buy books) or see where Tom will be next, visit www.thomasguay.com or
https://www.globepequot.com/9781493088485/chesapeake-bound/

04/11/2025

The Ensign reviewed Jim Nelson's THE FALMOUTH FRIGATE in their latest issue:

"This isn’t your typical book about naval action set during the Revolutionary War. Rather, it’s a compelling story of the work and dangers besetting Capt. Isaac Biddlecomb in his efforts to get his frigate Falmouth ready for sea. . . . All in all, the two subplots enhance this action-packed story." ~C. Henry Depew, The Ensign

The year 1777 is bleak indeed for the cause of American Independence, with the British army twice defeating Washington and taking the capital city of Philade...

03/27/2025

CHESAPEAKE BOUND arrives this Tuesday, April 1, featuring beautiful original cover art by Colin Baxter!

“A talented writer, communicator, and musician, Tom Guay is deeply ingrained in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. He writes with authenticity and passion that showcase his commitment to his characters, their stories, and their settings.” —David Gendell, author of The Last Days of the Schooner America

"A gripping tale of survival . . . set against the backdrop of impending political upheaval in pre-revolutionary America. Chesapeake Bound is compelling historical fiction that will captivate and entertain new and seasoned readers." —Quarterdeck Maritime Literature & Art Review

Thomas Guay Colin Baxter

03/24/2025

The spring edition of QUARTERDECK is available by clicking on this link: https://www.globepequot.com/spring-2025-quarterdeck/.

03/21/2025

Advance praise is in for CHESAPEAKE BOUND, sailing your way April 1!

“Evocatively written . . . ready-made for a film adaptation.” —Chris Haley, director of Research, Education and Outreach and the Study of the Legacy of Slavery Program, Maryland State Archives

“A salty romp of a sea story filled with shenanigans, scruffy musicians turned sailors, love, murder, intrigue, stormy seas, and even pirates.” —Molly Winans, SpinSheet magazine

“Brims with irresistible historical and nautical detail. I found myself ripping through the pages to learn what happens next to the exceptionally developed characters. A terrific read.” —Danny Costello, author of The Rag Tree: A Novel of Ireland

03/19/2025

One of the great pleasures of Douglas's life as a writer was his contact with his readers, by letter, e-mail, or in person at book signings. People shared their thoughts and feelings about the books, discussed their favourites and, with a candour that was surprising and deeply moving, confided that reading the Bolitho series inspired and influenced them, sometimes in life-changing ways. Douglas was often called "the Royal Navy's best unpaid recruiting officer", and a startling number of people have cited Kent or Reeman novels as the reason for their decision to serve. Others, in the armed forces and in civilian life, have learned valuable lessons in leadership and management techniques from Richard Bolitho and his nephew Adam. Neither would have regarded himself as a role model or a mentor, and would be slightly uncomfortable at the suggestion, and the man who created them even more so. But the values which have inspired generations of readers flowed from the author himself, who laughingly used to call them "OLQs" (officer-like qualities). And here they are, in these difficult times and in remembrance of Douglas, who lived by them.

"Always know their names. Sometimes it is all they possess." A lesson the author and the young Richard Bolitho learned early in their naval careers.

Show respect. "Remove your hat in the mess. It is the men's home." The respect of others does not come automatically. It has to be earned.

Loyalty goes both ways.

Humour, where appropriate, is a great ice-breaker.

Show your humanity. Compassion and empathy are not weakness but strength. Praise when appropriate, and mediate wisely in disputes. Hear all sides of the story. Allow others to present their views, and don't be afraid to ask for their opinions.

Look beneath the surface and recognize an individual's unique qualities. Captain James Tyacke is so much more than a disfigured face.

Know when your people are right and stand up for them. Recognize bullying and mistreatment, and deal with it promptly.

Honesty. Be up front. Acknowledge your own mistakes or those of your people, and act accordingly. Learn how to apologize.

Never take out anger or resentment on others who can't answer back.

Recognize the inevitability of conflict sometimes, but don't sacrifice unnecessarily. Winning is not everything. Know when it's over.

Honour is not an excuse for self-seeking tyranny. With courage and truth, it is part of a code of ethics by which to live. Practice it and respect it in others.

Recognize and accept the loneliness of command. The ultimate responsibility is yours.

02/03/2025

Coming in April -- pre-order your copy today!

01/02/2025

The Winter Quarterdeck issue is here, featuring an interview with McBooks debut author Thomas Guay! Read the full issue for free here:

In this issue of Quarterdeck, we have a preview of the upcoming McBooks release Chesapeake Bound by Thomas Guay, a feature on ship figureheads by Philip K. Allan, a feature on naval cutters by Richard Woodman, and all of the “regulars” you’ve come to know in Quarterdeck.