Historical Fiction/Nautical Fiction
Date Published: June 23, 2026
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
The murder of his wife at the hands of British soldiers prompts American privateer Captain Jonas Hawke’s vow to make Britain pay.
A grief-stricken Jonas strikes deep into the heart of the enemy, driven by his personal vendetta. When he raids a port city, one of his men crosses an unthinkable line, which forces Jonas to come to terms with the anguish that distorts his definition of justice.
Concerned his wrath will bring irreparable harm to the cause for America’s freedom, Jonas grapples with his role as a warrior and as a man. When he learns the Royal Navy is hunting his ship, he fears his deadly decisions may have cost him and his crew everything. It’s too late to turn back. Instead, he must continue on and face the inevitable perils of war.
Perilous Shores is a gripping, action-packed, and historically authentic tale of revenge, survival, and one man’s relentless pursuit of his country’s independence.
Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
ANSWER: Yes. The recurring theme of all my stories is an echo of
something John Paul Jones said during the American Revolution: He who will
not risk cannot win. Jones is sometimes called the father of our Navy, and
many of his quotes and standards are still followed today. The quote applies to
our everyday lives as well as to military operations. To grow and be
successful, all my main characters have to take risks that make them
uncomfortable.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
ANSWER: Staying within word count! Seriously, while I’ve gotten better,
I’m often too wordy, and have scenes or parts of scenes that are not needed,
but are exciting for me personally to write. For example, in a storm sequence,
I write about all the effects of the wind on the rigging and the men. But only
some of those are needed to move the story forward. The rest is great if you’re
a sailor and know what’s happening. For the general reader, it’s technical
jargon/gobbledygook that they do not need.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
ANSWER: This is the third published, but I’ve recently finished writing
the fourth. I’m not sure I have a favorite, honestly. I like each for different
reasons. If I absolutely must choose, it’s probably Perilous Shores, the
one that just came out. I’m a better writer than for the first two books, and I
explored different thematic elements in it, e.g. the effects of a leader’s rage
on the crew and the mission. I also expanded the reach Jonas Hawke, the main
character, has. He interacts with more historical figures in this one, each of
whom needed to be researched thoroughly so I could write them believably and in
a way that was true to the real person.
If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
ANSWER: I would have a young Tom Hanks or Rob McElhenney play Jonas. Both
have a way of communicating internal turmoil with their faces that would be
essential to portraying Jonas Hawke.
When did you begin writing?
ANSWER: I’ve always told myself stories. I started writing them down in
high school. I didn’t really finish anything until the late 80’s, and sold a
short story in 1991. Then I didn’t share my work until around 2005/6/7 when I
showed the manuscript that became In Harm’s Way to my late writing
mentor.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
ANSWER: The first book I finished took 30 years. The first book
published took 9 months to write, five years to revise, and two years to get
published.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
ANSWER: I don’t really have one. I was inspired by Isaac Azimov,
C. S. Forester, Herman Wouk, Edmund Hamilton, Admiral Dan Gallery, Edward L.
Beach, and Patrick O’Brian. There are probably others, too.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
ANSWER: The writing part! Seriously, the putting words down in the computer
for the first time. The rewriting and revising part, that’s daunting and
painful!
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
ANSWER: Rage is counter-productive. I’m counting that as four words!
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the
future for your writing?
ANSWER: The MS I just finished is titled Treadnought and is
the third installment in Jonas Hawke’s journey through the American Revolution.
He’s still fighting at sea, and eventually becomes part of the Continental
Navy. He also unfortunately is ordered to participate in the Penobscot
Expedition. That’s all I should say to avoid spoilers!
After that, I’ll focus on my World War II novel in two volumes, then
turn to Jonas’s son, William. At least, that’s the plan for now. It could be
derailed by whatever historical shiny object next attracts my attention! A
Naval Academy classmate, friend, and fellow author would like me to write more
Jonas story, and she got me thinking….But World War II is definitely next!
About the Author
Tom’s first novel, Against All Enemies, earned gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and Literary Titan. In Harm’s Way, the first in the Sea Hawkes Chronicles series has also garnered several awards.
He resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and daughter and a cat and a dog. Whatever free time he has is still spent on the water.
For more about the author and to follow his blog about nautical and naval trivia, visit his website ThomasMWing.com.
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