Matthew Campbell (1) (1985–)

I expected more piracy and less insurance fraud but this still managed to be an interesting book. Very disheartening though. It really shows a (maddening) difference between the elites versus normal people as well as the rampant fraud and abuse that goes on in maritime shipping. The lack of justice or real hope for future improvements really left a bitter aftertaste.

"Dead in the Water" is the true crime story of an at-sea arson of an aging over-insured oil tanker. which resulted in the death of an innocent British ship surveyor. It's a shocking account of a mammoth insurance fraud which appears to be supported by "the system". The book reveals the inner workings of the Lloyds' insurance exchange, and its puzzling attitude toward fraud: a mixture of "don't fight with. your customers" with an eye on ensuring future business. Losses are covered through show more increasing premiums paid by future insurance buyers. Readers also get a picture of the cozy arcane world of the maritime law fraternity that seems to control the world of maritime law and shipping/insurance.
It's an entertaining and compelling read with a good narrative and brisk pacing.

I received a complementary advance reading copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an objective unsolicited review. show less

This book starts innocently enough, with David Mocket going to Yemen to work and live. In the middle of the book, we discover a car bomb has killed him. In the first chapter, we also learn about the threats to his life.
From there, Kit Chellel and Matthew Campbell take you on a journey into the murky world of shipping, scuttling, fraud, insurance, and how the ruthless get away with every criminal act.

The tale is fascinating, and I applaud the authors for keeping me on the edge of my seat show more for the entire duration of the book.

In the audiobook, Tim Bentinck's narration is marvelous. He is never over the top, yet he pulls you along as the book progresses.

This is brilliant. I picked it up on a whim and loved it. Am I shocked? Yes, and no. Have I been enlightened, and did I learn something? Yes. show less

Based on the title and premise, I was expecting something a bit more exciting and intriguing. This book is a bit of a slow burner that essentially boils down to a drawn out court case that ends how you'd expect it would with no significant ramifications on the insurance/shipping industry (if you were that concerned about it in the first place). While the story is interesting there's not enough of it to fill an entire book.

You can see the twists and turns coming a mile away where someone show more would speculate about a conspiracy and then be proven right a few chapters later. This spoils all intrigue and anticipation. In some of the more boring parts the authors try to hold interest by adding small anecdotes about insurance or shipping. This is enough to get you through the chapter but hardly had me eager to start the next one.

Overall I'd say its a good book if you are interested in insurance and shipping, otherwise it might be a slog to get through. show less