In the bestselling tradition of The Devil in the White City, award-winning author Brian Hicks tells the explosive story of the Morro Castle-the elegant luxury liner that burned off the coast of New Jersey in 1934. On September 7, 1934, the captain of the luxurious Ward Line flagship Morro Castle died under mysterious circumstances seven hours before his ship caught fire off the New Jersey coast. Much of the crew abandoned ship, leaving passengers to burn or jump into the sea as a hurricane approached and literally fanned the flames. The ship was incinerated, and 134 people perished. Using hundreds of previously classified FBI reports, first-person survivor interviews, and countless documents, Brian Hicks has written-and solved-a murder mystery that mesmerized the nation more than seventy years ago. Told with authentic period detail and true-crime excitement, Hicks determines that the ominous weather was not the cause for the ship's burning. After reading Hick's deeply researched epic, we can only conclude that the disaster was the work of a madman among the crew. Hicks creates a finely drawn portrait of Depression-era America. Perfect for history buffs and adventure enthusiasts, When the Dancing Stopped is nonfiction narrative at its best. "A suspenseful, highly satisfying read."—Kirkus Starred Review "...the book is a riveting account of this tragedy..."—Booklist
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"I tend not to read too many maritime disaster books because they are just so gut wrenching. This one is no exception, but it is very well written and a page-turner. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a The Devil in the White City readalike, a maritime disaster book or for true crime." — Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
"I tend not to read too many maritime disaster books because they are just so gut wrenching. This one is no exception, but it is very well written and a page-turner. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a The Devil in the White City readalike, a maritime disaster book or for true crime."
" Compelling to-the-point read about a deadly fire on a cruise ship in 1934. "
" Fascinating, detailed and occassionally gruesome account of the Morro castle disaster that points the finger squarely at the apparently guilty party. "
" "Devil in the White City Good: I kept looking up from the book, exclaiming, "Why didn't I know about this?!" Mystery, drama, conspiracy, declassified files...this book has everything!" "
" really enjoyed this read like a combination of mystery book and disaster movie "
" Took me about 5 chapters to get really into it. Then when the focus shifts from the shipwreck to the "main character" I was really surprised. And when the friend drops the bombshell ... wow. "
" This book would make a great film. It is like the Titanic only with staff murdering intrigue, political exploits with a Cuban princess and - my own heroic grand-uncle on board! "
" Good story, well written and researched. "
" I saw an HBO or PBS special about the Morro Castle when I was a kid. Great writing, great research, a little rough on tech guys, but I suppose nuts and sociopaths have always had a place to roost. "
" Fascinating account of the Morrow Castle disaster. Extremely well researched and written as if it were a novel. I enjoyed it immensely. "
" Very readable, very interesting "
" So far there are two Bayonne characters in the telling. "
Brian Hicks is a senior writer for the Post and Courier in Charleston, and he is also the author of Into the Wind, among other books. He has received numerous journalism awards, including South Carolina Press Journalism of the Year honor. He lives in Charleston.
Sandra Burr is an AudioFile Earphones Award–wining narrator. She has read more than one hundred books in her career, including the New York Times bestselling Cedar Cove romance series by Debbie Macomber.
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