Mysterious things occur at sea.

A research ship in the Arctic, the Franklin, was not initially concerned when contact was lost with their mini sub, a Deep Submergence Vehicle, but we're naturally relieved when it re-emerged later. But the relief was short lived. A team responding some days later to requests for help found the ship deserted. And so begins the increasingly mysterious search for answers.

Based around an actual sequence of events including the disappearance of four ships of different nationalities in the early months of 1968, this engaging written novel combines a touch of science fiction and the paranormal with solid characterisation, an exciting story and a frightening feeling of reality as both navy SEALs and the unexpectedly militarily able Coast Guard investigate and are drawn into conflict. The story is read by Tim Danko, who not only gives distinctive voice to each of the protagonists, but also reads with well paced clarity, infusing the narration with just enough emotion to increase tensions without overloading the listener. A nice performance.

My thanks to the rights holder of Polar Melt: A Novel, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. It was an enjoyable read, made all the more fascinating by the brief author's note which followed listing a few of the various exceptional circumstances which have occurred in real life, and mentioned in the book, showing that not only do mysterious events happen at sea but that real life can be stranger than fiction.
Recommended to anyone enjoying strange happenings at sea combined with a little .military action.

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