The Captain’s Wife

Based on the true story of Mary Patten, The Captain’s Wife begins in July 1856 during the heyday of the great clipper ships. Mary’s husband, Captain Joshua Patten, is hired to navigate Neptune’s Car on a treacherous voyage from New York to San Francisco through one of the most dangerous straits in the Western Hemisphere Cape Horn.

Early on, trouble erupts on the ship. When the first mate is put in chains for plotting a mutiny and the captain falls ill, Mary must take command of the ship. Having learned how to navigate during her last voyage with her husband, Mary is forced to put her skills, authority, and wits to the test as she demands respect from the crew, nurses her husband day and night, and keeps the mutinous first mate at bay.

Using little known facts about Mary Patten’s life, Douglas Kelley has crafted a brilliant and gripping tale of deception, danger, and treachery on the high seas.