Looking for a great read to take on your next ocean-side escape? You’ll be on the edge of your yacht seat with The Wrecking Crew, the new sea thriller from author and marine historian Taylor Zajonc. The story — the first in The Wrecking Crew adventure series — follows salvage diver Jonah Blackwell on a covert mission to recover a research team lost in the pirate-infested waters off Somalia’s coast. Throw in a mysterious, deadly ocean plague, a hijacked submarine, a motley crew of enthusiastic untried cohorts and a billionaire industrialist intent upon keeping the secrets of his private, offshore luxury island intact, and you’re set for a marathon ride (beach-side margaritas encouraged).

One of the aspects of the book that make it such a gripping read is the authenticity of detail, thanks to the real-life experiences of the author. A bona fide shipwreck expert whose credentials include being a member of the first Titanic expedition that was accompanied by a marine archaeologist, Zajonc’s personal diving resume includes setting a deep-ocean depth record and assisting in the discovery of numerous sunken ships carrying incredible treasures. The release date for The Wrecking Crew is Feb. 23.