Epeolatry Book Review: Splitter by Stu Croskell

I should admit that I was eminently biased in favor of this book even before I cracked open the cover. From the story being set on (and in) the depths of the ocean, to the marine-biology theme of the book (It was my childhood dream to become a marine biologist and, although I’m not studying marine biology, I am pursuing that dream with my current M.P.S. degree program in wildlife conservation and advocacy.), I was definitely onboard with its premise. More so than the book’s main character, retired Navy SEAL turned marine biologist Jack Tarr, who is called up to helm a recovery mission for a military top-secret research facility.

I’m going to interrupt my own review to say that my other master’s degree is in history—maritime history, in fact—and I admittedly had a bit of disquieting “Did the author seriously name his main character ‘Jack Tarr’?” reaction upon being first introduced to the character, alongside finding the humour in it. Perhaps there should have been a little more of a nod (even if it was an obvious connection to those more familiar with nautical history and terminology) about the source of John Tarr’s “Jack” designation or how his fellow SEALs christened him with that nickname, then maybe it wouldn’t have seemed orchestrated more by the author rather than by a natural designation by Tarr’s aforementioned compatriots.

Okay, back to the actual review. I love stories set in maritime/marine environments; I am also a fan of stories of intrigue, especially of the political and military kind. (Did I mention Hunt for Red October was my favourite book/movie? Admittedly, my fascination with all things Russian is quite diminished in the light of current events, but that’s another rabbit hole I shouldn’t venture down in the midst of this review.) As a result, I must restrain myself from taking the deep dive into all the things I adored about this novel, so as not to give away a ton of spoiler-ish reveals. 

While a supplemental commentary about said current events probably shouldn’t be included (again) in this review, there are two things per the impact said current events are having upon me right now, which made Croskell’s Splitter even more appealing. First, Splitter was heartening, first and foremost, due to the sensitivity and compassion Tarr displays to the marine environment and its aquatic life forms. The second, and last, thing that hooked me, was the quest of the main character and his team towards justice, honor, and ethics, no matter the cost to themselves. 

I needed that.

So, while that would have been a good ending for this review, I’ll close it out with a request of my own. Please support authors, book publishers, and libraries during these tumultuous times. Like Jack Tarr, we all need to fight for truth, compassion, and justice. We can all be heroes of our own story.

/5

Available from Amazon and Bookshop.