Running Deep by Tom Clavin

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Running Deep:

One too many dives.

Quick synopsis:

The story of the deadliest submarine in World War II, the USS Tang.

Fact for Non-History People:

When World War II began, Japan had at least 15 more subs than the U.S. with 64 ready for deployment.

Fact for History Nerds:

One out of every five U.S. submariners died in action in World War II.

My Take on Running Deep:

I’ve lost count on how many books of Tom Clavin’s that I have read, but he is on a streak of absolute must reads. His streak does not die with Running Deep.

The setup for this one is simple. The USS Tang was the deadliest submarine of World War II. This was not by accident. What was an accident was how the war ended for the Tang. I’ll say no more. If this sounds even slightly interesting, then go read the book.

Clavin is one of my favorites because there is no fluff. Yes, tangents at times, but they all have a purpose whether to tell you about the history of submarines or why torpedoes were the scourge of even the ships that fired them. Clavin doesn’t give you page after page of musings on why Captain O’Kane was aggressive. Instead, he tells the story. The action will tell you exactly who people are.

It’s another winner. Go give it a read.

(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by St. Martin’s Press.)

Verdict:

A good read. Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, The Last Hill