Several years ago I read this author's previous book, Harbor of Spies. The old sailing ship, plot details relating to the American slave trade, and Caribbean harbor setting of HIDDEN CARGO remind me very much of that book. Author Robin Lloyd seems very knowledgeable about Cuba, American history, and details of the slave trade. His books seem very well researched. It might take more than three chapters to get hooked on the plot. One aspect of Lloyd's writing that seems to also be a part of this latest book is the author's willingness to honestly address the complete disregard for Black lives during this time in history. An example of this is the scene in chapter three where Black men had been locked into the lower portion of the ship and unable to escape as the ship sank. Anyone who is a North American history buff will enjoy Lloyd's work!