Sea tragedy inspires Cornish mystery novel

AN extraordinary true story of a fisherman’s daughter who devoted her life to sea rescues after seeing her father and three brothers die in a summer storm, has inspired a new Cornish historical mystery by Westcountry author Jason Mann.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

In 1874, Margaret Brown (later Armstrong) stood helplessly on a windswept beach as rough seas claimed the lives of her loved ones. She was left with the heartbreaking task of pulling their bodies from the waves.

But out of grief came courage. Margaret helped to establish her community’s first lifeboat and took part in rescues for more than 50 years, often hauling the vessel into the surf and recovering it after missions.

This remarkable legacy sparked The Silver Tide, the third novel by Torquay-based journalist and author Jason Mann, who writes as J. H. Mann.

“I heard about Margaret Brown's tragic and brave story while acting as a shore-based volunteer for the lifeboat service and was immediately captivated,” said Jason. “I realised it could form the heart of a powerful novel.