Blackbeard: A Tale of Villainy and Murder in Colonial America

Blackbeard! For two years, until his untimely death in 1718, the notorious pirate wrecked havoc on Atlantic coastal shipping. Many tales have been told about the bold deeds of this tall and wild sea rover, but few know about a daring crime that linked Blackbeard with the highest levels of government, a crime that would send two colonies to war and foreshadow the American Revolution.

In her page-turning narrative based on a true story, Margaret Hoffman spins a tale of political intrigue, villainy, and romance. Her infamous pirate emerges as a man of considerable charm and gallantry who not only becomes the confidante of the governor of North Carolina, but also wins the heart of a beautiful, young heiress. Legends and myths about Blackbeard continue three centuries after his death, but the true story is the most incredible of all. With the recent discovery of Blackbeard's sunken ship,"Queen Anne's Revenge," this book is sure to become as much a treasure as that ill-fated but much sought after shipwreck.

Margaret Hoffman has taught creative writing in art centers and colleges throughout the South and has published short stories and poetry in numerous literary magazines. She has worked as a public relations consultant, reporter, researcher, and freelance writer for such papers as the Winston-Salem Journal and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. She lives and works in Raleigh, NC. This is her first novel.