Pirate Latitudes is a fun little tale, but not Crichton's best. The writing is vintage Crichton, with fun locales and cinematic action. The characters are a little flatter than usual, but overall it is certainly readable, even enjoyable. But don't expect too much. It lack's Crichton's trademark twist of innovative or imaginative science that usually brings his books to life. But there's no doubt he had a writer's touch, even with this different genre.