In the Waves

My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine

By: Rachel Lance

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

One of "The Most Fascinating Books WIRED Read in 2020"

"One part science book, one part historical narrative, one part memoir . . . harrowing and inspiring.”—The Wall Street Journal

How a determined scientist cracked the case of the first successful—and disastrous—submarine attack

On the night of February 17, 1864, the tiny Confederate submarine HL Hunley made its way toward the USS Housatonic just outside Charleston harbor. Within a matter of hours, the Union ship’s stern was blown open in a spray of wood planks. The explosion sank the ship, killing many of its crew. And the submarine, the first ever to be successful in combat, disappeared without a trace.

For 131 years the eight-man crew of the HL Hunley lay in their watery graves, undiscovered. When finally raised, the narrow metal vessel revealed a puzzling sight. There was no indication the blast had breached the hull, and all eight men were still seated at their stations—frozen in time after more than a century. Why did it sink? Why did the men die? Archaeologists and conservationists have been studying the boat and the remains for years, and now one woman has the answers.

In the Waves is much more than just a military perspective or a technical account. It’s also the story of Rachel Lance’s single-minded obsession spanning three years, the story of the extreme highs and lows in her quest to find all the puzzle pieces of the Hunley. Balancing a gripping historical tale and original research with a personal story of professional and private obstacles, In the Waves is an enthralling look at a unique part of the Civil War and the lengths one scientist will go to uncover its secrets.

Hunley solved!

Rachel does a good job explaining the physics in a way most can understand. My background is an engineer as well so I found it fascinating! The story of the Hunley is a great one that draws you in. I sure wish I read this book before visiting the Hunley museum in Charleston though! Now I have to go back:-)

A wonderful scientific dive!

This book is a wonderful insight into the meticulous world of real scientific experimentation, trials, and discovery.

Fascinating blend of science and mystery

The former science teacher in me loved all the details of how the author figured out this historical mystery. But she conveys the science and history in very readable text. Fascinating.

Why did I wait?

After reading Dr Lance’s “Chamber Divers” and loving it, still I hesitated to read this book about a Confederate submarine. The fact it was Confederate put me, a proud northerner, off by it having anything to do with the South in or before the Civil War. I shouldn’t have, though. Lance tells a thoroughly fascinating scientific and archaeological story mixing the past with the then-present and surrounding it all with all the proper context. I can’t recommend it enough. Don’t hesitate to listen or read this yourself.

Great story

This is excellent - Finally solving the mystery of the Huntley - I totally enjoyed it - Any Civil Eat buff will enjoy it as well!