Orca by Arthur Herzog (1977-05-01)

ORCA by Arthur Herzog joins a long list of the classics dealing with man against beast, in this case, man against a killer whale. The protagonist, Jack Campbell has lived a rather shiftless life as captain of a down and out excursion company. Out of a desperate need, he decides to hunt down and capture a great white whale for a big reward from Japanese entrepreneurs. With members of his family, he leaves Miami for Newfoundland where a pod of whales have been sighted. It is here that he meets Rachael, a teacher and her Indian ally, studying whales, who they feel are sacred. The orca or killer whale is a formidable member of the Dolphin family. Captain Campbell mistakenly kills a birthing female whale and her calf. There will be hell to pay as orca's mate for life. Unbeknownst to Campbell, the male orca will seek revenge of huge proportions. The orca starts by devastating the small port town and killing just about everyone around. Finally, Campbell, who has fallen in love and mated with Rachael, takes on the challenge of the orca and theirs is a quest to the death. But something happens to Campbell--did he learn how to love from the whale? Did he learn how to express courage and call upon bravery he didn't know he had? Their assults on each other are hair-raising--man and beast cleverly matching wits--making it hard to put the book down. In a surprise ending, the majestic orca teaches Campbell a valuable lesson. A terrific read.