The Killers and the Kind is a historical fiction, taking place in the Pacific during WWII. Based on actual events, it has both a civilian and military component, exploring both the brutal occupation of the Philippines and naval warfare in the surrounding southwest Pacific area of operations.

Having been driven out of their bases in the Philippines, the US Asiatic fleet joined up with their coalition partners, the British, Dutch, and Australians, and were soundly defeated by the Japanese navy in the Dutch East Indies, forcing them to retreat to Australia. What was left of the surface fleet was now taking refuge in ports like Darwin, Brisbane, and Sydney. No longer an effective fighting force, the Asiatic fleet was finished, its remaining vessels relegated to coastal defense until reinforcements arrive. The submarines, now patrolling out of Fremantle and Brisbane, Australia were the only naval assets left to take the fight to the enemy. One of those subs, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Steven Nemeth, was just arriving after a frustrating, fighting retreat from Manila Bay to Fremantle, unaware that his family never made it out of the Philippines.

The Killers and the Kind takes the reader through the entire course of the war, documenting how the navy took a very flawed weapon system and through numerous changes and improvements, made the Fleet Submarine its most successful ship killer. It explores the doctrinal changes made by both warring parties responding to each other's naval strategies.

Not just a military history, there are love interests and personal and professional conflicts that took place on shore as well at sea. It delves into some of the political struggles known to exist between some of the fleet admirals. Even more important, it examines the effects of warfare on the civilian populations, especially children, suffering the indignities, uncertainty, and even violence at the hands of an occupying army.

It seems that history is again repeating itself. Today, like in the years proceeding WWII, an emerging Asian power is challenging the United States for dominance in the Western Pacific. In the nineteen thirties, the challenge came from a perception of weakness because of our waning naval power in the region. Unfortunately, that same perception exists today.