Cayman Gold [Paperback]

John Hankins (Author), Nedra Hankins (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1889260002 | ISBN-13: 978-1889260006 | Publication Date: July 4, 1997 | Edition: 1

Historical/Contemporary fiction in two parts, beginning with the last days of Hitler's Third Reich, in his Fuhrerbunker, where a sinister plan is approved by the Fuhrer himself. It allows certain high-ranking Nazi S.S. officials the right to remove and transport (through use of specially modified submarines-Uboats)illicitly acquired gold bullion and other assets, to countries still friendly to Germany. While on their perilous escape route, one U-boat--along with its precious cargo--is sunk by a British destroyer, but not before discharging its secret cargo on an unknown island in the Carribean. Some fifty years later, in part two, the missing cache is discovered by an American family visiting the Cayman Islands. Their unexpected find leads to a murder, kidnapping, and the sudden convergence of foreign agents and Neo-Nazis to what had once been a peaceful island paradise. Full of adventure, intrigue, patches of well-placed humor, along with excellent character development.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JOHN HANKINS is a former hospital executive who grew up on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. He holds several degrees, is a world-traveler, has served honorably in the U.S. Merchant Marine, Army and Air Force, respectively, until retiring to return to civilian life to pursue his profession as a civilian hospital administrator and consultant. He has many professional articles to his credit, and has been honored on a number of occasions for contributions to the various communities he has served. In 1986, two years after being honored by the entire Senate of the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii County Council for outstanding work on their behalf, he decided to enter politics and ran for Governor of that State. Months later, after conducting a strong campaign, he was forced to withdraw because of failure to meet a five year current residency requirement (he had 3 1/2. Of interest is the fact he could have run for any other political office (Federal or except Governor). Despite this setback, he did not curb his efforts to fight for political reform in Hawaii, especially around issues involving health care delivery. In time, however, events on the mainland U.S. required John and his wife, Nedra, to return to Houston, Texas, where they now reside and where he continues to work, writing more books and screenplays, and doing some consulting where needed.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Writers Book Club of America; 1 edition (July 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889260002
• ISBN-13: 978-1889260006
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,405,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writers Digest Certificate of Merit for Cayman Gold., May 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Cayman Gold (Paperback)

WD: What Impressed you about this book? The crackling good "treasure hunt" aspect of the story. Neo-Nazis, gold stolen from Jews - kidnapping and murder - What more could a reader want? This is a "Zeroes" version of The Deep and might make a fun "popcorn" movie. Excerpts and additional Comments from WD: The author's obvious passion and love of the work comes through on almost every page. The author is to be commended for investing the time and money to make this book happen. It's often rare to find an author this dedicated to making their work a success. Kudos to you for finding the time, dedication and drive to produce your book. You obviously have a strong grasp on the mainstream/literary fiction genre, and I wish you the best and encourage you to write more books of this nature.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have read this book and met the authors: " A Masterpiece", March 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Cayman Gold (Paperback)

All will be thrilled with a read of this book. Special time and attention would be reccomended to provide this book to any and all who are in desire of experiencing the real adventures of Major Hankins' novel depictions of post World War II, and the many stories and rumors about how some Germans and other war criminals apparently escaped to the carribean (i.e. the Cayman Islands and other places south of the border) with their ill-gotten gold and loot. You will certainly discover the gold yourself through the great characters in this book - which will soon be made into a great movie! My earnest prayers and congratulations to the authors. Lon Miles, Houston, Texas.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting adventure-filled story about stolen Nazi loot, November 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cayman Gold (Paperback)

Cayman Gold is a historical fiction novel divided in two parts. PART ONE takes place in Berlin, in Hitler's underground bunker (Fuhrerbunker) where a conspiracy is hatched between top Nazi leaders to remove gold bullion, secret documents and other valuables by German U-boat to friendly nations. To accomplish this diabolical task salvaged U-Boats are used to confuse the Allies who are closing in. After a perilous trip one of the two U-boat used to carry escaping Nazis and treasure is badly damaged and is forced to discharge its illicit cargo in the lagoon of a remote Caribbean island. Witnessing the discharge is an old Caymanian fisherman and his young grandson; a fact which spells tragedy for them. A day later the sub is tracked by an allied warship and sunk. The other sub goes undetected and escapes to its new home in Mexico without every learning where first sub deposited its treasure. PART TWO occurs fifty years later, when an American couple form New York City and their eight year old daughter decide to sail their forty foot yacht to the Cayman Islands, British West Indies, where they hope to salvage what remains of a failing marriage. Little do they know nor realize they are about to uncover a mystery which will lead to a murder, the kidnapping of their daughter, and the convergence of special agents (including a bunch of Neo-Nazis who arrive by a modernized U-boat) representing many nations to this once-peaceful island paradise. Besides scenery which captivates one's thoughts, there's an interesting interplay between characters, some local, others from abroad, which helps to build tension between chapters and events. You'll love the story since there's a lot of history built into it. And, if you react as many of our readers have, you will feel like you're watching a movie!