First published 1993
Sam Bogardus practices law with his former lover, their romance now replaced by professional partnership. Restless in his routine, he agrees to represent Jennifer Davies, an elegant woman who inherited a mysterious document from her father. The paper surfaced three decades after her father vanished in a Navy blimp accident in 1942. Bogardus realizes the document likely contains excerpts from the lost journals of Sir Francis Drake, the famous 16th century explorer. News of the discovery spreads beyond their control. Dangerous enemies emerge, ready to kidnap and kill for the historical treasure. These ruthless pursuers chase Davies and Bogardus across California. The hunt leads them to San Simeon, the massive estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Inside the castle walls, Bogardus uncovers evidence of a wartime conspiracy involving black market dealings that connects to the mysterious document and explains why people will murder to possess it.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, legal-thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation
Setting: California, San Simeon
Period: 1942, 16th Century
Paperback · Samenw. uitgeverijen Meulenhoff Boekerij