Fandango’s Gold
Jack Carlton isn’t really looking for adventure, but as captain of the Caribbean charter schooner Fandango, an adventure of some description can only be a matter of time. Jack’s chance find of a few gold coins during a dive seems jinxed from the moment he shows one of them off at an Antiguan bar. Their significance is deliberately withheld from him. Suddenly he has a new charter booking, money no object.
Though set primarily in 1967, the main events of Fandango’s Gold are put into motion by the wreck of a Spanish ship in 1653. Loaded with gold, silver and emeralds plundered from Cartagena, Eduardo Henderson and his colleagues intend to acquire San Idelfonso’s treasure by any means.
The author’s own experience with boats, diving and fishing in the Caribbean are invaluable in bringing that locale to life. For me – knowing nothing of boats – it was great to finish the book and feel that I’d learned a little something. His characters are engaging, mostly, and the conflict between the crew and the treasure seekers seems realistic. Boudreau’s tale of ill-gotten Spanish treasure, romance and the glimpses into the past makes for a fast-paced, entertaining adventure.
