Mr Paul M Macdonald

The Cylinder Program Mr Paul M Macdonald

Publisher Marketing: In World War 2 a Nazi General came up with a low-tech global communications scheme, "The Cylinder Program." Using bronze cylinders that could be buried or hidden in strategic locations all around the world, their secret agents could send messages back and forth. The preferred inducement to betray one's country was gold. Thus the cylinders were filled with gold coins to be used as seed money by their agents for bribery. A U-Boat assigned to distribute the cylinders in 1943 was challenged by a small patrol craft commanded by Ensign Bill Baker off Key West. The sub escapes, but unbeknownst to Bill leaves a trail of the cylinders behind. In 1966, Bill, now a laid back charter boat captain since 1949, partners with a man and woman who inform him of the amazing news. The woman is a beautiful underwater archeologist who threatens the sanctity of Bill's cherished bachelorhood. They become accomplices with Bill and his Haitian mate in the quest for the sunken treasure. Several other characters and scenes propel the story along including Maury's Bar and Grill with the longest bar in Key West. Historical facts are brought out in the book both in Key West and Bill's hometown of Scituate, MA. There may be some disappointment by the lack of graphic romantic action, language, and violence, but on the other hand it may be a refreshing change. There's no more mayhem then would be seen in a fifties movie. I developed the story over many years on frequent visits to Key West, a place my wife and I dearly love.