The Cylinder Program

by Paul M. MacDonald

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.

363 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

I'm Paul MacDonald a retired engineer, machinist, carpenter, woodworker and Jack-of-all-Trades. I'm a graduate of Boston College High School and Wentworth Institute, both in Boston, MA.
My wife and I along with our four daughters spent many wonderful vacations in Key West over the years and have fallen in love with its ambience and lifestyle. Meeting and interacting with its many artists and wonderful characters inspired me to come up with this story about Bill Baker, a Charter Boat Captain in Key West and his quest for sunken bronze cylinders full of gold coins, dealing with diehard Nazis, and of course a belated romance with the beautiful Iris.
I hate to tell how many years I've been working on this Key West adventure novel. I realized like my main character, I'm not getting any younger, so I'd better get a move on. The advent of Amazon Publishing, kindled me to complete this project, which begins in a historical town in New England and unfolds in Key West... a place my family and I dearly love.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book last year in first-reads but only just now got a chance to sit down and read. It's very well written. I love these kind of books with a true historical basis. I especially appreciated how clean it was. So many people throw trashy scenes into adventure novels thinking it will draw more of an audience, but I for one liked that such scenes were avoided. I also enjoyed learning more about Key West, which I previously knew very little about. All in all, a good read.

[Maria Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads giv a way.
The book was interesting to read. the history about the different places in the book added to the story. The plot about the Treasure and the nazi was interesting.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I won through the First Reads program. I really enjoyed that the author brought a lot of first hand knowledge into his book. It's easy to tell he has a keen sense of the laid back lifestyle in Key West and has a love for the water. Additionally, I enjoyed how he brought his other interests/knowledge into the book and was able to present it with authority through the characters. The only thing I missed from the book was a smoothness to the writing. Some places seemed to jump around a bit, but it didn't bother me enough not to enjoy the adventure to the end.

[Teresa Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wont this here on goodreads. I have to say that this is one of the best stories I have ever read. Very well written - I actually took my time reading it because it was worth savoring. It took me a long time to actually pick up and read however for two reasons - the name put me off a bit, and the cover. I never realized how much impact those 2 factors had in making a decision to read a book. The name and the cover have everything to do with this book, but they do not provide the enticement. If I could suggest changing anything it would be that.

[Dayna J · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - not really my cup of tea