Deceit, Disappearance & Death on Hilton Head Island

by Charlie Ryan, Pamela Martin Ovens

The true story of the unsolved disappearance of Liz & John Calvert and the suicide of Dennis Gerwing on Hilton Head Island. Follow the twists and turns as this case evolves. The case is cold but still open and involves Russians, gambling, strip clubs, money laundering, possible murders, suicide and more on this beautiful resort island in South Carolina.

Genres: Crime

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 1 out of 5]

So poorly written. The writers could have pieced together an interesting story if they would have taken the time to write a book. Instead, they just had chapters about people or issues or ideas, so the reader was left having to pull everything together. Isn’t that the point of the book? Also, Key evidence was mentioned once with no follow up and not in the timeline in multiple places (ex: that Dennis was seen on video cameras at SPC club late in the evening and early in the morning.) Ummm. That doesn’t help tell the story.
In addition, it would have been nice to have the Calverts more fully rounded out.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilton Head Island's very own Unsolved Mystery. This extensively researched, fascinating true crime work delves into the disappearance of John and Elizabeth Calvert, prominent and well-respected owners of several island businesses; the apparent suicide of Dennis Gerwing, who embezzled more than two million dollars from them and others; and brings to light the many loose ends and unanswered questions that still remain now, ten years after the events took place.

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Timeline of the narration is a little hard to follow. Wish it had a concrete resolution, but I guess I shouldn’t have expected one with a book about a cold case.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Liz and John Calvert went missing in 2008, the police sought to question their accountant, Dennis Gerwing, who was the last person to see them alive. Liz and John ran a business on Hilton Head Island and Liz suspecting that Gerwing had embezzled $2 million had set up a meeting with him to confront him about the missing money. They were seen on security cameras entering the office but were not seen leaving. As the police close in on Gerwing, he commits suicide is such a brutal way that many suspect it wasn’t suicide but a mob hit. Ten years later the authors filed a FOIA request and got all the case files from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). They piece together all the different evidence from the files and creates narrative of the Calvert’s disappearance and raise many unanswered questions. Despite many clues and hotline tips, the Calverts (or their bodies) have never been found. Were they whisked away on the strange ship that was spotted in the dark of night on Calibogie Sound? Were they fed to the alligators? Why was there no blood or other clues in the office where they met? And who was drinking Chardonnay with Dennis Gerwing on the night he died? Could Dennis Gerwing have pulled it off by himself or did he have someone helping him? The authors raise many questions which only add to the mystery of their disappearance.

[Cecilia Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly Good

If you have only heard a few words about this case, which is how I came to it, this account is informational. Unfortunately, the case itself hasn't been solved and the people who were responsible for the disappearance of this big money playing couple are unknown. We also don't know what part, if any, one of their associates played. So you will learn about the two people who were declared legally dead and you will get a sense of the high toned community of Hilton Head but that's about it.
And please, what's the deal with all the hy- phen s all o- ver the place?

[Redskullduggery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating topic; terrible book. Rather than tackling things in chronological order, the authors organize chapters by theme. The result is less a coherent narrative than a group of related essays that repeat information and jumps around in time. As a result, it makes understanding the basic facts of the case that are known harder than if they had laid things out in a logical, chronological fashion.

[Emily Hedrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating case, but poorly written. The authors had obviously done their research, but didn't seem to have a clue about how best to organize these details and build a compelling narrative. As a result, the story was all over the map. Perhaps an experienced editor could have whipped this hot mess into a good read. However, eventually as a result of trying to tie all the pieces together, I lost interest entirely. Unfortunate.

[Juli Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

True life murder/disappearance and suicide mystery.
2008 the Calverts disappeared without a trace. Four days later their accountant Dennis Gerwing supposedly commits suicide. As of 2017 it is still an active case that has gone cold.
Hilton Head Island is where the story occurs and events of this mystery unfold. The author uses a time line and details what was discovered as it happens.
Easy to read and understand. Leaves the reader wondering how it all happened and why. We may never know!

[Karlie Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can still remember first hearing about the Calverts and their disappearance when I was 8 years old. Having gone to HHI my entire life and knowing it to always be a place of tranquility, this news hit me extra hard and piqued my interest (yes, even at the age of 8). Very interesting to learn about the events leading up to the Calverts disappearance and presumed murder and Dennis’ suicide… even if you’ve only been to the island once, or if you’re just a true crime buff, I’d recommend!

[Deborah Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about the 2008 unsolved disappearance of Elizabeth and John Calvert from their Hilton Head yacht docked at Harbor Town Yacht Basin. They were last known to meet with their accountant Dennis Gerwing whom they suspected of financial mismanagement. Dennis allegedly committed suicide in the following days.

[Craig Beam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The true story of the unsolved disappearance of Liz & John Calvert and the suicide of Dennis Gerwing on Hilton Head Island. Follow the twists and turns as the case evolves. The case has s cold but still open and involves Russians, gambling, strip clubs, money laundering, possible murders, suicide and more on this beautiful resort island in South Carolina.

[Susan Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the intriguing story of how two prominent business people disappear from Hilton Head Island, and a person involved supposedly kills himself. Some things just don't add up. This book really held my interest, and is indeed a page turner. Highly recommended.

[Pamela Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing nonfiction book that I hope someone will solve this year. It is a cold case but is still open. Thank you for any help solving this.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. It is a great read, especially if you've been to Hilton Head Island.

[Anna Spence · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it…very poorly written.

[Sara MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you are interested in Hilton Head or this case.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not well written, but interesting to read about the unsolved murder in one of my favorite spots!