SOLVED. Fiction - Man looking after niece, goes to find her inheritance when her parents' yacht sinks in Caribbean. [s]

[Justin]

My Wife and I read a book about 10 years ago that she would like to buy as secret santa for book loving friend but cannot remember the title hopefully the group can help:

Main Synopsys:
A Man is looking after his neice whilst her parents sail around the world on a yacht. Unfortunately the yacht sinks and they die whilst on the journey. The girls inheritance was on the yacht so he goes to find her inheritance. The girl stays at home with the mans wife.

The yacht sinks in the Caribbean so we remember he travels back through the US on his way back home.

We think the male uncle looking after the girl also works for Model (Trains) Magazine or is interested in model vehicles.

My wife also thinks it maybe was set in 1920s as it was set after a war but doesnt think it was as late as 50s or 60s.

The Male uncle had also been in the Navy when he was younger.

My wife also thinks maybe it was a penguin book as the cover was fairly plain and that they had re released the book

[Sue]

Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute. His brother asked him to seal his wife's jewellery in concrete in the base of the yacht.
I love all the people he meets on his journey, and how he didn't realise he'd touched so many lives.

[Justin]

Sue wrote: "Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute. His brother asked him to seal his wife's jewellery in concrete in the base of the yacht.
I love all the people he meets on his journey, and how he didn't r..."

Thanks Sue

It's a really great story I think our friend will love it too

[Kris]

I see you've added Solved to the topic header, Justin. Glad you found your book. Here's the link - Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute.