Secrets of Sea Pines

The Battle for Hilton Head Island's Treasure

Fiction - Mystery - Historical
304 Pages
Reviewed on 10/13/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

Secrets of Sea Pines: The Battle for Hilton Head’s Treasure by Robert J. Perreault is a clearly written, easy-to-read adventure story about the chase to discover buried treasure in the now vacation paradise of Hilton Head, South Carolina. The hunt begins after the treasure is buried by a pair of Massachusetts pilgrims assigned to hide it for the future of a new colony to be established outside of the original Bay Colony’s freezing cold. The documentation of the treasure’s exact location gets lost in a series of misplacements, robberies, and intrigues from 1662 through 1847 until hints of it are found in the lost documents department of the Yale library in 1945. Mr. Perreault discloses the fascinating travels of the map, ending in its discovery in Cotton Mather’s book On Witchcraft. The travels of the document are an adventure story, not to mention the seeds of a lifetime romance.

After the secret of a buried treasure on Hilton Head is out, all hell breaks loose, and a mystery document hunt turns into a non-stop search to find the treasure itself. The tale involves a hungry alligator, a fierce rivalry, a Boston alley attack, the tribe of Native Americans living on the island, gun battles on boats, a notorious Mafia don, more gunfights, torture, arrests, killings, and court procedures. The novel is fast-paced, the characters are well drawn, the settings vividly pictured, and a love story beautifully rendered, with several “big sweaty Georgia bear hugs.” Secrets of Sea Pines: The Battle for Hilton Head’s Treasure by Robert J. Perreault kept me turning the pages and gave a surprise ending that has me still hunting for my socks.

Jennie More

Secrets of Sea Pines by Robert Perreault is the story of William Hilton's treasure that he buried in 1662 amongst pine trees in what came to be known as Hilton Head Island. However, Hilton never enjoyed his treasure as he succumbed to an alligator bite. Despite leaving a will for his son to enjoy the riches, his friend and partner, Samuel Goldsmith, stole his will with the treasure map, only to meet his demise. Three hundred years later, Charles Gramer will go on a mission to search for the missing treasure, but his mission comes with blood, sweat, and tears, and it's debatable whether the promise of riches is worth it.

Secrets of Sea Pines by Robert Perreault is an adventurous, gripping, and riveting novel that held my attention from start to finish. There was not one dull moment while reading this book. The story is action-packed with various unexpected twists that intrigued and entertained me. Beautifully written and captivating, Perreault's memorable and charming characters captivated my attention. My favorite characters included Charles, Joseph Gramer, and Mary Stone. The love that unfolds between Charles and Mary becomes not only a romantic love story but a formidable partnership as they weather the storm of this adventure. These fearless characters enamored me with their never-say-die attitude and willingness to put their lives at risk for those they love. I loved reading Secrets of Sea Pines by Robert Perreault; it's a brilliant novel that entertains and delights with formidable characters and an exciting plot.

Kristine Zimmerman

Secrets of Sea Pines: The Battle for Hilton Head Island's Treasure by Robert J. Perreault is filled with adventure, history, and even a little romance. In 1662 William Hilton and Samuel Goldsmith explore an island and bury a treasure chest there. The plan was to return home and bring their families and others back to the island and start a new life. Unfortunately, things do not go according to plan, and the treasure is lost to history. Joseph and Charles Gramer stumble upon a surprising clue in an old book. Then the adventure really begins. The Gramers are not the only ones interested in Hilton Head Island. Will the treasure be found, and by whom?

Secrets of Sea Pines: The Battle for Hilton Head Island's Treasure kept my interest throughout. The action is non-stop from the first page and filled with many ups and downs. Robert J. Perreault has also filled his tale with many interesting historical tidbits. I enjoyed learning about the banking system back in the colonial era, Cotton Mather, train travel in the 1940s, and the Gullah culture. All of Perreault's characters are well-developed. I could see the action playing out as if I were watching a movie. Readers who are familiar with Boston and the low country of the Carolinas will especially appreciate all the details Perrault includes about those areas. Secrets of Sea Pines will be enjoyed by those looking for an action-packed tale filled with unique and interesting details. Perrault's story will keep you turning the pages.