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Historical Fiction Thriller

by: Keith Beck

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After D-day, American & Nazi soldiers collaborate to steal Hitler’s gold, then conceal their fortunes by disappearing into American society. 64 years later the elaborate heist unravels, and a deadly scramble ensues to recover billions of dollars in established wealth and lost gold.

Wealthy but aged, the original perpetrators find themselves in a deadly battle against a coalition of unsavory treasure hunters. Both sides lie, kidnap, torture and murder their way toward "Dark Fortunes."

Set between 1944 and 2008, the story spans from war-torn Europe to modern day Alaska, Washington State and California. A former West Point graduate and CIA operative James Bennett watches three suspicious newcomers in remote Angoon, Alaska where he owns a retirement home. As dark secrets unfold and double-crosses mount, the search for Nazi gold turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Editorial Book Review: By Bernard Graham
 

Keith Beck delivers a bold and commanding work in Dark Fortunes:  A novel that grips the reader with its scale, urgency, and moral complexity. From the first page, Beck establishes himself as a storyteller unafraid to confront the shadows of history while weaving them into a present-day narrative that feels both urgent and unsettlingly plausible.
 

His prose is deliberate, precise, and taut, propelling the narrative forward with momentum and providing vivid descriptions that firmly establish the reader in a particular time and place. His ability to balance historical detail with contemporary suspense is evident in the structure, which connects the harrowing days of 1944 with the turbulence of modern times. Beck's pacing is both controlled and relentless.
 

Dark Fortunes is significant because it serves as a reminder that the decisions made during times of chaos can have a lasting impact on future generations. Keith Beck's work is unwavering in its confrontation with the darker side of human ambition, while also being thought-provoking and thrilling. 

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Editorial Reviews

A thrilling treasure hunt with teeth

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SM Harrison

If you like stories with treasure hunts, but darker and grittier, this book will hit the spot. The stakes are huge and the characters are dangerous, which makes every chapter feel like something explosive is about to happen. I enjoyed Beck’s style of storytelling, which mixes action with historical intrigue. It was an exciting ride.

Strong characters and gripping tension

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William Reimers

What stood out most to me were the characters, who felt fully realized rather than one-dimensional. Their motivations of greed, fear, loyalty, come across clearly and drive the story forward. Combined with the historical backdrop, the result is a thriller that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Dark but exciting

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Maria Moscoso

This isn’t a lighthearted read, but it’s definitely exciting. The greed and desperation of the characters really drove the story. I found myself glued to it until the last page.

Full of twists

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Oscar Miller

Just when I thought I knew where it was going, another twist popped up. That’s what made this book so fun to read. It’s dark at times, but that just added to the intensity. A solid thriller from start to finish.

Unique Addition to WWII-Inspired Fiction

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Patricia Gálvez

There are many books that use WWII as a backdrop, but Dark Fortunes stands out for its creative angle. The transition between decades is handled smoothly, and the payoff is rewarding. The writing style makes it accessible while still maintaining depth.

Tense story of dark secrets and duplicity.

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Kirkus Reviews

The hunt for stolen Nazi treasure quickly turns deadly in Beck's historical thriller. Sprightly characters propel this tense story of dark secrets and duplicity.

Keith Beck delivers a tense and engaging thriller

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Leyla Stevens

What I liked most about this book was how layered it felt. The characters are complex and dangerous, and that made it even more gripping. Dark Fortunes is definitely a thriller I’ll be recommending to friends.

Suspenseful and layered

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Tony Collins

I appreciated the way this novel balances historical context with modern-day intrigue. The narrative kept me on edge without resorting to unnecessary filler. Beck manages to make the action feel grounded, which isn’t always easy in thrillers of this kind. Overall, a solid, suspense-driven story.

Complex and engaging

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Alexa Avenson

The author does a fine job creating a believable scenario around hidden fortunes and the dangerous quest to recover them. The moral ambiguity of the characters added depth to the story. This is not just an action book—it’s also an exploration of greed, loyalty, and survival.

Historical thriller that delivers

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Pily Rivero

Keith Beck weaves history and suspense together in a way that feels both engaging and credible. The premise of stolen Nazi gold resurfacing decades later is fascinating, and the execution kept me invested throughout. The pacing is strong, the characters are distinct, and the tension builds nicely. This is a well-crafted thriller that’s worth reading.

History and suspense collide on these pages

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Frank Baraldini

I enjoyed the historical elements woven into the novel, particularly how the story moves seamlessly from the WWII era into modern times. The tension feels authentic and the action scenes are compelling without being excessive. It’s a smart, entertaining thriller with a memorable concept.

Great read!

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Tina Rowe

I highly recommend this book. You will be so happy after you’ve read also!

Enjoyed this thriller very much

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Anette Engel

Dark Fortunes was a great escape read. The plot is wild but believable enough to keep me invested. I especially liked how the story tied history into the present. By the end, I was surprised at how much I got into it.

Great mix of history and modern suspense

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RM Campbell

I’ve read a lot of WWII-related novels, but this one felt unique. The idea of soldiers hiding Hitler’s gold and the fallout decades later is such a compelling setup. Author, Keith Beck, writes with an energy that makes the book fly by. The villains are nasty, the stakes are high, and the ending is satisfying. Definitely worth picking up.

Riveting thriller

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Bruno Antelo

What impressed me most about this novel was the sense of suspense that never let up. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, Keith Beck threw in another twist. I also liked how the book touched on real historical events while weaving in a fictional treasure hunt. It made for a very satisfying read.

History meets high-stakes action

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Natalia Miles

From the very first chapter, I was hooked on Dark Fortunes. The blend of WWII history and modern-day treasure hunting felt both original and exciting. Keith Beck’s writing kept the pace moving quickly, and I never felt bored. I especially enjoyed the twists and betrayals that made it impossible to guess who would come out on top. This book is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers.

Kept the pages turning.

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Billy Joe Snickerdoodle

I picked this up on a whim and I’m glad I did. The mix of history and action really pulled me in. It felt like every chapter ended on a note that made me want to keep going. Definitely worth the read..

Couldn’t put this book down

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Natasha Johan

This book was so entertaining that I ended up staying up way too late to finish it. I loved how Keith Beck took the concept of stolen Nazi gold and spun it into a modern-day hunt for power and wealth. The characters were flawed but fascinating, and the action scenes were intense.

Interesting book!

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love this game!

Great treasure hunt book. Very interesting and exciting.

Fast and intense

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Icaro

This is not a slow-burn type of book it jumps right into the action and doesn’t let go. The chase for gold and power is brutal, and Keith Beck doesn’t hold back. I found myself cringing at some of the brutal parts, but it made the story feel even more real. Dark Fortunes is the kind of thriller that sticks with you.

A clever and gripping read

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Gunther Woods

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Dark Fortunes completely pulled me in. The way the story shifts between the past and present is seamless, and it really makes you think about the consequences of greed over decades. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of people when fortunes are at stake. It was both chilling and captivating.

Greed, betrayal, and survival

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Sam

Dark Fortunes really digs into how far people will go for money and power. Both sides of the hunt are ruthless, and that made for a very tense story. Beck doesn’t sugarcoat the violence, but it fits the cutthroat nature of the plot. I found myself completely absorbed until the very last page.

Action-packed from beginning to end

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Victoria Smith

This book really delivers on the thrills. From kidnappings to betrayals, it had everything you’d want in a high-stakes adventure. Keith Beck’s Dark Fortunes was entertaining, gritty, and filled with tension. I can easily see this being made into a movie someday.

Really good story

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Julia Allen

This book was much more intense than I expected. The whole idea of hidden gold and people fighting over it decades later was fascinating. Keith Beck did a great job keeping the suspense high without dragging things out. I enjoyed it a lot.

Glad I picked this one up

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Jordan Jerome

I wasn’t sure at first if this was my kind of book, but it surprised me. The story is sharp and doesn’t waste time. Keith Beck did a nice job keeping the momentum up. I’d read another by this author.

Great Read !

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Ed T.

Hard to put down at times, especially when you know the author actually has family ties to these events. Hoping for a part two !

A Thrilling Hunt Through History and Secrets

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Bernard Graham

Dark Fortunes is a gripping read that hooked me from the start. I loved the fast pace, the vivid detail, and how the story moves seamlessly between World War II and modern-day intrigue. The suspense kept me turning pages late into the night. The tone is dark, intense, and full of energy—perfect for fans of historical thrillers and high-stakes conspiracies. If you enjoy smart, action-packed stories that make you think, this book delivers big time.

Interesting book!

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Amazon Customer

Great treasure hunt book. Very interesting and exciting.

Good Read !!!

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Tom Thompson

The Hunt for lost treasure is always exciting, it will definitely keep you coming back. Very exciting action packed.

Fantastic

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Michael Frey

A fantastic, extremely well written thriller!! Keith hit it out of the park on this one!!! Outstanding book for sure!! Anticipating a sequel to follow.

Great Read

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Snikrep Ojyhtak

Great historical thriller about the ultimate treasure hunt. Hoping for a sequel to experience their next adventure.

Informative

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Amazon Customer

This book is an in-depth description of an issue I wasn't aware of. Good read. I highly recommend it for history buffs.

Great reading.

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Dave Covington

I enjoyed reading this book. The setup of various personalities, responsibilities, and actions of each. Each character has instances of varying actions that made me want to finish the chapter and continue to the next. The last two chapters brought everything together and captivated me to finish "Dark Fortune". Great reading.

Good Read !!!

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Amazon Customer

The Hunt for lost treasure is always exciting, it will definitely keep you coming back. Very exciting action packed.

A definite must read..!!

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Amazon Customer

Oh boy let me tell you, I really enjoyed this book! Makes me wonder if these events may have actually happened!?! I am eagerly awaiting a sequel to find out who succeeds in recovering the WWII submarine full of Hitlers gold! Researching the map of Alaska the author paints a very impressive picture of how these events are very real..!!

Good read

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Ronald Kilbury

Excellent book, very well written, couldn't put it down. Reminded me of Robert Ludlum's style. Hopefully more books will be forthcoming, I will buy them.

Could this have really happened?

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Christine Siebels

For fans of historical thrillers with deep conspiracies, intense action, and morally complex characters, Dark Fortunes is a must-read. Beck’s ability to make readers wonder, Could this have really happened? makes this book all the more compelling. A gripping thriller that doesn’t let up. Highly recommended.

well written story!

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Scott E Mahnke

great book! well written and suspense in every chapter, couldn't put the book down.

Excellent Book

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John

In a time when books and TV have nothing new to offer...in steps Kieth Beck.
Sit back and relax with your favorite drink and submerse yourself into this book.

Editorial Review

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E. Zitzner

EXCELLENT BOOK. HARD TO PUT THIS HEART-POUNDING THRILLER DOWN.

Full of history

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Sophia Edwards

The writing in this book is phenomenal. The story is full of personal moments and you can imagine being there in the way every bit is described. I am blessed to have met Keith and to have read this fantastic book.

Action pack thriller

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Rosemary

Exciting thrill ride, not many books kept me on the edge of my seat like this one. Attention to detail is outstanding, heart pounding hard to put down. Makes me want to go to Alaska to look for hidden gold.

Great book

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Joanne Mathers

If you like fast pace and historical based fiction books, with intrigue and family drama you will love this. Money, gold and greed, mixed with life long hidden secret, always waiting to be exposed.

Lots of Gold

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Kindle Customer

The first half of book is about what lead up to the end of the story , the history of the characters involved. By the time I got to towards the back half, I could not put it down, it drew me in I had to keep reading. I really enjoyed the story and the detail about the different aircraft, the submarine etc. Usually I don't read a lot but this book has got me wanting to read more. Great Read.

Great historic fiction thriller

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Heidi Heitmann

Although the story is fiction, the plot will leave you wondering if it certain events actually could have happened. And we will most likely never know for sure. Dark Fortunes is a book that has an interesting twist. the author does an excellent job with character development. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

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