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.
Editorial Reviews
A thrilling treasure hunt with teeth
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
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.
Unique Addition to WWII-Inspired Fiction
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.
Suspenseful and layered
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
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
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
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 mix of history and modern suspense
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
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
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.
Couldn’t put this book down
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.
Fast and intense
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
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
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
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.
A Thrilling Hunt Through History and Secrets
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.
Great reading.
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.
A definite must read..!!
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..!!
Could this have really happened?
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.
Lots of Gold
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
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.








