Emma Morgan and her boyfriend, Jack Harvey, find themselves on a dangerous adventure in their attempt to unveil the secret long lost in the ocean. For these two, it all begins when Emma finds a mysterious receipt, and once curiosity gets the better of her, she involves Jack, who then calls upon his best friend, Chet, and soon enough, the search begins. Except they’re not alone in this endeavor. They are being followed, of course, by people who’d do anything to get a hold of the 1933 gold double eagle coins believed settled under the sea’s bottom when the Majestic Meridian ship sank many years ago.

Steven P. Gower’s Secrets of the Majestic Meridian is about ordinary people caught up in their ordinary lives until they’re interrupted and plunged deep into a pursuit both dangerous and rewarding. Chet and his favorite cat, Rusty, love the feel of water underneath them. Emma would pedal to work and loves Jack. But then the landscape changes for them, and they have to adapt to not only survive but also get the reward that awaits ahead. Interestingly, the entire story finds a solid foundation in one man’s mistake, reaffirming that sometimes the small, innocent mistakes we make in life can grow into something bigger, even bigger than we anticipated. What Jennings Filmore did or didn’t on that fateful night of 1st April 1933, outlives him, and defies time as well, eventually changing lives.

On characterizations, Gower got it right. Rusty the cat is to be remembered, given the story its owner gladly shares about it. Jack proves not only intelligent but also a guy capable of taking care of himself. Emma’s courage and determination make her a character to love and follow. Chet is a funny guy, one with a smile on his face, and resourceful too.

Regarding the plot, again, Gower gives his best shot. He begins the story in 1933, establishing a solid foundation before transitioning to the present. Breadcrumbs are hard to find, which makes the Emma-led team up their game. Just when they think they’ve found the remains of Majestic Meridian in the deep waters, it turns out the hunt is far from over. Just after they’ve found a ledger detailing crucial transactions, an important page is missing. Just when the enemy is defeated, it turns out there’s another enemy, whom the reader couldn’t have anticipated. In other words, the plot has the twists and turns any reader would look out for.

Overall, this book is a must-read. It unfolds like a treasure hunt, filled with high stakes and surprises at every turn. More of Jack and Emma to come, a promise any reader will look forward to, especially after reading Secrets of the Majestic Meridian.

Review by Kennedy Odindo