The Keys, published in 2010, is the first novel written by Gulf Coast resident, Frank Wilem. The novel is inspired by many of Wilem’s personal experiences – and near mis-adventures as a lover of the blue water. The Keys premise and ensuing adventure resonates with all who have at one time or another, wanted to just say “screw it” and escape life’s miseries.
The Keys is available in hardcover or various e-book formats via major booksellers including Amazon. However, you may purchase here for a personalized signed first edition of The Keys from Wilem’s personal inventory.
Praise for The Keys
“Thank you Frank for signing your book and meeting Kelly and the boys. Just recieved the book here in Afghanistan. What a great suprise! Started reading it last night and I couldn’t put it down. Kelly sent me the pictures she took and I have them hung up on the plywood walls of my office. The troops in my company are already lined up to borrow the book when I’m finished. Once again thank you!!” – Michael Jason Moore
“Gulfport entrepreneur Frank Wilem sweeps readers into a rollicking adventure with his first novel, ‘The Keys.’ (It) begins with lead character Quint, a former Navy SEAL, walking away from a troubled job and marriage and heading for the Florida Keys. Quint quickly finds work as a charter-boat captain. But, just as he settles into a relaxing lifestyle, he stumbles onto trouble, and the adventure begins… ”
” … Wilem has had his own share of dangerous experiences on the water, which lends authenticity to the adventures in the book.” - Carol Lacy, Beach Blvd Magazine
“It was an exhausting and thrilling way to spend a rainy Sunday. Thank you for such a good read-hope there are more.” - Jo Walker
“I’ve had the good fortune of blue water fishing with Frank and have seen first hand his passion and love for adventure in this environment, which is reflected in this book. Truly an adventure in print that grows with every turn of the page. An exciting read!” - Barry Foster, Television Producer, GulfSouth Outdoors
“Steeped in fast paced nail biting action with compellingly described culturally diverse characters, who are craft-fully reminiscent of Indiana Jones figures, Frank Wilem’s debut novel, filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, keeps readers on their toes and at the edge of their seats. While trying to guess who will die, who will survive, and who will win the race to obtain the mysterious life altering blue magic treasure, which is hidden in a Caribbean jungle temple, readers hold on tightly until the very last page is turned.” - Nan Graves Goodman
“Thrill-a-minute combination of adventure, mystery and intrigue.” - William L. McDonough, Jr.,. Attorney, Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A.
“Great book. Suspense, action, mystery and great story telling. You’ll love this book.” - Marshall D. Lynch, Vice President Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, Gulfport, MS
“What a fast moving adventure. An honest-to-goodness page-turner. I fought my husband over who got to finish it first!” - Prissy Joyner
Summary: The Keys
Ever considered just getting into the car and heading to parts unknown? , Most people have—few actually do. Quint not only considers ditching his cheating wife and dead-end job for a tropical escape, he does it—and heads for the Keys.
After finishing two tours of duty as a Navy SEAL, Quint had
longed for an ordinary life away from death and brutality. However,his post-service American dream becomes nothing more than a deep sleep, and he finds himself longing for a sense of purpose, a mission.
He begins his new life tamely enough—as a charter boat captain in pursuit of the legal limits for his clients. But soon events converge to thrust Quint into a race to find the world’s most valuable treasure while extracting himself from a shipwreck, rogue naval forces, and from the pursuit of a vile cadre of pirates and thieves, who are also committed to snatching the treasure from the grasp of ancient history or from anyone who gets in their way.
This fast-paced adventure starts in Mississippi then moves to the Keys. Soon Quint finds himself in Cay Sal looking for a lost Spanish galleon bearing the secret to an even bigger treasure. This leads him to South America where he searches for the most valuable and unusual treasure in the history of the world. It could also be the most dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Join Quint and Dawson in the adventure of their lives.
