These Yellow Sands: Memories of Manteo

by Joseph N. Vaughan

Beneath the surface of a sandy ribbon of 1930s' Outer Banks lies a hidden world of coping with change. As a questionable piece of an unsolved 350-year-old puzzle is unearthed, the Outer Banks adjusted to the age of tourism. Amidst the backdrop of treacherous shipwreck rescues and a ghost town sustained by illicit moonshine, a tangled web of human drama unfolds. Grief and resilience intertwine as characters grapple with an uncertain future. Quiet beaches whisper untold secrets, while the encroaching tide of tourism threatens to strip away the isolation of America's spiritual birthplace. A young reporter, haunted by personal tragedy, seeks solace on Roanoke Island. High stakes come with unmasking the past.

The price of progress becomes clear, and the line between legend and reality blurs. As the suspense tightens its grip, prepare for a journey where the mysteries carry soulful consequences. Can you handle the truth, or is it better to let the shadows of the Outer Banks keep their haunting secrets?

Genres: Mystery

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2023

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. As someone who has lived close to the coast and has been to the Wright Brothers Memorial many times and was born and raised 5 minutes from the new possible place where they think the Lost Colony ended up, the historical research was impeccable. The fictional aspect can be hard to get through at times but I do feel that it accurately captured the essence of people living at that time and from their different stations in life. The Outer Banks has a life of its own that I feel many people, especially visitors, don't quite grasp. This book is a voice to that sentience and should be heeded and respected. The Banks are a world unto themselves and if you've never been you should before they are gone.

[Marsha Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a lot of research into the history of that outer banks area of NC. It was the story of a young mans adventure into his new job at a newspaper in the Nags Head area. It’s set in the 1930’s and has a number of historical references to Matteo, Buffalo City, the Life Saving Station and the Lost Colony amongst several others. I think anyone who has visited or is familiar with the area will enjoy this boo. I’m looking forward to Mr. Vaughan s next book. I got this book at a bookstore in Elizabeth City, NC which is also referenced in the story.

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novel about the Outer Banks, lots of research/history went into creation of this novel.

The author makes you really able to visualize these places without ever having been there.

I received this as a giveaway copy from Goodreads.

[Tricia Shaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The further I got into the book it was an easier read. Took me a long time to get into. It took me longer to read as it didn’t hold my interest. The ending held my attention much better and enjoyed the ending

[Carol Alfano · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting slant on the history of Manteo and the OBX. An enjoyable read

[Lisa Marks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book about the Outer Banks. Historical references to the lost colony of Roanoke, Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, Roosevelt’s New Deal and bootleg moonshine. Received via Goodreads giveaway.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway winner / free book review:

I haven’t been to any of the places in this book but I feel I was able to clearly imagine them with how well written this is.

Kindle e-book on IOS.
Used Spoken content accessibility tool with English Australian female voice Matilda Premium to listen to this book.

[Twyla A · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Learned many details that make the OBX such an interesting place in terms of both landscape and historical significance. A well-written storyline that put the presentation of facts in an interesting format.