Spanish Pieces of Eight

Pieces of Eight #1

by Rick Glaze

A riveting story of family, foreign waters, and a fortune beyond your wildest dreams…

Hours before undoing a complicated and family-busting competition for a vast treasure trove of Spanish gold, Richard Dennison dies–leaving his spoiled children to piece together the clues to track down their inheritance.

This modern-day Caribbean treasure hunt catapults four unwilling siblings–Jimmy, Alice, Zach, and Maureen–into a battle of wit and greed, and it threatens to change the family forever. Can they uncover the fortune or will the clues slip through their fingertips?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

Rick Glaze published the kayaking adventure, The Purple River in 2021, Spanish Pieces of Eight, a sailing adventure/mystery, and Jackass a Short Story Collection in 2022. Ralph & Murray in 2024 and dropped Eight Pieces f Eight in 2025. He was a Columnist at San Francisco’s Nob Hill Gazette, attended the Stanford University Creative Writing Program, and is a graduate of Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and MTSU.

He is an award-winning songwriter with two CDs, a Pandora radio station, credits on Country Music Television (CMT), BBC Radio, as well as radio airplay. Rick has rafted the Grand Canyon, the Salmon and Rogue Rivers as well as sailed throughout the Caribbean Sea.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style and the seamless changes in the stories. There were many characters and I wondered how to keep them separated; however, Rick captured a complex group of who had unique personalities. I often wondered if they would all emerge intact!

I know less than nothing about sailing; therefore, was impressed by a narrative that blended the sailing terms seamlessly into the action. Definitions flowed with the storyline and did not interrupt the pace. The skill and strength required to handle even a small sailing ship was describedIn several scenes, I could almost feel the salty wind!

I will seek out other work by Rick Glaze and look forward to reading more by him in the future.

[Julie Pint · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern day treasure hunt … wrapped up in a thriller. Do the siblings find the treasure that was buried by their father after his unexpected death? Read to discover more. It’s my first read by Rick Glaze and this Caribbean adventure is a quick one filled with greed. I found the writing to be a bit choppy, but once accustomed to it the pace picked up. Thanks to Goodreads for the early ARC.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. Most interesing journey for four siblings to discover more about themselves and each other after their father's death. Creative and loving free spirit wealthy parents allowed the siblings to realize their bonding with each other. A real treasure hunt.
Very good read.

[David O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanish Pieces of Eight (Pieces of Eight #1) by Rick Glaze is the opening installment in a series that appears to blend historical intrigue with adventure driven storytelling. The title evokes themes of treasure, exploration, and maritime history, suggesting a narrative rooted in discovery, conflict, and pursuit of valuable or hidden artifacts.

What stands out most is the strong sense of setting and adventure implied by the premise. The reference to “pieces of eight” immediately connects the story to historical currency and pirate era imagery, which often signals a mix of action, mystery, and historical detail. As a first book in a series, it likely establishes key characters, worldbuilding, and an overarching quest that continues into later installments. It is an engaging and concept rich entry for readers who enjoy historical adventure fiction with series continuity.

[Tommy Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Spanish Pieces of Eight. It was a fun read and it kept me interested in how the Dennison children were working to solve the clues left behind by their father. The clues were cleverly designed by the author, Rick Glaze, but also very "doable" by the children. The description of the sailing around the islands was spot on. A great read for the beach or a trip.

[lisa mouatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far the story has been interesting. The writing style is easy to follow. I would read this book by choice, not only because I won it in the giveaway. It has been interesting and attention gaining. I will update when I finish the rest of the novel and look forward to the next two in his series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great story! The characters were very real and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I think the characters relationship to each other could have been developed a little more. The only thing I did not like, was the way it ended. It just seems like there could have been more ...

[John Karlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read better

Nothing great here, was a chore to finish. Not sure if it's a recommendation, understand there is a sequel but not worth my time, sorry.
K

[katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

great adventure LOVED it

I’ve never read this Author but if his other works are like this one, I’m all in.
It’s a well written piece with interesting characters set in a place I’ve visited so I know the locations are real.
Once you started it’s hard to put down.

K. Mcgill