Historical Adventure Novel set in Nebraska and South Africa during the late 19th century.

Set in the muddy streets of Lincoln, Nebraska, and the treacherous terrains of South Africa during the late 19th century, "The Million Dollar Mirage" is a gripping historical adventure novel that takes readers on a journey marked by ambition, danger, and the quest for fortune.

Elliott, a once-hopeful adventurer now disillusioned by a series of failures in his various ventures, finds himself in Lincoln, Nebraska. While waiting for Margaret, his friend and companion, Elliott reflects on a letter from a friend in South Africa detailing a heist involving over a million in gold. This news ignites his adventurous spirit, and after Margaret leaves for Baltimore to study music, Elliott decides to pursue new opportunities.

Elliott's journey is fraught with hardship as he travels across the United States via train hopping, facing tough circumstances and meeting new companions, including Bennett, who becomes a significant figure in his life. Both men, struggling with their pasts and driven by a quest for quick fortunes, venture into various risky schemes. In their pursuit of wealth, Elliott and Bennett, along with other adventurers, find themselves embroiled in a daring hunt for a lost treasure in South Africa. They undergo grueling trials, including battles, storms, and intense confrontations with rival treasure hunters led by Sevier and Carlton. Despite the relentless challenges, the group retrieves the gold, but not without significant losses and moral dilemmas.

Margaret's involvement is deeply personal and complex. Initially inspired by her father's desire to recover the gold, she joins Elliott in his pursuit. Throughout their tumultuous journey, Margaret's and Elliott's relationship develops, marked by moments of clarity and deep conversation about their beliefs and values. Eventually, after successfully retrieving the gold, the adventurers face the task of smuggling it out of Africa. Elliott and Margaret decide to forgo their share of the treasure and instead opt to seek a legitimate salvage claim, valuing their integrity over riches. This decision brings them a substantial reward without the burden of guilt. In the end, Elliott and Margaret, now financially secure, plan a peaceful and meaningful future together. As they sail away from their past adventures, Elliott confesses his deep feelings for Margaret, and she responds with optimism for their shared future, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

"The Million Dollar Mirage" beautifully portrays the struggle between ambition and ethics, the impact of life's highs and lows, and the ultimate realization that true wealth lies in integrity and meaningful relationships.