ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John H. Gray is the author of several books, including Journey of Betrayals, Journey to Unknown Consequences, Claude de Passioné, and Rosita’s Way.

John’s books have been enjoyed by readers in the United States, Canada, Holland, Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. His books can also be found in certain libraries and are for sale at various outlets around the world.

In addition to his own works, John co-authored and assisted notable Aruba historian Adolf (Dufi) Kock in the writing of ‘E.S Antilla’, the true story of the scuttling of the German freighter in Aruba at the start of WWII and also ‘Incident at Eagle Beach’.

It was, in part, his involvement that led to the writing of his Aruba inspired books. John and his wife often travel from his home in Ottawa, Canada to Aruba where he owns a villa and writes. John’s inspiration for writing had always been there, but a demanding career in IT over many years prevented the dedication needed to write the types of stories he wished to write.

An unfortunate accident altered John’s life when he was injured as a passenger in a taxi in New York State which resulted in his inability to continue in his career. While recovering, John’s wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and spent 6 years battling the disease as a participant in a cancer research program. Thankfully, all ended well.

It was during this period that John put pen to paper and wrote Journey of Betrayals and followed it with the sequel Journey to Unknown Consequences. John’s books are being enjoyed internationally by readers, many of whom have communicated their enjoyment to John.

THE BACKGROUND STORY

I first started traveling to Aruba in early 2000. It was during those early trips that I had many conversations with both tourists and locals about Aruba. In those conversations several things were evident. The tourists really had no knowledge of the history or culture of the country. To them, Aruba was essentially an island with great beaches and fantastic weather. I found it disturbing that in discussions with locals that many had no appreciation for the history of Aruba or an understanding of some important roles the country had played internationally.

As I spent more and more time traveling around the island, I became aware of things that represented past events of significance…the German freighter scuttled at the outbreak of WWII…..the role of the oil refinery on Aruba and its importance to the Allies’ war efforts…..the heroic actions of an Aruban man who had studied in Holland and his efforts in the Dutch resistance……and then after the war, the establishment of the tourism industry and the infiltration of crime, including drugs, money laundering and other unsavory events…and many other facts.

It was one evening while dining with my wife at The Hyatt, that we became engaged in conversation with some of the younger wait staff who had recently graduated from the hospitality school in Aruba. I was personally dismayed when several told me that they couldn’t wait to leave the island for Europe or America and that Aruba had no history. I found their lack of knowledge startling. I was advised by them that history was not really taught in schools.

Later, a young lady came and introduced herself. She was the niece of a recognized Aruban historian and suggested I should speak with him and then phoned him. I spoke to him and we subsequently met. The result of those meetings led to my working on a project with a well-known screenwriter to develop a film script for a story based on certain events that were historic and factual. Fate intervened and the film, while written and ready, has not been made…

Coming Soon

‘Revelations and Peace

The sequel to the romantic, adventure and drama story of Claude de Passioné

The hunt is on the find those responsible for the shooting of Claude. The mystery deepens with the apparent involvement of a San Francisco Chinese triad gang. The link between the motive to shoot Claude, and that of his past life and many romances, is deeply buried.

In the story, colorful new characters are introduced in addition to those from the first Claude de Passioné novel. ‘Snoops’ Dugan, a former hardened San Francisco cop and now a sleazy private investigator.

Paddy O’Regan, a hard living ex Boston cop of Irish background. Never one to give up until he gets the results he wants.

Crystal Moon, the younger and cunning sister of Misty Moon, Claude’s former lover.

From the wine country of California to the shores of the Cook Islands in the Pacific, the story winds through the dark secrets of the characters until the mystery is solved.