Drake's Fortune

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story follows Oscar Hartzell, who executed a bold scam by convincing thousands of Midwesterners to invest in a legal fund aimed at claiming the legendary fortune of Sir Francis Drake. Promising donors shares in an imagined treasure worth $100 billion, Hartzell instead pocketed their money, living lavishly as a faux English aristocrat while maintaining his image as a hero among his supporters. The narrative explores themes of deception, greed, and the impact of economic hardship on people's trust.