BOB RICHARDS

Ataut WWII thriller with a surprise setting is at the heart of Bob Richards’ new novel Triangle of Treason, which reveals the strategic importance of Bermuda for the Allies during the war. The book’s page-turning stories of high stakes espionage—its main character is a retired British Captain turned Hitler spy—provides winter escapism and education. 

“Instead of writing a boring history book that hardly anybody would read, I thought, why not wrap an exciting novel around that history?” Richards says. “Triangle of Treason is the result of that intention. Inspired by the likes of Ken Follet—my literary hero—the book is more than just a spy thriller. It is a fascinating and entertaining read embedded in military and geopolitical history.”

And there’s no one better to tell it than author Richards, a native of Bermuda who rose to become its Minister of Finance. He grew up during segregation and witnessed its demise, transforming into a strategic military outpost. Richards helped usher in its emergence as a financial pivot in the middle of the Atlantic. All this gave him unique, often privileged insight into Bermuda’s rich past. Now, trading a spreadsheet for a hardcover, he proves he knows the formula for crafting a compelling story as well.

What inspired you to write this WWII thriller?
I grew up taking the ferry to and from school. Hence, my love of boats. After that era passed, I started researching them for a book. I eventually concluded that nobody wanted to read a boring book about old ferryboats. Also, I grew up hearing endless stories from my parents about the war. So, I melded these two elements into a fictional tale during that era involving my favorite subjects: ferries, submarines, and WWII history.

Many people don’t know about how integral Bermuda was to WWII. How vital was the island?
Most people think the US bases here were part of the Lend-Lease Act between the US and UK. That’s not true, at least for the Naval seaplane base in my book. In 1938-39, US officials observed the deteriorating situation in Europe and asked the question, “What if Britain falls. How would it affect us?” One look at the map highlighted that it would be intolerable to have a Nazi-controlled Bermuda.

So, in 1939. before war was declared in Europe, the US began arrangements for a seaplane base in Bermuda. They identified Morgan’s Island as an ideal spot, but the US Neutrality Act forbade a military lease to be established with a foreign power that was at war. Morgan’s island was privately owned, and the papers were signed by the Bermudian owner who was living in New York, but it would not be legal until Bermuda stamp duty was paid. So, the lawyer had to fly back to Bermuda to get the agreement stamped. He did so, and three days later, Britain declared war against Germany.

How else was Bermuda involved in WWII and fighting the Axis powers?
All German forces used the Enigma, but their navy’s encryption was robust and challenging to break. That’s why the capture of U-Boats was so critically important. Bermuda played a role in one actual life capture. In 1944, the US Navy captured U-505 in the mid-Atlantic with its Enigma and intact codebooks. U-505 was towed to Bermuda and hidden from the world for the remainder of the war. U-505 is now on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago,

Your reference to local flavors in Triangle of Treason includes popular bars, restaurants, and meetings spots. Was this intentional? What do you think this gives the story?
Authenticity! There is nothing in this story that couldn’t have happened. Today, you can visit Bermuda and trace Hooks and Becky Jones, Swordfish, and Captain Grant’s footsteps.

What do you hope readers will take away from your novel after reading Triangle of Treason? 
I hope the takeaway is how unique Bermuda is, being shaped from inception back in the 1600s and by the intersection of the three elements. Namely the British, the American, and the Caribbean. Hence the Triangle. Despite our miniature size, we have played critical roles in the transatlantic geopolitical rivalries over the centuries. Our location is our natural resource. The other takeaway is that I hope people can sense how amazingly beautiful my island is. The truth is, no words can describe what I have the privilege to see every day.

Do you have plans to write more WWII thrillers? What fascinates you most about this period?
The plan is to write two more novels. One is about Bermuda’s pivotal role in the Cold War; the other is our crucial role in America’s efforts to put a man on the moon (NASA). What fascinates me most about WWII is that it may have been the last war where the line between the good guys and the bad guys was so clear.