Reluctant Hero

On the eve of World War II, Japanese-occupied Taiwan can be a very dangerous place for an American, but Gary Gatlin is singularly determined to achieve his mission. He earns the trust of Japanese farmers and Chinese fruit sellers, but to survive, he must also gain the trust of foreign spies, local kidnappers, untrusting military officials and a beautiful, headstrong woman who he may never see again. Will Gary be able to make it out alive?

Get ready for the story of a lifetime!

“Love this book! Inspirational with meaning at every turn. Full of obstacles and adventure. Started well and really picked up half way through. Couldn’t put it down.”

— An Amazon reviewer who gave the book 5 out of 5 stars

“Great book! Lots of suspense! I enjoyed the character as he seemed like a real person and not someone who was made up.”

— Another Amazon reviewer who gave the book 5 out of 5 stars

“Gary is such a true hero at heart, honest and faithful; a person to respect. I kept reading, only stopping for work till the end, wishing it would continue. A different, personal view of history. Loved this book!”

— Yet another Amazon reviewer who gave the book 5 out of 5 stars

Sworn to help his family’s farm, Gary Gatlin must find his way in Japanese-occupied Taiwan, always under the watchful eye of brigands and suspicious military officials. What if Gary were a spy?

Gary Gatlin: Reluctant Hero, the first book in Carl Haupt’s eagerly-anticipated World War II trilogy, brings the uncertainty and excitement of the Pacific theater to life, all the way to the seat of a fighter plane during some of the most thrilling, heart-pounding moments.

He didn’t seek out adventure, but adventure always had a way of finding him. From sabotage to theft to kidnapping. Hidden gold coins to shark-filled waters to fatal bombings. Gary must always find a way to survive. But who exactly is Gary Gatlin? He is the hero that every man wants to be and every woman loves.

A chance encounter alters the course of Gary’s idyllic German-American childhood in Utah, changing his destiny forever. But is he up to the task? Can he make his family proud?

He’s armed with his parents’ values, a stack of agricultural journals, jiu jitsu lessons and knowledge of Japanese poetry. Can Gary summon the courage to do what’s right, even when he constantly finds his life in danger?

Gary is a man of honor, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Facing one narrow escape after another, Gary finally finds himself in the battle of a lifetime, but is he fighting for revenge, or for his country?

Will Gary be able to make it out of the Pacific region alive and return home safe to his family in America?

This is the World War II book series you’ve been waiting for.

If you’re drawn to tales of World War II and ships, planes and sturdy characters from the 1940s, then you won’t be able to resist the story of Gary Gatlin: Reluctant Hero (Book 1). Carl Haupt’s first title in the series is a fascinating window into a unique time, a unique place, a unique man and a very unique turn of events. You’ll never look at World War II’s Pacific theater in the same way again!