Michael Henry’s Of Dunes and Dollars is a sweeping novel that intertwines mystery, history, and human resilience, set against the evocative backdrop of Cape Cod. The narrative follows two central characters across different eras: Naomi Smith, a young artist and recreation director in 2000s Massachusetts, and Cornelius “Con” Sanborn Chase, a wealthy real estate developer in the late 19th century.
In the modern timeline, Naomi is abducted in 2000 and held captive for two years in a shack originally built by Con in 1900. Despite her captivity and drug-induced memory loss, Naomi paints breathtaking seascapes that later achieve worldwide acclaim. Her dramatic rescue in 2002 exposes not only her resilience but also the mysterious identity of her captor, who styled himself as The Benevolent Captor. The ordeal sparks global intrigue, skyrockets the value of her artwork, and forces Naomi to retreat abroad to escape the relentless publicity.

In parallel, the novel travels back to the turn of the 20th century, when Con purchases 84 acres of Cape Cod dunes to build a mansion for his fiancée, Constance Browne. The Shack, built at the edge of the property, becomes a quiet witness to generations of family life, historical upheavals—including the Great Depression—and legal disputes over land ownership. After Con’s death on Black Tuesday, much of the land falls into the hands of a crooked lawyer’s descendants, fueling conflicts that echo into Naomi’s story.
Blending past and present, Of Dunes and Dollars explores themes of captivity and freedom, love and betrayal, art and legacy. Cape Cod itself emerges as a living presence in the novel—its storms, dunes, and enduring landmarks shaping the destinies of those bound to it. Ultimately, Naomi’s survival and artistry symbolize resilience, while Con’s historical legacy underscores how choices made long ago continue to shape lives in unforeseen ways.