Peril of the Dunes — Georgia M. Shewmake

According to legend, the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte, once buried a huge treasure on a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. And lovely young Lara Robins has an engraved coin, given to her by her father, that contains a clue to the location of the priceless cache. As Lara looks for the treasure on Gull Island, with its colorful history and its stark dunes, she meets enigmatic Janus Weaver and his cousin, Trent Condor. Without wanting to, she becomes increasingly intrigued by them.

Lara also meets unexpected fear, as it slowly dawns on her that there is a dangerous presence on the island--a presence crazed by dreams of gold--and she may become one of its victims!