The Island Where Time Stands Still — Dennis Wheatley

On a pleasure cruise on the South Seas, Sir Pellinore Gwaine-Cust's yacht hits a coral reef and sinks in minutes. Only one survivor is washed to the safety of the shore: Gregory Sallust.

But this is no ordinary Pacific island. When Gregory regains consciousness he finds himself among a Chinese community, ruled by descendants of the ancient Imperial House. Within days the throne becomes vacant, and Gregory joins an expedition to find the true heir - a hazardous search that takes him to San Francisco, and deep into the forbidden heart of China itself.