In a world that moves as fast as finance does, top producers have to think three steps ahead and make snap decisions. Theirs is a blurred version of reality, one that conceals moves as much as it rewards the bold ones. All too easily, scams can be disguised as success, and plotting can be mistaken for killer instincts. And as Grove O'Rourke finds out, "Nothing obscures vulnerability like success. Nothing that is, except for friendships."
But this book isn't about stocks and bonds—it's about people. It's about Grove O'Rourke, top producer at the investment firm of Sachs, Kidder, and Carnegie, and about his best friend, Charlie Kelemen, whose spectacular murder is carried out in front of hundreds of horrified party-goers at the opening of the novel. It's about Charlie's widow, who comes to Grove for help after her husband's death, even though she's hiding a dark secret. And it's about how money—vast sums of money—can cover up even the most glaring imperfections in relationships and fool everyone.
Well, almost everyone.
With the ease of someone who has lived in the world of top producers, Norb Vonnegut has crafted a sharp, dark thriller that will make you think—and then double-check your investments.
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"In the fast-moving world of finance, Norb Vonnegut is a great author. I really enjoyed his descriptive processes. Especially that of bed-suck (The bed just sucks you in) and the relationship of Grove O'Rourke and his pillows. Those two stick out to me, but the novel as a whole is very very good and I enjoyed it very much. The murder itself was pretty unique."
— Pam (5 out of 5 stars)
Vonnegut's debut meets the gold standard for financial thrillers as it puts the frenzied, cutthroat world of Wall Street's best stockbrokers (aka the 'top producers') on brilliant display.
— Publishers Weekly Starred Review" Some dialogues sounded authentic. I can see how some characters were inspired by people that the author worked with when he was a top producer himself at Morgan Stanley. The plot itself was rather unconvincing. "
— Denise, 1/15/2014" Very solid effort and good summer reading. "
— Tajma, 1/13/2014" Interesting NYC setting with stock market & investment insiders' viewpoints. But the people were so self-absorbed, not folks I'd want to spend time with. "
— Karen, 1/10/2014" One of the better legal thrillers. Not as disposable as most of these books are, Vonnegut knows what he is talking about and delves deep into the world of finance and dark dealings that are entrapped within. "
— Tim, 12/24/2013" It was a very mysterious and interesting take on the world of Wall Street. There were I few parts that were a drag, but over all, a very thrilling book to read. "
— Losen, 12/23/2013" Decent well paced novel set in the finance world. "
— Lisa, 12/18/2013" This is a good, quick read. Nothing deep about it but if you're looking for pure entertainment then go for it. "
— Kevin, 11/15/2013" Started out as a promising mystery that kind of petered out....no surprises but an easy enjoyable read. "
— Sandy, 10/2/2013" Decent well paced novel set in the finance world. "
— Lisa, 8/24/2013" Well written and fast paced the way I like my novels. Norb knows his stuff. I really loved this book. "
— Tommy, 6/11/2013" Bought this because it was $4 at close out sale and it exceeded my expectations. Not having a financial background, some of the jargon was lost on me, but the plot was fantastic. "
— Katie, 4/25/2013" I liked this novel, it was a financial thriller in its truest sense. Although the story in itself isn't ground breaking, and entertaining for its "wall street" nature, but I am sure author is on the right track and his next book is going to be really awesome. "
— Prashant, 3/21/2013" Wanted to like it, but it's too slow for me. Way too much Wall Street jargon. Have moved on to Liar's Club between bouts of snow shoveling.... "
— Patt, 2/11/2013" LOVED this book! Great thriller. "
— Jennifer, 11/10/2012" I thoroughly enjoyed this - something of a guilty pleasure, because its popcorn. Nonetheless, recommend it for anyone heading off on holidays and in need of a bit of suspense, glamour and escapism. Will watch out for his stuff in future. "
— Julian, 11/6/2012" A Wall Street thriller. Interesting, seemed a little dated already because of the crash of the market this last year but the story line is intriguing and interesting. This is a murder mystery whodunit. A good beach or poolside ride. "
— Annie, 11/4/2012" New Author-interesting look into the mysteries of Wall Street, plus devious murder/mystery. "
— Connie, 4/20/2012" OUtstanding first rate work. Recommended to all. "
— Arthur, 1/21/2012" This story was an interesting snapshot of Wall Street, its ruthlessness and fastpace. It is very current, with references to Bernie Madoff, etc. I do not usually like murder mysteries, and this murder was a bit over-the-top, but I did enjoy the book. It would make a great movie. "
— Nancy, 6/25/2011" Loved this financial thriller - great insights into the business & witty too. "
— Carol, 5/16/2011" I liked this novel, it was a financial thriller in its truest sense. Although the story in itself isn't ground breaking, and entertaining for its "wall street" nature, but I am sure author is on the right track and his next book is going to be really awesome. "
— Prashant, 4/6/2011" Started out as a promising mystery that kind of petered out....no surprises but an easy enjoyable read. "
— Sandy, 2/26/2011" This is a good, quick read. Nothing deep about it but if you're looking for pure entertainment then go for it. "
— Kevin, 8/11/2010" I thoroughly enjoyed this - something of a guilty pleasure, because its popcorn. Nonetheless, recommend it for anyone heading off on holidays and in need of a bit of suspense, glamour and escapism. Will watch out for his stuff in future. "
— Julian, 6/24/2010" Very good, but the language was sometimes too mod / high tech for a 71 year old.A Wall Street thriller. "
— Dad, 5/10/2010" New Author-interesting look into the mysteries of Wall Street, plus devious murder/mystery. "
— Connie, 2/27/2010" This story was an interesting snapshot of Wall Street, its ruthlessness and fastpace. It is very current, with references to Bernie Madoff, etc. I do not usually like murder mysteries, and this murder was a bit over-the-top, but I did enjoy the book. It would make a great movie. "
— Nancy, 2/12/2010" <br/>Wanted to like it, but it's too slow for me. Way too much Wall Street jargon. Have moved on to Liar's Club between bouts of snow shoveling.... "
— Patt, 1/31/2010" A Wall Street thriller. Interesting, seemed a little dated already because of the crash of the market this last year but the story line is intriguing and interesting. This is a murder mystery whodunit. A good beach or poolside ride. "
— Annie, 7/21/2009Norb Vonnegut spent over two years at a money management firm in New York City, where he was a managing director responsible for equity and fixed income portfolios. He has also worked for Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Division, Paine Webber, and Kidder, Peabody. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.