|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
One of the most interesting Wall Street crime novels to come along, CLAWBACK and its author Mike Cooper (a pseudonym) take readers deep into the trenches of big money and murder. In this case, the traders on the Street are running scared as some of the not-so-successful fund managers and bankers start dropping like flies. When a prominent banker hires rogue PI Silas Cade to figure out who's behind the murder and mayhem, little does the former Black Ops operator know that his own life (and those of his friends) will soon be drawn in as well. At first the deaths appear random, but Cade (with help from financial blogger and ace researcher Clara Dawson) soon gets a little too close to the answer, and things turn even more dangerous and deadlier. While his employer is playing his cards close to his chest, Cade manages to use his underground skills and military connections to figure a few things out about the motivation behind the killing, despite the lack of information provided. What truly makes this book so fascinating is the deep financial experience of the author, who is able to help his readers go into the minds of traders, illuminating the drive for so much unsavory action. He aptly captures the testosterone-fueled traders, eager to make a mark in the world of money-driven power brokers, as they begin to take to Rambo-like gun slinging in fear of the unknown, all while still keeping second-by-second tabs on the Market. Cooper has his finger on the pulse of Wall Street, and does an excellent job showcasing the herd mentality (both on Wall Street and within the mainstream press). For those who love action scenes, this novel has some of the best. Given the Special Forces background of the two hired guns (Silas Cade vs. the shooter), the violence on all levels gets ramped up and manages to stay that way until the end. Author Mike Cooper also does an excellent job of raising awareness of just how difficult it would be to "live off the grid" in New York, or nearly anywhere these days, a challenge faced by the two main hired guns. Just who hired Cade and his nemesis? What is the motivation behind the death and destruction? What can put an end to the mania on Wall Street? Given the overall feelings about the financial sector generally, is it any surprise that such animosity has arisen? Or is the Occupy Wall Street sentiment just a convenient cover-up for another, more sinister reason for the deaths? Cooper answers all these questions and more in his excellent mystery novel, CLAWBACK, an action- packed tale made for the moment. § Christine Zibas is a freelance writer and former director of publications for a Chicago nonprofit.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, March 2012
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
