Customer Reviews

Man in the Middle

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I don't know a thing about hedge funds, stock shares, or the capital markets - but, I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Through the young character's eyes, I got an inside look at a massively corrupt company and traveled with him as he uncovered their vices and struggled to come out on top. I could NOT put this book down. This IS "The Firm" of financial thrillers.

After reading in the Wall Street Journal about the thiefs and thugs who infest Wall Street and are heads of major corporations, you'll find this book scary and all too believable. With fast action throughout and unpredictable plot twists, it's a natural for a thriller movie. It makes you want to cry out "Don't go there" to the hero. I stayed up late at night on this one.

As an investment banker I enjoy reading novels built around finance intrigue vs. lawyers, doctors or policemen. This is a very good book of a recent college grad who after the death of his mother is given an opportunity to be a hedge fund trader. In a year he goes from not wanting the job to being one of the top traders and all the internal office politics that develop.

But this is no ordinary job and he wasn't recruited based upon his intelligence. The novel starts with two deaths of people who do business with the hedge fund as well as the death of his mother. Morris weaves many different plot lines like the death of his mother, his family life and a relationship with the attorney of the hedge fund, his love life involving the daughter of the attorney, and his conflicted views of wealth.

Overlapping these story lines is a great "whodunit" as the new trader fights to learn a business and duck clues that may involve him in an elaborate scheme. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in a good murder mystery built around a financial world background.

Ken Morris's first novel is an old-fashioned thriller reminiscent of Cussler or Grisham, but set in the world of high finance. It is a compelling page turner with a likeable hero in Peter Neil. Peter's journey from the edge of penury to a fantasy job in a powerful financial services organization shows the seduction of great riches as Peter struggles with the integrity factor. To complicate matters, there are very real and evil forces who not only threaten his job, but his life as well.

For the reader, it is a roller coaster ride with plenty of squeals, surprise twists, and turns. I rooted for Peter and found myself on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded and his future hung in the balance. Can't wait for the next novel!!

As a Wall Street pro, I was surpised at the accuracy of the financial details, This book kept my interest the whole way through with its wonderful but realistic fiction. I look forward to finding another Ken Morris book to read!

This book entertains. It is pretty well written and the characters and conflict seem authentic. The story is fluid and I give Morris credit for projecting his knowledge of the securities markets into a format that isn't pious or clinical - not an easy task.

My only problems with the book are as follows: 1) the corny dialogue, mostly between Neil and his coworker; and 2) the difficulty in reconciling the Neil character before and after he starts his trading position. They seem like two entirely different people, with two entirely different thought processes and intellects. There is just a giant leap in his actions from the beginning of the story to the end. Maybe that is Morris's point - "realizing his potential." I just found it a little difficult to grasp.

These are really nit-picks however. This book is fun to read and I congratulate Morris on an impressive first effort.

I was amazed that a work of fiction and its author would be important enough to be featured on the NY Times Sunday front page (biz section). Impressed, I bought the book. I'm still impressed. It was real to me and impossible to put down. And the author's ear for dialogue was uncanny. Well done, exciting fare. A great, great summer read

The characters were so real,that i had to remimd myself while
reading,that it was a novel..
Felt like i was right there on the trading floor with Peter Neil.
Well done Ken Morris..You have the RIGHT STUFF..

I'm not usually a suspense novel reader, but I picked up this book and didn't want to put it down until I finished it! It had many twists and turns, and kept my interest through the very last page. I highly recommend it.

Combines today's headlines with the understanding of financial markets. A reminder of past greed and abuse's of the financial system. Interesting reading for both traders and non-traders. The book gets better and better as you read on....