The Millionaires [Hardcover]

Brad Meltzer (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 481 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books; 1ST edition (2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739423339
• ISBN-13: 978-0739423332
• ASIN: 0340769394
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (156 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,390,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meltzer latest is better than Grisham, January 9, 2002

By 

JC "JC" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Millionaires (Hardcover)

I've read Meltzer's three earlier books and think very highly of them, especially The First Council. Though I've been looking forward to The Millionaires, I was worried that he was due for a bit of a letdown. I am very pleased to say that The Millionaires may be his best yet.

Oliver and Charles, two brothers, decided to steal three million dollars from the bank at which they work. They need the money to help their mother with her bills and to get out of debt themselves. They develop what they believe to be a fool-proof plan. Someone, however, is one step ahead of them, and the price they pay as a result is high.

The Millionaires is written from the first-person perspective of the main character, Oliver, which makes for a very fast and entertaining read. In fact, Meltzer may be one of the finest first-person writers around today. Each of his characters is well developed and the plot moves quickly. The twists and turns that make this novel so entertaining are unexpected yet believable, which only adds to the feel of the story. Of course, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book is that as we follow the characters through their ordeals, we can relate to the dilemma that they faced in deciding to take the money.

Other recommendations - The Tenth Justice, Dead Even, and The First Council by Brad Meltzer. Anyone who enjoys Jeffery Deaver, James Patterson, Vince Flynn, John Sandford, or any of John Grishams older books will love this author.

44 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Grisham, pleeeaase! Forget Grisham!, January 14, 2002

By 

"theladypandora" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Millionaires (Hardcover)

I was very excited to see that one of my favorite authors had a new book released. My only problem is that I devoured this book in 1 day and now I have to wait at least a year until his next one. BOO HOO!

Meltzer's latest has 2 brothers trying to steal 3 million dollars from the highly exclusive bank they work in. It seems like a fool proof plan. Play a dead guy and collect $3 million. The only problem is that someone else set it up and wants in on it when he discovers that the brothers took his con. My favorite part has to be when the 3 of them are trying to figure out where to wire the money to. The Caymans? Nah, everyone sends it there ever since Grisham popularized it in 'The Firm'.

All in all, a great romp, yes romp, of a book! It's a quick and easy read. Meltzer really sucks you in with his characters. I hope he brings back one of the minor ones, Joey, a private investigator, in another book. His use of location is fantastic. You really get a great sense of being in Disney and when you do go there, I know I'll be watching Snow White to see where she goes :)

Buy this book, you won't regret it!

Thanks for reading!
~Pandora

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PITCH PERFECT READINGS OF AN ALMOST PERFECT CRIME, February 3, 2002

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Millionaires (Audio Cassette)

Tony Goldwyn, grandson of Hollywood's legendary Samuel Goldwyn, gives a convincing delivery of popular author Brad Meltzer's latest foray into thrillerdom. Even if Goldwyn did not bear that open-doors name he would be a standout. Multi talented, he produces, directs, acts (Oliver Stone's "Nixon" and "The Pelican Brief"), and is a commanding voice-over artist ("Tarzan" and "Pocahontas"). His television credits are also impressive - "Frasier," "L.A. Law," and "St. Elsewhere."

Scott Brick is an equally deft performer who also read Meltzer's "First Counsel." "Cyrano," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth" are among his stage credits, while many will remember him in the motion pictures "Robin Hood" and "Men In Tights."

"The Millionaires," Meltzer's fourth thriller takes us into the rarefied world of million dollar banking, cyber pyrotechnics, and then to of all places Disney World. It's a fast paced romp that will please this imaginative writer's fans.

Oliver Caruso is in the employ of one of Manhattan's most upscale banks, Greene & Greene. The institution is so select that two million is needed just to achieve the status of client. Oliver's been toiling for Henry Lapidus, an exec at this financial palace. Regrettably, Lapidus doesn't appreciate Oliver's ministrations and is attempting to scuttle his minion's career plans. What's the poor guy to do? He enlists the aid of his younger brother, Charlie, who has problems staying gainfully employed. The pair decide to take three million dollars sitting in an abandoned account. They'll soon be living the life of Riley - if Riley had a seven figure deposit in an offshore bank, that is.

What a piece of a cake - with a very rich icing. They've found the perfect crime. Problem is, make that plural, problems are that somehow the original three million has undergone a cyberspace evolution and become $300 million. Not only that but some others at Greene & Greene had their own plans for the funds in this abandoned account, and someone is found dead.

Now the bros are really in hot water. The local authorities are after them as is the Secret Service. However, they do manage to get to Florida, attempting to follow the money to the daughter of the account's late owner. Said owner was a techno wiz for Disney, a mind boggling inventor. As amazing as the wiz's invention is, it's really nothing compared to what Oliver and Charlie eventually discover in this page-turner of a tale.

Those with an interest in high and low finance will find enjoyment aplenty in "The Millionaires." Meltzer fans will revel in their author's latest spin on boardroom crime.