Customer Reviews

Virtual Vice: A new technology crime novel based on true events

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Explosive and edgy, "Virtual Vice" by Jason M. Kays takes the reader on a journey into the bowels of the murky and deadly dark side of Internet venture capitalism.

Attorney Ian McKenzie's life takes a decided turn when he is introduced to the charismatic, but dangerous, Scott White. Hired by White to represent his interests in Metropoleis Media, a cutting edge Internet startup, Ian is soon drawn into the personal trials and tribulations of White's life. Leaving a trail of violence and abuse wherever he has been, White's quick descent into paranoia and mental illness finds Ian searching for a way out and a way to collect the ever mounting outstanding attorney fees that White owes him. Caught in the middle of the Feds, La Cosa Nostra and the Cali Cartel, Ian is trapped in a fatal game of corporate winner-take-all. How will he ever extract himself? And at what cost?

If you like wild rides, "Virtual Vice" is for you. Beginning with Ian McKenzie discovering his client naked and teetering on the edge of the veranda outside his hotel room, you're certain from the get go that this is no ordinary story.

Soon after meeting Ian, Scott White and some of his abnormal associates, the reader journeys through part of White's past and how Ian met and came to be hired by White before the book moves through in a mostly chronological format.

The author's love of music and his experience as an intellectual property attorney in information technology and entertainment law are clear from the onset, and it is his well-developed, complex characters that readers will appreciate the most. White's total deterioration that garners him some unwanted attention from past associates, Clarice Westwater's greed and ability to manipulate and Pastor Petey's feigned piousness, come alive within the pages of this book.

"Virtual Vice" gives a glimpse not only into the world of Internet venture capitalism, but also the music industry and Ponzi schemes, as White's long history of bilking investors and running across state lines is outlined.

Based upon true events, "Virtual Vice" is considered creative non-fiction, and therefore, the narrative carries the bulk of the story. This made it a little hard to get into at first. I am so glad I stuck with it, though, because the storyline is not only timely, it is riveting once it gets going and you'll find yourself turning page after page up to the explosive and satisfying conclusion.

A timely, attention grabbing story is what you'll find in "Virtual Vice" by Jason M. Kays.

I'm not an avid reader, and if I find a book that "captures" me, it would still take me weeks to read it. I received Virtual Vice on a Friday, and completed reading it by Sunday. This book gets ahold of you and draws you into the pages. Definitely a GREAT read, and BRILLIANT work by the Author!!

I am only part way through - but, what a well written and interesting look into the music industry book! Love it!! The characters are strong and the detail is great!! This book has over-taken my night time reading.....

A very well-written book that gives an inside look at the music business. Fascinating!

You may think you know what goes on, but your probably don't. It's darker than you think.

Will you still enjoy the music of the really good ones? Sure!

Great technology crime book. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Amazing balance of events that lead to a fabulous read. The author did a fantastic job of maintaining the readers interests the entire time. Don't wait, get this novel today.

Took a few chapters for me to get into it and then I couldn't put it down. Laugh out loud funny in parts even though the reality of the situation at the time, I am sure, was most stressful. Great read and timely given the corporate scandlas we are seeing today.

I really enjoyed "Virtual Vice". Having formally been in the Banking profession for 35 years, I witnessed several schemes. Loved seeing the bad guys lose.

Excellent book with well-developed graphic characters and a captivating story. I have a difficult time sitting still long enough to read a book, but this one caught my attention and I found myself laughing out loud. After reading some of Mr. Keys work on-line I was anxious to pick up his book and I haven't been disappointed. The book is a little difficult in the beginning, but hang in there and enjoy the journey as it unfolds. Definitely a must read!

Provides a succinct insight into Seattle's rock music scenes beginning from the Pop Music Festival in the 1970's up through 1990's grunge and present day alternative rock. The book also charts the growth of Seattle as a major information technology player, touching upon Paul Allen's work as cofounder of Microsoft, to today's smaller startups. In both those market sectors, music and technology, the book demonstrates how Ponzi schemes and con men can create treacherous arenas for investors and entrepreneurs.

Critique: The book's dynamic voice grabs the reader by the collar and immerses him in the fast paced story. Forcefully written with strong character development. The serious and timely theme of Wall Street vice is offset by a dark, comedic undercurrent of social satire. An engaging and delightful read.