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Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice Hardcover – February 3, 2015
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Bill Browder’s journey started on the South Side of Chicago and moved through Stanford Business School to the dog-eat-dog world of hedge fund investing in the 1990s. It continued in Moscow, where Browder made his fortune heading the largest investment fund in Russia after the Soviet Union’s collapse. But when he exposed the corrupt oligarchs who were robbing the companies in which he was investing, Vladimir Putin turned on him and, in 2005, had him expelled from Russia.
In 2007, a group of law enforcement officers raided Browder’s offices in Moscow and stole $230 million of taxes that his fund’s companies had paid to the Russian government. Browder’s attorney Sergei Magnitsky investigated the incident and uncovered a sprawling criminal enterprise. A month after Sergei testified against the officials involved, he was arrested and thrown into pre-trial detention, where he was tortured for a year. On November 16, 2009, he was led to an isolation chamber, handcuffed to a bedrail, and beaten to death by eight guards in full riot gear.
Browder glimpsed the heart of darkness, and it transformed his life: he embarked on an unrelenting quest for justice in Sergei’s name, exposing the towering cover-up that leads right up to Putin. A financial caper, a crime thriller, and a political crusade, Red Notice is the story of one man taking on overpowering odds to change the world.
- Print length416 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSimon & Schuster
- Publication dateFebruary 3, 2015
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- ISBN-10147675571X
- ISBN-13978-1476755717
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The first half of Red Notice traces Browder’s improbable journey from prep-school washout through college, business school, and a series of consulting and Wall Street jobs before becoming Russia’s largest foreign investor....This book-within-a-book does for investing in Russia and the former Soviet Union what Liar’s Poker did for our understanding of Salomon Brothers, Wall Street, and the mortgage-backed securities business in the 1980s. Browder’s business saga meshes well with the story of corruption and murder in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, making Red Notice an early candidate for any list of the year’s best books." -- Norman Pearlstine ― Fortune
"The story of Sergei Magnitsky's life and death is a shocking true-life thriller, and Bill Browder was the man to write it." -- Tom Stoppard
“In Red Notice, Bill Browder tells the harrowing and inspiring story of how his fight for justice in Russia made him an unlikely international human rights leader and Vladimir Putin's number-one enemy. It is the book for anyone interested in understanding the culture of corruption and impunity in Putin's Russia today, and Browder’s heroic example of how to fight back.” -- Senator John McCain
"This book reads like a thriller, but it's a true, important, and inspiring real story. Bill Browder is an amazing moral crusader, and his book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand Russia, Putin, or the challenges of doing business in the world today." -- Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and The Innovators
"A fascinating and unexpected story." -- Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie
"Browder’s true story is a heart-in-your-throat page turner, and the only close-up look I know of what it’s like to take on Putin. It is also a moving account of a man who found his calling, and ended up winning in the end." -- Bryan Burrough, co-author of Barbarians at the Gate and author of Public Enemies and The Big Rich
"A fascinating, heart-stopping account of how to take on Putin--and win. It's exciting to read about Browder's roller-coaster ride to wealth in Russia, and to learn how his compassion for Sergei Magnitsky, his murdered lawyer, inspired his memorable struggle against the venal apparatchiks of a corrupt state. This is the gripping--and absolutely true--story behind the Magnitsky Law, a signal advance in human rights." -- Geoffrey Robertson, human rights lawyer and author of Crimes Against Humanity: The Struggle For Global Justice
"This indispensable look at the brutal realities of the Putin regime is of even greater relevance thanks to Bill Browder’s unique expertise and personal experience inside the belly of the beast.” -- Garry Kasparov, Chess Grandmaster and author of How Life Imitates Chess
"Bill Browder has become one of the most sincerely hated men in the Kremlin over the years--and that is something to be incredibly proud of. . . . This book shows the difference that one person can make when they refuse to back down, as told by a fellow soldier in the battle to hold Putin to account." -- Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alekhina, members of Pussy Riot
"Browder’s narrative lays out in vivid detail the often murky mechanisms of Russia’s kleptocratic economy, culminating in an engrossing account of what would surely be the heist of the century were it not so representative of business as usual. It’s also a chilling, sinister portrait of a society in which the rule of law has been destroyed by those sworn to enforce it. The result is an alternately harrowing and inspiring saga of appalling crime and undeserved punishment in the Wild East." ― Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An almost unbelievable tale . . . well-paced, heartfelt . . . It may be that ‘Russian stories never have happy endings,’ but Browder's account more than compensates by ferociously unmasking Putin's thugocracy.” ― Kirkus Reviews
"[Browder's] freewheeling, snappy book describes the meteoric rise, and disastrous fall, of a buccaneer capitalist who crossed the wrong people and paid a steep price. . . The high stakes make for a zesty tale." ― New York Times
“[A] riveting account of Browder’s journey through the early years of Russian capitalism….Begins as a bildungsroman and ends as Greek tragedy…. ‘Russian stories never have happy endings,’ Magnitsky tells Browder, in the book’s most memorable line. Perhaps not, but they do have inspiring ones.” ― The Washington Post
“A swashbuckling story that’s been justly compared with Michael Lewis’s Liar’s Poker.” ― Vulture.com
“In his new book, Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice, Bill Browder writes the way he talks—which is always a good strategy. His autobiography is bracing, direct and honest, with only a little less swearing than you encounter in person. It is both a political thriller and an argument for morality in foreign policy that he could never have expected to make when he began his roaring career in finance.” ― The Daily Beast
“Bill Browder, the unexpected hero and author of this suspenseful memoir, is no ordinary investment banker. . . . It is fascinating to follow him as he navigates the kleptocratic Russian economy. . . Most of the story is about finance, revolving around things like valuation anomalies and share dilutions, and all of it comes surprisingly alive." ― Boston Globe
"I don’t know anything about investment banking except what Browder has taught me in Red Notice, yet as a reader I was fully engaged by the book’s monumental presentation of the risks, rewards, and personal and financial dangers of doing business in Russia....An unusually affecting book...What Browder says he intends to do now is to 'carry on creating a legacy for Sergei [Magnitsky] and pursuing justice for his family.' A book as resounding as Red Notice may be a step in that direction." ― Christian Science Monitor
“An impassioned personal broadside against the Kremlin.” ― Financial Times
“A jaw-dropping account.” ― The Bookseller (UK)
“A sizzling account of Mr. Browder’s rise, fall and metamorphosis from bombastic financier to renowned human-rights activist." ― The Economist (UK)
"Rattling through the high-finance world of New York and London, and then on to the seedier side of life in Moscow, Red Notice sometimes stretches credulity. But just as Browder really is a hedge fund manager turned human rights activist, so this story of courage combined with a dash of obsessiveness is about the real here and now. . . . He reminds us that heroism sometimes lies in unlikely places. Browder deserves our respect." ― The Independent (UK)
“An unrelenting parable of how Russia’s rulers cheat and harm their citizens…a very Russian tale, as well as an important one.” ― The Spectator (UK)
“A fascinating exposé.” ― The Guardian (UK)
"A tale that makes the dirty dealings of House of Cards look like Snow White." ― The Toronto Star
“The financial thriller book category just met its match.” ― Pensions and Investments
“Riveting…Browder’s story of investing bravado turns into a thriller as compelling as any John le Carré spy novel.” ― Institutional Investor
“A scathing indictment of Putin’s brutal kleptocracy.” ― Value Walk
“A gripping read…fascinating.” ― Management Times (UK)
“Browder's book is, to my knowledge, the first unveiling of the intrinsically mafia-like nature of Putinism in all its breathtaking scope and horror.” ― The Huffington Post
“Red Notice is a dramatic, moving and thriller-like account of how Magnitsky’s death transformed Browder from hedge-fund manager to global human rights crusader.” ― The Guardian (US edition)
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster; First Edition (February 3, 2015)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 147675571X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1476755717
- Item Weight : 1.42 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #99,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #34 in Historical Russia Biographies
- #167 in Russian History (Books)
- #600 in Political Leader Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author

Bill Browder, founder and CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, was the largest foreign investor in Russia until 2005. Since 2009, when his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, was murdered in prison after uncovering a $230 million fraud committed by Russian government officials, Browder has been leading a campaign to expose Russia’s endemic corruption and human rights abuses. Before founding Hermitage, Browder was vice president at Salomon Brothers. He holds a BA in economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Stanford Business School.
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Customers find the story compelling, fantastic, and worthwhile. They describe the book as well-written, readable, and easy to read. Readers also find the story riveting, terrifying, and dramatic. They say the book is enlightening, clarifies conversations and observations, and takes them through a myriad of emotions. They mention the fast pace makes it very compelling and timely. Customers also mention the experiences seem authentic.
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Customers find the story compelling, convincing, and fantastic. They say it's a worthwhile read with all the gripping enthrallment of a John Le Carré novel. Readers also mention the book is well-written in short sentence format.
"...The story is naturally compelling with many twists and turns...." Read more
"...In a way, it’s almost like a well-written spy novel, though the story is real. If it’s such a good book, why didn’t I give it five stars?..." Read more
"Nothing is more captivating than a true story. I can't wait to read the next book! Particularly intriguing in the face of Putin's attacks on Ukraine." Read more
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Customers find the book well-written, engaging, and enlightening. They say it makes the text come alive and is an easy read. Readers also mention the book is clear, matter-of-fact, and thrilling.
"Beautifully written book about an incredibly tragic story. Having the courage to go on despite all these obstacles is truly inspiring...." Read more
"This book was very clear and matter of fact, even when dealing with very dramatic and emotionally charged events...." Read more
"...Browder’s compelling story and writing style make this book easy to rapidly get through...." Read more
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Customers find the story riveting, terrifying, and gripping. They say it's based on true facts and the plot continues to unfold in real life. Readers also mention the book is bewildering, shocking, and unbelievable.
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"...need to inflate his ego while telling what otherwise is a troubling and important story...." Read more
"Gripping story. Didn't take long to finish this book...." Read more
"I love love Love this book, I couldn't put it down. What a great thriller and a true story." Read more
Customers find the book enlightening, making them think. They say it clarifies conversations and observations they had with their former Russian manager. Readers also mention the book takes them through a myriad of emotions and provides a solid perspective on Russian politics. They also appreciate the passion, heart, courage, and deft explanation of difficult subject matter.
"...This true story is very interesting .It is very personal but serves as a warning to everyone anywhere that life can get very bad indeed ...." Read more
"...in learning about the Russian mindset, good and bad, this is a great way. Relevant now more than ever. Thank you" Read more
"...This is by far one of the most deeply touching and heartfelt stories I have ever read in one man's search justice." Read more
"Loved it. Very intense. You can’t put it down. You need to see what’s next all the time" Read more
Customers find the pacing of the book compelling. They say it moves along the timeline at a good pace.
"...I recommend it in spite of its shortcomings. It is moving and timely." Read more
"...It is extremely timely as it provides the backdrop for the meeting that Donald Trump, Jr. held with a Russian lawyer who wanted to discuss lifting..." Read more
"...I’m glad I read this book.The book is also timely as we in America (and the world) are still dealing with the machinations of the..." Read more
"...A very fast read. Scary how authoritarian regimes can get away with telling such lies and treating people so horribly, with no repercussions." Read more
Customers find the book based on true facts and experiences. They say it demonstrates the power of determination and truth in a stunningly evil world. Readers also mention the book is honest, believable, and intriguing.
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"...Always fact based. His facts, supported by third parties evidence. True facts. Let's assume. Moscow and Russia are another world. Clearly...." Read more
Customers find the book an important work of non-fiction. They describe it as a compelling true-life spy story. Readers also mention the book provides positive and negative political and ethical commentary on the USA, England, and Russia. They say it's a fascinating read on global finance and corruption.
"Fascinating read on global finance and corruption...." Read more
"...The slow turn into a story of human rights is compelling, revealing of the realities if national and international politicians, and ultimately how..." Read more
"...Treachery pays well, as long as you remain bought and paid for.We need to open our eyes and Listen to Bill Browder" Read more
"...Their frauds are more sophisticated than one might think with a surprising amount of documentation...." Read more
Customers find the book compelling, riveting, and amazing. They say it keeps them on the edge and is meticulously documented. Readers also mention it's an eye-opener to the world we live in.
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"...Yes, you will be unable to put the book down. It's a more compelling page-turner than your favorite cloak 'n dagger spy or detective thriller...." Read more
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If it’s such a good book, why didn’t I give it five stars? Well, let me tell you.
I got really turned off by Browder’s need to inflate his ego while telling what otherwise is a troubling and important story. It’s already a compelling read; he did not need to embellish it by emphasizing for us lesser-than readers his elite status as a high roller.
For example—and this is one of the least egregious examples of this attitude—Browder discusses the events leading up to the dissolution of his marriage. He tells the reader that his first wife, Sabrina, had scheduled a family vacation in Greece and that, after months of what had been a distant relationship between the two, literally and figuratively, they were having a surprisingly wonderful time together. At the end of the vacation, he tells us, she sprung the surprising news on him that she didn’t want to be married to him any longer. He goes on to say that, as he’s seeing Sabrina and their son off at the airport, he realized the following:
"As I watched them leave, the feeling of loss that I was so familiar with overcame me. Once again, I had that visceral and empty feeling in my stomach, but this time it was was worse. Losing love was a lot harder than losing money."
All right, first, what did this have to do with the corruption and theft going on in Russia? Second, with an attitude like that, I’m not surprised she left him. I can only hope that he has enough life insurance on his second wife to where he’s indifferent to whether she ever comes home or not.
Later on, in a passage about Vadim, his trusted aid, having just provided him information from a source in Moscow, he explains having a dilemma. Oh my, what could it be? Is it a devastating decision he has to make, like in _Sophie’s Choice_. No. He is told that the corrupt Russian authorities were trumping up charges against him and he is now pulled between remaining with Vadim for a few more hours in order to ascertain more information about what seems like a dire and dangerous situation, or attending a prior commitment. Well, I’ll let him tell you his predicament:
"I had a hundred questions I wanted to ask, but it was 7:30 p.m. and, annoyingly, Elena and I were obligated to be at dinner in half an hour that had been planned for months. An old friend from Salomon Brothers and his fiancée had made a big deal securing an impossible-to-get reservation at a new London restaurant called L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and I couldn’t cancel on such short notice."
“Annoyingly”?!? “I couldn’t cancel on such short notice"?!? As if 9 million people in London would not have gladly stepped up to the plate to save ol’ Bill Browder from having to partake in such frivolities during such a trying time in order for him to save himself from imprisonment in Russia. Didn't the couple he was to dine with at such a high-status restaurant have other friends they could called on to step in at the last minute? I will go on a limb and say that, not just the average reader, but all readers of this book can only hope to one day enjoy the "annoyance" faced by Bill Browder.
All right, it’s passages like this that make me question the accuracy of the story he’s telling. I do believe him, but I wouldn’t have had any questions at all had he stuck to the story and not wasted the ink inflating his ego. How does the reader know he's not inflating his story? His need to regularly assure the reader that he does not rub elbows with anyone but the top one-percent of the one-percent serves no purpose toward explaining his otherwise interesting story.
There are other examples, such as “cringing” while watching a security specialist cut a tiny slit into the lapel of his cashmere blazer in order to install a microphone needed to surreptitiously record a meeting with someone he feared was trying to undermine him. “Oh no, Lovey, not the cashmere blazer.” (In my worst Thurston Howell, III voice.) But I’ll end my criticisms here.
The book is good overall, and I do recommend reading it. I just hope that Browder realizes for his subsequent books that his story is compelling enough and he doesn’t need to impress anyone with his high-income status. Yes, Bill, we know you are an elite. You’re rich beyond almost anyone’s wild imagination, but that’s not why anyone wants to read this book.
If anyone is interested in learning about the Russian mindset, good and bad, this is a great way. Relevant now more than ever. Thank you
Top reviews from other countries
No doubt a crime of this extension must have been committed with the knowledge of if not ordered by the Russian state's Supreme Leader. Russia looks spiralling into an area of complete political and social darkness. Anyone feels reminded of The Gulag Archipelago?
Merci Bill Browder









