Editor’s Note: Upon reviewing each book, I will be rating them in my personal opinion from 1 to 5 stars. While I am not a professional critic who’s final word makes or break the book, I do value the quality of writing regardless of whether I enjoy the book or not.

Working for a private investment bank has its perks, or so Charlie thought as opened up the letter of recommendation from his boss for his B-school application which he was not supposed to do. Having grown up with only his mother and his brother, Charlie took every advantage he could to secure a respectable job which opened up doors for his career, or so he hoped.

Meltzer does a good job introducing us to Charlie and his little brother, Oliver who also happens to work at the bank, thanks to Charlie’s referral. At first glance, it appears to be a routine life, Charlie, a straight-arrow who is taking care of his mother’s bills and Oliver, who is bouncing around in life trying to become a rock star while holding a day-time gig.

Living in the big city, burdened by medical debt, a father who left them when the brothers were kids, the pair were going through the motions when Charlie gets the letter of recommendation for his business school application. The one he is not supposed to open.

Shocked by what he discovers, Charlie begins to realize that he would never get ahead in the plans he has laid out this way. After discussing this with Oliver, they both realize an opportunity falls into their lap. By law in the state of New York, once a bank account held by a deceased has not been claimed, the banks are required to turn it over to the state.

That’s when the problems began.

I have to say that Meltzer certainly did a good job introducing us to the players and keeping us in the dark until the very end. With an exciting combination of the Secret Service, a private investigator, and the usual suspects, the brothers find themselves on the run to clear their name and find out who was behind the source of their problems.

While it is certainly a fast read, it was a little difficult keeping track of the usual suspects. Meltzer tied them all together in the end but with a disappointing finish.

My Recommendation

Try to buy a used copy if you can’t borrow it from the library in time for your long flight. It is certainly a fast-paced, exciting read leaving you guessing who is in cahoots with who.

If you would like me to review a book, please leave a comment or if you have a copy of the book, contact me for further details. Each image is linked to Amazon where you can purchase the book. A percentage of the proceeds from each purchase will be donated to primate conservation efforts worldwide.

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