Books matching: financial intrigue

27 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 27 
  1. #1

    New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
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    In 'New York 2140' by Kim Stanley Robinson, the story unfolds in a future where New York City is submerged due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The narrative follows a diverse array of characters navigating this new reality, showcasing their different responses to the crisis and exploring generational differences. The book focuses heavily on world-building, painting a realistic picture of a flooded New York City, while also delving into themes of survival, capitalism, and the impact of climate change on society. Despite some critiques of contrived character interactions and heavy-handed political messages, the novel is praised for its well-written narration and the multi-actor audio version.

    “Yes, and lots of businesses do go bankrupt. But the ones that don’t haven’t actually sold their thing for more than it cost to make. They’ve just ignored some of their costs. They’re under huge press...

  2. #2

    A Beautiful Blue Death - Charles Lenox Mysteries by Charles Finch
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    'A Beautiful Blue Death' by Charles Finch is a Victorian mystery novel featuring amateur detective Charles Lenox. Lenox is a gentleman who assists in solving crimes, particularly the suspicious death of a former maid brought to his attention by his friend Lady Jane Grey. The book is set in London in the mid-1800s and follows Lenox's investigation, which involves unraveling a complex murder case involving an expensive and unusual poison. The plot unfolds at a leisurely pace, rich in period descriptions and character development, reminiscent of classic British mystery novels.

    The fateful note came just as Lenox was settling into his armchair after a long, tiresome day in the city. He read it slowly, handed it back to Graham, and told him to throw it away. Its contents gave...

  3. #3

    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Millennium by Stieg Larsson
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    'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an engrossing mystery thriller set in Sweden, following the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the young genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns, uncovering vile family secrets and introducing a cast of strong, believable characters. The plot builds over time, making for an excellent and well-written read with fascinating characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers guessing.

    The narrative delves into themes of financial intrigue, murder, and love, balancing multiple genres skillfully. Despite some graphic scenes of violence and rape, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its complicated plot and well-drawn characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. Larsson's writing style, though at times clunky due to translation, effectively captures the essence of the mystery, making it a compelling and suspenseful read for those who enjoy intricate thrillers.

    The trial was irretrievably over; everything that could be said had been said, but he had never doubted that he would lose. The written verdict was handed down at 10:00 on Friday morning, and all that...

  4. #4

    A Conspiracy of Paper - Benjamin Weaver by David Liss
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    A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss is an intricate historical mystery set in 18th century London, revolving around the early days of stock trading and the emergence of the South Sea Bubble. The protagonist, Benjamin Weaver, a Jewish ex-boxer turned private detective, gets entangled in a complex plot involving forged stock certificates. The book expertly weaves together historical details, financial intrigue, and social commentary on the treatment of Jews in England during that era, providing a rich and captivating narrative that keeps readers guessing until the end.

    The writing style of David Liss in A Conspiracy of Paper is praised for its attention to detail, historical accuracy, and ability to transport readers to the bustling and dangerous streets of London in 1719. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, is complemented by well-developed characters, particularly the enigmatic Benjamin Weaver, who navigates through a world of ruffians, double dealers, and stock jobbers with intelligence and determination.

    FOR SOME YEARS NOW, the gentlemen of the book trade have pressed me in the most urgent fashion to commit my memoirs to paper; for, these men have argued, there are many who would gladly pay a few shil...

  5. #5
    Neptune's Brood
    Book 2 in the series:Freyaverse

    Neptune's Brood - Freyaverse by Charles Stross
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    In "Neptune's Brood" by Charles Stross, readers are taken on a journey through a world of more human than human computerized people, exploring the impact of interstellar movement on time, family, and business. The story delves into a complex narrative of intrigue, loyalties, and betrayal, all set in a universe where posthumanity has colonized many worlds at sublight speeds, financing their expansion through a unique blockchain lending and debt system. The protagonist, Krina Alizond, a clone daughter of a prominent financier, embarks on a quest to uncover a dangerous secret, facing financial scams, religious zealots, pirates, and law enforcement along the way.

    Stross skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, addressing themes of financial fraud, interstellar space travel, body modification, and deep-sea diving. The narrative is punctuated with moments of wry humor and unexpected twists, creating a captivating space opera that challenges readers to contemplate the complexities of running a currency across vast distances when limited to slower-than-light travel.

    “I can get you a cheaper ticket if you let me amputate your legs: I can even take your thighs as a deposit,” said the travel agent. He was clearly trying hard to be helpful: “It’s not as if you’ll nee...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Freyaverse )

  6. #6

    The Coffee Trader by David Liss
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    The Coffee Trader by David Liss is a historical novel set in 17th-century Amsterdam, revolving around the world of coffee trading and the Dutch Commodities Exchange. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jew in debt, who teams up with a Dutchwoman named Geertruid to devise a risky scheme involving coffee trading. The narrative delves into themes of deceit, manipulation, financial intrigue, and complex relationships, all set against the backdrop of a bustling Amsterdam mercantile scene.

    Liss employs a dual protagonist narrative style, providing insights into the characters' motivations and struggles. The book offers a rich historical backdrop, detailing the cultural and religious dynamics of Jewish society in Amsterdam during the 1600s. Through intricate plot twists and detailed descriptions, the novel explores themes of ambition, treachery, and the pursuit of wealth amidst a backdrop of historical events and financial schemes.

    It rippled thickly in the bowl, dark and hot and uninviting. Miguel Lienzo picked it up and pulled it so close he almost dipped his nose into the tarry liquid. Holding the vessel still for an instant,...

  7. #7

    The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss
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    The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss is a historical thriller set in post-Revolutionary America, focusing on the power struggle between the Jeffersonians and Federalists, particularly revolving around the establishment of the US Bank and the Whiskey Rebellion. The novel weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories that eventually converge, featuring complex characters, intricate financial chicanery, and rich historical detail that brings the era to life with passion and wit.

    It was rainy and cold outside, miserable weather, and though I had not left my boardinghouse determined to die, things were now different. After consuming far more than my share of that frontier delic...

  8. #8

    Stone's Fall by Iain Pears
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    Stone's Fall by Iain Pears is a historical mystery novel divided into three sections, each revealing a different part of the mystery. The story is told in a backwards fashion, starting in 1909 London and then jumping to 1890 Paris and 1867 Venice. The book delves into the world of finance, industry, espionage, and relationships, with intricate plotlines and complex characters. The narrative structure keeps the reader constantly reevaluating their understanding of the story with each revelation.

    The novel is a compelling mix of historical setting, intricate plot, and well-developed characters. It offers a detailed exploration of the development of Victorian industry, espionage techniques, and international banking mechanisms. Despite the lengthy tome, the story races along at a cracking pace, keeping the reader engaged and surprised by the shocking conclusion. The book is a challenging read but ultimately rewarding, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

    I presented myself the next day at the address in St. James’s Square—an impressive town house of the sort occupied by the wealthy merchant and financial classes, although these were gradually moving o...

  9. #9

    Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer
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    In "Sons of Fortune" by Jeffrey Archer, the story revolves around two twin brothers who are separated at birth and grow up in different circumstances, one in privilege and the other in a middle-class setting. Both brothers lead successful lives, one as a war hero and bank executive, and the other as a lawyer and politician. The plot follows their individual journeys and eventual reunion, providing a broad picture of life in mid to late twentieth-century America. The narrative switches between the two brothers, showcasing their similar choices and different outcomes, leading to a dramatic climax where their lives intersect as they both run for governor of Connecticut.

    The writing style in "Sons of Fortune" is described as well-crafted, with a tremendous flow and easy readability. The author, Jeffrey Archer, intricately weaves a tale of political, financial, and relational intrigue set against the backdrop of America in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. The story is filled with character development, multiple storylines, and insightful commentary on the American political system, making it a compelling read for those interested in family sagas and political dramas.

    Susan plonked the ice cream firmly on Michael Cartwright’s head. It was the first occasion the two of them had met, or that was what Michael’s best man claimed when Susan and Michael were married twen...

  10. 'Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69' by author Stephen E. Ambrose is a fascinating history that delves into the planning and construction of the transcontinental railroad. The narrative focuses on the race to lay tracks from both termini of the railroad, culminating in the joining at Promontory, Utah. Ambrose weaves together elements of politics, finance, fraud, and intrigue, providing a detailed account of this monumental undertaking. is described as an engaging read that offers insight into the challenges faced by those involved in building the railroad, while also highlighting the significant impact it had on American society during the 19th century.

    AUGUST 13, 1859, was a hot day in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The settlement was on the western boundary of the state, just across the Missouri River from the Nebraska village of Omaha. A politician from th...

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