Books Like...

American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton is a true crime narrative that delves into the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road, an online marketplace for illegal goods. The book portrays Ulbricht's journey from establishing the lucrative criminal enterprise on the dark web to his eventual downfall due to a series of mistakes that led the federal government to track him down. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, gripping, and reads like a thriller, with insights into the psychology of the characters involved in the saga.

'Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin's Wrath' by Bill Browder is a gripping and eye-opening account of the author's experiences with Russian money laundering and the ruthless tactics employed by Vladimir Putin and his regime to protect their criminal enterprise. Through detailed storytelling and real-life events, Browder takes readers on a journey of corruption, bravery, and justice, shedding light on the dark side of politics and power struggles in Russia. The writing style is described as compelling, well-written, and engaging, making it difficult for readers to put the book down as they uncover the depths of corruption and the resilience of those fighting for truth and transparency.

'The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron' by Bethany McLean is a detailed account of the rise and fall of the Enron corporation. It delves into the collapse of Enron, exploring key themes such as the tech bubble and the corporate crimes that led to the company's downfall. The writing style of the book is described as outstanding, methodically researched, and providing a blow-by-blow account of Enron's glory days and eventual collapse. Readers found the book to be well-researched, well-written, and informative about the Enron scandal.

"Billion Dollar Whale" delves into the intricate details of the 1MDB scandal, exposing how billions of dollars were brazenly stolen from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund with the involvement of top international financial institutions. The narrative unfolds a story of greed, corruption, and the audacity of individuals like Jho Low in orchestrating one of the greatest financial scandals in history, all while showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous intertwined in the scandal.

The writing style of the book is described as detailed, absorbing, and immensely entertaining, presenting a fast-paced narrative that reads like a thrilling novel. Through meticulous research, the authors shed light on how raw greed transcends boundaries of race, religion, and geography, providing a comprehensive and convincing account of the scandal that captivates readers with its shocking revelations.

"Flash Boys" by Michael Lewis delves into the world of high frequency trading on Wall Street, shedding light on the exploitative practices of HFT firms and the creation of IEX to combat these issues. Through detailed explanations, the author reveals the complexities of algorithmic trading, dark pools, and the impact of well-intentioned regulations post the 2008 financial crisis on the stock market.

'Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup' by John Carreyrou is a gripping narrative that exposes the shocking levels of deceit behind the scenes at Theranos, a health startup. Through first-hand accounts, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride, uncovering how a woman scammed numerous individuals by pushing forward a product that simply wasn't working. details the rise of Theranos in Silicon Valley and its eventual downfall when the FDA conducted a surprise inspection, revealing the company's fraudulent practices.

Carreyrou's writing style reads like a thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the intricate web of lies, manipulation, and unethical practices within Theranos. The narrative provides a fascinating insight into the Silicon Valley culture, showcasing how individuals were misled by charismatic leaders and the allure of groundbreaking technology, ultimately leading to a colossal failure.

The Big Short by Michael Lewis delves into the intricate world of finance leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. Through compelling storytelling and rich character development, Lewis uncovers the individuals who foresaw the collapse of the subprime mortgage market and bet against the system. The book offers a detailed account of the events that unfolded, shedding light on the complexities of financial instruments like credit default swaps and collateralized debt obligations, all while maintaining a gripping narrative akin to a detective novel.

Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart is a detailed account of the major insider trading scandal on Wall Street in the 1980s involving prominent figures like Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, and others. The book delves into the intricate web of financial crimes, securities violations, and criminal activities that led to the downfall of well-known companies and individuals, shedding light on the avarice and arrogance that characterized the era of high-flying Wall Street players. Stewart's writing style is described as thorough, detailed, and narrative-driven, providing a close examination of the complex world of bond trading and corporate finance during that tumultuous period.

'The Wizard of Lies' by Diana B. Henriques delves into the fascinating account of Bernie Madoff's life and crimes, portraying him as a pioneer in electronic trading who ended up orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Henriques meticulously explores Madoff's personal history, the world of securities, and the individuals impacted by his fraudulent activities. She sheds light on Madoff's family, particularly his wife and sons, and questions whether they were aware of his deceitful actions. The narrative unfolds with detailed descriptions of how Madoff falsified records, evaded SEC scrutiny, and ultimately faced the consequences of his financial deception during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Henriques' writing style captivates readers with its engaging and detailed storytelling, making the intricate tale of Madoff's rise and fall accessible and thought-provoking. not only provides insight into Madoff's intricate scheme but also highlights the incompetence of regulatory bodies like the SEC and the struggles of those who attempted to expose the fraud. By offering a comprehensive exploration of Madoff's life, his fraudulent activities, and the aftermath of his crimes, Henriques crafts a narrative that reads like a compelling detective story, unraveling the complexities of trust, deception, and financial greed.

'Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty' by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the unflinching examination of the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis in the United States. It uncovers the harsh reality of a family without compassion, the devastating impact of their pharmaceutical empire, and the systemic failure to hold them accountable. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that reads like a thriller, providing an eye-opening and informative account of the greed, corruption, and lack of empathy that fueled the opioid epidemic.