Riding The Brand

Rating:
Summary: Dot.com Kills
Review: I found this book enormously entertaining and interesting. It gives an insider's glimpse into the mania which was the Dot.com bubble and its bursting--and the life and death consequences.
A novel new context for a terrific mystery plot.

Rating:
Summary: A Fun Read...Propelled to the Climax
Review: I wondered, can a detective novel that delves into the similarities between venture capital firms and organized crime be a fun read? Well, I discovered that it could if that book is "Riding the Brand" by first-time novelist Bruce Makous. Snappy dialogue, somewhat likeable bad guys, and flawed heroes reminded me of Elmore Leonard's style, but Makous is true to himself. Makous has developed a unique work of fiction that reflects the corporate headlines of the past few years. The story engaged me from the start, and really took-off like a bullet out of a semi-automatic once I got to the halfway point. As I was propelled to the climax, I just had to keep reading to the end. As a result, I didn't get to bed that night until very late, but it was well worth it. If you want to settle in with an entertaining thriller while also taking a look at the controversial side of the business world, this is the book for you.

Rating:
Summary: Fast, Sexy, Noir-ish Thriller with Snappy Banter
Review: Riding the Brand was a fun read as a sexy, noir-ish detective thriller. I liked the fresh premise: what if some wiseguys ran their venture capital firm using loan shark thuggery, preying on cash-hungry tech company start-ups. I think this is a good offering from new author Bruce Makous. I really like it's similarity to 1930s detective films and pulp fiction novels, with the snappy banter and stylish characters. I'll give a bunch of these out for holiday gifts -- especially friends in Philadelphia and New York, where the story is set. (But my parents will have to find it on their own, as the sex scenes are too hot for this kid to give her folks!)


Rating:
Summary: Riding the Brand - a hi tech , murder mystery.
Review: this topical, thriller has it all murder, sex, intrigue, new technology, and
old world crime types, trying to have it all . major difference between this new author's style is his ability to seamlessly switch from direct quotation style to very descriptive verbage, that allows the reader to to alternatly "listen" and "see" the action ,as this story weaves it's way thru the lives of the assorted collection of characters, all of whom are flawed in differing ways. written on a level to appeal to the reader ,who expects to be challenged at a slightly above average comprehension level. Not your normal Grisham or Patterson mass readership tripe. Got everything to have a look by the cinema boys.