Money

Lust, Money & Murder #2

by Mike Wells

This is Book 2 of the series


Elaine falls head over heels for Nick, but discovers he’s not exactly what he appears. Elaine is called back to Washington to lead a top secret program to develop counterfeit-proof banknotes, but soon finds herself in Russia, running from the Mafia, and eventually in the hands of Giorgio Cattoretti, a master knock-off clothing manufacturer who has now become the world’s #1 currency counterfeiter.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Novella, Crime

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2011

About the author

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal
Elaine Brogan continues in this story as she leaves Nick LaGrange in Bulgaria and becomes completely dedicated to working for Gene Lassiter in the US Treasury Department back in the US. She works exhaustively in identifying microscopic errors in high-quality counterfeit money. It is almost perfection, probably because they're using a stolen KBA Gioro Intaglio printing press to print the cash, down to the weave mix, the fibre colours, the ink and the placements of pixels in the images. This is a major major counterfeiting operation.

In the trilogy, Lust, Money & Murder, this is the Money book which makes sense considering it is dominated by Elaine testing counterfeit money and developing software to detect the forgeries. With this software, the US Treasury will update all their systems in the field and make detection much easier. This puts Elaine in a dangerous situation where there are those that wish to stop it, and what course of action will they take. Imagine the power that would come if you had the ability to just print your own money. Well, that’s what they can do and everyone has a price, so treachery, double-crossing and murder are all likely bedfellows. Mike Wells, spins a web of deceit where you’re never quite sure what side anyone is on and just when you think you’ve cracked it, it’s all change and where it falls out, is only in the mind of Mike.

Elaine’s character is starting to grow on me a lot more although I would love to learn more about the person and what she thinks especially around the conflict of lawful and unlawful activities. Remember her father was a thief. Elaine’s life is put in danger and she just about escapes one attempt when into the mix steps Giorgio Cattoretti. He is a man who lives in a castle in Italy, where money seems limitless and he hasn’t managed to scale those heights of power without colluding with governments, criminals and the Russian mafia. I’m brought back to the prologue in the first book and just wondering Hmmm.

This is a literal continuation from the first book and brings me back to a point I made previously that it really should be one book. In itself, there isn’t enough content to consider this a book in its own right. That aside this is a highly recommended read.

I would like to thank Mike Wells for providing me with a copy of Lust, Money, and Murder in return for an honest review.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accompanied by her former trainer from the Secret Service Academy, Gene Lassiter, Elaine is going to the Treasury Department in Washington, where she will be given the painstaking task of identifying the imperfections in the fake US dollar banknotes sent to the Treasury, in order to create an updated verification software that will detect the counterfeit money. Afterwards, the information will be sent worldwide, in order to catch the criminal and to detect the KBA Giori intaglio printing press they used to counterfeit money. They were looking for a particular criminal who produced fake money, of which hundreds of US dollars have passed undetected by the verifier from San Remo casino. Another interesting fact is that the Italian hooker, who exchanged the counterfeit money, went missing. But this disappearance will probably be solved in another book of this series.

Due to his health problems (or so it seems), Lassiter cannot travel to Moscow to implement the verification software there, so Elaine unwillingly volunteers to go in his place. Hm, will it be that easy to accomplish her mission? What dangers will she encounter in the Russian capital and beyond and who wants to harm her? Is there anyone she can truly trust? Things will get pretty tangled for the secret agent and the brilliant way Mr. Wells built the plot makes the reader scratch one’s head wondering if the truth will ever surface from all the lies and if Elaine will be able to stay true to her principles.

I have to tell you that this book is amazing. It holds many unexpected twists that make you say, at least a couple of times “Huh?” while reading it and the Muscovite adventures make your adrenaline level rise. I personally thought that I was mentally watching an action film, but it's better than any blockbuster. Maybe the author should consider turning this series into films. It really has the potential for it. If I couldn't fully commit to the first book, this one was really addictive and I cannot wait to read the third book of Mr Wells' series.

http://elitere.ro/lust-money-and-murd...

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got book one when it was on offer for free, and kept thinking should i read it? is it for me?
So glad i did. After reading book one i had to buy book 2.
And i enjoyed it just as much, if not more.
Drawn in right from the beginning with a real need to know what is happening next.
I really took to Elaine, she seems to be one determined girl, and really seems to grow through the books, she's faced with a lot of challenges, does she manage to survive through all that is thrown at her, you will have to read the book to find that out.

This is the first series of books i've started to read by this author, but I will now be looking out for more of his books.

Product Description.
Elaine falls head over heels for Nick, but discovers he's not exactly what he appears. Elaine is called back to Washington to lead a top secret program to develop counterfeit-proof banknotes, but soon finds herself in Russia, running from the Mafia, and eventually in the hands of Giorgio Cattoretti, a master knock-off clothing manufacturer who has now become the world's #1 currency counterfeiter.

[Crystal Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has taken an interesting turn.

[Michele Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Money is was an excellent follow up to Lust. I don't want to...I need to read the third book to see what happens to Elaine. This is a Great Read!

[Barbara Senteney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my attention from the first page to the last, in fact it's so good I couldn't stop I am 2 or 3 chapters into the next book.
I found this story to be original and highly imaginative. The tension and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. The character Lasiter at one point refers to his young sexy girlfriend Gypsy as human crack, that made me smile from ear to ear.
The story of Elaine who becomes a member of the Treasury to detect counterfeit bills, but is set up to take the fall for a theft of classified information. Elaine proves herself a worthy opponent. Running for her life, in a horrific road chase, she runs into what could either be the chance of a lifetime, or the end of life itself.

I received this book in exchange for a fair but honest review. All opinions are solely my own, and have no ill intent towards the author, publisher, or promoters of this book.

[Rosibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow and the story continues and is so hard to stay away from the book, the story is good but is difficult to understand why Elaine is the way she is so naive, isn't she supposed to have been trained by secret service?... Ok the girl falls in love and there things that do not match but this are things that gives flavor to the plot and left me eating my nails but once again... Why is the girl so naive? that's what I wonder, but if had been different, the story would had been short and different, so thank you Elaine for being naive.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery listening 🎧
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me. I find listening like watch a movie.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery of money, lies, mafia and a smart and beautiful secret agent in book two in the series. The characters are interesting and well developed. The story line is fast moving as the chase for money continues. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a fast entertaining read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021 🕵️‍♀️✨🎉

[Kelly Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you know another cliffhanger. I knew it in the first book Elaine shouldn't have trusted Gene Lassiter. He set her up, she was going to have to go on the run. Instead she wound up being kidnapped.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cat was looking good.
His intercom buzzed.
“Si?” Cattoretti said.
“Signore, Luigi is about to arrive with woman from the US Treasury.”
“Bene,” Cattoretti said. “Have her brought directly to my office.”
He was looking forward to meeting Elaine Brogan.

[Mary Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I am really enjoying these books The story line is great to read.I am on book 3 now an I am really enjoying them

[Rosalynn Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still enjoying and on to book 3

[Bobbie Kaald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book of intrigue. Fast moving with young female learn hard lessons of lies and deception. Who can she trust?

Bobbie Kaald

[Subiksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

original review @http://www.covertocover.info/

5 stars

LMM is pretty much a straightforward book. The story focuses on Elaine Brogan. Each book describes each aspect of Elaine Brogan's life.

Money

The second book, after the betrayal, Elaine gets recruited by Gene Lassiter to work for the Treasury as she has the ability to identify the counterfeits just by look and feel of the bill and they want her expertise to find the imperfections in the fake dollar bill. This is my favorite book of three. The car chase part in this book was fantastic. Loved the way the author has described the scene. She is later kidnapped by the main villain, Giorgio Catoretti who wants her help to produce the perfect counterfeit bills. She is thrown into the world of luxury at the expense of committing a crime.

[Reviewsbypaige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had originally planned to only read the first few chapters of this novel and then begin doing housework for the day, but of course, once I began reading this novel, I couldn’t put it down until it was complete. Having already read a few of Mike Wells other works, I should have known that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down. I was a little unsure of how well the second book would hold up to the first, seeing as how it was so good, but again, I should have already known that Mike Wells would not disappoint his readers. I actually really like the fact that Lust, Money, Murder was done in three separate parts, making it feel more like a series. I’m definitely a sucker for a strong female lead, which is exactly what Mike Wells has given his readers with this collection. Throughout the entire novel I was constantly on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what other twists and turns might be thrown the readers’ way. Lust, Money, Murder is a very suspenseful, unique set of books that will most definitely leave the reader wanting more. I was quite pleased to see that there was a big more of a romantic aspect to this novel, than there was in book 1, I found it gave the reader a bit of an outlet for any stress they may be feeling because of all the mystery and suspense. I am very excited to begin book 3 in the near future to see what is in store for Elaine and Nick. I would definitely give Lust, Money, Murder book 2, five stars across the board!

[Sofia Quezada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing a Tale Interrupted, Book 2 of Money, Lust & Murder introduces Elaine to a world of betrayal and mistrust amongst those she has always believed she could trust, her employer, the US government. In Book 1, Elaine learns that the man she has fallen in love with, also a secret service agent as herself, in fact is a criminal and has been using her...OR HAS HE? Tan tan taaaaannn.....***Spoiler Alert**** Quickly Elaine learns the truth about her recruitment to the Treasury department and what follows will test Elaine's loyalty to a country she's not sure she's even welcome in. She fears for her life but her training and instinct is sharp and in tune. She begins to have a pseudo admiration for her captor, a little bit of a Stockholm Syndrome as she actually admires the villain, Giorgio Catoretti and questions her own ability or lack there of, to live a life of luxury and priviledge at the expense of committing the crime of counterfeiting, which she is trained to uphold and enforce. Her expertise seems to be what's keeping her alive but it's also what will get her killed if she doesn't do as she's expected. I really really really enjoyed this book and Mike Wells continues to entertain with his intrigue. If you enjoyed book 1, you must get book 2. The ending of this book is pretty cut and dry, unlike the 1st.....Or is it? On to book 3.....

[Jesse Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Wells is at again in book two of this fun-to-read, unique, highly suspenseful series. Mike is the king of twists and turns, as if you are on a suspense-thriller rollercoaster with a blindfold on. How does he do it? It may be that this talented author makes the book the boss, instead of some predictable outline. This makes his work fresh and grabs his readers because each new action is truly unforeseeable. I have read few authors who write suspense better. The action and suspense in book two goes up a few notches; you feel like your reading a great movie. But don't forget to look deeper. For example, there is an unabashedly beautiful positiveness and a peek into Mike's stoic idealism regarding human goodness in the scene between Elaine and the cabbie.

Building exquisite emotion and tension into every paragraph, this second book will keep you hanging on for dear life from the very start. Frankly, I'm afraid the next and final book will absolutely throw me off the tracks.

Kudos Mike Wells. Keep them coming!

Yours in literature,
J.G.C.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.

Money is the second book in the series Lust, Money & Murder. It picks up right where Lust leaves off.

Elaine Brogan’s story continues. Her talent of being able to spot a counterfeit is in demand and causes several twists and turns in her life. After all she’s been through, she’s still pretty naive and too trusting, but you have to admire her.

Money is nonstop action and suspense and it keeps your interest throughout. I also enjoy Mike Wells’ sense of humor. I listened to this book on an airplane and found myself laughing out loud a few times (and then looking around to see if anyone noticed I was laughing to myself).

I definitely recommend Money but I suggest reading Lust first to get the most out of it…on to Murder!

[Kristen Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Elaine falls head over heels for Nick, but discovers he’s not exactly what he appears. Elaine is called back to Washington to lead a top secret program to develop counterfeit-proof banknotes, but soon finds herself in Russia, running from the Mafia, and eventually in the hands of Giorgio Cattoretti, a master knock-off clothing manufacturer who has now become the world’s #1 currency counterfeiter.

Part 2 is just as fast pace and adventurous as part 1. The story has progressed and now Elaine has found herself tangled up with a master counterfeiter. I must say there were points in this part where I didn't know who was good or bad. And I LOVE that in a book.

I gave this part 4 stars (more like 4.5) only because I didn't like it quite as much as part 1 AND I'm kind of stingy with my 5 star ratings sometimes ;)

[Steve Downes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just keeps on giving.

I really enjoyed Lust, Money & Murder - Book 1 and couldn't wait for the next instalment.
I was not disappointed.

Mike Wells sets each scene out perfectly with fantastic descriptions that do not over power the reader, but allow you see the places and people clearly.
The story races along at pace yet you never feel left behind. You are right there in the moment.

Carrying on from where Book 1 left off, we get introduced to new interesting characters whilst gripping the arms of our chair as our heroine continues to get in deeper and deeper. As if she is somehow addicted to the adrenaline that the danger brings.

I will warn you, you'll get hooked too and that you will not want to stop reading.

Can't wait to read Book 3 in the series.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine Brogan flees Bulgaria in spite of her feelings for Nick. Now Elaine is working for Gene Lassiter her only is to make it easier to spot counterfeit bills through electronic devices. Elaine throws herself into her work to hide her feelings about Nick. The work is finally done now all that's left is to test it. Gene was scheduled to go but Elaine goes in his place. When will Elaine discover she's been betrayed and lied too? Who can Elaine really trust? Your answers await you in Money.

I'm really liking this series. I love good strong female characters like this. The story and characters were flawed, honest, real, raw, and compelling too. Definitely can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Melissa Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I thought I had a twisted imagination! I enjoyed this one even more than the first, a lot more action and plot twists galore. I read it all in one sitting and can't wait for the third. Briefly, Elaine Brogan works for the secret service in the treasury department trying to bust a major counterfeiting ring. She finds herself being betrayed and in danger of being killed. By far one of the best I have read in a long time.

[Rhonda Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be a quick review because I haven't actually finished this one and I can't wait much longer to get back to it. Honestly, it's all i can think about, wondering what Elaine is gonna do now. I rushed my little one through breakfast so I could hurry up and get back to this book. It is just simply awesome. There's not enough meaningful adjectives to describe this series of books and actually do it justice. And the prices, my gosh. Some are even FREE!!! You gotta read his stuff.

[Rose Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Book 1 and left wondering what's happens next, well onto Book 2, in Lust, Money & Murder. Elaine Brogan is packed off again on another adventure, not relising she is walking into danger once again, by the nasty Gene Lassitor, and has planted something in her suit case, she also winds up bumping into the Masterminded Counterfeiter Giorgio Cattoretti. There are many twists and turns, well l shall now go on to read book 3, well done Mike again.

[MJ LaBeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked again! As soon as I finished reading book 2- I had to download book 3. Another great cliff hanger ending and I had to know what would become of CIA Agent, Elaine Brogan.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy series that don't end until the final book. But, before downloading book 2 I'd highly suggest reading book 1 first. The books should be read in order as the story continues to build with each book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of Lust Money and Murder was even better than the first if that's possible. Every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next. The main character Elaine is becoming one of my heros. Mike Wells first two books for this trilogy are very well written. Now lets see how this action packed thriller ends with book three. Mike your brilliant.

[Sheri Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I consider this as a section in a novel, rather than as separate books. This one was great, just like reading Sydney Sheldon in his earlier work, but even better. It's been a long time I've read something that entertaining and unputdownable. I can't wait to see how the story continues. Great characters, fast paced and intriguing. I'm hooked

[Wilma Rimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

After reading book 1, I had to read more. Book 2 is also full of unpredictable events. The characters are so interesting and their lives and choices the make kept me glued to this book. Excitement and adventure seem to always be in the next paragraph. If you enjoy fast moving adventure stories with woman as the heroine you will love Mike Wells' books.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am really loving this series. Wells is really great at keeping the pace moving along swiftly as the story twists and turns like a speeding roller coaster. A couple areas could use editing but all is forgiven because the story is that good. On to Book 3.

[Jayne Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

37% into it and I couldn't tear myself away to go sleep.. Very fast paced and the car chase was AWESOME!!!! Go Dmitry.. :P

Fantastic.. Took me less than 24 hours to finish.. Amazingly written.. :)

Onto Book 3.. Woohoo! :) x