Avarice

by Anita Burgh

Three men, an international movie star, an arms dealer, and a pharmacueticals giant, meet in a bar in a French Riviera Hotel. Each of them has a secret, and in walks Guthrie Everyman, who presents them with a challenge—put up a million pounds sterling to join a treasure hunt that will lead to the Elixir of Life.

544 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 1998

About the author

Anita Burgh was born in Kent. She began to write in her late forties and was first published at the age of 50. She has subsequently had 23 novels published, numerous articles and short stories. Her themes are those of class, rejection and wealth. She writes books set in the modern world but also historical novels set in Victorian and Edwardian times – her latest being The Cresswell Inheritance trilogy. She has been a member of the RNA for many years, was a committee member and has been short-listed for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year award. Now in her 70s, she enjoys teaching and mentoring others who are, as yet, unpublished. She continues to write novels, proving that authors never retire.

Reviews

[Emmy Hermina Nathasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bookworm Avdm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very awesome read. The author starts with the main characters all together in a situation, slowly each character is separated by the author and given the outline of each person, from young to date. The plot spins together amongst the 3 characters and has a great twist to the end. Enjoyed reading all the characters. There is a lot to take in about the characters. Each one has had a past with very interesting problems that make them into who they become as adults. A definite read if you enjoy plots / suspense and good characters. Twists to the story from the beginnig with lots of secrets coming out over time.

[Ruth Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much expected Avarice, by Anita Burgh, to be another trashy novel about sex, affairs, temptations, money, and fame. But it's not. It is such a powerful and emotional book – it has reduced me to a crying wreck, it is just so sad and yet so very happy!
Three flawed men, with terrible pasts go on a treasure hunt set by a billionaire. But the men don't just find treasure...they find themselves. They find the truth of what they have done, the hurt they have wrecked. And they change.
They stop being conceited jerks, and become loving people who enrich the world.
The parts that made me cry hardest were about one of the fellow's disabled son. That was so, so tragic and heartbreaking, yet swathed in blind hope.
Anita Burgh has torn my heart out with this book. Good job to her, as that is very hard for an author to do.

[Fredrick Oloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is addictive and absorbing, as every single chapter is a climax. In a world where three millionaires- Walt, Jamie, and Dieter -seem to have everything, greed leads to their downfall as a billionaire uses his global contacts to make them see the error of their ways. What is amazing is that the author gives an moving conclusion in which the reader is forced to feel sorry for the three men as their worlds crumble. When I finished it, it kept me awake just thinking about the events that had just transpired.

[John Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the treasure hunt premise, on which the novel is based, not being totally convincing the story is fast-paced and easy to read. The characters are well developed and interesting and the twists and turns keep the reader constantly guessing and turning the page. Although the neat tie-ups are not exactly what I would call true to life, this novel is a great read.

[Prathibhath Peiris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too god damn long

[Mariagriffiths66 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lent to me by my mum. It was ok can't say I disliked it exactly. Just feel a little indifferent to the story and large parts of the writing!