Death in the Empty Quarter

by George L Potter

Oil business can be a cutthroat; No one knows that better than Bert Franks. A consultant and plenipotentiary for Vermilion Oil Company (a Houston firm owned by his sister and brother-in-law), he specializes in navigating the political minefields of Yemen, where Vermilion owns a profitable oilfield concession. Bert spends his days meeting and socializing with government officials, even handling major negotiationsÑanything necessary to smooth the way for Vermilion's interests. When a minor contractual dispute spirals out of control, Bert finds himself at the center of a storm of corporate cupidity, government corruption, a muckraking reporter, political controversy...and murder. His brother-in-law is dead, his girlfriend has vanished, Vermilion is on the brink of bankruptcyÑand suddenly he's persona non grata in a country he's adopted as his own. And the whole time, he never suspects that the real danger to all he cares for lies not in the Yemen desert, but much, much closer to home...

196 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2011

Reviews

[Grammar*Kitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Death in the Empty Quarter as part of the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I have to say that of the three George L. Potter books I have read, this was actually my least favourite; that is not to say that I didn't enjoy it - I did. It just wasn't as fast paced and engrossing as his other two books. I never thought I would say this about a novel, but I actually missed the in depth but understandable insights into land laws and the oil business....

Anyway, I did enjoy this read, though it took me a little longer than the others because I wasn't quite so invested in the characters. I enjoyed the way, once again, I had no idea where the plot was actually going, and the way it all pulls together to make a very satisfying conclusion at the end.

I would perhaps advise reading this before Potter's other novels, as things can only get better from hereon out!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book through the Good Reads First Reads Giveaway.

All of my English Teachers and Professors always told me to write what I know. This is exactly what Mr. Potter did. In taking from his personal experiences, he crafted a well written book dealing with the oil industry in the Middle East. At some parts in the book, you start to see a slow down in the story, but then the action picks right up and you learn something new about all of the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a Good Reads First Read contest win.

This book had lots of action and adventure with some crime and mystery thrown in.

This is a great first book by the author. He has retired from the oil industry so he details about the oil in the book are amazing. This book can be purchased as an ebook for the low price of 99 cents. That is an amazing price for a book like this.

If you are into action and crime novels do not let this one pass you by.

The bunnies and I give this book 4-Carrots.

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very knowledgable author and well-written fictional novel. I especially enjoyed this, and though I'm certainly not myself personally knowledgable about this area of our world, I found this account, and its' insights into the peoples of the area fascinating. Well done George L. Potter. I am looking forward to receiving and reading "In Search of the Yellow Dog".

Great "read"! I personally found this to be a fast-to read and especially enjoyable novel.

This copy was from LibraryThing's "giveaway" program.

[Grandmadee Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me about a week to read this one which is very unusual. The book is very dry. No humor or sarcastic dialog that I usually look for it a book. The plot revolves around the oil industry and it moves slowly seeming to almost stall in places. Can not say it is a bad book. It is a dull book at times and barely picks up. I tend to favor political and international thrillers. This one just never perked up.

[Papa Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would reccomend this book if you like tales of the oil industry. While this book is not an edge of your seat type political thriller that I usually go for it was a short read that was entertaining with no real surprises. I will definitely consider reading more in this series and see where it goes. After reading a few recently that were way to bloody and gorey I did appreciate this more mild tale.