What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bet
Richard Kepperman was on top of his game until blowing the whistle on his high powered Atlanta accounting firm. Black balled from the financial arena, on the verge of bankruptcy, he returns to his roots in coastal Georgia to be near his aging grandfather, Clayton. Frustrated and underemployed, he is an easy mark when approached by a stranger who offers to bet ten million dollars that he can capture Richard within a span of thirty days. In return, Richard will be required to risk all that he holds dear.
Given a twenty four hour head start, Richard embarks on an odyssey that will forever change the way he views love, life, friendship and the power of money. On the run, he encounters forces that threaten to do irreparable damage to his sanity and rip his family to shreds. Fighting to stay alive, Richard uncovers the startling truth about the deaths of his parents and learns that the real power behind the stranger is a man who harbors a sixty year old grudge against Clayton and is willing to commit unspeakable atrocities to satisfy his desire for revenge.
Given a twenty four hour head start, Richard embarks on an odyssey that will forever change the way he views love, life, friendship and the power of money. On the run, he encounters forces that threaten to do irreparable damage to his sanity and rip his family to shreds. Fighting to stay alive, Richard uncovers the startling truth about the deaths of his parents and learns that the real power behind the stranger is a man who harbors a sixty year old grudge against Clayton and is willing to commit unspeakable atrocities to satisfy his desire for revenge.
374 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2012
56 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
David R. Brown
2 books6 followersDavid Brown is a graduate of Kennesaw State University and a veteran of over
fifteen years in the financial arena. He lives with his wife, two of their five children and four cats in Marietta Georgia.
fifteen years in the financial arena. He lives with his wife, two of their five children and four cats in Marietta Georgia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 31, 2012
This is a face paced, gripping thriller. It has probably the most bizarre plot I have read in a long time. The very idea behind the plot- a person being on run like a wild game, being chased by criminals with guns, but all this as a part of a mutual agreement.
The protagonist, Richard, finds himself in a life of financial strain, and when suddenly one day he is propositioned by a stranger to participate in a 'game' akin to hunting of an animal, his life takes a definite turn. All he is supposed to do is to avoid getting caught for 30 days on the run, at the end of which he will be richer by about $10 million. But, every time he gets caught, he will have to loose a limb. Initially laughable, he soon finds himself confiding in his wife that he intends to accept the offer, with a dream of a better future for them and their daughter. Thus begins the next few days in hell.
As I mentioned, more than anything else, it is the very idea behind this novel that caught me, almost in a sickening kind of way. Although at times I found unnecessary narratives, without which this novel can be at least 50-60 pages leaner; overall the story telling is very entertaining. The language is smooth and simple, and I will term this more of an action thriller rather than dark or psychopathic. The reason for this conclusion is, to reiterate, that while the idea is bizarre, most of the story itself is regular action adventure (I could almost visualise scenes from a number of Hollywood movies on someone being on the run and dodging cold blooded paid killers). And that's why only 4 stars as well.
The protagonist, Richard, finds himself in a life of financial strain, and when suddenly one day he is propositioned by a stranger to participate in a 'game' akin to hunting of an animal, his life takes a definite turn. All he is supposed to do is to avoid getting caught for 30 days on the run, at the end of which he will be richer by about $10 million. But, every time he gets caught, he will have to loose a limb. Initially laughable, he soon finds himself confiding in his wife that he intends to accept the offer, with a dream of a better future for them and their daughter. Thus begins the next few days in hell.
As I mentioned, more than anything else, it is the very idea behind this novel that caught me, almost in a sickening kind of way. Although at times I found unnecessary narratives, without which this novel can be at least 50-60 pages leaner; overall the story telling is very entertaining. The language is smooth and simple, and I will term this more of an action thriller rather than dark or psychopathic. The reason for this conclusion is, to reiterate, that while the idea is bizarre, most of the story itself is regular action adventure (I could almost visualise scenes from a number of Hollywood movies on someone being on the run and dodging cold blooded paid killers). And that's why only 4 stars as well.
February 6, 2013
Don't blame me if you are reading this. I hid the review due to spoilers.
Okay, seriously - you toss in a sex change? The concept of the story was easy enough to get into...good guy down on his luck has an opportunity to make a fortune except he will pay a price if caught. He is buddies with a mafia leader. There are mercs. I'm with ya on all this. Then, the villain is an old dude who used to be a girl and is pissed that a girl he liked chose another man? Thus causing him to kill off the family? Ah, okay. The end was so abrupt, I thought I accidentally
read ahead. Tony - just like that eh? Where is Clayton?
Okay, seriously - you toss in a sex change? The concept of the story was easy enough to get into...good guy down on his luck has an opportunity to make a fortune except he will pay a price if caught. He is buddies with a mafia leader. There are mercs. I'm with ya on all this. Then, the villain is an old dude who used to be a girl and is pissed that a girl he liked chose another man? Thus causing him to kill off the family? Ah, okay. The end was so abrupt, I thought I accidentally
read ahead. Tony - just like that eh? Where is Clayton?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2015
I really liked this book a lot! I won it in the goodreads giveaway. It was definitely a fast paced read and never got boring.
January 6, 2013
Not my usual cup of tea to read, but have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this physiological thriller which had many twists and turns and made me want to carry on reading way past my bed time! A few typing mistakes were frustrating. On more than one occasion the wife and daughters names were muddled which made me have to re read the paragraph. Overall though, very enjoyable read.
October 18, 2012
WOW!! First, I was very happy to have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway contest. Second, 'The Bet' is absolutely amazing! A roller-coaster ride of pure adrenaline. The ultimate cat and mouse game that will get your pulse racing and leave you breathless. Do not miss out on this mind-blowing adventure!
December 14, 2012
So this book only gets a 4 because the ending was anti-climatic. The first 3/4 of the book is thrilling, but I cannot say the ending is. I was somewhat irritated, but then thought about it and I still must say I loved this book. I haven't read a book this enthralling in a very long time. The premise was brand new for me.
December 9, 2012
What would you do if someone offered you 10 million dollars to become their prey in a game to the death... your best bet is to run the other way. However one person took up the offer and thus hunt is on. I enjoyed the storyline but after reading this book I know I would run the other way than to take part in such actions...
February 2, 2013
Giving it 4 stars though I think it's closer to 3.5. The only reason I am not rating it higher is due to the ending which is abrupt and not really in keeping with the rest of the novel. However, the plot is unique and the characters well drawn. The action takes off in the first chapter and doesn't let up. Overall a solid effort.
August 28, 2012
this book was awesome... you just have to read it to find out for yourself! Very suspenseful, the story is based in the State of Georgia so i am familiar with a lot of the places visited... just read it!! (not for the faint hearted)
March 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Gripping from the first few pages. I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars if we could do half's, but decided to go up because the things that bother me about the book didn't bother me while I was reading it. The big reveal didn't add anything to the story.
August 11, 2013
This was a fast-paced book that was definitely a page turner. However, I was disappointed that after spending several pages towards the end of the book telling about the antagonist's weakness, the author never worked this information into the plot to the protagonists' advantage.
September 27, 2013
This is a really different thriller. I enjoyed it a lot I found there was times where I was almost wanting to get in there and gives the lead character advice. I love books that take me away like that. Recommend.
September 27, 2012
very good...lots of suspense.
November 29, 2012
Very good story! Will keep you turning the pages to see how it will work itself out.
December 28, 2012
this book is amazing if you love a twisting plot with tons of intrigue and mystery? this is the book for you!!! if i could give this book a 100 stars i would its that good!
February 17, 2013
Not that great. Prose lacks creativity, plot lacks believability and characters lack redeemable likeability.
January 25, 2013
I really enjoyed The Bet. What a unique storyline; hunting a person??? Alot of details to cover to make it sound legit, & very well organized.
February 2, 2013
Lots of twists. A variation of "The Most Dangerous Game". I skimmed through a few parts, but a good read nonetheless.
April 1, 2013
this was pretty good, although quite an implausible far fetched plot. was fast moving, finished in about 4 days. this writer has suspense potential and i would read other books by him.
February 14, 2013
predictable but still a passable read. classic good against evil storyline with a couple twists that keep you awake.
March 29, 2013
It's more like 3.5 stars. It kept me reading. Quite a twist toward the end that I never saw coming. A decent read.
June 10, 2013
I liked how it all came together.
June 13, 2013
I thought this was a great book! Definitely a page-turner you won't want to put down until it's finished!
June 27, 2013
Good thriller. Extreme details, especially in the beginning and middle. However, ending was abrupt and I walked away feeling a little unfulfilled.
September 24, 2012
good book.. more a 3+!!! moves right along with an interesting plot.. rather surprise ending...
March 15, 2013
Well, what can I say, Marietta's own and my bud David Brown
September 19, 2017
Overall, this is a pretty good read with a strange / bizarre plot of going on the run for a bet that takes an even stranger turn over a 30 day period. After a slow start to the novel the author does a pretty good job of getting you into the action where you lose track of time while reading, not wanting to put it down.: this is a good one to read on a Saturday afternoon. Without having a spoiler, in my opinion the ending was wrapped up a little too quick but I enjoyed this one and wouldn't mind reading more from Mr. Brown.
I originally picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion and, as I type this review, I see the pricing has reverted back to $3.99 - you'll get a lot more in entertainment value than $3.99 out of this one.
I originally picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion and, as I type this review, I see the pricing has reverted back to $3.99 - you'll get a lot more in entertainment value than $3.99 out of this one.
May 10, 2018
Good until the end.
I was ready to give this book 4 stars. It had great action sequences, plot twists, and a story that made it hard to put the book down. Then it looked like a big climatic scene was coming up, and I was expecting another big page turning scene. What I got was a few paragraphs that seemed to summarize and gloss over the the big ending. Thankfully, the epilogue was a good finish to the story. Very much worth reading.
I was ready to give this book 4 stars. It had great action sequences, plot twists, and a story that made it hard to put the book down. Then it looked like a big climatic scene was coming up, and I was expecting another big page turning scene. What I got was a few paragraphs that seemed to summarize and gloss over the the big ending. Thankfully, the epilogue was a good finish to the story. Very much worth reading.
August 17, 2017
Gripping
Started this book during vacation, and couldn't put it down! Kept my attention, and couldn't wait to find out what happened next
Started this book during vacation, and couldn't put it down! Kept my attention, and couldn't wait to find out what happened next
July 18, 2018
Nkjhhhh
This book is very very lame I didn't even read it cause it's so boring i hate this book it's trash
This book is very very lame I didn't even read it cause it's so boring i hate this book it's trash
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews