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The Insiders
As corporate titans fall and financial systems run amok, one author has the courage to point fingers and take names. The Insiders by acclaimed international best-selling author Craig Hickman is a tech-savvy suspense novel filled with the vices of vicious men. It introduces a new brand of thriller that exposes the way broken capitalism exploits the middle class and corrupt business leaders keep their activities concealed through high-level conspiracies. As some readers may suspect, the world’s most powerful CEOs have an insider’s club based on a complex web of insider trading and corporate espionage. From killings in the stock market to access to contract killers—whatever they want, they get. They live above the law until one man whose powerful father founded the insider’s club must avenge an attempt on his father’s life. As with the real life big business economic meltdown, one man’s missteps can mean chaos to the American Dream, and the adrenaline rush will last until the very end.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2009
78 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 7, 2009
May I begin by stating that it was a privilege to collaborate with Craig Hickman about creating the painting for the book cover. From start to finish I couldn’t put the book down; the multifaceted plot and characters kept me absorbed in the intrigue to the very last page!
Afterwards I felt so motivated, inspired, and honored to create specific symbolism that parallels the meaning, purpose, and story line of Hickman’s work! I’m very passionate about my art and that’s why I create all of my paintings using only time-tested and proven traditional methods, materials and techniques so that they will absolutely last well beyond 500 years!
The painting is entitled “The Beholders…” and in today’s world, it is my belief that the relevant message of both the painting and the book are both current and timeless, that individuals will be able to find meaningful value in, for generations to come. Whoever you are, you will be highly engaged, widely entertained and even educated as you figuratively put yourself in Wilson’s shoes and experience this fictional work that is bound to be a best-selling book!
For your general information, it is my hope that you realize that every element in this painting has a purpose, a specific meaning and was geometrically constructed with a single point perspective to draw your attention into the awareness expressed within Wilson’s eye; if you look closely, there is a labyrinth of time—a symbol of the soul’s journey composed within the iris. As Wilson embarks on avenging and understanding his father’s death, he discovers the corporate world around him is enslaving the unaware masses of the unsuspecting middle class -- with an alluring golden chain of evil, manipulation and corruption. With the crosshair of darkness targeting his life; he has no choice but to face the consequences of his father’s choices and search for the evolving light of truth symbolized at the right hand corner of the painting, representing the only, independent, unlinked hope to escape the chains of eventual slavery and death!
Lady Liberty, a universal symbol known to the world as the beacon of hope for the freedom of mankind, is being hijacked and is being tipped over by the manipulative influence of the world’s most powerful CEO’s! As they pile up the legal technicalities to cleverly disguise and support their tactics, the river barge slowly and unsuspectingly moves to the left with the world’s economic fortress in their private control. The American flag is laid upside down for all people to see the distressed call for help.
If you are willing to walk along the winding path of Wilson’s life, your mind will be opened to behold why the perspective of the stars and the torch of truth point to the reflection of what Wilson begins to more clearly understand and see! In the end, you too will become a “beholder” of things as they really are!
This is an incredible book! I loved it and I’m sure you will too!
Afterwards I felt so motivated, inspired, and honored to create specific symbolism that parallels the meaning, purpose, and story line of Hickman’s work! I’m very passionate about my art and that’s why I create all of my paintings using only time-tested and proven traditional methods, materials and techniques so that they will absolutely last well beyond 500 years!
The painting is entitled “The Beholders…” and in today’s world, it is my belief that the relevant message of both the painting and the book are both current and timeless, that individuals will be able to find meaningful value in, for generations to come. Whoever you are, you will be highly engaged, widely entertained and even educated as you figuratively put yourself in Wilson’s shoes and experience this fictional work that is bound to be a best-selling book!
For your general information, it is my hope that you realize that every element in this painting has a purpose, a specific meaning and was geometrically constructed with a single point perspective to draw your attention into the awareness expressed within Wilson’s eye; if you look closely, there is a labyrinth of time—a symbol of the soul’s journey composed within the iris. As Wilson embarks on avenging and understanding his father’s death, he discovers the corporate world around him is enslaving the unaware masses of the unsuspecting middle class -- with an alluring golden chain of evil, manipulation and corruption. With the crosshair of darkness targeting his life; he has no choice but to face the consequences of his father’s choices and search for the evolving light of truth symbolized at the right hand corner of the painting, representing the only, independent, unlinked hope to escape the chains of eventual slavery and death!
Lady Liberty, a universal symbol known to the world as the beacon of hope for the freedom of mankind, is being hijacked and is being tipped over by the manipulative influence of the world’s most powerful CEO’s! As they pile up the legal technicalities to cleverly disguise and support their tactics, the river barge slowly and unsuspectingly moves to the left with the world’s economic fortress in their private control. The American flag is laid upside down for all people to see the distressed call for help.
If you are willing to walk along the winding path of Wilson’s life, your mind will be opened to behold why the perspective of the stars and the torch of truth point to the reflection of what Wilson begins to more clearly understand and see! In the end, you too will become a “beholder” of things as they really are!
This is an incredible book! I loved it and I’m sure you will too!
May 24, 2013
Craig Hickman’s The Insiders is a complex novel about the super wealthy’s control of the economy. Conspiracy theorists may love the tale. Wilson, the protagonist, is the son of a billionaire who has been shot and is accused of murder. As he seeks to disprove the charge, Wilson learns of his father’s relentless pursuit to humanize capitalism. That quest, it turns out, has been ongoing for two generations in the family. But a secret group which will stop at nothing has blocked all efforts. Stock manipulation maneuvers have permitted the group to reap billions. Wilson now in charge of his Dad’s firm prepares to release information about these maneuvers. The result is a series of murders and intrigues which envelop Wilson and his fiancé Emily.
It’s a good story marred by the use of long letters, news stories and some narratives which can be characterized as “reader feeder.” Sometimes there are distracting shifts in point of views within chapters as well.
It’s a good story marred by the use of long letters, news stories and some narratives which can be characterized as “reader feeder.” Sometimes there are distracting shifts in point of views within chapters as well.
August 20, 2011
This book was terrible. And it is easy to explain why.
1. Worse than implausible plot. A know-nothing Jason Bourne.
2. Numerous use of wrong homonyms. Like the book was dictated and a voice to text program was used.
3. Improper pronoun usage. It's bad enough when the uneducated do it, but for an author. Inexcusable.
4. Frequent errors on capitalization.
1. Worse than implausible plot. A know-nothing Jason Bourne.
2. Numerous use of wrong homonyms. Like the book was dictated and a voice to text program was used.
3. Improper pronoun usage. It's bad enough when the uneducated do it, but for an author. Inexcusable.
4. Frequent errors on capitalization.
September 4, 2021
Scintillating Thriller
This was a great read. A scintillating financial thriller that in many ways is almost horrifying. A fantastic cast of characters with a larger than life story line made for a real page turner.
This was a great read. A scintillating financial thriller that in many ways is almost horrifying. A fantastic cast of characters with a larger than life story line made for a real page turner.
June 29, 2021
Good financial thriller
August 19, 2013
I understand very little about high finance, yet this book was so 'readable' that it deserved five stars. The mechanics of good writing were fine. I applaud the author for using vulgar adjectives only where they were necessary. The book was long, but not tiring. There were several running themes that were expertly intertwined by the author.
Money is the root of all evil. Money can buy everything or nothing. Always tell the truth. Trust no one. Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. These platitudes kept coming to my mind as I read. The author writes about a tiered group of money market manipulators who had different goals in mind. Some group members' goals were lofty, but they had to use criminal acts to achieve their goals. Nobody had a clear win, but the idea lived on.
Thank you, Mr. Craig, for a good read.
Money is the root of all evil. Money can buy everything or nothing. Always tell the truth. Trust no one. Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. These platitudes kept coming to my mind as I read. The author writes about a tiered group of money market manipulators who had different goals in mind. Some group members' goals were lofty, but they had to use criminal acts to achieve their goals. Nobody had a clear win, but the idea lived on.
Thank you, Mr. Craig, for a good read.
November 18, 2012
This story is enduringly contemporary. Amoral Wall Street brokers, corrupt and corrupting CEO’s, double-dealing CIA agents, weak politicians, they’re all there. The reader quickly sympathizes with Wilson Fiedler and his on again off again fiancée Emily. Winston’s father, Charles Fiedler is a super rich capitalist who professes to want to humanize modern capitalism. No one is as he seems, and the reader must constantly re-assess his evaluation of the players and their motives, up until the very end.
The book is an emotional indictment of today’s market-oriented, unfeeling capitalism born of the Chicago School. It’s a fast-paced read, coupled with an important message.
C.J. Tremblay, author of “The Patriot Conspiracy”
The book is an emotional indictment of today’s market-oriented, unfeeling capitalism born of the Chicago School. It’s a fast-paced read, coupled with an important message.
C.J. Tremblay, author of “The Patriot Conspiracy”
September 16, 2012
Actually a very well written book with much much relevance to our daily lives here in the US. Even if you don't buy into huge conspiracies nowadays it is evident that institutions like the federal reserve, wall street and big business and banks are manipulating markets and increasing inequalities further and further, the middle class is dwindling, the income gap is growing, all these things are observable facts in 2012's economy that any observant consumer witnesses and falls victim to on a daily basis. These daily observations make this book seem not so very far from the truth although one may wish they were further from it.
August 20, 2015
The Insiders (The Insiders Series Book 1) is a suspenseful financial thriller which begins with an interesting quote from 1888 by Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes stating the obvious about corporations running the U.S.
What is surprising is the belief that any country or city-state could ever be a place in which individuals are free. ... “What we do in life ripples in eternity.” ~ Marcus Aurelius | Katarina Nolte
https://katarinanolte.com/WordPressBl...
What is surprising is the belief that any country or city-state could ever be a place in which individuals are free. ... “What we do in life ripples in eternity.” ~ Marcus Aurelius | Katarina Nolte
https://katarinanolte.com/WordPressBl...
May 29, 2013
I can honestly say I can count on one hand the number of books I've put down w/o finishing. This book is among them. I was 1/3 of the way through and realized I had NO IDEA what was going on, who anyone was, etc. I felt I needed a degree in accounting or economics to follow and understand what was happening.
October 12, 2013
I really liked this book. I like the idea of a reluctant hero. And this was the case for The Insiders.
I also really liked the international intrigue and the weaving of academia into the plot. I had a little trouble with the willingness of the love interest to return and take up such an unswerving loyalty after their history. But, in the end, it was OK and didn't hurt the plot too much.
I also really liked the international intrigue and the weaving of academia into the plot. I had a little trouble with the willingness of the love interest to return and take up such an unswerving loyalty after their history. But, in the end, it was OK and didn't hurt the plot too much.
January 15, 2010
FANTASTIC self published. Thought provoking regarding corporate greed, element of truth about deception in the corporate world. Hickman did a fine job with this. Editing could have been tightened up, but overall it was excellent!
August 3, 2012
This would get another star if it were a bit shorter. You can figure out what is going on well before it ends, so you just want to get to the end for closure. The story is good, just could have been much shorter.
August 18, 2012
Interesting enough to keep you reading, but a somewhat twisted, contrived plot. Characters kept popping in and out, but most weren't developed enough for the reader to get a real sense of who they were. The ending is set up for a sequel. Thankfully it was a Kindle freebie.
February 2, 2013
Pretty complicated story line involving big business and stock market but hard to put down.
Imagine my shock toward the end of the book when the main character and his fiance go into hiding in BOOTHBAY HARBOR!! Author must have vacationed here at one time...
Imagine my shock toward the end of the book when the main character and his fiance go into hiding in BOOTHBAY HARBOR!! Author must have vacationed here at one time...
July 23, 2013
I actually thought this was a pretty thought provoking story. This story focuses on Businesses manipulating the markets. It was a very well done thought provoking "what if" novel. Worth reading, although somewhat predictable, the story moves pretty quickly.
April 20, 2014
The writer knew the material well but the story became so twisty and complex toward the end. Plus it felt like this was meant to be just one book but the segments shoved in at the end to tease the sequel were done badly. Solid effort but bad design.
August 20, 2011
Not my favorite genre. I prefer books that are good.
November 8, 2011
Nice description of stock market maipulation. Unfortunately, the book could have ended earlier. The extra conspiracy at the end was just too much.
May 25, 2012
Very poorly written, couldn't finish it
August 6, 2012
Well written, totally believable, amazing schemers, unconscionable people and the heroes.
Want to read
August 5, 2012$0.0
October 14, 2012
This was an interesting read but it seemed too incredible to be anything other than a good beach book for me.
November 24, 2012
It was entertaining, and good read for the beach. Not the best book I've ever read, but I still enjoyed it.
March 4, 2015
I was confused for part of this book as I have no understanding of finance and stock markets. Last night I got so into the book that I did not want to put it down.
December 23, 2012
The conspiracy is somewhat over the top. How can so many people be involved and still keep it hidden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2012
I like books that have a conspiracy theory involved. After reading this book it gives pause to investment decisions. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
March 8, 2013
Great story, very intriguing and a good fast-paced plot. There is still more to know and the ending left me looking for a sequel???
April 7, 2013
Twists and turns abound.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews