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Two for the Money
★★★★★ “Tough rat-a-tat-tat prose speeds the reader through a wild search for missing millions.” Jonathan Santlofer, author of The Last Mona Lisa
What happens when millions in cold cash evaporates into thin air? And the only people aware of its disappearance are a collection of misfits, bunglers and crooked CIA agents? The one person on earth who knows exactly where that cash is located is a legless, ex-Navy SEAL, confined to a wheelchair.
It’s an icy Christmas Day in Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love. Sam Christie has come to South Philly to visit the grave of a former Secret Service Agent, Pete Macaluso. Drive into town, place some flowers on Pete’s grave, and head home – piece of cake…
Not so fast; unbeknownst to Sam, he’s walking straight into a sinister trap; a trap that will take him to the exact spot where the Americas meet, and pit him against ruthless mercenaries, an unrelenting cop, and rogue CIA agents.
“It’s Panama, Sam… There are no rules.”
What happens when millions in cold cash evaporates into thin air? And the only people aware of its disappearance are a collection of misfits, bunglers and crooked CIA agents? The one person on earth who knows exactly where that cash is located is a legless, ex-Navy SEAL, confined to a wheelchair.
It’s an icy Christmas Day in Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love. Sam Christie has come to South Philly to visit the grave of a former Secret Service Agent, Pete Macaluso. Drive into town, place some flowers on Pete’s grave, and head home – piece of cake…
Not so fast; unbeknownst to Sam, he’s walking straight into a sinister trap; a trap that will take him to the exact spot where the Americas meet, and pit him against ruthless mercenaries, an unrelenting cop, and rogue CIA agents.
“It’s Panama, Sam… There are no rules.”
310 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 3, 2023
An exciting read filled with lots of twists. Set in tropical Panama with a cast including ex navy seals, shady CIA agents, gangsters and good guys makes for a fast paced read which will keep you turning page after page.
September 4, 2023
Bang bang bang action all the time! This is a very zippy and smart action adventure, so get ready for some fun buddy bonding and outrageous situations featuring a hard boiled heart throb hero, his smoking hot girlfriend, and beautiful women just throwing themselves at him while solving the case.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2023
My life doesn’t afford time to read as much fiction as I’d like to read.
I was given an opportunity to read Two for the Money, and boy am I glad!
I’m afraid my review will be full of clichés that experienced reviewers know how to avoid: "page turner"; "gripping"; "engaging"; "absorbing".
Did it help that I live in Philadelphia and know some of the places in the book? Or that I’ve been to Panama? Or that I have some peripheral exposure to a much tamer version of the international intrigue that Steve’s characters get caught up in?
Perhaps.
But mostly I was in the mood for a good read, and an escape to an exciting world with clever protagonists contending with devious villains.
Mission accomplished. Thank you, Steve Zettler!
I was given an opportunity to read Two for the Money, and boy am I glad!
I’m afraid my review will be full of clichés that experienced reviewers know how to avoid: "page turner"; "gripping"; "engaging"; "absorbing".
Did it help that I live in Philadelphia and know some of the places in the book? Or that I’ve been to Panama? Or that I have some peripheral exposure to a much tamer version of the international intrigue that Steve’s characters get caught up in?
Perhaps.
But mostly I was in the mood for a good read, and an escape to an exciting world with clever protagonists contending with devious villains.
Mission accomplished. Thank you, Steve Zettler!
September 4, 2023
An exciting read filled with lots of twists. Set in tropical Panama with a cast including ex-navy seals, shady CIA agents, gangsters and good guys makes for a fast paced read which will keep you turning page after page. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2023
Twisty, spine-chilling thriller with a delightful love story that energizes the narrative. The pages almost turned themselves as I raced to discover what new intrigues Steve Zettler would force his characters to survive. The author's deeper intention regarding equity and equality makes for a fine novel that also plumbs the depths.
No spoilers here. Just read and enjoy!
No spoilers here. Just read and enjoy!
November 28, 2023
Good detectives are named Sam: Sam Spade, Samuel Benjamin Marlowe, and Sam Christie.
“Two for the Money” by Steve Zettler is a detective thriller about a former government employee named Sam Christie. When visiting a friend’s grave in Philadelphia Christie is offered a proposition: go to Panama and retrieve bags of money sitting in the water near the canal. It would seem like an easy enough job if not for the fact that his journey starts with death, mistrust, dangerous locals, and almost everyone he knew in Philadelphia surprising Christie.
The very start of the book makes you want to keep reading to learn what is happening. After that, I was unsure how some of the things happening in Philadelphia would connect to the larger story, but I held off on second-guessing Zettler’s reason for scenes and characters. I am thankful that I did because it comes together and answers every question I had while reading. And once the story moves to Panama, the action doesn’t stop. If anything, the stakes keep getting higher and higher.
Now, where real-life PI Samuel Benjamin Marlowe inspired the fictional character Sam Spade (as well as Philip Marlowe), it is clear that Sam Spade was an influence on our main character, Sam Christie. Christie is as hardboiled as they come regarding comments and plan of action.
The book’s setting in the 90s threw me off a little. Christie talks like a film noir detective, which I love, but besides the car phones and politics happening in Panama, not a lot reminds us of when this takes place. I was young when the events in this book would have been happening and as a result only think of Van Halen when I hear the name of the Central American country. But I do have to give Zettler credit when it comes to his extensive knowledge and research of Panama.
Like always, I tended to be drawn to side characters and people whose motivation might not become abundantly clear until later in the story. One perfect example of that is Lou Bonachi. Lou is a Philly mobster, for lack of a better term, whose men tick off Christie early in the book. Lou’s demeanor immediately screams “treacherous” and is a bit annoying. Regardless, or maybe because of that, I couldn’t wait to see how or where he would appear next. And he didn’t disappoint.
Another character who I was getting excited to see more of was Tess DiLionetti. She’s someone who proves that love might really be the only motivation needed to put yourself in danger. She starts the story as a potential damsel in distress but ends up being more competent and knowledgeable than the men she keeps company with. Her job in baseball means she is fluent in more than one language, which is a plus in Panama (or with mobsters), and her handcuff trick makes me jealous that I don’t have thinner wrists.
Overall, the book feels perfect for a vacation: entertaining and not too heavy but will keep you guessing what will happen next. Anyone who picks up this novel will not want to put it down before finishing.
The last thing I will say about Steve Zettler’s “Two for the Money” is that if another book starring Sam Christie is released, know that I will be one of the first in line to get a copy.
“Two for the Money” by Steve Zettler is a detective thriller about a former government employee named Sam Christie. When visiting a friend’s grave in Philadelphia Christie is offered a proposition: go to Panama and retrieve bags of money sitting in the water near the canal. It would seem like an easy enough job if not for the fact that his journey starts with death, mistrust, dangerous locals, and almost everyone he knew in Philadelphia surprising Christie.
The very start of the book makes you want to keep reading to learn what is happening. After that, I was unsure how some of the things happening in Philadelphia would connect to the larger story, but I held off on second-guessing Zettler’s reason for scenes and characters. I am thankful that I did because it comes together and answers every question I had while reading. And once the story moves to Panama, the action doesn’t stop. If anything, the stakes keep getting higher and higher.
Now, where real-life PI Samuel Benjamin Marlowe inspired the fictional character Sam Spade (as well as Philip Marlowe), it is clear that Sam Spade was an influence on our main character, Sam Christie. Christie is as hardboiled as they come regarding comments and plan of action.
The book’s setting in the 90s threw me off a little. Christie talks like a film noir detective, which I love, but besides the car phones and politics happening in Panama, not a lot reminds us of when this takes place. I was young when the events in this book would have been happening and as a result only think of Van Halen when I hear the name of the Central American country. But I do have to give Zettler credit when it comes to his extensive knowledge and research of Panama.
Like always, I tended to be drawn to side characters and people whose motivation might not become abundantly clear until later in the story. One perfect example of that is Lou Bonachi. Lou is a Philly mobster, for lack of a better term, whose men tick off Christie early in the book. Lou’s demeanor immediately screams “treacherous” and is a bit annoying. Regardless, or maybe because of that, I couldn’t wait to see how or where he would appear next. And he didn’t disappoint.
Another character who I was getting excited to see more of was Tess DiLionetti. She’s someone who proves that love might really be the only motivation needed to put yourself in danger. She starts the story as a potential damsel in distress but ends up being more competent and knowledgeable than the men she keeps company with. Her job in baseball means she is fluent in more than one language, which is a plus in Panama (or with mobsters), and her handcuff trick makes me jealous that I don’t have thinner wrists.
Overall, the book feels perfect for a vacation: entertaining and not too heavy but will keep you guessing what will happen next. Anyone who picks up this novel will not want to put it down before finishing.
The last thing I will say about Steve Zettler’s “Two for the Money” is that if another book starring Sam Christie is released, know that I will be one of the first in line to get a copy.
December 21, 2023
Two for the Money by Steve Zettler is an adventure, crime thriller novel split between Philadelphia in the United States and Panama City.
Former Secret Service agent Sam Christie returns to Philadelphia every year to lay flowers on the grave of his best friend Pete Macaluso who was killed on active service.
This year it doesn't go according to plan. First he meets a mutual friend of Pete's and between them they rescue an ex-navy SEAL, Ike, who has taken a tumble from his wheelchair into an empty grave.
Ike, it turns out, has been waiting for Sam in the churchyard with a proposition.
An encounter with a Philly mobster followed by a trip to Panama City on the trail of a large amount of cash hidden in Panama Bay kicks off a roller coaster journey that could cost Sam and his friends their lives.
Throw in some local criminals and a rogue CIA agent to mix things up and you've got a cracker of a story that is very difficult to put down.
The plot is perfectly paced with plenty of twists and turns. Reveals are ideally placed to maximise their shock value.
The main characters are nicely described and get the reader rooting for them. The bad guys are suitably villainous. They give a feeling that anything could happen and that not everyone is going to get out of the situation alive.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the locations and also the bits and pieces of relevant Panamanian history.
Too few books these days have the ability to capture my attention and entertain throughout, but this one really hit the mark. I loved the characters, the plot and the writing style.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys action / adventure stories, well paced thrillers or just loves a great story that is well told. In parts this reminds me of some of the early Clive Cussler novels before they became too convoluted
Former Secret Service agent Sam Christie returns to Philadelphia every year to lay flowers on the grave of his best friend Pete Macaluso who was killed on active service.
This year it doesn't go according to plan. First he meets a mutual friend of Pete's and between them they rescue an ex-navy SEAL, Ike, who has taken a tumble from his wheelchair into an empty grave.
Ike, it turns out, has been waiting for Sam in the churchyard with a proposition.
An encounter with a Philly mobster followed by a trip to Panama City on the trail of a large amount of cash hidden in Panama Bay kicks off a roller coaster journey that could cost Sam and his friends their lives.
Throw in some local criminals and a rogue CIA agent to mix things up and you've got a cracker of a story that is very difficult to put down.
The plot is perfectly paced with plenty of twists and turns. Reveals are ideally placed to maximise their shock value.
The main characters are nicely described and get the reader rooting for them. The bad guys are suitably villainous. They give a feeling that anything could happen and that not everyone is going to get out of the situation alive.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the locations and also the bits and pieces of relevant Panamanian history.
Too few books these days have the ability to capture my attention and entertain throughout, but this one really hit the mark. I loved the characters, the plot and the writing style.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys action / adventure stories, well paced thrillers or just loves a great story that is well told. In parts this reminds me of some of the early Clive Cussler novels before they became too convoluted
September 30, 2023
I don’t typically read thrillers, but do when they’re written by this author. He’s a natural!
Set in 1998, this story in particular is a fast, fun read that’s spot on, primarily because the subject matter deals with war vets who get entangled in high-stakes drama related to past actions taken during the Panamanian Invasion when Manuel Noriega was dictator. The setup rings true due to the author’s experience as a US Marine Corps veteran.
What I really love are the characters of this high-speed story. We start with Sam Christie, an ex-Dignitary Protection agent who’s in South Philly during a Christmas snowstorm to pay homage to a former colleague killed in the line of duty. Intending to visit his friend’s mother after a church service, he instead meets Tess DiLionetti and the two smart, dry-humored pair quickly fall into a steamy love affair that quickly turns to the kind of love where each watches out for the other.
While still in town, Sam is summoned to a nearby hospital at the behest of a patient, a legless vet named Ike Hinton, who wants help retrieving Noriega-era loot. Soon we’re on our way to Panama with Sam and Ike; a State Department temptress named Charleton and her mysterious friend, Abby; powerful Colonel Morcilla and his flunky, Rolando; and a host of other shady characters. From there we get a wonderful look at 1990s Panama as the pieces fall into place and the elaborate scheme unfurls at no small risk to the protagonist.
Set in 1998, this story in particular is a fast, fun read that’s spot on, primarily because the subject matter deals with war vets who get entangled in high-stakes drama related to past actions taken during the Panamanian Invasion when Manuel Noriega was dictator. The setup rings true due to the author’s experience as a US Marine Corps veteran.
What I really love are the characters of this high-speed story. We start with Sam Christie, an ex-Dignitary Protection agent who’s in South Philly during a Christmas snowstorm to pay homage to a former colleague killed in the line of duty. Intending to visit his friend’s mother after a church service, he instead meets Tess DiLionetti and the two smart, dry-humored pair quickly fall into a steamy love affair that quickly turns to the kind of love where each watches out for the other.
While still in town, Sam is summoned to a nearby hospital at the behest of a patient, a legless vet named Ike Hinton, who wants help retrieving Noriega-era loot. Soon we’re on our way to Panama with Sam and Ike; a State Department temptress named Charleton and her mysterious friend, Abby; powerful Colonel Morcilla and his flunky, Rolando; and a host of other shady characters. From there we get a wonderful look at 1990s Panama as the pieces fall into place and the elaborate scheme unfurls at no small risk to the protagonist.
October 5, 2023
One of the better novels I've read in a while. I love hard-boiled, pulp fiction-esque, crime novels and this delivers in that territory. Took a chance on this one because the plotline sounded neat and I saw that the author was from Philadelphia where I also hail from. Anyone from Philly will recognize certain places that are referenced in the book as some of the book takes place in Philly and other parts take place in Panama.
Anyway, very good... Basically, there's this scheme to lure a former secret service agent into finding a hidden treasure in Panama. In the process, he faces mercenaries, rogue CIA agents, and other sleazy characters. And there's an erotic side story as well.
Plot line is solid and has some good twists/turns. And the prose is great. There's stylistic elements that remind me of certain classic crime novels from the 40s/50. But it also has a modern edge to it. And there's a spiritual element at times that I like, particularly in the opening scene when one of the characters grapples with his pained relationship with God. Very interesting. Great writing
But yeah, an engrossing read. If you like hardboiled crime stuff or even Quentin Tarantino's stuff, you'll def dig this one.
Anyway, very good... Basically, there's this scheme to lure a former secret service agent into finding a hidden treasure in Panama. In the process, he faces mercenaries, rogue CIA agents, and other sleazy characters. And there's an erotic side story as well.
Plot line is solid and has some good twists/turns. And the prose is great. There's stylistic elements that remind me of certain classic crime novels from the 40s/50. But it also has a modern edge to it. And there's a spiritual element at times that I like, particularly in the opening scene when one of the characters grapples with his pained relationship with God. Very interesting. Great writing
But yeah, an engrossing read. If you like hardboiled crime stuff or even Quentin Tarantino's stuff, you'll def dig this one.
May 14, 2024
Switcheroos Galore – Steve Zettler’s Two For the Money is a highly entertaining catch-the-bad-guys romp that induces whiplash as readers try to figure out just who the bad guys are. Multiple forces — American secret service and ex-military personnel, rogue CIA agents, South American gun runners and drug dealers — battle and/or collude as they attempt to recover millions lost during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama. The narrative is full of colorful characters; I was especially partial to a flashy Philly gangster and all the kick-ass women. Readers don’t know who to trust, except for the sure-handed author who delivers quick-witted dialogue and a fast-paced plot with more twists and turns than a dizzying amusement park ride. The ease with which Zettler skips from one plot complication to another belies his hard work diving into the minds of scoundrels, and unearthing the nefarious measures that the straight-arrow government employees devise to exert their will at home and abroad. As a writer myself (see my Goodreads author page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...), I admire Zettler’s ability to deftly juggle and seamlessly integrate all these elements in this marvelously convoluted tale. Double your bet you’ll be entertained reading Two for the Money.
September 27, 2023
Steve Zettler’s “Two for the Money” is a great read. Once I started, I found it hard
to put down. It’s got action, suspense, sex appeal, even a meaningful romance.
The story is set mainly in a post-Noriega Panama I knew little about.
Its compelling hero Sam Christie, an honest man, decent to the core, sets out to help a
down-and-out Navy Seal vet and undertakes a mission to Panama where he is quickly
surrounded by a greedy, corrupt, and ruthless cast of characters out to thwart and destory
his mission. Zettler’s riveting plot surprises at every turn and the vagaries of human nature keep you constantly guessing who Sam can trust. Just when you think maybe you’ve figured it out, there’s another shock coming your way.
to put down. It’s got action, suspense, sex appeal, even a meaningful romance.
The story is set mainly in a post-Noriega Panama I knew little about.
Its compelling hero Sam Christie, an honest man, decent to the core, sets out to help a
down-and-out Navy Seal vet and undertakes a mission to Panama where he is quickly
surrounded by a greedy, corrupt, and ruthless cast of characters out to thwart and destory
his mission. Zettler’s riveting plot surprises at every turn and the vagaries of human nature keep you constantly guessing who Sam can trust. Just when you think maybe you’ve figured it out, there’s another shock coming your way.
October 8, 2023
Zettler has delivered a thriller that takes the reader through so many plot twists but never loosens the reins of the plot! Two-for-the-Money is a tightly constructed caper that takes place in the days leading up to the Panama Canal’s return to Panama. We become invested in the good guys, disappointed in characters we thought good then wonder if they really are, and have to admit that the ones we thought bad might not be. Snappy dialogue is interspersed with wonderful, although sometimes gruesome, imagery. It’s hard to beat writing like “a soul just as gnarled as Ike’s” or “slouching palm trees”. Thrills and spills, anchored by a growing romance, make this novel a terrific read, but damn, I’m exhausted!
September 22, 2023
Zettler's best writing so far, impossible to categorize simply: a crime novel? a romance novel? a travel novel? a spy novel? Edgy characters whose dark secrets are revealed chapter by chapter. Plot twists pull the reader in on every other page. This is not a novel for the squeamish or faint-hearted. Very dark humor narrated with rich metaphors and turns of phrase. Now that I've read it through, I think I need to read it again in order to better appreciate hints and clues in the early chapters. I guarantee a fun read, perhaps reminding you of some of Ross Thomas's novels from back in the day but with the hard-boiled language of our own time.
October 20, 2023
Suspenseful, intense, page-turning: all of these are adjectives that apply to this riveting read. Steve Zettler demonstrates his writing chops in his creation of Sam, a character who captured my attention from the get-go. From the inciting incident on Christmas day onward, this thriller grips a reader and won't let go until the final page.
From Philly to Panama, from gangsters and CIA agents and cops, to numerous twists and turns, this book brings the action, adventure, and surprises.
Heartily recommended for thriller and suspense fans, for readers who like film noir and detective fiction, as well as those who love a well-constructed, riveting read!
From Philly to Panama, from gangsters and CIA agents and cops, to numerous twists and turns, this book brings the action, adventure, and surprises.
Heartily recommended for thriller and suspense fans, for readers who like film noir and detective fiction, as well as those who love a well-constructed, riveting read!
September 3, 2023
This was an Outstanding read, I felt like I was in Panama with Sam. Steve Zettler paints a beautiful story, full of corruption and evil twists. This is a book that holds your interest as the story evolves and the mystery deepens. I've often wondered what might be found at the bottom of Balboa Harbor.
October 7, 2023
The Prologue to "Two for the Money" was so well done that it grabbed my attention immediately. The character development is easy to follow. And just when you think that you know what path the book is taking, OOPS ~ there is a twist in the style of Harlan Coben and you smile, looking forward to the next Chapter.
October 3, 2023
OMG. Such a thriller. I could barely keep up with the tricks and turns of this thriller. I kept wanting to speed ahead but I would miss all the double crossings. So many plot twists. I was kept guessing until the last page.
October 6, 2023
Crack this thriller open, pack your bags and buckle up for a whirlwind journey to Panama’s grimy underbelly, where death is a way of life. Zettler writes with authority and keeps the pages turning with luscious women, vicious men and clever twists peppered throughout. It’s trip well worth taking.
November 26, 2023
Steve Zettler's "Two for the Money" is a riveting thriller that seamlessly weaves together suspense and unexpected humor, with an intricate plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats; however, some character motivations could be more clearly defined to enhance engagement
November 26, 2023
In "Two for the Money," Zettler crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns, offering a thrilling escapade into a world of vanished cash and unexpected alliances; yet, at times, the intricate plot may require readers to pause and reassess the unfolding events.
November 26, 2023
With "Two for the Money," Zettler delivers a rollercoaster ride of suspense, featuring a diverse cast of characters thrown into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Some dialogue exchanges could benefit from additional nuance and depth. I highly recommend the book.
November 26, 2023
"Two for the Money" by Steve Zettler is an exhilarating page-turner that plunges readers into a dangerous world of disappearing cash and unexpected alliances; nevertheless, occasional shifts in pacing may require readers to stay vigilant to fully savor the intricate storyline.
October 2, 2023
Awesome ride beginning to end. Kept you guessing. I usually don't love this genre but the author did a great job keeping my interest. Purchased a hard copy as well!
October 6, 2023
Fast paced thriller with numerous interesting plot twists. Best account of a boxing match I've read in a long time. Hard to put down. Perfect read for the beach or on a plane.
October 7, 2023
Does not disappoint! Perfectly flawed characters and rich compelling storytelling.
October 20, 2023
Fantastic read! Shouldn't be missed. Zettler throws his colorful characters into an increasingly frenetic mix Breakneck narrative.
November 26, 2023
Zettler's "Two for the Money" is a captivating blend of mystery and action, skillfully navigating the complexities of a sinister trap and a legless ex-Navy SEAL's quest. Interesting story.
January 15, 2024
A twist and a turn in ever chapter. Loved the mystery being revealed.
October 10, 2023
Copied from Merry Jones, author of Childs Play - "Even the twists have twists in Two for the Money, a steamy thriller where you never see what's coming until it smacks you between the eyes. Zettler's taut thriller, set in Panama just before the canal's return, follows Sam Christie as he searches for a stolen fortune. Along the way, he confronts international drug dealers, hardcore mobsters, embittered US military veterans, Panamanian and US government officials, and rogue members of the CIA. Time and again, Christie dodges torture, deceit, betrayal and murder in his fight not just to retrieve the missing money and survive, but also to save the life of the woman he loves. Two for the Money is a wild read that leaves you breathless, and keeps you guessing, start to finish."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews