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Finders Keepers: The Story of a Man Who Found $1 Million
The “unexpectedly moving” story of dumb luck and the American Dream set in South Philly from the # 1 New York Times–bestselling author (Entertainment Weekly). What would you do if you found a million dollars? When Joey Coyle did, he was a twenty-eight-year-old drug-dependent, unemployed longshoreman living with his ailing mother in a tight-knit Philadelphia neighborhood. While cruising the streets just blocks from his home, fate took a turn worthy of a Hollywood caper when he found $1.2 million in unmarked bills—casino money that had fallen off an armored truck. It was virtually untraceable. Coyle? Not so much. Over the next seven days, fueled by euphoria, methamphetamine, and paranoia, Coyle shared his windfall with everyone from his eight-year-old niece to total strangers to a local mob boss who offered to “clean” it. All the while, Det. Pat Laurenzi and members of the FBI were working around the clock to find it. No one was prepared for how Coyle’s dream-come-true would come tumbling down, or what would happen when it did. From “a master of narrative journalism” comes the incredible true-life thriller of an ordinary man with an extraordinary dilemma, and the complicity, concern, and betrayal of friends, family, and neighbors that would prove his undoing (The New York Times Book Review). “A miniature serio-comedy about life in the city.” —The Washington Post “Masterfully reported and artfully paced.” —Entertainment Weekly “A taut, fast-paced tale.” —The Baltimore Sun
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2002
58 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Mark Bowden
65 books1,814 followersMark Bowden is an American journalist and writer. He is a former national correspondent and longtime contributor to The Atlantic. Bowden is best known for his book Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War (1999) about the 1993 U.S. military raid in Mogadishu, which was later adapted into a motion picture of the same name that received two Academy Awards.
Bowden is also known for the books Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw (2001), about the efforts to take down Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, and Hue 1968, an account of the Battle of Huế.
Bowden is also known for the books Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw (2001), about the efforts to take down Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, and Hue 1968, an account of the Battle of Huế.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 31, 2009
I think most people have had the "wouldn't it be great if I found a million dollars?" dream. 'Finders Keepers' is the story of Joey Coyle, a man whose million dollar dream comes true. The catch? He's too strung out on drugs and mentally disturbed (purportedly) to do anything logical or constructive with money. He just gets higher and more paranoid than usual and somehow manages to misplace a good chunk of it. How NOT to steal a million, right?
In the epilogue, the author states that 'Finders Keepers' was initially a newspaper serial. I think he should have kept it that way. There just isn't enough here to make 'Finders Keepers' a riveting read. I spent most of the book frustrated with Coyle's stupidity.
In the epilogue, the author states that 'Finders Keepers' was initially a newspaper serial. I think he should have kept it that way. There just isn't enough here to make 'Finders Keepers' a riveting read. I spent most of the book frustrated with Coyle's stupidity.
June 3, 2008
Enjoyed this. Well written and well paced, just like the other Bowden books I've read.
August 15, 2017
Author Mark Bowden may not be the best writer you ever read, but his style in Finders Keepers is easily accessible and echoes the feel of the Philly streets he is depicting. The book is an odd mixture, being narrative journalism and yet a fictitious thriller in style, the author embellishes scenes for drama and story consistency. Having said that, Bowden never strays too far from reality, resisting the temptation to amp up the mob's involvement in Joey Coyle's story and even covering the aftermath in court and beyond with some grounded integrity. Unfortunately integrity is something sorely missing from the protagonist, Joey Coyle, the down-on-his-luck druggy who comes across $1.2 million in cash after it literally fell off the back of a lorry.
Wanting him to take the money and do something with his life, readers may feel an initial desire to root for Joey as the underdog with a second chance at life, but it soon dissipates once it becomes apparent he is cringingly out of his depth. With the missing money making headlines, as he runs around town telling almost everyone he meets that he's 'the guy' that found the bag, we can't help but get fed up with his stupidity. By the time he has involved the mob and slowly dwindled his prize away readers will be begging for him to get caught - if only to end his ordeal. Although more frustrating than amusing, it must be noted that there is a humorous tone to the book, however once we are done with the trial and Hollywood's attempt at a film version, the story does come to a tragic ending.
If this were pure fiction then it would be a sub-par read, but as a true crime tale Bowden delivers an enjoyable, if frustrating, romp through downtown Philly that will convince you were with Joey Coyle as he struggled to keep hold of the money.
Wanting him to take the money and do something with his life, readers may feel an initial desire to root for Joey as the underdog with a second chance at life, but it soon dissipates once it becomes apparent he is cringingly out of his depth. With the missing money making headlines, as he runs around town telling almost everyone he meets that he's 'the guy' that found the bag, we can't help but get fed up with his stupidity. By the time he has involved the mob and slowly dwindled his prize away readers will be begging for him to get caught - if only to end his ordeal. Although more frustrating than amusing, it must be noted that there is a humorous tone to the book, however once we are done with the trial and Hollywood's attempt at a film version, the story does come to a tragic ending.
If this were pure fiction then it would be a sub-par read, but as a true crime tale Bowden delivers an enjoyable, if frustrating, romp through downtown Philly that will convince you were with Joey Coyle as he struggled to keep hold of the money.
September 18, 2013
This was a quick read which was good because I don't think I could have handled any more pages about this idiot. Seriously. By the end of it, I was so irritated with him and the public's lenience in his stupidity. Lots of the missing money went into his veins, people. This is NOT glamorous or innocent! My rating is not based on the character though. The book was just OK. My husband is now reading it, and he said to me the other night, "I'm going to read more about what's happening with this dumbass." Ha!
January 28, 2020
A short and compelling book that I enjoyed a few years ago and decided to re-read. However it is also very frustrating because this guy literally finds a million dollars that fell off the back of an armored truck, but he's such a loser that he screws up immediately and continuously. The last chapter describes the many changes and compromises in the story as it makes its way through Hollywood.
June 8, 2016
In Mark Bowden’s FINDERS KEEPERS, a South Philly loser becomes a folk hero when he finds $1.2 million that fell off an armored car. In 1981, the economy in Philadelphia was like a Bruce Springsteen song—jobs that have sustained families for years have disappeared and they aren’t coming back. That puts people like 28-year-old JOEY COYLE on the streets without too many options. Joey never finished high school, but on the docks, he was respected for his almost supernatural knowledge of machinery. Unemployed, he just another speed freak. And he’s getting into a downward spiral—using all his money to buy meth and then borrowing from his dealers.
This story really is kind of irresistible. Joey is a natural born loser, although he has charm to burn. (There’s literally no one with a bad word for him, even when he’s at his most “hopped up” from the drug he calls ‘blow.”) There are moments in this strange saga where we’re almost doubled over laughing—from his manic search to find a suitable hiding place for the money to his attempts to shove money into his clothes at the airport before resorting to donning panty hose.
Joey himself is a complex character. He’s a guy who completely believes that finding the money was a sign from God and a payoff for many years of hard work. (And he isn’t afraid of hard work. It’s being laid off from the docks that caused a lot of his problems.) He’s a guy who’s true to his neighborhood, a guy who has big plans but not the wherewithal to pull those plans off.
His friends are all losers too—from his junky girlfriend Linda (a teenager who’s juggling him with another, more suitable guy) to the friend who makes plans to turn him in almost as soon as he gets some of the money in his hand. What makes the story work is that Joey IS lovable and what happens after he gets the money couldn’t have been made up.
Bowden, who wrote BLACK HAWK DOWN and KILLING PABLO, is a fine writer and his non-fiction reads like the best kind of page-turning fiction. You will be caught up in this book. And wish Joey well.
This story really is kind of irresistible. Joey is a natural born loser, although he has charm to burn. (There’s literally no one with a bad word for him, even when he’s at his most “hopped up” from the drug he calls ‘blow.”) There are moments in this strange saga where we’re almost doubled over laughing—from his manic search to find a suitable hiding place for the money to his attempts to shove money into his clothes at the airport before resorting to donning panty hose.
Joey himself is a complex character. He’s a guy who completely believes that finding the money was a sign from God and a payoff for many years of hard work. (And he isn’t afraid of hard work. It’s being laid off from the docks that caused a lot of his problems.) He’s a guy who’s true to his neighborhood, a guy who has big plans but not the wherewithal to pull those plans off.
His friends are all losers too—from his junky girlfriend Linda (a teenager who’s juggling him with another, more suitable guy) to the friend who makes plans to turn him in almost as soon as he gets some of the money in his hand. What makes the story work is that Joey IS lovable and what happens after he gets the money couldn’t have been made up.
Bowden, who wrote BLACK HAWK DOWN and KILLING PABLO, is a fine writer and his non-fiction reads like the best kind of page-turning fiction. You will be caught up in this book. And wish Joey well.
February 7, 2008
This is the story of a guy who find a million dollars that fell out of the back of an armored truck and all of the drama that ensues as he tries desperately to keep it for himself.
March 25, 2025
Pretty much everyone has wondered what they'd do if they came into the big money, whether it's a lottery win or whatever, and this is the true story of what happened when Joey Coyle actually did just that. In 1981 Joey found $1.2 million in the street that had fallen from a security truck, and this is the true story of him trying to keep the money and deal with life as a result.
The author Mark Bowden was a local reporter at the time and saw first hand how the story played out, and in 1986 he produced a three part serial for the Philadelphia Enquirier detailing the events, and it's that serial that essentially became this book, and also inspired the 1993 film "Money for Nothing". This is an interesting tale of probably what's best not to do if you ever find that amount of money in the street, it's a well told story and definitely worth a read.
The author Mark Bowden was a local reporter at the time and saw first hand how the story played out, and in 1986 he produced a three part serial for the Philadelphia Enquirier detailing the events, and it's that serial that essentially became this book, and also inspired the 1993 film "Money for Nothing". This is an interesting tale of probably what's best not to do if you ever find that amount of money in the street, it's a well told story and definitely worth a read.
February 9, 2021
Rating: 3.25 stars
Bowden presents a fascinating portrait of a drug addict who happens upon $1.2 million - finders keepers! Joey's story is a crazy and interesting one, including the highest highs and lowest lows. The trial definitely drags the story, even if it is interesting, but the majority of this book is a fast-paced and compelling - if dry - book for anyone interested in true crime and the portrait of an (accidental?) criminal.
Bowden presents a fascinating portrait of a drug addict who happens upon $1.2 million - finders keepers! Joey's story is a crazy and interesting one, including the highest highs and lowest lows. The trial definitely drags the story, even if it is interesting, but the majority of this book is a fast-paced and compelling - if dry - book for anyone interested in true crime and the portrait of an (accidental?) criminal.
January 28, 2020
About a guy and some friends who encounter a container with...ONE MILLION DOLLARS! He freaks out and aspires to figure out where to hide it, all the while telling everyone he meets that he found it. Surreal, second half is about the trial, mind numbing. Final portion is about the end result, that portion can be read and it tells the whole story. Swearing.
July 3, 2015
This guy Joey Coyle finds $1.2 miilion that fell out of an armoured truck. But he is so drug-addicted he starts telling everyone he has the money and he trusts the wrong people and they help him and then turn on him. I felt like his story was The Bumbling Keystone Cops. But in South Philly he became a folk hero because the people felt his crime was a gray area so he was found not guilty. The book is fair but it does keep you reading.
December 25, 2018
Money-Finding Story
This is rather a sad story. It is about a young man who was a meth addict with no job who still lived with his parents. While driving one day , he happened to find 1.2 million dollars that had fallen off an armored van. It then tells the story of a man who behaves quite Stupidly, is aight then acquitted of a crime. Shortly after a movie is made, he commits suicide. Not a pleasant book.
This is rather a sad story. It is about a young man who was a meth addict with no job who still lived with his parents. While driving one day , he happened to find 1.2 million dollars that had fallen off an armored van. It then tells the story of a man who behaves quite Stupidly, is aight then acquitted of a crime. Shortly after a movie is made, he commits suicide. Not a pleasant book.
August 13, 2011
The thing that bugged me about this book was that the author ends the story talking about how the infamy/notoriety that Joey gained from his misadventure led to his demise. And yet here he was, 10 years later, cashing in himself on bringing the story back to light once again. It just seemed icky.
April 21, 2021
Very quick, entertaining read. This book moves very fast and I think it's only about 100 pages or so. This is a cautionary true story about things being a little too good to believe there won't be any consequences.
April 2, 2011
383rd - 2011
Konon John Cusack yang main sebagai Joey, yang jadi sinting gara-gara nemu uang 1,2 juta dolar ini.
Konon John Cusack yang main sebagai Joey, yang jadi sinting gara-gara nemu uang 1,2 juta dolar ini.
July 26, 2017
Quite an interesting story. So strange and so sad. Loved reading the whole story.
November 10, 2023
"Finders Keepers" by Mark Bowden is a captivating exploration of the true story of Joey Coyle, a down-and-out blue-collar worker in Philadelphia who stumbles upon bags of Federal Reserve money amounting to 1.2 million dollars. Coyle's journey from desperation to wealth and the subsequent consequences make for a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The author's ability to draw readers into Coyle's world is commendable. As the story unfolds, we witness the rollercoaster of emotions and decisions that Coyle grapples with, making it easy to empathize with his character. The courtroom scene towards the end of the book is particularly riveting, providing a dramatic climax to the story.
However, there are moments in the book where the author tends to repeat certain information, which can be mildly frustrating for the reader. This repetition occasionally disrupts the flow of the narrative and makes the book feel a bit longer than necessary.
Nevertheless, "Finders Keepers" raises thought-provoking questions about morality and human nature. It forces readers to contemplate what they would do if faced with a similar windfall. Joey Coyle's story is both troubled and tragic, yet it carries universal themes that many can relate to on some level. The book serves as a compelling exploration of human behavior and the consequences of our decisions. Mark Bowden's storytelling skills make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in true crime and the complexities of the human psyche.
The author's ability to draw readers into Coyle's world is commendable. As the story unfolds, we witness the rollercoaster of emotions and decisions that Coyle grapples with, making it easy to empathize with his character. The courtroom scene towards the end of the book is particularly riveting, providing a dramatic climax to the story.
However, there are moments in the book where the author tends to repeat certain information, which can be mildly frustrating for the reader. This repetition occasionally disrupts the flow of the narrative and makes the book feel a bit longer than necessary.
Nevertheless, "Finders Keepers" raises thought-provoking questions about morality and human nature. It forces readers to contemplate what they would do if faced with a similar windfall. Joey Coyle's story is both troubled and tragic, yet it carries universal themes that many can relate to on some level. The book serves as a compelling exploration of human behavior and the consequences of our decisions. Mark Bowden's storytelling skills make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in true crime and the complexities of the human psyche.
December 3, 2019
This is the true story of a guy who stumbles upon a yellow tub on the road that has 2 sacks inside containing $1.2 Million. His two friends are overshadowed by Joey Coyle, who decides that he wants to try to keep the money. His meth addicted brain doesn't comprehend the simple fact that it fell off a Purolator truck, a simple but costly accident, and that the police and FBI will soon be all over the situation.
One of Mark Bowden's early novels, this is based on a three part series he wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer about the 1981 event. Bowden published this in 2002 and later was a consultant to the Disney production of a film based on this story, "Money for Nothing" starring John Cusack. The film totally changed the story for 'dramatic' purposes, and in contrast to Joey Coyle's real life story which ended sadly in tragedy.
The TRUE and documented story is simple, and both funny and pathetically sad. I won't spoil the facts, which speak for themselves. This story is a study in human nature, however, and shows all of our weaknesses and flaws. You'll laugh out loud, scratch your head in disbelief and probably not be completely satisfied with the way things end up. This story is quite haunting despite being so predictable and obvious.
One of Mark Bowden's early novels, this is based on a three part series he wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer about the 1981 event. Bowden published this in 2002 and later was a consultant to the Disney production of a film based on this story, "Money for Nothing" starring John Cusack. The film totally changed the story for 'dramatic' purposes, and in contrast to Joey Coyle's real life story which ended sadly in tragedy.
The TRUE and documented story is simple, and both funny and pathetically sad. I won't spoil the facts, which speak for themselves. This story is a study in human nature, however, and shows all of our weaknesses and flaws. You'll laugh out loud, scratch your head in disbelief and probably not be completely satisfied with the way things end up. This story is quite haunting despite being so predictable and obvious.
August 23, 2019
Honestly, I feel this book could have benefited from a firmer editor. At times it was grammatically confusing and contained some embarrassing typos that any word processor should have caught. I don’t think this will bother most, but it took me out of the story on numerous occasions.
Overall, it read as a bit redundant, but then, so was the daily life of Joey Coyle, ritually injecting methamphetamine on an hourly basis, redoing “manic” tasks compulsively, and telling the same story on repeat throughout the days covered in this book.
Despite my difficulty at times from a more superficial grammatical standpoint, it was a compelling and fast-paced story that I finished in a matter of hours. I live in Philadelphia and it was clear the writer spent a good amount of time here, speaking with people and observing the area of South Philly where this story took place. I very much enjoyed the trial coverage and in-depth analysis and dialogue of the red-tape legal struggle Robert Casey had to navigate in order to bring Coyle’s drug addiction - and truth - to light.
Overall, it read as a bit redundant, but then, so was the daily life of Joey Coyle, ritually injecting methamphetamine on an hourly basis, redoing “manic” tasks compulsively, and telling the same story on repeat throughout the days covered in this book.
Despite my difficulty at times from a more superficial grammatical standpoint, it was a compelling and fast-paced story that I finished in a matter of hours. I live in Philadelphia and it was clear the writer spent a good amount of time here, speaking with people and observing the area of South Philly where this story took place. I very much enjoyed the trial coverage and in-depth analysis and dialogue of the red-tape legal struggle Robert Casey had to navigate in order to bring Coyle’s drug addiction - and truth - to light.
December 25, 2025
I swear I read this back around the time I saw (possibly on cable) the 1993 film Money for Nothing, starring John Cusack. This engaging tale of the bumbling, overwhelmed, and ill-equipped drug addict that stumble on $1.2 million in cash also tells the story of the making of the film and its inevitable softening through Disneyfication of excised seediness, composite characters, differences from reality, etc. A real-life crime noir, this is a very engaging true story told from happy accident to eventual unraveling told from both inside the haphazard ring and outside by the investigating officers.
It is very sad that after being vindicated in court by reason of temporary insanity, Joey Coyle couldn't find a path to anything but suicide.
It is very sad that after being vindicated in court by reason of temporary insanity, Joey Coyle couldn't find a path to anything but suicide.
August 18, 2022
The Case:
Just like what the title says this is a story about Joey Coyle, an unemployed longshoreman who found two bags containing $1.2million in the street after they had fallen off from the back of an armored truck in February 1981 in Philadelphia. Instead of returning the money, he decided to keep it, and things begin to spiral down real fast.
My thoughts: Oh boy, what an interesting and infuriating story at the same time! All I can say is Joey wasn't really wise with all the choices he made from the moment he found the money! Ugh!
The author is a talented storyteller, and this non-fiction reads like fiction! I enjoyed the engaging writing. Joey's story was later adapted into a movie called Money For Nothing with John Cusack playing the character of Joey.
My thoughts: Oh boy, what an interesting and infuriating story at the same time! All I can say is Joey wasn't really wise with all the choices he made from the moment he found the money! Ugh!
The author is a talented storyteller, and this non-fiction reads like fiction! I enjoyed the engaging writing. Joey's story was later adapted into a movie called Money For Nothing with John Cusack playing the character of Joey.
February 15, 2020
I really like Mark Bowden as an author, and this book was well written and interesting. However, as he noted in the epilogue when discussing the movie based on these events (Money for Nothing), the true story of Joey Coyle is not "romantic". Joey was not an enthralling protagonist, and I felt bored when reading about the next stupid thing he did. Joey's life is extremely sad (he committed suicide days before the movie about his life was released). He was addicted to meth, and addiction is more depressing than what I was expecting.
March 8, 2023
A different kind of true crime story.
Joey Coyle was no murderer or kingpin. Just a naïve kid who didn't know how to react to the improbable occurrence of finding a lost $1.2 million.
I am not sure if Joey could have handled the situation more ineptly. There is a thematic undercurrent that is only really hinted at in the story of addiction and inequality. It might have been nice of Bowden explored this more, particularly in light of what the eventual result was for Joey.
A short and easy read.
Joey Coyle was no murderer or kingpin. Just a naïve kid who didn't know how to react to the improbable occurrence of finding a lost $1.2 million.
I am not sure if Joey could have handled the situation more ineptly. There is a thematic undercurrent that is only really hinted at in the story of addiction and inequality. It might have been nice of Bowden explored this more, particularly in light of what the eventual result was for Joey.
A short and easy read.
January 31, 2018
3.0 Not a bad read, just not what i thought it would be. When to cover says it is from the author of Black Hawk Down, I was interested. The story itself was interested and posed the fun question of what would you do? But the writing was very boring. I understand the author wanted to keep the story as close to the facts as he could, but still could have been told in a more imaginative fashion. Still a fun, quick story though.
February 21, 2020
Entertaining to think what you might do with $1.2M. Without any research I don't know how much is true and how much is dramatized, and if the actions of Joey portrayed in the book are real, it's hard to relate with the stupidity. I found the trial the most entertaining, simply because I enjoy seeing lawyers and what they can do with their redirections and pictures painted.
Its a quick read so that helps.
Its a quick read so that helps.
July 6, 2020
Super quick read I wanted to get more information for my podcast on Philly Boys one of them is Joey coyle
Therightshoepodcast.com
And this gave me more than enough info for my next featured one
Very easy to read and it is interesting how the whole trial came about because Of the money I lived in Philly my whole life Joey was somewhat of a legend back then I always heard his name just not much of why he was so famous until I got older. Good read
Therightshoepodcast.com
And this gave me more than enough info for my next featured one
Very easy to read and it is interesting how the whole trial came about because Of the money I lived in Philly my whole life Joey was somewhat of a legend back then I always heard his name just not much of why he was so famous until I got older. Good read
February 1, 2022
Found this book in a closet and thought I’d give it a try. The author states that he published this story originally has a 3 piece newspaper article and I would argue that perhaps that was the better fit for the story. The writing was good but the story itself and the main character aren’t compelling enough to write an entire novel about. It was less about the adventure of the found money and more a sad story that details the messiness of being a meth addict.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
This story was eventually made into a movie starring John Cusak. Now I have to track down the movie, because the story intrigues me. This book inspired the movie, which changed many details.
Now, just imagine if you were a down-on-your-luck person who found 1.2 million dollars and decided to keep it….
Audio narration was good, kudos to the author who really did his research and got to know the main character.
Now, just imagine if you were a down-on-your-luck person who found 1.2 million dollars and decided to keep it….
Audio narration was good, kudos to the author who really did his research and got to know the main character.
March 31, 2025
I thought the book had potential but it became slow in the middle and the end of it, and I had a hard time getting through it. Even though the main character is a lovable guy, he keeps making every mistake/doing exactly what you shouldn’t do with the money and telling people. I like that it is a true story but overall I thought it was too slow and boring. Decent discussion at book club about what each of us would do with the money—keep it, spend it, hide it, etc.
July 12, 2025
Well, that was different! This rambling description of Joey Coyle’s discovery of $1 million bag of money would be almost comical if it wasn’t so pathetic. It is sad to think that there are people that live as Joey and his friends and family do. I’m not sure whether this is a picture of. Philadelphia life or not. But all is not lost as I discovered a new author for me, and I like his writing. I hope I can read more of his books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews