What do you think?
Rate this book
Katerina Carter Fraud Thrillers #1
Exit Strategy
Diamonds, Danger, and A Deadly Secret... A Katerina Carter Legal Thriller Private investigator and forensic accountant Katerina Carter uncovers a sinister connection between blood diamonds and organized crime. Then two company employees are brutally murdered and her investigation becomes much more dangerous than she had ever imagined. Can she can stay alive long enough to expose the real criminals...or will her first case be her last?
Grab your copy today!
Exit Strategy is an action-packed legal thriller in the vein of Michael Connelly and John Grisham, teeming with greed, corruption, and conspiracy in the corridors of power. This stunning debut crime thriller suspense novel from crime author Colleen Cross will captivate you with psychological suspense, international intrigue and surprising plot twists in the great legal thriller tradition of Adam Mitzner, Greg Iles, Lisa Scottoline and Rachel Caine. A financial thriller with a cool new private investigator who gets the job done. Fans of Girl on the Train and Stillhouse Lake will love this riveting crime thriller.
“An international tale of diamonds, danger and disappearance, Exit Strategy gripped me from page one...”
"Exit Strategy, the first in the action-packed Katerina Carter Legal Thriller series, is a suspenseful psychological thriller sure to keep you turning pages!"
"...Heart-stopping tension and intrigue!"
"What do you do when the bodies pile up? Follow the money. This smart and fast-paced financial thriller will get your adrenaline pumping and your mind racing from Vancouver to Buenos Aires Argentina, A twisty crime thriller that will keep you guessing."
"Murder and misfortune and money go hand in hand...one of the best crime thrillers and mystery books this year!"
"If you like thriller books with an international flair, check out Exit Strategy. From Vancouver to Argentina and beyond, Cross's suspense thriller books are tightly plotted with pacing and suspense reminiscent of Grisham books."
Grab your copy today!
Exit Strategy is an action-packed legal thriller in the vein of Michael Connelly and John Grisham, teeming with greed, corruption, and conspiracy in the corridors of power. This stunning debut crime thriller suspense novel from crime author Colleen Cross will captivate you with psychological suspense, international intrigue and surprising plot twists in the great legal thriller tradition of Adam Mitzner, Greg Iles, Lisa Scottoline and Rachel Caine. A financial thriller with a cool new private investigator who gets the job done. Fans of Girl on the Train and Stillhouse Lake will love this riveting crime thriller.
“An international tale of diamonds, danger and disappearance, Exit Strategy gripped me from page one...”
"Exit Strategy, the first in the action-packed Katerina Carter Legal Thriller series, is a suspenseful psychological thriller sure to keep you turning pages!"
"...Heart-stopping tension and intrigue!"
"What do you do when the bodies pile up? Follow the money. This smart and fast-paced financial thriller will get your adrenaline pumping and your mind racing from Vancouver to Buenos Aires Argentina, A twisty crime thriller that will keep you guessing."
"Murder and misfortune and money go hand in hand...one of the best crime thrillers and mystery books this year!"
"If you like thriller books with an international flair, check out Exit Strategy. From Vancouver to Argentina and beyond, Cross's suspense thriller books are tightly plotted with pacing and suspense reminiscent of Grisham books."
303 pages, ebook
First published November 19, 2011
About the author
Colleen Cross
36 books153 followersColleen Cross writes exciting, intelligent thrillers and engrossing mysteries that grip you from the very first page. She took her very own "Exit Strategy" from the corporate world into the book world several years ago to indulge her bookworm wannabe writer self.
She lives with her family on the West Coast. When she's not writing, she loves to run and explore with her rescue dog, Jaeger, who reminds her daily that life's too short to not follow your dreams--or a squirrel or two.
Her books have been translated into multiple languages with more to come.
Visit her website at www.colleencross.com and sign up for her twice-yearly private newsletter and be the first to hear of new releases and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
Connect with her on social media:
Facebook at www.facebook.com/colleenxcross
Twitter: @colleenxcross
or find her on Goodreads
She lives with her family on the West Coast. When she's not writing, she loves to run and explore with her rescue dog, Jaeger, who reminds her daily that life's too short to not follow your dreams--or a squirrel or two.
Her books have been translated into multiple languages with more to come.
Visit her website at www.colleencross.com and sign up for her twice-yearly private newsletter and be the first to hear of new releases and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
Connect with her on social media:
Facebook at www.facebook.com/colleenxcross
Twitter: @colleenxcross
or find her on Goodreads
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 8, 2018
Exit Strategy by Colleen Cross and narrated by Peters Burchard is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. This has suspense, a mob boss and his daughter to deal with, illegal diamonds, kidnapping, murder, and money laundering! I did learn a lot about illegal diamond trading too. This was a fast paced, with constant on the go action and adventure that I had to listen to all in one sitting. Can't wait for more in the series! Great characters and excellent plot.
The narration was brilliant! Great performance!
The narration was brilliant! Great performance!
January 2, 2019
I have to be honest 2019 is starting off on a bland start for me. I am certified to investigate fraud... in a past life I investigated insurance fraud.
So of course I loved the premise of this book.
When I finally decided to read it... I felt... not much.
There is a lot going on in this book... I mean a lot... mob bosses, diamonds, illegal stuff, more illegal stuff... oh wait a twist more mob boss stuff... I mean like I said the book is fast paced but that is because there is so much going on your brain is in overdrive to keep up with it all.
Overall this book was enjoyable. I just didn't love it. Which makes me sad.
So of course I loved the premise of this book.
When I finally decided to read it... I felt... not much.
There is a lot going on in this book... I mean a lot... mob bosses, diamonds, illegal stuff, more illegal stuff... oh wait a twist more mob boss stuff... I mean like I said the book is fast paced but that is because there is so much going on your brain is in overdrive to keep up with it all.
Overall this book was enjoyable. I just didn't love it. Which makes me sad.
August 20, 2018
The writing was okay, although midway through, words were dropped from sentences. The minutia dragged the pace to a crawl. The repetitions made it hard to finish.
December 5, 2011
In Exit Strategy, Colleen Cross weaves a gripping tale of international intrigue that links the world of high finance to diamond smuggling. Her story takes us on a wild ride as Kat, her witty and feisty investigator, races against the clock to recover billions of stolen dollars while evading the wrath of organized crime. This well-crafted thriller with nonstop action keeps you flipping the pages to the very end to find out what happens next!
October 19, 2013
It seemed like a good story in the beginning but got more and more unrealistic. I'm surprised at all the praise.
September 24, 2020
This is my first experience with author Colleen Cross and narrator Petrea Burchard.
Katerina Carter is a down-on-her luck forensic accountant trying to find success with her own private investigation firm. It isn't going well and she's about to shut the doors. She's approached about a huge corporate theft and it's the opportunity to get her own finances back in the black.
The book starts slowly, bogged down quite a bit by a huge amount of exposition in long monologues used explain certain facts/history/procedures. While the facts about accounting, blood diamonds, and corporate stocks were interesting and necessary for the book, I wish this had been broken up a bit and perhaps been presented during more natural dialogue. At times it felt more like someone reading off large chunks of Wikipedia rather than a conversation.
About a third of the way through, the pacing picks up quite a bit and the mystery/thriller aspect is much more enjoyable. The biggest issue here is that Katerina does a lot of thoughtless, dangerous, and downright illegal acts that stretch believability.
That said, there's an interesting plot, intriguing characters, and a resolution that wasn't predictable. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series, Game Theory.
I liked the narration by Petrea Burchard. She had a wide range of voices and accents. Unfortunately, the voices for Cindy and Susan weren't always consistent between chapters. It wouldn't keep me from listening to her in the future though.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from FreeAudiobookCodes.com and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Katerina Carter is a down-on-her luck forensic accountant trying to find success with her own private investigation firm. It isn't going well and she's about to shut the doors. She's approached about a huge corporate theft and it's the opportunity to get her own finances back in the black.
The book starts slowly, bogged down quite a bit by a huge amount of exposition in long monologues used explain certain facts/history/procedures. While the facts about accounting, blood diamonds, and corporate stocks were interesting and necessary for the book, I wish this had been broken up a bit and perhaps been presented during more natural dialogue. At times it felt more like someone reading off large chunks of Wikipedia rather than a conversation.
About a third of the way through, the pacing picks up quite a bit and the mystery/thriller aspect is much more enjoyable. The biggest issue here is that Katerina does a lot of thoughtless, dangerous, and downright illegal acts that stretch believability.
That said, there's an interesting plot, intriguing characters, and a resolution that wasn't predictable. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series, Game Theory.
I liked the narration by Petrea Burchard. She had a wide range of voices and accents. Unfortunately, the voices for Cindy and Susan weren't always consistent between chapters. It wouldn't keep me from listening to her in the future though.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from FreeAudiobookCodes.com and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 30, 2011
Goodreads Author, Colleen Cross introduces readers to a wonderful new protagonist, Katerina Carter. The forensic account slightly reminds me of Kinsey Millhone. Kat is broke, living in her office, and her ex-boyfriend is in her life more than she wants him to be. She finally has a case. Liberty Diamond Mines’ CFO has disappeared along with $5 Billion dollars. She stumbles on a diamond laundering scheme at one of Liberty’s mines, before a major stock holder is murdered and a former geologist refuses to speak to her again. Kat suspects the recent murders and the threatening note found with her dead cat: Dead Kat are connected. The evidence of the theft is too easily traced to Paul Bryant and the over production of diamonds the company has reported. But when Kat becomes a suspect in one of Liberty’s insiders, she must face the reality that her theory of conflict diamonds being laundered by her employer may be right on the money.
Firing her is one thing, but being set up for murder or worse is not an option. She has to find the money. The money will lead Kat Carter to the killer/thief and will answer the why. But can she? And who can she trust? Kat doesn’t have much time to solve a case that she’s not being paid to work on. The Liberty Diamond Mines Board meets in a few days and is moving closer to Kat.
The action and plotting are quick and suspenseful. The writing is wonderful minus the product placement that I abhor in my books and movies. The characters are great and provide comical relief that is interwoven into the storyline. Readers will especially enjoy Uncle Harry, Aunt Elsie, and Verna. Ms. Cross’ freshman novel is worth reading and I have already purchased Game Theory. I can't wait to see what Kat's next case is about!
Firing her is one thing, but being set up for murder or worse is not an option. She has to find the money. The money will lead Kat Carter to the killer/thief and will answer the why. But can she? And who can she trust? Kat doesn’t have much time to solve a case that she’s not being paid to work on. The Liberty Diamond Mines Board meets in a few days and is moving closer to Kat.
The action and plotting are quick and suspenseful. The writing is wonderful minus the product placement that I abhor in my books and movies. The characters are great and provide comical relief that is interwoven into the storyline. Readers will especially enjoy Uncle Harry, Aunt Elsie, and Verna. Ms. Cross’ freshman novel is worth reading and I have already purchased Game Theory. I can't wait to see what Kat's next case is about!
November 27, 2011
I had no idea what a forensic accountant was until reading this novel. (Such an accountant tracks down missing money in cases of financial wrong-doing.) I certainly had no idea that a story about a forensic accountant could be exciting, suspenseful, and scary.
Forensic accountant Katarina (Kat) Carter is called in when five billion dollars goes missing from a Canadian corporation mining diamonds. She can't figure out why they called her. She's the least important investigator of her kind in town, and everyone believes the missing CFO did it, anyway. But Kat needs the money, so she takes the job.
An exciting story unfolds. Kat is a more-than-spunky modern heroine who refuses to quit when everything turns against her. Soon, we're learning about the international laundering of dirty diamonds, how pilfered money is moved between nations, drug lords, and big time organized crime. Kat's computer skills are reminiscent of Lisbeth Salander's in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
A great, fast-moving tale that will teach you more about forensic accounting than you knew existed--but in an entertaining and easily understood way. I found out that the author, Colleen Cross, is an accountant. That figures: The depth of the research in this book is way more than what you could get by Googling.
I highly recommend Exit Strategy!
Forensic accountant Katarina (Kat) Carter is called in when five billion dollars goes missing from a Canadian corporation mining diamonds. She can't figure out why they called her. She's the least important investigator of her kind in town, and everyone believes the missing CFO did it, anyway. But Kat needs the money, so she takes the job.
An exciting story unfolds. Kat is a more-than-spunky modern heroine who refuses to quit when everything turns against her. Soon, we're learning about the international laundering of dirty diamonds, how pilfered money is moved between nations, drug lords, and big time organized crime. Kat's computer skills are reminiscent of Lisbeth Salander's in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
A great, fast-moving tale that will teach you more about forensic accounting than you knew existed--but in an entertaining and easily understood way. I found out that the author, Colleen Cross, is an accountant. That figures: The depth of the research in this book is way more than what you could get by Googling.
I highly recommend Exit Strategy!
March 21, 2019
This audiobook had all the bada** elements of a great action movie. There were falsified diamonds, high speed chases, murders, kidnapping, and a ton of other adventures packed into this book.
Katerina is a fantastically strong character. When she first takes the case to study the possible fraud at Liberty, she doesn’t think her discovery will land her in such danger. However, once she learns the truth, she refuses to give up, going so far as to risk implicating herself and her Uncle Harry in the fraud just to keep the money out of the hands of the wrong people.
I absolutely adored her strength though I have to admit that a few parts of the book had me laughing. For example, when Katerina decided to steal one of the CEO’s trash and got into a scuffle with a raccoon, I was giggling furiously.
All in all, this is a fantastically sound thriller with lots going on and fantastic characters. I will definitely be continuing on in this series.
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.
Katerina is a fantastically strong character. When she first takes the case to study the possible fraud at Liberty, she doesn’t think her discovery will land her in such danger. However, once she learns the truth, she refuses to give up, going so far as to risk implicating herself and her Uncle Harry in the fraud just to keep the money out of the hands of the wrong people.
I absolutely adored her strength though I have to admit that a few parts of the book had me laughing. For example, when Katerina decided to steal one of the CEO’s trash and got into a scuffle with a raccoon, I was giggling furiously.
All in all, this is a fantastically sound thriller with lots going on and fantastic characters. I will definitely be continuing on in this series.
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.
March 9, 2014
An action-packed thriller about dirty money and diamonds! Katerina Carter is hired by Liberty Diamond Mines to find a large amount of money that is missing. Just as she begins breaking the service of what happened, bad things start to happen. Dead bodies begin showing up, someone is trying to kill Kat, and Kat finds herself in a race against time. As Kat begins to get closer to the truth, the more risky it gets. Can she figure out where the money went and who is responsible before they can catch up with her?
This book was full of action. It was hard to put the book down because each chapter was one step closer to finding the truth. The author did a fantastic job with keeping the book suspenseful. I also really like the main character, Kat. She is a determined woman who isn't afraid to do the right thing, even when it puts her life in danger. I really enjoyed this book!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was full of action. It was hard to put the book down because each chapter was one step closer to finding the truth. The author did a fantastic job with keeping the book suspenseful. I also really like the main character, Kat. She is a determined woman who isn't afraid to do the right thing, even when it puts her life in danger. I really enjoyed this book!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 26, 2012
I won this book via goodreads from firstreads in a giveaway, and am so glad I was picked as a winner! I love thrillers and just came out of a book called Black Fridays that had to do with stock broker embezzlement and a heartfelt story behind it, and I have to say although I loved both books Exit Strategy went the extra mile with details on money laundering! Coleen Cross has a niche for writing and can't wait to read more of this fantastic writing style. I am a person with many questions and go crazy if left unanswered. This book was complete from start to finish in that aspect. I loved the main character Kat and her strength and endurance throughout the book was encouraging I think to all women out there in fields otherwise stereotyped as man roles. I rate this book 5 out of 5 and only awesome books get that rating from me so go check it out!
November 21, 2011
Seriously good story. Original protagonist & fun international plot.
October 9, 2019
I enjoyed listening to this book, I listened to it over a few weeks and found it easy to pick up where I left off. It's not a heavy book and ideal for an audio book to listen to when driving or doing chores.
The story is good and I will definitely look out for others by Colleen Cross.
The story is good and I will definitely look out for others by Colleen Cross.
July 20, 2022
As an accountant myself this was so out there but I did really enjoy it. Made accounting fun. But seriously a good story and good narration and a great introduction to the series which I am going to continue reading
March 7, 2020
Blood pumping action I liked the characters and the story will check out more of this authors work
October 16, 2018
Audiobook review
This story was great.
It’s got so much detail into the crimes & characters it must have taken ages to research. The diamond mines and the trading alone.
Such a change from the Witchy books. I love them & loved this!
The narrator was really good. Tempo spot and she kept the characters going so well.
Really fab start to I’m hoping is a new series.
This story was great.
It’s got so much detail into the crimes & characters it must have taken ages to research. The diamond mines and the trading alone.
Such a change from the Witchy books. I love them & loved this!
The narrator was really good. Tempo spot and she kept the characters going so well.
Really fab start to I’m hoping is a new series.
September 4, 2016
Nooduitgang is een verhaal vol actie, theorieën waar hoofdpersonage Kat haar hoofd over breekt en duistere figuren. Het verhaal begint gelijk in een gedetailleerd beschreven donkere scène, waarbij je als lezer direct in het verhaal gezogen wordt, steeds dieper in je stoel kruipt, en met razend tempo door wilt lezen: hoe gaat dit verder? Hoe is dit zo gekomen en vooral: wie zit hierachter?
Het verhaal loopt na deze scène als een trein. Er wordt veel uitgelegd over de gang van zaken en hoe het precies zit met de aandelen en de diamanten, waardoor je ook als leek deze zaak heel goed kunt volgen. Gelukkig haalt dit de vaart er niet uit, integendeel! Juist omdat het zo uitgebreid wordt uitgelegd, begin je je er steeds meer je eigen weg in te vinden en leer je daarnaast de mensen van Liberty Diamond Mines stuk voor stuk steeds beter kennen. Er gaat ontzettend veel geld om in deze zaak en het lijkt wel of iedereen er iets mee te maken heeft. En dan is er natuurlijk de verdwijning van een van de kopstukken van Liberty Diamond Mines... De uiteenlopende personages die elkaar kennen vanuit Liberty Diamond Mines maken het elkaar ontzettend moeilijk, en willen het liefst allemaal buiten de schijnwerpers blijven om maar niet teveel op te vallen met hun eigen getrokken plannen. Wie is er eigenlijk echt te vertrouwen? Teveel weten is al funest, dat weten ze allemaal. Toch laat niet iedereen zich zomaar de wetten voorschrijven door een ander, met alle gevolgen van dien.
Het is aan Kat (en de lezer, natuurlijk) om uit te zoeken hoe al deze puzzelstukken in elkaar passen en deze zaak zo snel mogelijk tot een goed einde te brengen. Kat is een pittige tante, die niet met zich laat sollen. Haar leven is op het moment zwaarder dan ze voor ogen had gehad en wil dan ook alles op alles zetten om geld binnen te halen met deze klus. Zodra ze merkt dat het duisterder en daarmee ook gevaarlijker wordt, keert ze zich het liefste af van de mensen die haar lief zijn om hen in veiligheid te houden. Zij weten namelijk niets over haar persoonlijke problemen en Kat wil en zal alles zelf oplossen, als het even kan, onafhankelijk als ze is. Toch laat ze op den duur haar opgetrokken muur steeds meer zakken, omdat ze doorheeft dat ze het in haar eentje gewoon echt niet redt - en omdat ze merkt dat haar eigenwijze karakter haar vaker in ongemakkelijke en benarde situaties brengt dan gedacht. Misschien geven deze mensen haar net het laatste beetje power dat ze miste (al baalt ze daar stiekem wel van, natuurlijk) om haar leven weer op de rit te krijgen én om tot de oplossing van deze vermissing en het verdwenen geld te komen.
Nooduitgang is een vermakelijke thriller, die wegleest als een actiefilm door de vlotte en gedetailleerde schrijfstijl van Colleen Cross en die jou als lezer niet meer met rust laat tot je het boek hebt dichtgeslagen. De zaak die Kat op zich neemt is een huiveringwekkende zoektocht naar de waarheid, gevuld met onverwachte plottwists en interessante personages.
Ik ben in ieder geval heel benieuwd naar haar volgende zaak, want ik heb zo mijn vermoedens dat Kat zich met deze zaak absoluut op de kaart heeft gezet als fraudeonderzoeker en dat zij nog grotere klussen zal gaan krijgen in de toekomst!
Het verhaal loopt na deze scène als een trein. Er wordt veel uitgelegd over de gang van zaken en hoe het precies zit met de aandelen en de diamanten, waardoor je ook als leek deze zaak heel goed kunt volgen. Gelukkig haalt dit de vaart er niet uit, integendeel! Juist omdat het zo uitgebreid wordt uitgelegd, begin je je er steeds meer je eigen weg in te vinden en leer je daarnaast de mensen van Liberty Diamond Mines stuk voor stuk steeds beter kennen. Er gaat ontzettend veel geld om in deze zaak en het lijkt wel of iedereen er iets mee te maken heeft. En dan is er natuurlijk de verdwijning van een van de kopstukken van Liberty Diamond Mines... De uiteenlopende personages die elkaar kennen vanuit Liberty Diamond Mines maken het elkaar ontzettend moeilijk, en willen het liefst allemaal buiten de schijnwerpers blijven om maar niet teveel op te vallen met hun eigen getrokken plannen. Wie is er eigenlijk echt te vertrouwen? Teveel weten is al funest, dat weten ze allemaal. Toch laat niet iedereen zich zomaar de wetten voorschrijven door een ander, met alle gevolgen van dien.
Het is aan Kat (en de lezer, natuurlijk) om uit te zoeken hoe al deze puzzelstukken in elkaar passen en deze zaak zo snel mogelijk tot een goed einde te brengen. Kat is een pittige tante, die niet met zich laat sollen. Haar leven is op het moment zwaarder dan ze voor ogen had gehad en wil dan ook alles op alles zetten om geld binnen te halen met deze klus. Zodra ze merkt dat het duisterder en daarmee ook gevaarlijker wordt, keert ze zich het liefste af van de mensen die haar lief zijn om hen in veiligheid te houden. Zij weten namelijk niets over haar persoonlijke problemen en Kat wil en zal alles zelf oplossen, als het even kan, onafhankelijk als ze is. Toch laat ze op den duur haar opgetrokken muur steeds meer zakken, omdat ze doorheeft dat ze het in haar eentje gewoon echt niet redt - en omdat ze merkt dat haar eigenwijze karakter haar vaker in ongemakkelijke en benarde situaties brengt dan gedacht. Misschien geven deze mensen haar net het laatste beetje power dat ze miste (al baalt ze daar stiekem wel van, natuurlijk) om haar leven weer op de rit te krijgen én om tot de oplossing van deze vermissing en het verdwenen geld te komen.
Nooduitgang is een vermakelijke thriller, die wegleest als een actiefilm door de vlotte en gedetailleerde schrijfstijl van Colleen Cross en die jou als lezer niet meer met rust laat tot je het boek hebt dichtgeslagen. De zaak die Kat op zich neemt is een huiveringwekkende zoektocht naar de waarheid, gevuld met onverwachte plottwists en interessante personages.
Ik ben in ieder geval heel benieuwd naar haar volgende zaak, want ik heb zo mijn vermoedens dat Kat zich met deze zaak absoluut op de kaart heeft gezet als fraudeonderzoeker en dat zij nog grotere klussen zal gaan krijgen in de toekomst!
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I liked all the different angles, from the stock exchange to drug cartels in South America and diamond smuggling from Africa. And if you ignore the completely stupid things Kat do and the situations she gets herself into and the more unbelievable ways she gets out of it, this was a quick and grabbing read and was exactly what I was in the mood for when I started this book.
I listened to the Audible audiobook and the narrator's pace was extremely slow and hard to follow, but when I sped up the sound to 1.5, it was much easier to listen to.
I listened to the Audible audiobook and the narrator's pace was extremely slow and hard to follow, but when I sped up the sound to 1.5, it was much easier to listen to.
April 15, 2012
Exit Strategy - A Rare "Gem"...
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Colleen Cross
Format: Kindle, Paperback
In massive amounts of debt and wondering why she ever decided to start her own the forensic accounting business, Katerina (Kat) Carter is forced to live in her office space after being evicted for not paying her rent. As her world is about to completely unravel, Liberty Diamond Minds comes into the picture. Someone has embezzled five billion dollars and before going public with the information, the CEO hopes Kat can track down the money and save the company. But Kat quickly learns more than just money is at stake as she uncovers a global conspiracy involving “blood diamonds”, money laundering, and some of the most powerful people in the world.
Colleen Cross' "Exit Strategy" starts with a heart pounding execution style murder in Argentina and the pace does not stop until the final page is turned. I would have never guessed that a book whose main character is a forensic accountant would be so engaging but this has all the elements of some of my favorite novels - entertaining, fast paced, real characters (with the possible exception of one of the more obstructionist police officials), and numerous plot twists. What I appreciated most was Cross' research and expertise regarding the world of underground trafficking, how organizations can launder money, and the use of the global diamond mining system to trade illegally without a trace. I don't think I will look at a diamond ring again without wondering if or how it may have played a role in some illegal activity. Cross provides just enough detail about how forensic accounting works to keep it interesting with the side benefit of illustrating just how challenging our own government and those around the world face in dealing not just with illegal trade activities but terrorists. This gave me an entirely new appreciation for what likely goes on behind the scenes everyday to keep the world safe.
Cross has a gift for storytelling and I look forward to future works.
Note: A complimentary copy of this novel was provided ini return for a review.
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Colleen Cross
Format: Kindle, Paperback
In massive amounts of debt and wondering why she ever decided to start her own the forensic accounting business, Katerina (Kat) Carter is forced to live in her office space after being evicted for not paying her rent. As her world is about to completely unravel, Liberty Diamond Minds comes into the picture. Someone has embezzled five billion dollars and before going public with the information, the CEO hopes Kat can track down the money and save the company. But Kat quickly learns more than just money is at stake as she uncovers a global conspiracy involving “blood diamonds”, money laundering, and some of the most powerful people in the world.
Colleen Cross' "Exit Strategy" starts with a heart pounding execution style murder in Argentina and the pace does not stop until the final page is turned. I would have never guessed that a book whose main character is a forensic accountant would be so engaging but this has all the elements of some of my favorite novels - entertaining, fast paced, real characters (with the possible exception of one of the more obstructionist police officials), and numerous plot twists. What I appreciated most was Cross' research and expertise regarding the world of underground trafficking, how organizations can launder money, and the use of the global diamond mining system to trade illegally without a trace. I don't think I will look at a diamond ring again without wondering if or how it may have played a role in some illegal activity. Cross provides just enough detail about how forensic accounting works to keep it interesting with the side benefit of illustrating just how challenging our own government and those around the world face in dealing not just with illegal trade activities but terrorists. This gave me an entirely new appreciation for what likely goes on behind the scenes everyday to keep the world safe.
Cross has a gift for storytelling and I look forward to future works.
Note: A complimentary copy of this novel was provided ini return for a review.
April 16, 2012
Forensic accountant Katerina (Kat) Carter has her own new practice, but business is slow and she’s so broke that she is forced to live in her office. When she’s hired to find Liberty Diamond Mines’ missing $5 billion and its CFO, she takes the job, despite a couple of red flags and an impossibly short deadline. In Kat’s profession, little is what it seems at first glance. This time, the paper trail leads straight into physical danger.
Exit Strategy is a riveting story about what happens when greed mixes with organized crime. There are big stakes and big risks, and plenty of action as Kat scrambles to find answers. This mystery is a whodunnit from a violent crime perspective, but also a howdunnit from a white-collar crime perspective. In fact, the book opens with two separate stories in different parts of the world. Author Colleen Cross brings them together beautifully with great pacing and tension building. She also provides clear examples of how stock shares can be manipulated inside and outside a company.
To say that Kat Carter is determined would be a huge understatement. She’s one gutsy character with a lot of depth and plenty of worries. For an amateur sleuth, she takes a lot of risks, however a woman struggling to survive, physically and financially, could go to extremes for resolution. Exit Strategy is Cross’ debut novel, and I look forward to more adventures with this intriguing character.
Exit Strategy is a riveting story about what happens when greed mixes with organized crime. There are big stakes and big risks, and plenty of action as Kat scrambles to find answers. This mystery is a whodunnit from a violent crime perspective, but also a howdunnit from a white-collar crime perspective. In fact, the book opens with two separate stories in different parts of the world. Author Colleen Cross brings them together beautifully with great pacing and tension building. She also provides clear examples of how stock shares can be manipulated inside and outside a company.
To say that Kat Carter is determined would be a huge understatement. She’s one gutsy character with a lot of depth and plenty of worries. For an amateur sleuth, she takes a lot of risks, however a woman struggling to survive, physically and financially, could go to extremes for resolution. Exit Strategy is Cross’ debut novel, and I look forward to more adventures with this intriguing character.
June 21, 2013
This was an enjoyable financial thriller with a clever plot, a heroine you could really root for and some nice twists and turns. The real bonus, however, was the information you pick up on margin calls, conflict diamonds and the corporate governance process of listed companies in general. The author displays the kind of comfort in these areas you only get from either being an industry insider or through in depth research. Both a thrilling and educational read, therefore and am looking forward to next installment of Katerina Carter's adventures.
November 19, 2011
In Exit Strategy the reader follows forensic accountant Kat Carter on a international $5 billion fraud ivestigation. Cross pulls you into the story as Kat is immersed in the intriguing and dangerous world of blood diamond laundering. Once she has drawn you in, Colleen Cross keeps keeps you flipping pages in this a fast paced adventure by introducing many plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
April 24, 2012
I didn’t think it could happen but, by the time I finished reading EXIT STATEGY, I felt I understood the world of money laundering, big corporations and the role of forensic accountants in following the money. Five stars for EXIT STRATEGY and I’m looking forward to the next Kat Carter adventure.
- Gloria Ferris, author of CHEAT THE HANGMAN
- Gloria Ferris, author of CHEAT THE HANGMAN
March 16, 2025
ik heb twee delen gelezen en pas bij laatste scène wil ik weten hoe het verder gaat . ik weet nog niet of ik de andere delen ga kopen, eerste druk erg saai geschreven
Uiteindelijk alle delen gelezen via Kobo plus. in het laatste stuk met veel namen die in eerdere delen kwamen.Dit maakte het voor mij wat onoverzichtelijk
Uiteindelijk alle delen gelezen via Kobo plus. in het laatste stuk met veel namen die in eerdere delen kwamen.Dit maakte het voor mij wat onoverzichtelijk
September 27, 2017
Laten liggen. Aardig uitgangspunt maar te vlak uitgewerkt, met platte hoofdpersonen.
August 15, 2018
Who knew that forensic accounting could make for such a dangerous job, or for such an absorbing read. This very enjoyable thriller tells the story of Katerina Carter, forensic accountant turned PI who is asked by a large, local diamond company to investigate the disappearance of five billion dollars, and the Chief Financial Officer. Because of her own mounting debts, and the added burden of the buy-to-renovate mortgage that her ex-fiance wants her to share, she takes the job.
There begins a complicated, convoluted set of events, not helped by her well-meaning Uncle Harry, who, as her volunteer receptionist, seems to create more chaos than he resolves. With his help, and that of her kind and handsome ex-fiance, Jace, and her undercover police friend, Cindy, they uncover a plot which stretches from Vancouver to Argentina through trust accounts and share brokers to blood diamonds and international arms smuggling.
This book begins with a chapter which is more prologue than part of the body of the story. For me, it was a little confusing, but I stuck with it and the information provided became very pertinent in later chapters, especially with regard to the motivations of the characters involved.
From the second chapter, Kat Carter takes centre stage. She is anything but a typical accountant. She seems to shun any form of order or regimen, but seems to go out of her way to make life chaotic for herself. She is headstrong, stubborn, and intelligent. She is thorough in her work and knows the financial wizardry of stock markets, balance sheets and international banking but cannot seem to apply those to herself and her life. It did make a refreshing change to encounter a non-cliche
accountant but at times it did seem like her character flaws were going to have fatal outcomes, either directly or by virtue of the criminals that she managed to annoy. Her saving grace was the wonderful people she had around her who frequently rescue her from danger, and from herself.
My only minor quibble with this story was the technical explanations of stock market trading that Ms Cross provided through her lead character. I found the explanations hard to follow as they were full of jargon and assumed a prior knowledge of terms and procedures. I had to gloss over those in order to get to the story again.
I note that Colleen Cross has written a three other books in this series, along with a couple of short stories. I am looking forward to sharing in Harry, Jace and Cindy’s frustrations and fears as they watch Kat Carter take on other seemingly impossible and deadly accounting conundrums.
I also see that Colleen Cross has another murder mystery series, the Westwick Witches murder mysteries, which also look very interesting.
There begins a complicated, convoluted set of events, not helped by her well-meaning Uncle Harry, who, as her volunteer receptionist, seems to create more chaos than he resolves. With his help, and that of her kind and handsome ex-fiance, Jace, and her undercover police friend, Cindy, they uncover a plot which stretches from Vancouver to Argentina through trust accounts and share brokers to blood diamonds and international arms smuggling.
This book begins with a chapter which is more prologue than part of the body of the story. For me, it was a little confusing, but I stuck with it and the information provided became very pertinent in later chapters, especially with regard to the motivations of the characters involved.
From the second chapter, Kat Carter takes centre stage. She is anything but a typical accountant. She seems to shun any form of order or regimen, but seems to go out of her way to make life chaotic for herself. She is headstrong, stubborn, and intelligent. She is thorough in her work and knows the financial wizardry of stock markets, balance sheets and international banking but cannot seem to apply those to herself and her life. It did make a refreshing change to encounter a non-cliche
accountant but at times it did seem like her character flaws were going to have fatal outcomes, either directly or by virtue of the criminals that she managed to annoy. Her saving grace was the wonderful people she had around her who frequently rescue her from danger, and from herself.
My only minor quibble with this story was the technical explanations of stock market trading that Ms Cross provided through her lead character. I found the explanations hard to follow as they were full of jargon and assumed a prior knowledge of terms and procedures. I had to gloss over those in order to get to the story again.
I note that Colleen Cross has written a three other books in this series, along with a couple of short stories. I am looking forward to sharing in Harry, Jace and Cindy’s frustrations and fears as they watch Kat Carter take on other seemingly impossible and deadly accounting conundrums.
I also see that Colleen Cross has another murder mystery series, the Westwick Witches murder mysteries, which also look very interesting.
February 4, 2022
This novel had a much to commend it: an unusual plot line topic (conflict diamonds); steady action; well-developed characters; and vivid settings. However, some of these strengths also became weaknesses.
The plot rolled along pretty well. At key points, the chapter would end, giving the reader a cliffhanger to motivate his/her pressing on. On a couple occasions, though, the resolution was not satisfying (slight spoilers ahead).
In one instance, a character is attacked. She tries to call the police just as the assailant storms into the room. The next chapter starts w/ her awaking from sleep. Was it a dream sequence? Initially I thought so, and gave Ms. Cross kudos for sucking me in. But no, the attack happened, the police arrived and hauled the attacker away, and the character went back to sleep. Um, what? How did the cops get there in time? And what happened between the character’s call for help and their arrival? These important plot details are nowhere to be found.
In another, a character is trapped under water about to drown. Her strategy for getting out is sound but will take concentration and skill. The chapter ends. Okay, good suspense. The next chapter begins w/ the character recovering in the hospital. How? Ms. Cross cursorily summarizes the rescue, but not in a satisfying way.
In both sequences, the character would likely be dead before help arrived. So let us know HOW she escaped w/ her life.
Some of the characters had depth (Kat, Jace, Harry, Cindy, Audrey, and even Verna). But others were from central casting - namely all the villains. None of them really showed any imagination in their development. Further, Kat was such a hot mess that it was hard to root for her at times.
One key plot line did not ring true: the amount of money at stake. Start w/ $5B, increase it by tenfold through trading in stock shorts, and embezzle the whole lot. This element stretched my ability to believe well past the breaking point. A 1000% return on investment in a couple years? Not buying it, especially in such large amounts (“billion” w/ a “B”) and going unnoticed. I’m not a forensic accountant, so I can’t say it couldn’t happen. I’m just saying I found it hard to accept.
Lastly, the topic underlying the plot is a complex one: conflict diamonds; laundering them; embezzling the proceeds. Ms. Cross tried hard to use dialogue to educate the reader on these topics. This strategy is excellent, but it can be hard to pull off. (Michael Ridpath and Reece Hirsch are two masters at this literary tool.) Ms. Cross’ attempts come across as pedantic and canned, like the characters are lecturing each other (and the reader). Again, educating the reader on an unfamiliar topic is hard to do. Ms. Cross made a good effort, but it was not as seamless as I’ve encountered w/ other writers.
The book was still an entertaining read. Overall it held my interest. And I may explore further installments in the series.
The plot rolled along pretty well. At key points, the chapter would end, giving the reader a cliffhanger to motivate his/her pressing on. On a couple occasions, though, the resolution was not satisfying (slight spoilers ahead).
In one instance, a character is attacked. She tries to call the police just as the assailant storms into the room. The next chapter starts w/ her awaking from sleep. Was it a dream sequence? Initially I thought so, and gave Ms. Cross kudos for sucking me in. But no, the attack happened, the police arrived and hauled the attacker away, and the character went back to sleep. Um, what? How did the cops get there in time? And what happened between the character’s call for help and their arrival? These important plot details are nowhere to be found.
In another, a character is trapped under water about to drown. Her strategy for getting out is sound but will take concentration and skill. The chapter ends. Okay, good suspense. The next chapter begins w/ the character recovering in the hospital. How? Ms. Cross cursorily summarizes the rescue, but not in a satisfying way.
In both sequences, the character would likely be dead before help arrived. So let us know HOW she escaped w/ her life.
Some of the characters had depth (Kat, Jace, Harry, Cindy, Audrey, and even Verna). But others were from central casting - namely all the villains. None of them really showed any imagination in their development. Further, Kat was such a hot mess that it was hard to root for her at times.
One key plot line did not ring true: the amount of money at stake. Start w/ $5B, increase it by tenfold through trading in stock shorts, and embezzle the whole lot. This element stretched my ability to believe well past the breaking point. A 1000% return on investment in a couple years? Not buying it, especially in such large amounts (“billion” w/ a “B”) and going unnoticed. I’m not a forensic accountant, so I can’t say it couldn’t happen. I’m just saying I found it hard to accept.
Lastly, the topic underlying the plot is a complex one: conflict diamonds; laundering them; embezzling the proceeds. Ms. Cross tried hard to use dialogue to educate the reader on these topics. This strategy is excellent, but it can be hard to pull off. (Michael Ridpath and Reece Hirsch are two masters at this literary tool.) Ms. Cross’ attempts come across as pedantic and canned, like the characters are lecturing each other (and the reader). Again, educating the reader on an unfamiliar topic is hard to do. Ms. Cross made a good effort, but it was not as seamless as I’ve encountered w/ other writers.
The book was still an entertaining read. Overall it held my interest. And I may explore further installments in the series.
March 12, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the first book in the Katerina Carter Fraud series. Katerina is a forensic accountant - someone who reviews financial records to find the money. She is hired by a company who is suddenly missing millions of dollars and a CFO. The company is reluctant to inform the public/stockholders of the loss. Kat, who is really down on her luck and living out of her office, wonders why she is being hired instead of a more prestigious firm. The firm doesn't count on is Kat's tenacity. The more Kat learns, the more the firm wants to keep hidden and the more dangerous it becomes for Kat.
This was an intriguing mystery that's different than most thrillers in that you don't start with a dead body. Here, Kat has to figure out by deciphering financial anomilies and records which don't fit the expected norm. What seems to be a pretty straight forward problem - the missing money taken by the missing employee - blossoms into a much greater scheme when putting together all of the bits and pieces. The author has clearly done her research and taken what otherwise would be a dry subject be involving and compelling. This is the part of the story I really enjoyed.
I also liked Kat and her Uncle, who really compliment one another well and I enjoyed their character development. Kat's former boyfriend was a bit flat and a bit of a doormat. Hopefully he will become stronger as the series continues.
I listened to this book - the narrator, Petra Burchard, was very good and complimented the written words well.
This is the first book in the Katerina Carter Fraud series. Katerina is a forensic accountant - someone who reviews financial records to find the money. She is hired by a company who is suddenly missing millions of dollars and a CFO. The company is reluctant to inform the public/stockholders of the loss. Kat, who is really down on her luck and living out of her office, wonders why she is being hired instead of a more prestigious firm. The firm doesn't count on is Kat's tenacity. The more Kat learns, the more the firm wants to keep hidden and the more dangerous it becomes for Kat.
This was an intriguing mystery that's different than most thrillers in that you don't start with a dead body. Here, Kat has to figure out by deciphering financial anomilies and records which don't fit the expected norm. What seems to be a pretty straight forward problem - the missing money taken by the missing employee - blossoms into a much greater scheme when putting together all of the bits and pieces. The author has clearly done her research and taken what otherwise would be a dry subject be involving and compelling. This is the part of the story I really enjoyed.
I also liked Kat and her Uncle, who really compliment one another well and I enjoyed their character development. Kat's former boyfriend was a bit flat and a bit of a doormat. Hopefully he will become stronger as the series continues.
I listened to this book - the narrator, Petra Burchard, was very good and complimented the written words well.
November 21, 2018
Legal thrillers have never been high on my listening list, but this very one may just change that,I really enjoyed this one.
From the very beginning the opening line ,the action came thick and fast, from then it just got better and better.
I found Katerina, believable and a real tryer, I loved all the close relationships, which proves there is nothing more important than family, specially in such a story.
I found the plot well written and twisty and turny, just when i thought I had a handle on the story, another twist would hit from nowhere, I enjoyed every min of it.
Every character whether a main player or minor role, I honestly loved the bad guys as much as the good.
What started life as a simple fraud case soon grew so many arms and legs,it turned into a big brilliant legal thriller spider.
The narrator for this rollercoaster was, Petrea Burchard, another new name in a increasingly long list of new and brilliant narrators I've heard since starting this blog, she does an excellent job, good pace and timing, wonderful accents, one to keep an ear out for.
If legal thrillers are your thing, 0r like me you are fairly new to the genre this would be a good place to start, it has action, suspense and action and a class story as well.
February 26, 2019
Wow, this is finally something different, most books follow a very similar story line, but in this case the author writes about a forensic accountant, I mean, what is that? it sounds so cool. So, into the audio book I go. It is not one of the longest in the world at 8 hrs and 51 mins. This is a good moment to say that I was offered and audible code for this book in exchange for a review. Thanks Colleen.
There is a lot going on in the book, the action is fast paced, but not too much that you can get lost, the details and descriptions of the world of forensic accountant are wonderful, full of information for those who have no idea, like me. I have to say the research the author did is very good.
As there is a lot of money at stake here in this book and this also means murders, mystery and also money trafficking, with lots more suspense thrown in.
The main character is brought to life with the great character development that the author has written and as this book is the first in a series I imagine that you learn a little more about Kat in the other books also.
The narration is very good, Petrea Burchard does a very wonderful job with all the different characters. I can recommend this book or audio book for those who enjoy fast paced action thrillers.
There is a lot going on in the book, the action is fast paced, but not too much that you can get lost, the details and descriptions of the world of forensic accountant are wonderful, full of information for those who have no idea, like me. I have to say the research the author did is very good.
As there is a lot of money at stake here in this book and this also means murders, mystery and also money trafficking, with lots more suspense thrown in.
The main character is brought to life with the great character development that the author has written and as this book is the first in a series I imagine that you learn a little more about Kat in the other books also.
The narration is very good, Petrea Burchard does a very wonderful job with all the different characters. I can recommend this book or audio book for those who enjoy fast paced action thrillers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews