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The Company of Friends: A Story of Crime and Corruption in Politics
Amid political gridlock in Washington, Elizabeth Stone, a visionary federal judge is elected president. She realizes significant achievements by working with both major political parties. Then she is assassinated. There are no clues, suspects or apparent motive. Is this the perfect murder? Determined to see that justice is done, FBI agent George Baker penetrates the twisted sub-culture of the underworld, breaking through the wall of silence that shields the perpetrator of such a heinous crime. The killer is charged, convicted and sentenced to death. But the question of motive remains unanswered. Did he act alone, or was he hired by someone? Further investigation establishes linkages between the president's assassin, several corrupt politicians and The Company of Friends, a mysterious group with no scruples about how they pursue their interests. Are they involved, and if so, how? The reader is taken through the seamy side of American politics, exposing how money can buy influence, breeding corruption and subverting the democratic process. The multi-layered structure designed to insulate the masterminds behind this house of corruption is brought down by the relentless efforts of the FBI and its law enforcement partners. What makes the narrative so compelling is its sheer audacity and scope. Issues ranging from the economy, the environment, corruption in business and politics, to Quebec secessionists, create a sense of the complexity of the world lived at the presidential level. The plot is engrossing, dramatic and suspenseful."
310 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2013
6 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Tony Manera
16 books27 followersAnthony (Tony) S. Manera retired as President and CEO of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1995, where he also served for many years as Senior Vice President. Before joining the CBC, he was President and CEO of Vancouver Community College (1978-1985), which at the time also included what is now Langara College. He was President and CEO of Niagara College from 1972 to 1978.
Born in Italy (1940), he is a graduate of the University of Southern California (Master of Science in electrical engineering – 1965). He has worked as an electronics engineer in the US aerospace industry, and as a professor of engineering, technology and mathematics in the US and Canada. In 1995, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists awarded him an Honorary Membership in recognition of his many years of support to technological education.
A published author in the US and Canada, he was a finalist in the 2021 Fiction Five Literary contest (mystery category). He has served on numerous boards of directors and consulted extensively in the broadcasting, education, human resources, health, performing arts, governance and community service sectors. His commentary on public policy issues is often featured in leading Canadian publications.
A proud grandfather, he enjoys spending time with Raffaella, his wife since 1958, and the rest of his family. Gardening at home in Ottawa, listening to opera, reading and writing are some of his other favorite activities.
Born in Italy (1940), he is a graduate of the University of Southern California (Master of Science in electrical engineering – 1965). He has worked as an electronics engineer in the US aerospace industry, and as a professor of engineering, technology and mathematics in the US and Canada. In 1995, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists awarded him an Honorary Membership in recognition of his many years of support to technological education.
A published author in the US and Canada, he was a finalist in the 2021 Fiction Five Literary contest (mystery category). He has served on numerous boards of directors and consulted extensively in the broadcasting, education, human resources, health, performing arts, governance and community service sectors. His commentary on public policy issues is often featured in leading Canadian publications.
A proud grandfather, he enjoys spending time with Raffaella, his wife since 1958, and the rest of his family. Gardening at home in Ottawa, listening to opera, reading and writing are some of his other favorite activities.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 19, 2014
I love books that have an interesting story. This book has a very interesting story. Overall I really enjoyed it.
The author has asked for constructive criticism, so that is what I will provide.
This book is not written in fiction writing ease. Rather it reads like a report: it's sterile, void of emotion, and quite factual. This did not bother me, but I can see how it would bother some. Because of the nature of the subject, I rather liked the overall tone of voice.
One of the things that bothered me the most was the dialogue. It's one thing to write the action description and the flow of events in a factual manner. It's another thing to write the dialogue this way. There were many sections of lengthy dialogue where it was difficult to separate the characters because the tone of voice was exactly the same for each one. And the dialogue that was written is not the way people generally speak. The most glaring example of this is between two 20-something characters who are romantically involved. 20-somethings do not speak the way the author has written them. This is a problem because it makes the characters less valid and less believable.
Another thing that was very distracting is the lack of editing in the book. There are random spaces, erroneous punctuation, misspellings, improper capitalization, and a few questionable word choices. This book is need of some serious red pen. It was all I could do not to grab a red pen and mark up the book the way I do with my kids' essays.
There may be some factual errors that I am not aware of, but one of the most glaring is toward the end when one character suggests to another that she could be the first female Texas governor. Uh, Texas has had 2 very popular and famous female governors. Matter of fact, there is a one woman show on Broadway about one of them. This needs to be fixed in the book.
If Dr. Manera is able to fix the editing issues, develop dialogue that is genuine and represents the different characters, and rewrite the factual errors, this could be a winner of a book. I really believe in it - the plot is unique and interesting. The story could happen. It could make an interesting movie.
I really hope others will read the book and offer constructive criticism that will help Dr. Manera make this a truly remarkable book. If the author is interested in pursuing more fiction writing, maybe he will find a few fiction writing workshops to improve his skills and have people to help him bring his writing to a very high, professional level.
The author has asked for constructive criticism, so that is what I will provide.
This book is not written in fiction writing ease. Rather it reads like a report: it's sterile, void of emotion, and quite factual. This did not bother me, but I can see how it would bother some. Because of the nature of the subject, I rather liked the overall tone of voice.
One of the things that bothered me the most was the dialogue. It's one thing to write the action description and the flow of events in a factual manner. It's another thing to write the dialogue this way. There were many sections of lengthy dialogue where it was difficult to separate the characters because the tone of voice was exactly the same for each one. And the dialogue that was written is not the way people generally speak. The most glaring example of this is between two 20-something characters who are romantically involved. 20-somethings do not speak the way the author has written them. This is a problem because it makes the characters less valid and less believable.
Another thing that was very distracting is the lack of editing in the book. There are random spaces, erroneous punctuation, misspellings, improper capitalization, and a few questionable word choices. This book is need of some serious red pen. It was all I could do not to grab a red pen and mark up the book the way I do with my kids' essays.
There may be some factual errors that I am not aware of, but one of the most glaring is toward the end when one character suggests to another that she could be the first female Texas governor. Uh, Texas has had 2 very popular and famous female governors. Matter of fact, there is a one woman show on Broadway about one of them. This needs to be fixed in the book.
If Dr. Manera is able to fix the editing issues, develop dialogue that is genuine and represents the different characters, and rewrite the factual errors, this could be a winner of a book. I really believe in it - the plot is unique and interesting. The story could happen. It could make an interesting movie.
I really hope others will read the book and offer constructive criticism that will help Dr. Manera make this a truly remarkable book. If the author is interested in pursuing more fiction writing, maybe he will find a few fiction writing workshops to improve his skills and have people to help him bring his writing to a very high, professional level.
January 27, 2014
Smell The Book Review
8 out of 10.
"If you have been playing the game
for a while and haven't figured
out who the patsy is,
then you're the patsy" P311
Tony Manera has written a captivating and intriguing crime novel. From the opening pages with the assassination of the President to the surprise conclusion, and in all the steps his characters take in solving the crime, the story held me fast. A corrupt "Star Chamber" of elite insiders, a murder conspiracy, all familiar elements and well utilized by Tony.
The only part of the story where readers have to "suspend their disbelief" is in believing that we will ever see the Americans have an independent candidate as President in our lifetime ;-). Apart from that the plot and storylines were very realistic which I like.
I recently read "Sussex Drive" with the Ottawa Book Club, a Canadian based political story which myself and most members of the club found extremely boring and pointless. I couldn't help but think of that book and wondered why Mr. Manera's book was much more appealing to me. Is it because his is based on USA vs Canadian politics? I have always found Canadian politics an extreme bore when compared to our American counterparts and I don't know if a story like this would fly with Canada as a backdrop. Certainly the story had more of an attraction to me being set in this background.
Mr, Manera has done his homework and his knowledge of law procedure and the political structure in the states impressed me.
If there was something I didn't respond to in Mr. Manera's book it is that I found it a little light in character development. I enjoy getting to know my characters, what makes them tick etc., and found that there is no main protagonist to root for. No "hero" that links the various facets of his story. Again, though the story was interesting and I was anxious to find out "whodunnit", there was no individual character I cared about. People came and went, lived and died but I could have cared less about them as I had no investment in the characters. but despite this, the story itself made me keep turning pages.
So overall a worthwhile read and one I would recommend.
8 Out of 10
--------------------------
8 out of 10.
"If you have been playing the game
for a while and haven't figured
out who the patsy is,
then you're the patsy" P311
Tony Manera has written a captivating and intriguing crime novel. From the opening pages with the assassination of the President to the surprise conclusion, and in all the steps his characters take in solving the crime, the story held me fast. A corrupt "Star Chamber" of elite insiders, a murder conspiracy, all familiar elements and well utilized by Tony.
The only part of the story where readers have to "suspend their disbelief" is in believing that we will ever see the Americans have an independent candidate as President in our lifetime ;-). Apart from that the plot and storylines were very realistic which I like.
I recently read "Sussex Drive" with the Ottawa Book Club, a Canadian based political story which myself and most members of the club found extremely boring and pointless. I couldn't help but think of that book and wondered why Mr. Manera's book was much more appealing to me. Is it because his is based on USA vs Canadian politics? I have always found Canadian politics an extreme bore when compared to our American counterparts and I don't know if a story like this would fly with Canada as a backdrop. Certainly the story had more of an attraction to me being set in this background.
Mr, Manera has done his homework and his knowledge of law procedure and the political structure in the states impressed me.
If there was something I didn't respond to in Mr. Manera's book it is that I found it a little light in character development. I enjoy getting to know my characters, what makes them tick etc., and found that there is no main protagonist to root for. No "hero" that links the various facets of his story. Again, though the story was interesting and I was anxious to find out "whodunnit", there was no individual character I cared about. People came and went, lived and died but I could have cared less about them as I had no investment in the characters. but despite this, the story itself made me keep turning pages.
So overall a worthwhile read and one I would recommend.
8 Out of 10
--------------------------
February 27, 2015
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
---
Let's be honest, I read the back cover and was really looking forward to reading this book. However, from start to finish I was left kind of disappointed. While it is an interesting story (the assassination of the President of the USA! like hello how's that not interesting?!), it leaves a lot to be desired and room for a lot of revising.
The characters are all so one dimensional and impersonal. We read the story from the point of view of several people yet we never really get to know them as an individual. They all kind of blend in after a while and are forgettable. Like Elizabeth Stone sounded like a fascinating and interesting female president, we don't really get to know much about her beyond that she was a former judge, has kids and has a rocky relationship with her husband Peter Stone. Like it would have been nice to see her passion to have justice done or to improve the USA.
While there is plenty of political stuff, that lends itself to the book, was a little too much at times. Like OK, we do not need every single detail of the Prime Minister and the President's conversation leading right up to the incident, I just glossed over that part completely.
The whole conspiracy and framing people for the murder of the president was quite interesting, although stretched a little thing after a while. There's only so long you can drag things out before the audience loses interest completely. The Company of Friends were set up to sound like a sophistically runned and highly corrupt corporation, and they are, but after a few chapters I was like whatever the company sounds so boring, all blackmail and bribes and money making, no juicy stuff. Like it would have been neat if we got some real dirt about the CEO.
Overall, it was an OK read. It could have been better, even the climax was a tiny bit anticlimactic.
---
Let's be honest, I read the back cover and was really looking forward to reading this book. However, from start to finish I was left kind of disappointed. While it is an interesting story (the assassination of the President of the USA! like hello how's that not interesting?!), it leaves a lot to be desired and room for a lot of revising.
The characters are all so one dimensional and impersonal. We read the story from the point of view of several people yet we never really get to know them as an individual. They all kind of blend in after a while and are forgettable. Like Elizabeth Stone sounded like a fascinating and interesting female president, we don't really get to know much about her beyond that she was a former judge, has kids and has a rocky relationship with her husband Peter Stone. Like it would have been nice to see her passion to have justice done or to improve the USA.
While there is plenty of political stuff, that lends itself to the book, was a little too much at times. Like OK, we do not need every single detail of the Prime Minister and the President's conversation leading right up to the incident, I just glossed over that part completely.
The whole conspiracy and framing people for the murder of the president was quite interesting, although stretched a little thing after a while. There's only so long you can drag things out before the audience loses interest completely. The Company of Friends were set up to sound like a sophistically runned and highly corrupt corporation, and they are, but after a few chapters I was like whatever the company sounds so boring, all blackmail and bribes and money making, no juicy stuff. Like it would have been neat if we got some real dirt about the CEO.
Overall, it was an OK read. It could have been better, even the climax was a tiny bit anticlimactic.
November 29, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an honest review.
I'm of a split mind about this book. My first issue is that the characters feel flat. I still don't know the difference between Avery and Baker, and I feel like two of the "bad guys" were the only people who had any personality whatsoever. Instead of having character development, the novel describes the characters when they first are initially introduced, so instead of feeling emotionally connected to a character based on their actions or interactions with other people, the reader learns that someone is friendly by a line that states "X character has a friendly persona and people like her." Dialogue is very forced; I literally laughed out loud multiple times when a conversation was just plain absurd. Specific details introduced in passing at the beginning of the book are mentioned in ludicrous ways at the end; I'm sure it's to "provide closure," but it comes off as if the novel was the production of one of those coffee shop writing groups that you see sometimes.
That said, I finished the book. I laughed, read especially goofy lines aloud to my husband, and imagined the entire novel in my head as one of those crime noir black and white films with cheesy lines and stereotyped characters.
Because of that, 2/5 stars. I spent an enjoyable afternoon reading this novel, and for that, thanks!
I'm of a split mind about this book. My first issue is that the characters feel flat. I still don't know the difference between Avery and Baker, and I feel like two of the "bad guys" were the only people who had any personality whatsoever. Instead of having character development, the novel describes the characters when they first are initially introduced, so instead of feeling emotionally connected to a character based on their actions or interactions with other people, the reader learns that someone is friendly by a line that states "X character has a friendly persona and people like her." Dialogue is very forced; I literally laughed out loud multiple times when a conversation was just plain absurd. Specific details introduced in passing at the beginning of the book are mentioned in ludicrous ways at the end; I'm sure it's to "provide closure," but it comes off as if the novel was the production of one of those coffee shop writing groups that you see sometimes.
That said, I finished the book. I laughed, read especially goofy lines aloud to my husband, and imagined the entire novel in my head as one of those crime noir black and white films with cheesy lines and stereotyped characters.
Because of that, 2/5 stars. I spent an enjoyable afternoon reading this novel, and for that, thanks!
February 28, 2016
From the cover: Amid political gridlock in Washington, Elizabeth Stone, a visionary federal judge is elected president. She realizes significant achievements by working with both major political parties. Then she is assassinated. There are no clues, suspects or apparent motive. Is this the perfect murder?
I found the book easy to read and it was a quick read for me. The female president is assassinated while on vacation with her husband and the first family from Canada. The book is interesting in the fact that it lays out a possible scenario of what a large company (group of people) with lots of money and political pull could do. However, the characters were not well developed and each chapter read almost like a separate story (for lack of a better description). At the end the author did pull everything together, but I never really connected to the story or any of the characters.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I found the book easy to read and it was a quick read for me. The female president is assassinated while on vacation with her husband and the first family from Canada. The book is interesting in the fact that it lays out a possible scenario of what a large company (group of people) with lots of money and political pull could do. However, the characters were not well developed and each chapter read almost like a separate story (for lack of a better description). At the end the author did pull everything together, but I never really connected to the story or any of the characters.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
October 22, 2014
The Company of Friends:A Story of Crime and Corruption in Politics is a murder mystery by Tony Manera.President Elizabeth Stone is assassinated while vacationing in Naples,Florida.The shooter is found,charged and convicted but FBI agents Duncan Avery and George Baker don't believe he acted alone.They continue to investigate and seek evidence that someone ordered the hit.Their investigation leads them to the Company of Friends-a secretive,private,corrupt corporation involved in bribery and other illegal activities.It is an interesting story and moves at a quick pace.Perhaps the pace should have been slowed down a bit for more details and character development,of which there is very little.It is also seriously lacking in drama and emotion.It is like this novel was written by Joe Friday from Dragnet-"Just the facts,ma'am".The dialogue is off-people don't converse in this manner.The Company of Friends is not terribly bad.For the most part I did enjoy it,it just wasn't well written.
January 16, 2014
I received this book for free through the Goodread First Reads program.
This book has some very major flaws and in my opinion is not complete as it is currently written. The writing seems devoid of any kind of style or emotion; it delivers the story with a robotic cadence that is very difficult to read. Character dialog simply isn't believable and the characters show absolutely no depth. When reading it I felt that their actions had no significant meaning because they are all following easily defined, pre-determined roles as characters within a novel.
With all my complaints about writing style, the story contained within is still engrossing, dramatic and suspenseful. This book desperately needs an editor to take it from the rough form it is currently in and give it some style, emotion, and depth. Changes to the writing style alone would make this a dramatically better read.
This book has some very major flaws and in my opinion is not complete as it is currently written. The writing seems devoid of any kind of style or emotion; it delivers the story with a robotic cadence that is very difficult to read. Character dialog simply isn't believable and the characters show absolutely no depth. When reading it I felt that their actions had no significant meaning because they are all following easily defined, pre-determined roles as characters within a novel.
With all my complaints about writing style, the story contained within is still engrossing, dramatic and suspenseful. This book desperately needs an editor to take it from the rough form it is currently in and give it some style, emotion, and depth. Changes to the writing style alone would make this a dramatically better read.
February 9, 2014
I don't usually read political thrillers but I must say that I was very happy to have won " The Company of Friends" from goodreads. Mr Manera had me hooked from the very 1st page. I understand some of the backroom politics and corruption that do seem very plausible, especially now with all the things that are coming out in our government at this time. I figured out the culprit fairly early on in the book but it was very interesting how Manera got the FBI to filter through all information and lack there of to come to the same conclusion. I really enjoyed this book and will pass it on to a friend of mine who I'm sure will suggest it to her reading club. Keep up the good work.
November 8, 2014
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
I was very, very disappointed in this book and that it coming from someone who thoroughly enjoys reading crime novels. The book was BEYOND boring and bland. It was incredibly poorly-written with so many flaws that it got to the point where I felt like it was impossible to overlook them just to get through the rest of this read. There was practically no details, nothing amusing, nothing interesting to keep me entertained. The characters were so weak and bland, with no emotions or feelings and nothing describing anything close to reality. This book was basically just a big, ugly chore to read!
I was very, very disappointed in this book and that it coming from someone who thoroughly enjoys reading crime novels. The book was BEYOND boring and bland. It was incredibly poorly-written with so many flaws that it got to the point where I felt like it was impossible to overlook them just to get through the rest of this read. There was practically no details, nothing amusing, nothing interesting to keep me entertained. The characters were so weak and bland, with no emotions or feelings and nothing describing anything close to reality. This book was basically just a big, ugly chore to read!
September 21, 2014
I won this book from goodreads. I don't normally read political thrillers so it took me a while to finally read it. Now that I have read it I wish I would have done so sooner. This book has very dynamic characters. It starts of on a bang and keeps rolling at a very good pace. There are twists and turns in it that kept me guessing almost to the very end. All this in my opinion made it a very good read and well worth the time!
I would recommend it to my friends and actually plan to buy a copy for one of my friends I know would love it.
I would recommend it to my friends and actually plan to buy a copy for one of my friends I know would love it.
February 6, 2014
The central theme of this book is interesting and "new". The author presents a tale of genuine possible events. Nevertheless, the novel would be much more interesting if its structure were closer to traditional books regarding descriptive details, connection between chapters, highlighted patterns between characters as well as better use of foreshadowing in order to create suspense while reading.
October 8, 2014
This book starts off with a presidential assassination and from there this political thriller delves into the workings of government and big businesses. It is fast paced and a very good read. I won this from Goodreads for an honest review.
September 3, 2016
I won this book thru Goodreads. The story was easy to read, well thought out and I liked how all the loose ends were neatly tied up at the end. I would read something by this author again.
July 26, 2014
Thank you Goodreads :) Also, Thank you Tony Manera:)
Great book ! Very interewsting and well written. Will reccommend to my friends.
Great book ! Very interewsting and well written. Will reccommend to my friends.
August 3, 2016
The Company of Friends is an intelligently written murder mystery, an intriguing thriller that keeps the reader in suspense throughout. Packed with interesting political issues. Well worth reading.
October 30, 2014
An interesting novel about the seamier side of American politics. Entertaining! I won this book from goodreads.
September 15, 2014
This book is a shallow political screed thinly disguised as conspiracy thriller.
Very little plot, no characterization, and boring dialogue made this a chore to read.
Very little plot, no characterization, and boring dialogue made this a chore to read.
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August 12, 2018Things were getting done and fixed, by a woman president no less. It's about time. But then greed and corruption ruin everything. (Aren't greed and corruption synonyms for politics?) Even though our "leaders" could really learn a lesson from this book, it won't happen. Still a good story, and I enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews