greed

by Brian Brady

An international mystery. A group of thieves working out of New York, Amsterdam and Paris set in motion a complex art forgery and theft project. Initially they are highly successful, that is until one member is overcome by greed and the promise of a quick buck, not necessarily shared with his partners.

This greedy departure from a proven method of operation suddenly goes oh, so wrong. People die, partnerships are threatened and the entire mess lands in the collective laps of the San Francisco Police Department's Homicide Bureau.

Inspectors O'Neill, Donnelly, Gibson and Sullivan are now responsible for solving a homicide that will lead them far outside their normal comfort zone. International crime, art forgery and murder, a lethal combination that will test the investigative skills of the Inspectors.

Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

Reviews

[LBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Greed” is Brian Brady’s latest thriller that pulls readers into the world of international crime as it pertains to art forgery, heists, and betrayal. His book starts off in Paris, with a mysterious man casing an affluent neighborhood. From the very beginning, the reader is captivated with Brady’s choice of third-person omniscient to build suspense.

The story then unfolds to multiple global locations and we meet Chang Hua Lim, a world-class art forger in Manhattan, who is commissioned to replicate Picasso’s “Head of a Woman with Green Curls.”

As the story progresses, it is revealed that behind the scenes is a unique ring of criminals — Moe, Larry, Curly, and Shemp — each with their own specializations. Their operation goes through Amsterdam, Paris, and New York as is carefully maintained so that to substitutes of forged masterpieces replace originals. The characters are well-developed and all seem to fit perfectly in the narrative of the story.

With great attention to detail, morally ambiguous characters, and a narrative that trots the globe, Brady does an uncanny job exploring themes of deceit, loyalty, and of course, the consequence of getting everything you want.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I see that an author is writing from their area of expertise, I get excited. Brian Brady brings his background in law enforcement and private security to the page, and the details about procedures and inner workings clearly reflect that knowledge. However, I struggled a bit with the way this book was presented. Labeled as a serial killer thriller, I kept waiting for that element to appear—but what I actually read felt much more like an art heist thriller. And truth be told, it’s a very good art heist thriller.

One strength I especially appreciated was the character work. Brady develops his cast well, giving readers enough depth to understand their motives and personalities without bogging the story down in lengthy backstory. That balance kept the momentum of the heist sharp and engaging, rather than slowing the pace.

The pacing, tension, and insider details kept me turning the pages, but one other hurdle was the use of present tense. Sometimes this can pull me out of the narrative, though if you can adjust to it, the payoff is a solid and entertaining read.

If you go into this one expecting an art-centered thriller with high-stakes twists, you’ll likely enjoy it as much as I did.

[Catherine Vickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book promises exactly what a strong international crime novel should deliver intrigue, tension, and steadily rising stakes. The premise of an art forgery ring operating across New York, Amsterdam, and Paris immediately sets a sophisticated tone, and the story smartly explores how greed can unravel even the most carefully planned operation.

What stands out most is how one reckless decision triggers a chain reaction of consequences. The shift from a controlled criminal enterprise to chaos feels believable and sharply executed, making the resulting murders and fractured alliances genuinely gripping. When the focus turns to the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide Bureau, the narrative gains another layer of depth. Inspectors O’Neill, Donnelly, Gibson, and Sullivan are thrown into a world far beyond routine police work, and their struggle to navigate international crime and art forgery adds realism and urgency to the investigation.

Overall, this story reads like a well-crafted crime thriller with global reach—fast-paced, tense, and driven by human flaws. It’s an engaging blend of mystery, greed, and consequence that keeps you invested as the investigation unfolds.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Brady’s Greed is a sharp, fascinating international mystery that delivers on every level. From New York to Amsterdam to Paris, the story follows a team of art thieves whose carefully planned forgery scheme unravels when one member’s reckless ambition threatens everything. What begins as a clever crime caper quickly escalates into a deadly spiral of betrayal, violence, and desperation.

Brady writes with cinematic flair, transporting readers into the world of high-stakes art crime while keeping the pace taut and suspenseful. The introduction of the San Francisco Homicide Bureau adds a compelling layer, as Inspectors O’Neill, Donnelly, Gibson, and Sullivan find themselves navigating treacherous waters far outside their usual cases.

The combination of international intrigue, gritty police work, and the timeless theme of greed makes this novel impossible to put down. Fans of crime thrillers will love this book. It's smart, fast, and thoroughly entertaining.

[Leonie Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The international setting adds real depth to the story, moving smoothly between New York, Amsterdam, Paris, and San Francisco without ever feeling confusing or rushed. What starts as a well-planned art theft slowly unravels when greed enters the picture, and from there, everything spirals in ways you don’t expect.

The tension builds naturally as people make bad choices, partnerships fall apart, and the consequences turn deadly. The homicide investigation feels grounded and realistic, and the inspectors come across as capable but human, learning as they go while being pushed far outside their comfort zone.

Overall, it’s an engaging crime thriller with strong pacing, interesting characters, and a clever mix of art forgery, international crime, and murder. If you enjoy smart mysteries with global stakes, this one is definitely worth reading.

[Alexa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a gripping international mystery that feels both smart and cinematic. The art forgery angle is fascinating, and the way greed unravels a perfectly planned operation keeps the tension high from start to finish. The shift from controlled crime to absolute chaos is handled brilliantly, making every consequence feel earned and intense. The San Francisco homicide inspectors add a grounded, human touch to a very high-stakes global story.

[Elizabeth Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this story blended international crime with a solid murder investigation. The art forgery angle was fascinating and felt fresh, and the way greed causes everything to unravel kept me hooked. Once the detectives step in, the tension ramps up fast. This was a smart, engaging mystery that held my attention all the way through.

[Lauren Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right from the start. The idea of an international art theft ring going wrong because of one greedy decision felt very realistic. The investigation by the San Francisco detectives was detailed without being overwhelming, and I liked how the case pushed them outside their usual comfort zone. A very entertaining crime read.

[Daniella liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how fast-paced and well thought out this story was. The criminal side of the plot was just as interesting as the police investigation, and the consequences felt real once things went wrong. The mix of art forgery, murder, and international crime made it hard to put down. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy mysteries with depth.

[Bob Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really engaging crime story with an interesting international twist. The art forgery storyline made it feel different from a typical mystery, and once greed disrupts the plan, the tension never lets up. I especially liked how the detectives had to navigate unfamiliar territory to solve the case.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a smart, gripping mystery that kept me turning pages. I loved how the story moved beyond San Francisco into the international art world without losing its police-procedural core. The inspectors felt real and competent, and the mix of greed, betrayal, and murder made the stakes feel genuinely high.

[Elvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, engaging mystery with a smart premise. The mix of art forgery, international crime, and a grounded homicide investigation kept me interested throughout. I liked how the inspectors were pushed beyond familiar territory, and the consequences of greed felt realistic. Not flashy, but well-written and satisfying.

[Ariel Carison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting and easy book to get lost in. The international art theft angle immediately grabbed my attention, and once things started going wrong, I couldn’t stop reading. The investigation felt realistic and well done. Highly enjoyable.

[Leo Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great crime story with plenty of tension and twists. The way greed unravels everything felt very believable, and the consequences were intense. The San Francisco detectives added a strong procedural element that balanced the story perfectly.

[Hayley Walkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong crime mystery that shows how one bad decision can change everything. The stakes felt real, the investigation was tense, and the story stayed engaging throughout. I’d happily recommend this to crime fiction fans.

[jsmeskasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blend of art forgery, global crime, and murder is handled with real finesse. The story moves smoothly from New York to Europe and back, keeping the tension high while never losing clarity. A thoroughly engaging read.

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job combining classic detective work with an international crime storyline. The art forgery element added something different, and the investigation kept me guessing. The stakes felt high, and the ending was satisfying. A great choice for fans of crime and mystery novels.

[Daniel Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book easy to get into and hard to put down. The shift from a smooth criminal operation to total chaos was done really well. The investigation felt realistic, and the detectives’ reactions to the complexity of the case made them feel human. A strong and enjoyable mystery.

[Marian Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked most was how one bad decision changed everything. The fallout from that moment drives the story in a believable way, and the murder investigation kept me guessing. The mix of international settings, art crime, and police work made this a very satisfying read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, engaging crime novel with an interesting twist on art forgery and international theft. The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, and I enjoyed watching the inspectors piece together a crime that was clearly bigger than it first appeared. Well written and thoughtfully plotted.

[Mane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable mystery with a strong premise. The art forgery angle was interesting and different, though parts of the story felt more procedural than suspenseful for me. Still, the characters were believable, and the investigation held my attention through to the end.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well-crafted mystery. I appreciated how the story blended international art crime with a grounded homicide investigation. The inspectors work as a team felt authentic, and the consequences of greed drove the plot in believable ways.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed surprised me. The art forgery angle added depth and originality, and the investigation stretched far beyond what I expected. It felt smart without being confusing, and the tension built steadily until the end.

[Sharon Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling police procedural with an interesting global twist. The pacing was steady, and the stakes increased naturally as the crime unraveled. I enjoyed seeing familiar investigators challenged outside their comfort zone.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging mystery that doesn’t rely on nonstop action but instead builds tension through investigation and character dynamics. The international elements were handled well and added complexity to the case.

[Leomark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moment greed enters the picture, everything spirals in the most compelling way. The consequences feel real, the stakes are high, and the unraveling of the crime is both shocking and satisfying.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent mystery with a strong concept. The art theft storyline was intriguing, though I wanted a bit more urgency at times. Still, the investigation was solid and the characters felt believable.

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable overall, especially if you like procedural mysteries. The plot was interesting, but some sections felt more methodical than suspenseful. A good read, just not a fast-paced thriller.