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Big #1
Beginnings
International business espionage meets high-stakes family drama in this global thriller.
Duncan Luke is no stranger to impossible situations. A high-priced lawyer and expert in business intelligence, he knows how to extricate his clients from sticky situations while saving--or making--them millions. To be the best, he's sacrificed everything, including his family, but now he wants out. He's quitting his lucrative practice for academia and time with his autistic son, Sam. But his wife isn't on board and files for divorce, forcing him to fight for custody.
With mounting legal bills, the only way to keep his son is to take on one last client. He plans to do the job, get out and get home to Sam, but his client, Ghislaine Bingham, has other ideas. Ghislaine has a crisis of her own. Her cheating husband died and left her in a turf war with her stepson over the family business, Bingham Investment Group. She stands to lose more than money. Her reputation and life's work are tied up in the company. Her self-worth is on the line and only Duncan has the expertise to see her to victory.
When Duncan and Ghislaine meet, sparks fly, but neither can walk away. Ghislaine sends Duncan to Tokyo to convince his old friend, Taro Takayama, that Ghislaine is the best person to run Bingham. But Taka first needs Duncan to fix his Panama problems. Duncan races to Panama where he is kidnapped and beaten, stumbles into a sex-trafficking ring and rescues a beautiful woman. Unaware of the danger in Panama City and frustrated by Duncan's unorthodox ideas, Ghislaine threatens to pull him off the job.
From L.A.'s towering palms and Tokyo's steamy noodle bars to London high-finance and Panamanian corruption, BIG:BEGINNINGS is a thrilling, non-stop ride around the globe. As Duncan flies across time zones doing battle for Ghislaine, risking his life and reputation, Sam slips further away. Duncan must finish the job to get Sam back, but time is running out.
Duncan Luke is no stranger to impossible situations. A high-priced lawyer and expert in business intelligence, he knows how to extricate his clients from sticky situations while saving--or making--them millions. To be the best, he's sacrificed everything, including his family, but now he wants out. He's quitting his lucrative practice for academia and time with his autistic son, Sam. But his wife isn't on board and files for divorce, forcing him to fight for custody.
With mounting legal bills, the only way to keep his son is to take on one last client. He plans to do the job, get out and get home to Sam, but his client, Ghislaine Bingham, has other ideas. Ghislaine has a crisis of her own. Her cheating husband died and left her in a turf war with her stepson over the family business, Bingham Investment Group. She stands to lose more than money. Her reputation and life's work are tied up in the company. Her self-worth is on the line and only Duncan has the expertise to see her to victory.
When Duncan and Ghislaine meet, sparks fly, but neither can walk away. Ghislaine sends Duncan to Tokyo to convince his old friend, Taro Takayama, that Ghislaine is the best person to run Bingham. But Taka first needs Duncan to fix his Panama problems. Duncan races to Panama where he is kidnapped and beaten, stumbles into a sex-trafficking ring and rescues a beautiful woman. Unaware of the danger in Panama City and frustrated by Duncan's unorthodox ideas, Ghislaine threatens to pull him off the job.
From L.A.'s towering palms and Tokyo's steamy noodle bars to London high-finance and Panamanian corruption, BIG:BEGINNINGS is a thrilling, non-stop ride around the globe. As Duncan flies across time zones doing battle for Ghislaine, risking his life and reputation, Sam slips further away. Duncan must finish the job to get Sam back, but time is running out.
442 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2016
611 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Greyson Bryan
4 books53 followersGREYSON BRYAN is an international lawyer with a B.A. from Stanford and a J.D. from Harvard, who lived and worked for many years in Europe and Asia. A longtime L.A. resident, he is the author of the BIG financial thriller series, including BIG: Beginnings, BIG: Crisis and Ending BIG.
Abroad
is his fourth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 17, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A lawyer's wife divorces him because she doesn't want to go to work. Out on the street, and needing money for his special needs son, he's ready to take some risks. Meanwhile, a middle aged trophy wife faces being ousted from her husband's company by her step son. Meanwhile, there's skulduggery in Panama.
Very busy, but could be winnowed down quite a bit.
A lawyer's wife divorces him because she doesn't want to go to work. Out on the street, and needing money for his special needs son, he's ready to take some risks. Meanwhile, a middle aged trophy wife faces being ousted from her husband's company by her step son. Meanwhile, there's skulduggery in Panama.
Very busy, but could be winnowed down quite a bit.
December 6, 2020
Family law. Business law. International law. Environmental law. The author must be a lawyer! Overall I would recommend. I enjoyed it, but was a little long, several redundancies that could have been edited out. Interesting group of characters, every one with their own major flaws. Since it's the first in a series, I would be interested in seeing how he handles the second.
October 7, 2016
I liked it. As I said before, even though not in my current favorite genre, this was a blast to my past when I swore by Harold Robbins and Jackie Collins. International travel, beautiful women, corporate greed and shenanigans galore.
My best recommendation is that I'll definitely pick up the next one if this continues as a series.
My best recommendation is that I'll definitely pick up the next one if this continues as a series.
December 17, 2018
Enjoyed the experience
A man under pressure in almost all aspects of his life at once; Failed marriage, change in career, special needs child, a new challenge in international travel and an alcohol problem created a very engrossing first novel. The only gripe I had was too much extended descriptions of locations.
A man under pressure in almost all aspects of his life at once; Failed marriage, change in career, special needs child, a new challenge in international travel and an alcohol problem created a very engrossing first novel. The only gripe I had was too much extended descriptions of locations.
March 13, 2019
A bit long
I felt the book dragged a little and could have been edited down. I feel that after a piece of background information has been given a couple times repeating it becomes redundant and only stretches reading time out. It was a good storyline and the characters were basically well developed. I suspect the author is a person with a good imagination. While not a cliffhanger it was obvious this was to be followed by more stories.
I felt the book dragged a little and could have been edited down. I feel that after a piece of background information has been given a couple times repeating it becomes redundant and only stretches reading time out. It was a good storyline and the characters were basically well developed. I suspect the author is a person with a good imagination. While not a cliffhanger it was obvious this was to be followed by more stories.
September 7, 2020
This book will grab your attention and keep you racing through to the finish! The main character is trying to resolve his own failing personal life while simultaneously being dragged into an international corporate struggle caused by truly vicious internal family feuding. There is plenty of danger and action as we see the protagonist in all his weaknesses and strengths remain true to himself and his slowly growing list of friends.
August 25, 2021
A lawyer's life hits bottom. His wife kicks him out of the house and separates him from his son. It drives the man to take risks in his professional realm to preserve all that is precious to him.
Author Greyson Bryan is best at creating characters who are evil. That's what propels the reader forward, the desire to see the wrongdoers punished.
It is an interesting story that maintains it's tension and takes readers dashing to international destinations. Anxious to read the sequel!
Author Greyson Bryan is best at creating characters who are evil. That's what propels the reader forward, the desire to see the wrongdoers punished.
It is an interesting story that maintains it's tension and takes readers dashing to international destinations. Anxious to read the sequel!
August 8, 2018
Intriguing to say the least.
This first book was a good and captivating read. It made me want to read the next book in the series. I wished some of the graphic sexual scenes were not included. They don’t really add to the story for me.
This first book was a good and captivating read. It made me want to read the next book in the series. I wished some of the graphic sexual scenes were not included. They don’t really add to the story for me.
May 18, 2018
Great book, highly recommend!
Great characters, never a dull moment. I couldn't put it down. Lots of turns, well formed story and characters. You'll enjoy.
Great characters, never a dull moment. I couldn't put it down. Lots of turns, well formed story and characters. You'll enjoy.
August 8, 2018
Adventure from Panama to Japan
Fast paced adventure and legal thriller with a bit of family feud thrown in. The plot kept me reading. Recommended.
Fast paced adventure and legal thriller with a bit of family feud thrown in. The plot kept me reading. Recommended.
September 11, 2018
BIG is good.
I enjoyed reading this novel. Interesting plot and characters. Look forward to other novels by this author. A worthwhile read!
I enjoyed reading this novel. Interesting plot and characters. Look forward to other novels by this author. A worthwhile read!
January 10, 2019
Good opening book for what I assume will be a series. Characters were mostly believable, and though I expected a little better resolution, as a whole the book was a quick and enjoyable read.
September 14, 2020
Awesome read!
I enjoyed the storyline and look forward to the next book! At first it seemed like a lot of juggling of storylines. I preferred the middle and end of the book better. It did have me thinking of how it was going to end. Ready for the next one.
I enjoyed the storyline and look forward to the next book! At first it seemed like a lot of juggling of storylines. I preferred the middle and end of the book better. It did have me thinking of how it was going to end. Ready for the next one.
December 16, 2018
Fantastic read, finished it in 1 seating. Well written.
The lawyer, has a very strong personality. M.d and Rob were great.
The lawyer, has a very strong personality. M.d and Rob were great.
December 25, 2018
BIG
I think the book was a little long. That said...I wasn't sure for a while if it was going to have a good ending. I'll leave it at that.
I look forward to another story.
I think the book was a little long. That said...I wasn't sure for a while if it was going to have a good ending. I'll leave it at that.
I look forward to another story.
March 29, 2019
"Beginner's" luck???
Well written, characters great....of course in all things wonderful, some things grate but not to the extent to which they are found in much more seasoned writers. I'm referring to the "summation" of how Ward's treachery was explained. Great story, great writing.
Well written, characters great....of course in all things wonderful, some things grate but not to the extent to which they are found in much more seasoned writers. I'm referring to the "summation" of how Ward's treachery was explained. Great story, great writing.
July 21, 2018
Multi faceted international intrigue blended with family drama
What’s not to like? A self-centered middle-aged attorney’s life implodes, the head of an international company dies and leaves an internecine power struggle behind, foreign political corruption imperils all - a meticulously crafted and lovingly executed work.
What’s not to like? A self-centered middle-aged attorney’s life implodes, the head of an international company dies and leaves an internecine power struggle behind, foreign political corruption imperils all - a meticulously crafted and lovingly executed work.
July 23, 2018
Realistic characters and plot.
July 20, 2018
They were driven, they keep mental records, of how each player was doing over the years. If the game plan changed as for a marriage, then it was divorce. The plot seemed real, as did the characters. The physical and emotions were real. A good thriller, and so much more.
First I have by this author, and it was a winner.
First I have by this author, and it was a winner.
July 22, 2018
Informative!
While I do believe the author deserved five stars for content, the book could have been shortened by at least one fourth!! That's my opinion of course! 😏
While I do believe the author deserved five stars for content, the book could have been shortened by at least one fourth!! That's my opinion of course! 😏
August 1, 2018
A Sheldon or Steel book
If you like Danielle Steel or Sidney Sheldon, this book is for you. It is a fast read in fast pace. Simple thinking, straight development.
If you like Danielle Steel or Sidney Sheldon, this book is for you. It is a fast read in fast pace. Simple thinking, straight development.
July 28, 2018
Can't wait for the next in the series
Awesome read. Couldn't put the book down . Had it all. Can't wait til the next book in the series
Awesome read. Couldn't put the book down . Had it all. Can't wait til the next book in the series
July 11, 2018
Easy to read & didn't want to put it down.
July 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
June 28, 2016
A person sitting next to me on a plane had just finished this book and raved about it. I had never heard of the writer, Greyson Bryan, but she offered to give me her copy and I simply couldn't put it down. It's an intelligent thriller about a dysfunctional family fighting for control of the Bingham family business after the family patriarch dies suddenly of a heart attack. Luke Duncan, the protagonist, is a recently retired international corporate attorney who is in the middle of dealing with a divorce and the custody of his son.
The divorce is financially draining. Duncan needs to find an additional source of funds and is hired by Ghislane Bingham to assist her in the fight with her stepson for control of the family-controlled Bingham Investment Group.
The story swiftly weaves its way through LA, Japan, Panama, and London and is a non-stop stop corporate and family battle of egos and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a fresh great read and wonderful escape.
The divorce is financially draining. Duncan needs to find an additional source of funds and is hired by Ghislane Bingham to assist her in the fight with her stepson for control of the family-controlled Bingham Investment Group.
The story swiftly weaves its way through LA, Japan, Panama, and London and is a non-stop stop corporate and family battle of egos and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a fresh great read and wonderful escape.
August 17, 2016
"BIG: Beginnings" is BIG on thrills, chills, action and romance. The author, Greyson Bryan, writes with skill and professional experience.
Duncan Luke, the protagonist, is an international lawyer who has heart warming family values facing a painful divorce. He takes the reader on a journey where you encounter corporate trickery, espionage, and deceit. This is on the edge of your seat writing! Duncan's friends and foes you meet along the way will keep the pages turning. You will love them, admire them, despise them or fear them.
"BIG: Beginnings is a great read! I cannot wait for the second volume.
Duncan Luke, the protagonist, is an international lawyer who has heart warming family values facing a painful divorce. He takes the reader on a journey where you encounter corporate trickery, espionage, and deceit. This is on the edge of your seat writing! Duncan's friends and foes you meet along the way will keep the pages turning. You will love them, admire them, despise them or fear them.
"BIG: Beginnings is a great read! I cannot wait for the second volume.
July 5, 2016
I read lots of thrillers/mysteries and am happy to say that new author, Greyson Bryan, has created a well-crafted, fast paced, suspenseful story. His characters are multi-dimensional and interesting and provide a look into the business and social customs of Japan and Panama. Mr. Bryan's very descriptive writing ensures the reader can picture each character and every scene perfectly. A very fun read.
July 12, 2016
Like the title, Grey Bryan starts BIG with his first novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and can’t wait to follow along with Duncan’s exploits in the next two books. A very enjoyable and captivating read, with well developed characters, especially having been to and worked in all of the places that Grey describes so well.
September 23, 2016
Absolutely loved reading this book. It is a great international thriller with unique and likeable characters - I loved being introduced to the entangled world of international business while simultaneously enjoying an almost Bond-like thrill ride. Really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Duncan and Ghislane!
May 4, 2018
BIG business, BIG intrigue, and BIG international travel
The combination of the three subjects make for an interesting book that will be read and enjoyed by many who choose to select a story by this author.
The combination of the three subjects make for an interesting book that will be read and enjoyed by many who choose to select a story by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews