John George Mortimer is at the top of his game. The company he built from the ground up is now one of the largest in the world, and exciting developments promise to broaden its reach into even bigger markets. He prides himself on making good decisions and surrounding himself with strong, capable people, but after learning he has developed breast cancer, he realizes he must quickly find a worthy successor.
He challenges his top executives to develop radical game-changer business strategies that should make it easy for his board of directors to choose one of them. Despite careful preparation, his plan begins to unravel almost immediately. Organized crime, sexual misadventures, and personal tragedy combine to complicate his efforts to select a new CEO. Even as he lies in recovery from cancer treatments, he is forced to battle against shadowy interests who seek to take away the fruit of his life's work.
Three Weeks Less a Day is a fast-paced international business thriller that takes us inside the lives of high-powered executives and the lengths they will go to achieve results. It is a story of how quickly things can change at the highest levels of corporate leadership, and how easily lives can crumble in pursuit of power and control.
I’m a former business leader, speaker and consultant who has always loved to read and tell stories.
I aim to write suspenseful and entertaining novels. I have seven published titles in a compelling series called The Multima Saga. Each plot is different, but each spins tales of the goings-on at senior levels of the fictional Multima Corporation.
Organized crime is another thread in all my stories. How criminal interests influence, infiltrate, and control many businesses around the globe has always fascinated me. My nefarious creation—The Organization—worms its way into all my novels.
Over the past fifty years, I’ve visited more than 50 countries and 650 cities on four continents, and when I left the corporate world, I had over 10,000 “contacts" from five different industries. So, I have no shortage of characters, stories, or life experiences when I write.
Join me as we travel the globe, peeking into the intriguing worlds of The Organization and Multima Corporation. I always recommend you start with Three Weeks Less a Day!
A confession. Exploring the site, I accidentally checked 'currently reading'. Actually, that's not correct. I'm the author. However, writing and editing the book, I read it 35 or 36 times.
I know it's not good form to review my own work, so I'll just say this: If you enjoy reading Three Weeks Less a Day just half as much as I enjoyed telling the story, I think you'll consider it a good value proposition!
Three Weeks Less A Day is a thoroughly engaging, punchy mystery romp. The corporate backdrop creates a unique stage for the drama to unfold, the author's past experience and knowledge of this world combine to create a highly believable framework for this story. I look forward to more from this new author.
Easy to read, loved the short chapters which came in handy because as the book progressed I kept saying just one more chapter. The book builds up to where I found I didn't want to put it down.
I loved reading Three Weeks Less A Day! Although this is the author's first novel, it was very easy to read and maintained my interest throughout. I would have liked to see a little more character development but thoroughly enjoyed the quick pace and building suspense. A great read!
International business thriller?? I must not know the definition of a business thriller. What was the intrigue or the suspense?? Ok without giving away the ending I was impressed with John George Mortimer and his business savviness. Oh what I wouldn’t give to have his intelligence and business knowledge. The ending left my mouth agape because it ended so abruptly.
I wasn't sure of the 'corporate lingo' at the beginning of the book but the story quickly emerged and sucked me in. Great read, really enjoyed the twists and turns.
"Three Weeks Less a Day" sweeps readers into an international business thriller, delving deep into the gripping lives оf top-tier executives and the bold maneuvers they make tо drive success. This heart-pounding novel іs the first book іn The Multima Saga, a captivating series that probes the enigmatic realms оf the fictional Multima Corporation and the nefarious Organization.
This book enthralls readers with its blend оf suspense and intrigue, leaving them captivated and eager tо uncover the outcome оf the high-stakes competition and the destiny оf the characters. This well-researched book delivers a wealth оf information, providing valuable insights into diverse subjects including breast cancer, organized crime, corporate espionage, and the intricacies оf global markets.
The book further shines through its character development, allowing readers tо delve into the intricacies оf the main characters' personalities, motivations, and backgrounds, as well as their relationships with one another. The author skillfully crafts multi-dimensional characters, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, virtues and flaws, and a journey marked by both successes and failures.
The writing style оf the author іs clear and engaging ensuring a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. The book skillfully builds tension and suspense, leading tо a satisfying and unexpected climax and resolution. Basically Three Weeks Less a Day іs a well-crafted novel that intertwines elements оf business, crime, and drama with excitement and flair, delivering a captivating reading experience and I will definitely recommend this book. Sо grab your copy today and don't miss this masterpiece.
In “Three Weeks Less a Day” by Gary D. McGugan, readers are thrust into the high-stakes world of corporate intrigue and leadership succession. At the center of the narrative is John George Mortimer, a driven and ambitious CEO who faces a devastating medical diagnosis and the realization that he has no succession plan in place for his multinational corporation.
Faced with the urgent need to groom his potential successors, Mortimer devises a cunning competition for his three division presidents, withholding the true reason behind their tasks. As they embark on a global search for opportunities, the tension mounts as unexpected personal crises, news leaks, and interference from organized crime threaten to derail Mortimer’s carefully laid plans.
McGugan masterfully crafts a fast-paced and suspenseful story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The narrative unfolds against an international backdrop, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the tale. As Mortimer grapples with his own mortality and the fate of his company hangs in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
What sets “Three Weeks Less a Day” apart is its exploration of characters’ flaws and vulnerabilities amidst the cutthroat world of corporate competition. McGugan deftly navigates themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and motivations that drive the plot forward.
Overall, “Three Weeks Less a Day” is a gripping and thought-provoking read that combines elements of suspense, drama, and corporate intrigue. With its compelling storyline and well-drawn characters, this book is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a thrilling and immersive tale of power, deception, and ambition in the corporate world.
Really terrible writing, this read like a business case study. Completely unrealistic story ending in a “tense” board meeting. The drivers of the game were a joke. This could only have been written by a man.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author of Three Weeks Less a Day at Indigo, so I’m predisposed to like this book. Unfortunately, this was very much not for me. I know very little about suspense novels and care less about the inner workings of business executives’ lives, so just not an ideal combo.
The writing here is inelegant. There are an absurd number of adjectives and adverbs—the novel is essentially a compendium of exposition. There will be chapter after chapter where there is literally zero dialogue. There will be a big presentation or a conversation, and we’re not even shown what is said. Instead, the narrator tells us what’s happened.
The writing is also weirdly impersonal and academic. Sentences and dialogue will start with “further” or “moreover.” Imagine if someone said “moreover” to you in real life, lol.
Anyways, very little seems to happen in this book, but also too much happens?? It’s very weird. Since we’re not really shown anything, the narrator blows through everything but also meanders through inner monologue. It’s both over-paced and under-paced, which is incredibly strange.
The story itself is perfectly serviceable. To me, though, it just seems like a bunch of greedy corporate assholes trying to compete to be the least greedy asshole. Ultimately, the greediest asshole gets smacked, and the least greedy one wins. None of these people are sympathetic or likeable. They’re billionaires who fly in Learjets every day.
There are, however, some areas of potentially dangerous storytelling. For instance, there’s this billionaire business executive guy who sleeps with this college-girl prostitute. That already seems problematic. BUT plot twist, this girl videotapes the men she sleeps with AND THEN TRACKS THEIR CAREERS SO SHE CAN SAY THEY SEXUALLY ABUSED HER AND GET MONEY. THIS IS SO BAD AND DANGEROUS. This sort of crap validates victim blaming. It’s completely unacceptable, and to depict it in a novel as something women actually do is bullshit.
This fake weird sexual allegation stuff happens twice in this book, which is very bad. That’s really not good.
There’s also just a weird number of prostitutes in this book? Like, I can’t remember the last time I read a book with prostitutes in it—honestly, I think it was Oliver Twist, lol—but there were three separate prostitute scenes. Unless you count the prostitute orgy that spilled over into two days, then there were four.
There’s literally an old, blind guy who gives the main woman a “special” massage, and he is a prostitute too?? Also, is that gross or empowering? Like paying a man to do stuff for you? I was trying to figure out if it’s gross or not, and idk. I’m leaning towards gross, perhaps.
Regardless, I was hoping the main gaslight gatekeep girlboss business executive would be excluded from a sexytime scene, but alas, poor Yorick, here we are.
In all honesty, I think this book would’ve benefitted a great deal from being more ridiculous. Like, my favourite part of the novel was the prostitute orgy crap. Like we’re being arrested for attempted murder mid-orgy? Okay, sick. Now I’m really interested. I got excited when Wendal’s chapters came around because they were so absurd.
Something else I was kind of let down by was the novel’s handling of male breast cancer. I think it’s great it was included, but it was fumbled quite severely. It just seems it was a plot device to kickstart the book. It doesn’t play a major role—dude gets his breast removed, and then he just chills at home for a while. Nothing really changes either. He’s still the CEO at the end of the book, so what was the point of anything anyways?
I don’t want to be overly critical of this book either. This is the first book published by Mr. McGugan, which, of course, is a massive accomplishment and one to be incredibly proud of. I have published a total of zero books, so I’m not really in a position to pass any authoritative judgements. I have no doubt, too, that more recent novels have improved in quality—most of the writing issues anyways could be easily resolved with editing.
So, yeah. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. But I cannot overstate how sweet of a person Mr. McGugan is in real life. If you’re reading this, Gary, it was such a pleasure chatting with you at Indigo. I am so happy I got to support and engage with your work.
If Mr. McGugan is at a Chapters or Indigo near you, I highly recommend giving him a visit. He’s a lovely human, and I’m sure if you’re into suspense novels, you will find his books enjoyable. You can keep up with his travel itinerary on his Twitter account—he was just in Newmarket yesterday!
Also, go to Mr. McGugan’s website to check out his books for yourself. He seriously deserves all the support in the world, so give one a try!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was probably the most boring book I have ever read. Although the last maybe 50 pages had be almost interested in reading the second book, I know I will just be disappointed. If your into lengthy character building and a whole lot of business lingo then go ahead and give it a shot.
On the back cover of Gary D. McGugan's first novel, Three Weeks Less A day, there is a description of the author as being someone who loves to tell stories. I would like to further add, he tells his story like a master of suspense as he deftly builds up a story that takes some surprising swerves. This is very much in evidence with this intricate fast-moving yarn that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very end. And just when you believe you have the plot all figured out, McGugan throws in another red herring that keeps you guessing.
The story is carefully built focusing on a highly successful enterprise, Multima Corporation headed by its crafty founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, John George Mortimer. Three divisions comprise the company: Logistics, whose President is Wendal Randall, a brilliant technology expert, Supermarkets, whose President is Suzanne Simpson and who possesses a larger than life personality and outstanding people skills and James Fitzgerald, President of Financial Services, who is a financial wizard.
As the narrative kicks off, the seeds of the plot are planted when we meet Randall who just receives a confidential text message from an influential board member of Multima, Howard Knight, mentioning that Mortimer intends to leave the company at the end of the fiscal year. This would have incalculable implications concerning the possible replacement of Mortimer. Who would be the choice of the Board of Directors and where would Randall fit it?
Knight is a director on the board of Multima and on another company's board, Venture Capital Investments (VCI), a large private equity fund. There is an intriguing history between Randall and Knight. Apparently, Knight came to Randall's rescue when he had owned a small company that experienced financial difficulties. Knight had bailed him out, and it was he who was instrumental in having Randall become the President of one of the Multima's divisions. There is also another disconcerting matter concerning an event that happened at MIT where Randall was pursuing a master's degree in business administration. Randall had found himself in a nasty situation concerning a young woman and once again, Knight rescued him from some dire consequences.
After Randall contacts Knight, it is confirmed that Mortimer will be leaving the company and that some board members are considering Randall as a possible successor. Knight wants to know immediately if Randall would accept becoming CEO? Randall assures him that he would take the position. Knight tells Randall that he will back him; however, it is imperative that his succession to the CEO be handled delicately if they want to win the support of the entire board. Randall believes there doesn't seem to be any strings attached concerning Knight's generous offer, or is there, considering Knight's past help?
We learn a little more about Knight and VCI, which owns fifteen percent of Multima Corporation's preferred shares, the result of its billion-dollar investment at the time Multima acquired Randall's distressed company. McGugan slips into the story mention of an entity called “ the Organization” that is behind VCI and states that they didn't invest its money just to earn adequate returns. We are now trying to figure out what this entity is all about and who are its principals? If Mortimer releases day-to-day management of the company, Knight would then be in a position to apply some fundamental operating policies that would be of benefit to the Organization. Randall has now become an indispensable component of these changes, and thus his succession to Mortimer is pivotal.
The tale now switches to Mortimer, who is informed by his medical doctor that he has breast cancer and must undergo an operation. He is adamant in keeping his disease a secret and not divulge his diagnosis to Multima's board members or executives. He convenes a crucial meeting of the division presidents at the company's headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida. At the meeting, the three senior presidents are given an assignment where they would have to come up with a single game-changing strategy to re-invent their business unit. Each President and their respective teams have sixty days to accomplish the project.
With this skilfully crafted story, McGugan employs his vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the world of multinational corporations and zooms in on the quest for power no matter what means and tools are used. He keeps the story humming with a balancing act that includes three diverse people with some intriguing histories who are thrown into a high stakes grueling competition. Readers have much to chew on as they ponder who will be the winner and will he or she be chosen as Mortimer's successor? What creative strategy will each employ in arriving at the most business effective plan? Will each play by ethical and legal rules, or will they be overtaken by their greed and ambition? How about the secrets lurking in Randall's past and his relationship with the devious Howard Knight? And what about the confidential revelations concerning Simpson and Fitzgerald. How will this all play out?
Three Weeks Less A day is the first of McGugan's Multima series and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
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“Three Weeks Less a Day” is the first book in a trilogy of novels by Gary D. McGugan. It’s a fascinating international corporate thriller that will leave readers wondering what really goes on behind boardroom doors.
When John George Mortimer, CEO of Multima Corporation learns he has breast cancer, he knows he must start looking for his successor – but he’s going to do things his way. Mortimer’s board of directors are aware only of his plans to retire, he’s keeping his health concerns under wraps until absolute necessity dictates a need to reveal such information. Under the guise of taking proactive measures on the impending economic downturn, Mortimer charges his senior executives, each a president of one of Multima Corporation’s operating divisions, with a little friendly competition. They are each to develop a game-changer strategy that will ensure Multima Corporation continues to grow and profit in spite of the recession. With a 60-day deadline, the division presidents have their work cut out for them, but John George Mortimer isn’t out of the woods yet and he quickly finds his entire plan unraveling in “Three Weeks Less a Day.”
Gary McGugan skillfully crafts an intricate tale of suspense, thrills, and non-stop drama, and I was thoroughly captivated by, “Three Weeks Less a Day.” The writing is outstanding – McGugan delivers the reader directly into the story as a participant in the lives of these high-powered executives through authentic character development and realistic narrative.
The characters are charming and exciting, and it was so much fun getting inside their heads, learning how they tick, and trying to anticipate their next moves. They are multidimensional with commanding personalities and unrelenting determination, while also exhibiting genuine character flaws that strengthen and enrich the plot. The level of detail with which McGugan portrays his characters reveals his expertise in the business world, and his author voice is distinctive and eloquent.
The nugget that puts this story in the upper echelons for me is John George Mortimer’s battle with breast cancer. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book featuring a male character struggling with what is perceived to be a “female” disease and McGugan brings a wealth of information about the subject, weaving it seamlessly into the story for a unique, engaging plot twist.
“Three Weeks Less a Day” by Gary D. McGugan will appeal to a wide audience. Those interested in suspense and corporate intrigue flavored with the ruthless machinations of organized crime will find it an impressive debut novel that’s hard to put down. It’s clear McGugan has found his niche in the world of corporate thrillers and I look forward to reading, “The Multima Scheme,” the next novel in this innovative, exciting series.
'Three Weeks Less a Day' is a gripping thriller exploring the power struggle and cut throat corporate politics. With an intriguing plot and many twists and turns, this book is an engrossing read.
The story revolves around Multima Corporation, a highly successful business enterprise, headed by John George Mortimer but after learning he has cancer, he decides to find a worthy successor.He challenges the heads of the three divisions of his business to come up with a single game-changing strategy to re-invent their business unit. Meanwhile a corporate deal is being hatched to determine the successor already. Who will win in this battle to control the company?
The story is full of corporate politics and political machinations in the world of business. Right from the start, the book introduces you to the different characters of the story; driven by different motivations. The story unfolds like a game of chess with people fighting for supremacy. The book explores the themes of power, politics, greed and ambition in a corporate setting. As well laid plans begin to unravel and secrets begin to tumble, the story moves to a thrilling climax.
The writing is excellent blending suspense and drama. The characters are well crafted including Mortimer, Knight and Randall. The story explores their motivations and weaknesses.
Overall “Three Weeks Less a Day” is a suspenseful corporate thriller that will keep you hooked till the end. A great read for the lovers of the thriller genre.
Gary McGugan skillfully entwines a riveting tale of suspense, thrills, and unyielding drama in "Three Weeks Less a Day."
The narrative is an unpredictable whirlwind that maintains a gripping hold, keeping you eagerly anticipating and anxious until the very end. A corporate thriller filled with intriguing characters that compels you to continue reading.
Gary McGugan has taken me on an extraordinary and delightful journey, leaving me thoroughly impressed with his writing prowess in this remarkable book.
I eagerly look forward to delving into Gary's next literary creation. The book's brilliance extends to its character development, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of the main characters' personalities, motivations, backgrounds, and their intricate relationships with each other.
The author adeptly crafts multi-dimensional characters, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses, virtues and flaws, guiding them through a journey marked by both triumphs and setbacks.
Gary McGugan skillfully weaves a gripping narrative of suspense, thrills, and relentless drama in "Three Weeks Less a Day."
The exceptional writing immerses readers directly into the lives of high-powered executives, creating an authentic connection through well-crafted characters and a realistic narrative.
The story unfolds as a captivating journey, building towards an exciting climax, leaving the conclusion eagerly anticipated.
McGugan's adept storytelling explores the challenges of navigating diverse business cultures within global companies, resonating with those who've experienced business travel across the US, Japan, and Europe.
Filled with suspenseful twists and turns, this first installment of the series is a compelling escape, showcasing the author's impressive writing talent.
A must-read that takes readers on an enjoyable and unpredictable adventure.
"Three Weeks Less a Day: A Novel of International Suspense and Intrigue" by Gary D. McGugan is a book I recently finished reading. In this action-packed thriller, which takes place in the business world, an ageing CEO with a major health problem challenges the presidents of his divisions to demonstrate their leadership abilities without disclosing the competition's true intentions.
I picked this book because I like thrilling tales that take place in other countries and because I found the idea of a corporate rivalry intriguing. My attention was also drawn to the title and cover.
I was motivated by the book's characters' tenacity and will to overcome unforeseen obstacles in the pursuit of achievement.
The challenges of juggling one's personal and professional lives, as well as the need to prove oneself in a competitive environment really interesting.
The story hooks you in with its awesome narrative, making you question all the juicy secrets hidden in the corporate world. I was so into it that I didn't even realize I hit the end until I accidentally flipped to the acknowledgments.
McGugan's storytelling is slick, giving you that insider vibe and keeping the vibe alive from start to finish. Can't wait to dig deeper into John George's and Suzanne's connection.
The suspense builds up nicely, showing off McGugan's knack for keeping you hooked till the very end. He nails the whole business-culture thing across the US, Japan, and Europe, hitting home for anyone who's done some serious business travel.
Packed with crazy twists, this first part of the series is a must-read escape, showcasing the author's awesome writing chops. Get ready for a wild and unpredictable ride! ✨📖
Great first novel by business executive and author Gary McGugan. This novel was about the struggles between high level corporate executes and the competition they face every day at with their jobs. The story was unlike any I have ever read before and this I liked. I was fortunate to meet the author at a book signing and found him to be a very interesting person. He's a former business executive and current business consultant and the story he tells about the international corporate world demonstrates his first hand knowledge. His book is fast paced, exciting and every time I picked it up I was always looking forward to what was coming next. I would liked to have seen more character development and dialogue but this did not stop me from enjoying this read.
"Three Weeks Less a Day" is a total page-turner! It dives deep into corporate chaos, exposing the power struggles and sneaky politics at Multima Corporation.
John George Mortimer's cancer bombshell kicks off a battle for succession among division heads, adding a thrilling layer to the plot. Picture a chess game, but with high-stakes corporate players. As they unveil strategies and secrets, the tension skyrockets, leading to a jaw-dropping finish that left me stunned.
Cheers to the characters' resilience in facing unexpected obstacles! This novel is a rollercoaster of power, politics, greed, and ambition in the cutthroat world of business.
Totally recommend for those craving a suspenseful ride!
This book exceeded my expectations. From start to finish I was intrigued and wondered what would happen next. The straightforward writing style and short chapters allowed for fast reading, and I found it hard to put down. The storyline was interesting, and I learned a lot about business and corporations (a subject I previously had no knowledge of). I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
This is a new genre for me, so maybe that’s why I found the beginning to be very boring. I don’t like giving up on books and I’m glad I didn’t because the last 100 pages were very entertaining and quick paced as the book was described to be. I think I expected a little more drama, emotional turmoil etc right from the beginning but if you’re willing to wait it out keep reading it gets so so much more interesting later on.
What a thoroughly enjoyable read...I loved the way the book kept you second guessing the moves that would be made by the principal characters - the twists and the turns kept me completely hooked until the last chapter. I normally second guess the endings of such books - Gary congratulations you completely fooled me!!! Already looking forward to the follow up......
I met the author at the Oshawa Chapters location a few weeks ago as he stood patiently behind a table looking to entice readers to buy his book. I asked him to tell me about the story and his eyes lit up as he told me a bit about the novel. I was hooked instantly.
The chapters are short but not lacking in page - turning excitement. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
The premise or synopsis of the book sounded interesting on the surface. However, I did not enjoy reading the book once I started. Too slow and little interaction between characters. The writing style was too simplistic... it seemed geared towards a younger audience - maybe young teens. I struggled to find any interesting words in the book. Not a page turner.
Thank you to author Gary McGugan for the FREE Kindle copy of Three Weeks Less a Day. And thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.
I really liked it. The various threads within the story move along at nice clip, around interesting characters, with an open ending for the next edition. Very nicely done. A good read.
I met Gary in a bookstore; like a true business man he sold me on his book. I was skeptical, this is a break from my normal read, but he didn't let me down. This was the first book in a long while that I couldn't put down. You told me I'd be back for more Gary, you weren't wrong!