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The Geneva Connection
Brilliant investor John Kent is living his dream. The success of his private equity firm has propelled him into the ranks of the world's super-rich, allowing him to give his family the security and advantages he didn’t have in his own childhood.
But John's dream is shattered with the discovery that his largest investor is bankrolled by the most vicious drug cartel in Mexico. Then one of his partners is murdered to guarantee his silence, and John realizes he cannot cooperate with the authorities.
When the ambitious head of the DEA threatens John with incarceration, his nightmare is complete. If he resists the DEA, what will happen to his family while he's imprisoned? But the alternative is worse. For if John chooses to betray the cartel, he and his family will pay the ultimate price.
Praise for THE GENEVA CONNECTION:
“The Geneva Connection has a menacing opening with a hook and a barb to make the hook stick. Thriller readers are hooked, barbed and immediately reeled in. The narrative mesmerizes from the outset. The pace is swift and the action enough to make any reader’s toes curl in frightening expectation.” —Art Cockerill, writer and journalist
“I couldn’t put The Geneva Connection down once I started it. The intricate plot, laced with just enough background information to make it realistic and understandable, takes twist after turn until you reach the final destination, white-knuckling it all the way. An intense thrill ride through the world of investment banking, drug cartels, and money laundering.” —Long and Short Reviews
“Novelist Martin Bodenham has penned The Geneva Connection, a thriller straddling the City, the English countryside, Mexican back roads and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. With this page-turner, Bodenham aspires to do for fund managers what John Grisham has done for lawyers.” —Corporate Financier Magazine
“Bodenham, a dealmaker who made his name in the cut and thrust world of turnarounds, is a fine writer of thriller fiction.” —Real Deals Magazine
But John's dream is shattered with the discovery that his largest investor is bankrolled by the most vicious drug cartel in Mexico. Then one of his partners is murdered to guarantee his silence, and John realizes he cannot cooperate with the authorities.
When the ambitious head of the DEA threatens John with incarceration, his nightmare is complete. If he resists the DEA, what will happen to his family while he's imprisoned? But the alternative is worse. For if John chooses to betray the cartel, he and his family will pay the ultimate price.
Praise for THE GENEVA CONNECTION:
“The Geneva Connection has a menacing opening with a hook and a barb to make the hook stick. Thriller readers are hooked, barbed and immediately reeled in. The narrative mesmerizes from the outset. The pace is swift and the action enough to make any reader’s toes curl in frightening expectation.” —Art Cockerill, writer and journalist
“I couldn’t put The Geneva Connection down once I started it. The intricate plot, laced with just enough background information to make it realistic and understandable, takes twist after turn until you reach the final destination, white-knuckling it all the way. An intense thrill ride through the world of investment banking, drug cartels, and money laundering.” —Long and Short Reviews
“Novelist Martin Bodenham has penned The Geneva Connection, a thriller straddling the City, the English countryside, Mexican back roads and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. With this page-turner, Bodenham aspires to do for fund managers what John Grisham has done for lawyers.” —Corporate Financier Magazine
“Bodenham, a dealmaker who made his name in the cut and thrust world of turnarounds, is a fine writer of thriller fiction.” —Real Deals Magazine
314 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2011
58 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Martin Bodenham
5 books45 followersMartin Bodenham is a crime thriller writer.
He is the former CEO of a London-based private equity firm, before which he was a corporate finance partner at both KPMG and Ernst & Young.
His latest crime novel, Watch for Me, is a psychological suspense thriller and was published by US publisher, Down & Out Books, in August 2021.
He is the former CEO of a London-based private equity firm, before which he was a corporate finance partner at both KPMG and Ernst & Young.
His latest crime novel, Watch for Me, is a psychological suspense thriller and was published by US publisher, Down & Out Books, in August 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 3, 2012
This was a very different sort of mystery for me. First, there really weren't any likable characters. They were all terminally flawed for the most part and too greedy and/or self-absorbed for my tastes. However, that said, they all played their parts very well, making the story enjoyable and exciting, despite the degenerate cast. LOL Definitely a good read.
Oh, and I learned way more about acquiring assets and other financial activities than I ever cared to. :)
Oh, and I learned way more about acquiring assets and other financial activities than I ever cared to. :)
January 26, 2015
Follow the Money Trail
The Geneva Connection by Martin Bodenham does it all in 'spades'. The plot flies forward with well-timed changes of scene and both chapter start and chapter end hooks. The vicious cartel leader, and the cartel structure in general made this reader feel sure that the author knew what he was talking about. Merriman, the DEA's man, pitted himself a bit naively against the most powerful cartel in existence. The costs for him and his family peaked at the end of the book. Being a stock market officiando, the author's in-depth knowledge of the root causes of the market crash in 2008 and his ease at mixing market savvy with narrative development and character arc surprised very positively. Though every author strives to be unpredictable, it is the slightly predictable ones that most often succeed in reeling in the readers. I read the book in three sittings and enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward to reading more from Martin Bodenham. Check out his site: www.martinbodenham.com.
The Geneva Connection by Martin Bodenham does it all in 'spades'. The plot flies forward with well-timed changes of scene and both chapter start and chapter end hooks. The vicious cartel leader, and the cartel structure in general made this reader feel sure that the author knew what he was talking about. Merriman, the DEA's man, pitted himself a bit naively against the most powerful cartel in existence. The costs for him and his family peaked at the end of the book. Being a stock market officiando, the author's in-depth knowledge of the root causes of the market crash in 2008 and his ease at mixing market savvy with narrative development and character arc surprised very positively. Though every author strives to be unpredictable, it is the slightly predictable ones that most often succeed in reeling in the readers. I read the book in three sittings and enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward to reading more from Martin Bodenham. Check out his site: www.martinbodenham.com.
January 31, 2012
The Geneva Connection reminds me why I don't usually read thrillers. I spent the drive home checking my rearview mirror for pursuing drug cartel assassins or rogue DEA agents! I was completely sucked into the plot and found myself fascinated by the world of investment banking in ways that probably aren't healthy. That's how good this book is! Bodenham's cinematic style and unrelenting action and suspense have created a real page turner that is nearly impossible to put down. It is not for the faint of heart, however, having some sincerely ruthless characters. But if you love a thriller or are just looking for something that turns the banking business into an adventure, search no further. Read this one! But beware, you may end up talking back to the book.
January 31, 2015
Get ready to the shocking ending.
Beginning few chapters will remind you the days of stock markets collapse. From Mexico to Geneva and London companies handling the cartel money, many of them wanting to make more money for themselves. Many innocent people dying, while DEA trying to shot down drug trafficking and the money. Good interesting story with breath taking ending.
Beginning few chapters will remind you the days of stock markets collapse. From Mexico to Geneva and London companies handling the cartel money, many of them wanting to make more money for themselves. Many innocent people dying, while DEA trying to shot down drug trafficking and the money. Good interesting story with breath taking ending.
September 19, 2017
With a background in accounting and having worked on a lot of private and public equity deals in the 90's, I found this to be a pretty good thriller - in addition to the usual intrigue with the bad guys, I found I could relate a little bit to the financial side of the house in some respects.
The author does a pretty good job of getting you inside the head of his characters, and I guarantee many of you will have some daydreaming moments of "what if" with respect to suddenly being in charge of billions of untraceable dollars. Without having a spoiler, I will tell you the author does a heck of a job having you think you will know how the ending will turn out - then he takes a hard right turn that I didn't see coming.
There are a few grammatical and typographical errors in the Kindle version of this book: while they are annoying here and there, it doesn't take away from what is a pretty good tale.
The author does a pretty good job of getting you inside the head of his characters, and I guarantee many of you will have some daydreaming moments of "what if" with respect to suddenly being in charge of billions of untraceable dollars. Without having a spoiler, I will tell you the author does a heck of a job having you think you will know how the ending will turn out - then he takes a hard right turn that I didn't see coming.
There are a few grammatical and typographical errors in the Kindle version of this book: while they are annoying here and there, it doesn't take away from what is a pretty good tale.
December 18, 2019
I found the story-telling really tight and believable, especially the parts regarding the financial escapades. Not surprising given the author's background. I enjoyed the book and looked forward to reading more and more. I couldn't predict what was next, which makes for a good read for me. The one gripe though, the ending seemed rushed and there was at least one loose end that I had expected to be wrapped up (involving a mole...). Still, a heart-pumping read.
August 4, 2017
Pretty good suspense, but the ending is too abrupt. It feels like an unfinished story.
May 19, 2012
Originally posted at: http://lasrmystery.blogspot.com/2012/...
John Kent went from being on top of the world to being at the bottom in a moment’s notice. When CBC’s largest backer goes under, he’s left scrambling to find another investor – fast. Enter Tritona – a large Swiss firm willing to invest just what Kent needs plus a lot more. When the truth behind where Tritona’s funds are coming from becomes clear, Kent and his colleagues are in for a rude awakening and an extreme amount of danger. One thing is very clear, however. Sometimes it’s hard to know who the bad guy really is.
The majority of the story is told through the eyes of John Kent, CEO of CBC, a private equity investment firm in the UK. Although he started out as a somewhat likable character, if a bit too money-focused for my tastes, his true colors show before long. His obsession with becoming a billionaire and making as much money as he can winds up being his ultimate downfall. He’s definitely an interesting character to observe. He seems to have a one-track mind: make more money! But in the few instances his wife, Sarah, is in the picture, you see a different side of him, but briefly. Despite the fact I didn’t have much of a connection with him, I did feel sympathy for his situation as the truth of Tritona becomes known and his world crumbles around him.
Probably the most interesting part of this story was the fact that none of the characters are very likable individuals. However, despite that, you are drawn into the story and held firm. I’m not sure if it’s because they all, in some way, manage to get exactly what they deserve or if it’s just a testament to the author’s writing style, but whatever the reason, I couldn’t put The Geneva Connection down once I started it. The intricate plot, laced with just enough background information to make it realistic and understandable, takes twist after turn until you reach the final destination, white-knuckling it all the way. An intense thrill ride through the world of investment banking, drug cartels, and money laundering.
John Kent went from being on top of the world to being at the bottom in a moment’s notice. When CBC’s largest backer goes under, he’s left scrambling to find another investor – fast. Enter Tritona – a large Swiss firm willing to invest just what Kent needs plus a lot more. When the truth behind where Tritona’s funds are coming from becomes clear, Kent and his colleagues are in for a rude awakening and an extreme amount of danger. One thing is very clear, however. Sometimes it’s hard to know who the bad guy really is.
The majority of the story is told through the eyes of John Kent, CEO of CBC, a private equity investment firm in the UK. Although he started out as a somewhat likable character, if a bit too money-focused for my tastes, his true colors show before long. His obsession with becoming a billionaire and making as much money as he can winds up being his ultimate downfall. He’s definitely an interesting character to observe. He seems to have a one-track mind: make more money! But in the few instances his wife, Sarah, is in the picture, you see a different side of him, but briefly. Despite the fact I didn’t have much of a connection with him, I did feel sympathy for his situation as the truth of Tritona becomes known and his world crumbles around him.
Probably the most interesting part of this story was the fact that none of the characters are very likable individuals. However, despite that, you are drawn into the story and held firm. I’m not sure if it’s because they all, in some way, manage to get exactly what they deserve or if it’s just a testament to the author’s writing style, but whatever the reason, I couldn’t put The Geneva Connection down once I started it. The intricate plot, laced with just enough background information to make it realistic and understandable, takes twist after turn until you reach the final destination, white-knuckling it all the way. An intense thrill ride through the world of investment banking, drug cartels, and money laundering.
February 11, 2015
This was a good read about a British private equity fund that manages money, unknowingly, for a Mexican drug cartel. The author has a decent style, and the book kept me interested. (I read almost everything on my iPad Kindle ap, but when I really like a book, I also read it on the Kindle app on my iPhone during times when I've got just a few minutes, such as waiting in line somewhere. I read a fair amount of this book on my iPhone).
I would recommend this book if you like financial novels (like Michael Ridpath or Paul Erdman or John Harman).
It was a little hard to get into during the first few pages, trying to piece everyone together, but once you get past the first part, it's a good read. Some interest plot twists, and I never lost interest when reading the book. However, there were some things that seemed a little far-fetched.
Spoilers, don't read unless you've read the book:
1) The drug cartel can forge a passport almost professionally but it uses the old format of the passport and spells the name wrong? The evidence of forgery should have been more subtle, as an expert was called to verify it.
2) A huge asset (the railway to the channel) is going to be held by some anonymous trust in the wife's name and no one is going to know who's behind it? That just seems way too implausible. Who's going to run the railway, hire the managers, issue stock options to management, etc? There's evidence that the group bought it, as it's mentioned in the papers, but various people think they can just steal it? That railway had a valuation larger than most public companies.
I would recommend this book if you like financial novels (like Michael Ridpath or Paul Erdman or John Harman).
It was a little hard to get into during the first few pages, trying to piece everyone together, but once you get past the first part, it's a good read. Some interest plot twists, and I never lost interest when reading the book. However, there were some things that seemed a little far-fetched.
Spoilers, don't read unless you've read the book:
1) The drug cartel can forge a passport almost professionally but it uses the old format of the passport and spells the name wrong? The evidence of forgery should have been more subtle, as an expert was called to verify it.
2) A huge asset (the railway to the channel) is going to be held by some anonymous trust in the wife's name and no one is going to know who's behind it? That just seems way too implausible. Who's going to run the railway, hire the managers, issue stock options to management, etc? There's evidence that the group bought it, as it's mentioned in the papers, but various people think they can just steal it? That railway had a valuation larger than most public companies.
February 5, 2015
I think Roger Ebert had the right idea when he decided to rate films on their own terms. "Schindler's List" can't fairly be rated on the same criteria as, for example, "Lethal Weapon." This is because the two have different purposes and, to a large extent, different tools to achieve them.
(btw: I'm not saying that all mysteries/thrillers/procedurals can't be--or aspire to be--what we call "literature." Rather, I'm saying that most don't try, and if these books succeed on their own terms we should recognize that fact.)
Looked at this way, "The Geneva Connection" is a success. It's fast and ably paced, not overly full of solecisms and predictable words, phrases and sentences, and has surprisingly round characters whom the author makes matter to the reader. It's more than a guilty pleasure, and absolutely worth a read.
(btw: I'm not saying that all mysteries/thrillers/procedurals can't be--or aspire to be--what we call "literature." Rather, I'm saying that most don't try, and if these books succeed on their own terms we should recognize that fact.)
Looked at this way, "The Geneva Connection" is a success. It's fast and ably paced, not overly full of solecisms and predictable words, phrases and sentences, and has surprisingly round characters whom the author makes matter to the reader. It's more than a guilty pleasure, and absolutely worth a read.
November 15, 2012
Three words: International. Crime. Thriller. Piqued your interest yet? No? How about another three? Written by relative.
The Geneva Connection is the first book by my mother-in-law’s cousin. I’m about as far away from the worlds of international banking and drug trafficking as a Mongolian goat herder is, but I was immediately drawn into the story so richly told by one Martin Bodenham. The book is a real page-turner—actually a page-clicker (it is only available electronically)—which is a relief because I don’t want to be lying when I tell him how much I enjoyed it.
The Geneva Connection is the first book by my mother-in-law’s cousin. I’m about as far away from the worlds of international banking and drug trafficking as a Mongolian goat herder is, but I was immediately drawn into the story so richly told by one Martin Bodenham. The book is a real page-turner—actually a page-clicker (it is only available electronically)—which is a relief because I don’t want to be lying when I tell him how much I enjoyed it.
February 18, 2015
This book is very well written. The characters wonderfully defined and the story thoughtfully constructed and very well presented. If you want an insight into the fascinating world of private equity, and the potential perils of embarking on the wrong path, this is it.
Deals, intrigue and some very intense, charismatic people make The Geneva Connection one highly entertaining thrill ride that will keep the pages turning right to the end.
Martin Bodenham's arrival with this, his debut novel is just a taste of his potential.
January 23, 2012
I recently saw a review that compared Martin Bodeham to the financial world's John Grisham. I think I have to agree with that. His writing style will keep your attention for sure. It is obvious he knows his way around financial investing. Throwing a drug cartel into the mix made for a great read. There were a lot of characters to follow and a lot going on but it wasn't confusing at all. The story was great & a definite page turner. Can't wait for more!
May 31, 2012
I got this book for my Dad. He has a type of dementia and had lost the ability to read (I suspect the shaking makes focusing on the words more challenging). He got it into his head to buy a Kindle. My Dad's a big thriller fan, so I bought him this book hoping he could read it. Not only could he, but he loved it. He's recommended it to a number of people. So this review is for my Dad.
Thanks Martin.
Thanks Martin.
October 31, 2012
The first chapter made me mighty wary, and I didn't htink I would like this book at all. But, I'm glad I kept reading because it was entertaining. Not a book that will dwell in your head for days, but definitely one that will keep you entertained for a little while. I never did quite figure out which, if any, of the characters I wanted to come out on top. I recommend it to folks who like crime stories and mysteries.
January 25, 2015
Suspense to the end
It's difficult to give up so much and be considered a failure. This is true for the drug cartel, the DEA people and the equity firm head. A page turner and no stopping from the first page to the end.
It's difficult to give up so much and be considered a failure. This is true for the drug cartel, the DEA people and the equity firm head. A page turner and no stopping from the first page to the end.
January 28, 2015
I hope there is sequel to this book or another one like it. Reading the story was like being on a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. When you think you have finally figured things out, they change. I couldn't put the book down and nearly finished it in one sitting. Great story-telling.
June 8, 2016
Impressiv .......that is a hell of a story and the good thing is ..... it is not far from reality, if it is even not reality. Very good, thought through and full of good characters and emotions. Greed is I guess the dominant one .........and it kills in the end.
October 23, 2019
I found a new author to read!
This book was a fast paced page turner about a very serious problem that has been around for a long time. I loved reading this book and how the author intertwined the plot. I would definitely continue reading books by this author.
This book was a fast paced page turner about a very serious problem that has been around for a long time. I loved reading this book and how the author intertwined the plot. I would definitely continue reading books by this author.
May 26, 2012
A gripping tale of greed, double dealing, and consequences. And the ending packs a meaty punch!
July 31, 2013
Awesome book that gripped me from page one.
April 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book, it is different from what I usually read and was just what I needed! No spoiler here - but I almost cheered at how it ended. Twisted characters for sure.
February 15, 2015
Wide ranging book
A good read. There is a lot of action and a lot of plot twists. There are a lot of characters so it's sometimes tough to follow.
A good read. There is a lot of action and a lot of plot twists. There are a lot of characters so it's sometimes tough to follow.
February 21, 2015
very good
November 25, 2015
A pretty good read, but oddly paced and the end seems to come a bit abruptly.
February 13, 2020
Well-researched, but didn't really believe the rags-to-riches background of the main character, Kent. The book was a mix of two worlds--finance and drugs cartels, or Wall Street meets Breaking Bad.
May 2, 2013
TITLE - GENEVA CONNECTION
AUTHOR - MARTIN BODENHAM
STARS - 4
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
JOHN KENT OWNS AN RUNS A PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM. HE IS ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD AND COULD NOT BE HAPPIER, TILL NEWS THAT HIS BACKER IS PART OF THE UNDERGROUND MEXICAN DRUG WORLD. FELIX SAFUENTES, AKA JIVARO, WHO IS KNOWN FOR HIS BRUTALITY IS THE MOST POWERFUL ORGANIZED CRIME LEADER THE WORLD HAS KNOWN.
MARK MERRIMAN IS THE HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE AT THE DEA, MARRIED AND HAPPY WITH LIFE BUT WANTS TO TAKE DOWN JIVARO. HE IS GIVING ON YEAR AND A NEW BUDGET TO GET THE JOB DOWN. WHY TAKE DOWN THE LITTLE PEOPLE FIRST WHEN YOU CAN GO RIGHT TO THE TOP ???
I FELT A LITTLE LOST IN THIS BOOK. THEIR ARE A LOT OF CHARACTERS TO KEEP TRACK OF AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE "FINANCIAL" WORLD AND HOW IT RUNS YOU JUST GET LOST. THE PLOT WAS GOOD AND KEEP YOU GUESSING.
complimentary book giving for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
AUTHOR - MARTIN BODENHAM
STARS - 4
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
JOHN KENT OWNS AN RUNS A PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM. HE IS ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD AND COULD NOT BE HAPPIER, TILL NEWS THAT HIS BACKER IS PART OF THE UNDERGROUND MEXICAN DRUG WORLD. FELIX SAFUENTES, AKA JIVARO, WHO IS KNOWN FOR HIS BRUTALITY IS THE MOST POWERFUL ORGANIZED CRIME LEADER THE WORLD HAS KNOWN.
MARK MERRIMAN IS THE HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE AT THE DEA, MARRIED AND HAPPY WITH LIFE BUT WANTS TO TAKE DOWN JIVARO. HE IS GIVING ON YEAR AND A NEW BUDGET TO GET THE JOB DOWN. WHY TAKE DOWN THE LITTLE PEOPLE FIRST WHEN YOU CAN GO RIGHT TO THE TOP ???
I FELT A LITTLE LOST IN THIS BOOK. THEIR ARE A LOT OF CHARACTERS TO KEEP TRACK OF AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE "FINANCIAL" WORLD AND HOW IT RUNS YOU JUST GET LOST. THE PLOT WAS GOOD AND KEEP YOU GUESSING.
complimentary book giving for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
January 5, 2015
The author takes a unique approach in describing the situations. He has also created a unique storyline with many parts and characters that flow nicely. It can be a little confusing when reading about the investment process but I enjoyed it. There's excitement, thrill, mystery but the book is a realistic story that is believable. There are many twists and turns that keep you turning the page. I really enjoyed the story from beginning to end!
December 15, 2012
Great book! I didn't really know what to expect, I know very little about the world of finance and trading. That wasn't a problem at all, the plot and characters come to life. When the action starts, it doesn't stop. Fast pace with a few surprises too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews