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This is Book 1 of the series.
This book begins with a young and naive Elaine Brogan as she initially pursues her dream of a career as a photomodel. After becoming entangled with a sleazy modeling agency, she decides to become a Secret Service agent, struggling through the arduous training academy. After her first disastrous assignment, she is transferred to Bulgaria. There, she meets Nick LaGrange, the love of her life.
This book begins with a young and naive Elaine Brogan as she initially pursues her dream of a career as a photomodel. After becoming entangled with a sleazy modeling agency, she decides to become a Secret Service agent, struggling through the arduous training academy. After her first disastrous assignment, she is transferred to Bulgaria. There, she meets Nick LaGrange, the love of her life.
130 pages, ebook
First published June 14, 2011
688 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Mike Wells
203 books795 followersEmail me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
July 19, 2020
Revenge
Lust, Money and Murder are 3 separate books. Book 1 has the subtitle Lust and deals with the events that shaped Elaine Brogan’s decision to become a Secret Agent, her training to finally qualify, and eventually take assignments abroad.
As a young impressionable girl, Elaine is lured by the potential of becoming a model and earn a lifestyle she could only dream of. After paying thousands of dollars to the Rising Star Modelling Agency, for training workshops, and a final a one-to-one session with the owner Ronald Eskew, she realises that she’s been conned and now he wants sex if she is to progress with his agency. Unwilling to continue and feeling duped by the whole experience she asks for her money back, and surprisingly he returns $2000 to her. Unfortunately for her and more so for her father, the money is counterfeit and her father takes the rap to keep Elaine out of jail. In addition to passing counterfeit money, her father is found to have been stealing construction materials from his previous employer over many years. Unable to deal with the hefty prison sentence, her father commits suicide and she vows that she will hunt down Ronald Eskew and make him pay. I can understand the anger and desire for revenge, but for me, it was a massive jump for her to totally commit her future, her plans, and her dreams, to finding Eskew and bringing him to justice.
The story develops in a very engaging way, showing how Elaine develops her skills and with a talent for identifying counterfeit currency she becomes a secret agent. The road has not been easy and through gruelling training and testing, she succeeds. At her first job in Montana, she is sexually harassed by her boss and the consequence of rejecting him, resulting in her being transferred to Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, we get to see a different way of life, where payoffs and surreptitious dealings are commonplace. Elaine falls for her new boss Nick LaGrange and at first, it all seems like an unrequited infatuation and stumbles along for quite a while before taking a step forward. I never really felt the depth of desire from Elaine that she professes to feel towards Nick, nor did I believe the motivations from Nick as to why he waited so long and how he now feels towards her.
The ending is really abrupt and while there is no secret that this is book 1 of an initial trilogy, I still felt it ended prematurely. I’ve only started the second book but already I feel it would be much better to combine into one book, especially as each book is only about 100 pages. Interesting that we see the strategy of book-marketing playing a part in the structure of a series.
The espionage story is exciting, especially as it is uniquely based around an extremely high-quality counterfeit operation and the plot is quite pacey with that edge of revenge built in. The relationships are not engrossing or believable enough to bring out the loyalty or motivation concerns and keep me riveted, and the Lust framing didn’t really play a significant role.
I have also listened to major parts of this book on audio and it is very well delivered. Well worth a read and a listen. I would like to thank Mike Wells for providing me with a copy of Lust, Money, and Murder in return for an honest review.
Lust, Money and Murder are 3 separate books. Book 1 has the subtitle Lust and deals with the events that shaped Elaine Brogan’s decision to become a Secret Agent, her training to finally qualify, and eventually take assignments abroad.
As a young impressionable girl, Elaine is lured by the potential of becoming a model and earn a lifestyle she could only dream of. After paying thousands of dollars to the Rising Star Modelling Agency, for training workshops, and a final a one-to-one session with the owner Ronald Eskew, she realises that she’s been conned and now he wants sex if she is to progress with his agency. Unwilling to continue and feeling duped by the whole experience she asks for her money back, and surprisingly he returns $2000 to her. Unfortunately for her and more so for her father, the money is counterfeit and her father takes the rap to keep Elaine out of jail. In addition to passing counterfeit money, her father is found to have been stealing construction materials from his previous employer over many years. Unable to deal with the hefty prison sentence, her father commits suicide and she vows that she will hunt down Ronald Eskew and make him pay. I can understand the anger and desire for revenge, but for me, it was a massive jump for her to totally commit her future, her plans, and her dreams, to finding Eskew and bringing him to justice.
The story develops in a very engaging way, showing how Elaine develops her skills and with a talent for identifying counterfeit currency she becomes a secret agent. The road has not been easy and through gruelling training and testing, she succeeds. At her first job in Montana, she is sexually harassed by her boss and the consequence of rejecting him, resulting in her being transferred to Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, we get to see a different way of life, where payoffs and surreptitious dealings are commonplace. Elaine falls for her new boss Nick LaGrange and at first, it all seems like an unrequited infatuation and stumbles along for quite a while before taking a step forward. I never really felt the depth of desire from Elaine that she professes to feel towards Nick, nor did I believe the motivations from Nick as to why he waited so long and how he now feels towards her.
The ending is really abrupt and while there is no secret that this is book 1 of an initial trilogy, I still felt it ended prematurely. I’ve only started the second book but already I feel it would be much better to combine into one book, especially as each book is only about 100 pages. Interesting that we see the strategy of book-marketing playing a part in the structure of a series.
The espionage story is exciting, especially as it is uniquely based around an extremely high-quality counterfeit operation and the plot is quite pacey with that edge of revenge built in. The relationships are not engrossing or believable enough to bring out the loyalty or motivation concerns and keep me riveted, and the Lust framing didn’t really play a significant role.
I have also listened to major parts of this book on audio and it is very well delivered. Well worth a read and a listen. I would like to thank Mike Wells for providing me with a copy of Lust, Money, and Murder in return for an honest review.
June 15, 2012
I have to laugh at all the people complaining about the author suckering them into buying more books. If you read, people, it says in red on the cover - a SERIES by Mike Wells. Plus it's called Book 1. What else would you like him to do? Put a neon flashing warning on it?! If you don't like series books that's fine, your opinion. But don't blame the author because you didn't look before you hit the buy button!
Lust, Money & Murder immediately pulled me in. The opening chapter was intriguing to say the least. A rich guy and a high priced hooker in Italy. How could you not be? We are then introduced to Elaine. I'm usually not one for back story at the beginning of a book, but Wells does it brilliantly, forcing me to become invested in her character. I had no choice but to turn the pages, even had a hit of coffee to make sure I stayed awake to see what would happen to Elaine next. Secret Service training, counterfeit money, murder, betrayal. Yup, all that and a whole lot more in Book 1 alone!!!
Downloading the rest as soon as I'm done with this!! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a well written, fast paced thrill ride!!
Lust, Money & Murder immediately pulled me in. The opening chapter was intriguing to say the least. A rich guy and a high priced hooker in Italy. How could you not be? We are then introduced to Elaine. I'm usually not one for back story at the beginning of a book, but Wells does it brilliantly, forcing me to become invested in her character. I had no choice but to turn the pages, even had a hit of coffee to make sure I stayed awake to see what would happen to Elaine next. Secret Service training, counterfeit money, murder, betrayal. Yup, all that and a whole lot more in Book 1 alone!!!
Downloading the rest as soon as I'm done with this!! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a well written, fast paced thrill ride!!
December 22, 2011
I can't be accused of giving the ending of this book away because there is no ending. Really, this book was headed for three stars from me but I took one away in anger at the end when I realised you have to buy book 2 to get a resolution. I shouldn't have felt bad about this - after all, book 1 was free (via Twitter) in the first place. That earned it a star before I even started reading and -- easy come, easy go -- it was the same star I took away at the end.
The remaining two stars are well deserved.
The book is slickly written and easy to read.
But it reminds me a bit of McDonald's or homogenised milk. Nothing wrong with either but I know of better places to go to get a more wholesome hamburger and I know where's there's a good dairy cow so I can get dollops of real cream with my milk.
The book's story? Nothing I haven't read before. Hardly cutting edge.
The author brags you won't be able to put the book down. He's kidding himself. I had no such problem, especially at milking time.
I should have heeded the warning bells when I skimmed through the alleged reviews at the beginning of the book. All of them were glowing but none of them were attributed. So whether they came from real people or were simply another part of the fiction, I know not. I just know that, in hindsight, none of them represented my views.
The remaining two stars are well deserved.
The book is slickly written and easy to read.
But it reminds me a bit of McDonald's or homogenised milk. Nothing wrong with either but I know of better places to go to get a more wholesome hamburger and I know where's there's a good dairy cow so I can get dollops of real cream with my milk.
The book's story? Nothing I haven't read before. Hardly cutting edge.
The author brags you won't be able to put the book down. He's kidding himself. I had no such problem, especially at milking time.
I should have heeded the warning bells when I skimmed through the alleged reviews at the beginning of the book. All of them were glowing but none of them were attributed. So whether they came from real people or were simply another part of the fiction, I know not. I just know that, in hindsight, none of them represented my views.
May 21, 2025
খেয়ালী বাবার রাজকুমারী সে–ইলেন। তবে ইলেনের জন্মের পরই তার বাবা প্যাট্রিকের সকল খেয়ালিপনা পালিয়েছে। মেয়ের ভালোর জন্যে সে সমস্ত কিছু মেনে নিতে রাজি ছিল। ইলেনের কাছে বাবা ছিল 'সবচেয়ে ভালো বাবা।'
বাবার বলা রূপকথার মতো জীবন নিয়ে তার উচ্চাকাঙ্ক্ষা বেড়ে ওঠে। কিন্তু প্রথম উঁচু সিঁড়িতে পা রাখতেই প্রতারণার শিকার হয় ইলেন। আর সেজন্য তার বাবাকেই যেতে হয় জেলে। তবু মেয়ের ভবিষ্যতের কথা ভেবে বাবা আদালতে মুখ বন্ধ রাখল এবং ফলাফল তার ২৫ বছরের জেল হলো। জেলজীবনের সপ্তম দিনে আত্মহত্যা করে বসল প্যাট্রিক।
বাবাকে হারিয়ে মেয়ে চরম অনুশোচনা ও প্রতিশোধ-পরায়ণে দগ্ধ হতে শুরু করে। প্রতারকের প্রতিশোধ কীভাবে নেওয়া যায় তা ভেবে ভেবেই দুঃসাধ্য সব ট্রেনিং নিয়ে সিক্রেট এজেন্সিতে সুযোগ পায় সে। এবার তার স্বপ্ন বাস্তবায়নের পালা; হারবে নাকি জিতবে সেটাই দেখার পালা।
▪️▪️▪️
অনুবাদ ভালোই; শুধু সর্বনাম-ক্রিয়ার গোলমালটা দৃষ্টিকটু–'তুমি কেমন আছিস'-এর মতো। কেন জানি গৎবাঁধা থ্রিলার মনে হলো। তবে দুঃসাহসিক দীর্ঘযাত্রার অনুসন্ধানটা রোমাঞ্চকর।
বাবার বলা রূপকথার মতো জীবন নিয়ে তার উচ্চাকাঙ্ক্ষা বেড়ে ওঠে। কিন্তু প্রথম উঁচু সিঁড়িতে পা রাখতেই প্রতারণার শিকার হয় ইলেন। আর সেজন্য তার বাবাকেই যেতে হয় জেলে। তবু মেয়ের ভবিষ্যতের কথা ভেবে বাবা আদালতে মুখ বন্ধ রাখল এবং ফলাফল তার ২৫ বছরের জেল হলো। জেলজীবনের সপ্তম দিনে আত্মহত্যা করে বসল প্যাট্রিক।
বাবাকে হারিয়ে মেয়ে চরম অনুশোচনা ও প্রতিশোধ-পরায়ণে দগ্ধ হতে শুরু করে। প্রতারকের প্রতিশোধ কীভাবে নেওয়া যায় তা ভেবে ভেবেই দুঃসাধ্য সব ট্রেনিং নিয়ে সিক্রেট এজেন্সিতে সুযোগ পায় সে। এবার তার স্বপ্ন বাস্তবায়নের পালা; হারবে নাকি জিতবে সেটাই দেখার পালা।
▪️▪️▪️
অনুবাদ ভালোই; শুধু সর্বনাম-ক্রিয়ার গোলমালটা দৃষ্টিকটু–'তুমি কেমন আছিস'-এর মতো। কেন জানি গৎবাঁধা থ্রিলার মনে হলো। তবে দুঃসাহসিক দীর্ঘযাত্রার অনুসন্ধানটা রোমাঞ্চকর।
February 14, 2013
I thought I would check out the other reviews on Amazon for this book before I did mine and I really can't understand the low rated reviews and their comments.
They didn't read the same book as me that's for sure.
This is a really good read with a great strong lead character and good supporting cast.
Yes it is book 1 of a series but isn't that a fantastic way to get to know a new author.
Especially as it's free for Kindle.
I'm not going to tell you anything more on the story, just read it.
It doesn't disappoint. Well done Mike. Book 2 here I come.
They didn't read the same book as me that's for sure.
This is a really good read with a great strong lead character and good supporting cast.
Yes it is book 1 of a series but isn't that a fantastic way to get to know a new author.
Especially as it's free for Kindle.
I'm not going to tell you anything more on the story, just read it.
It doesn't disappoint. Well done Mike. Book 2 here I come.
December 17, 2019
As well as in Devika Fernando’s case, I received the link to Mike Wells’ first book of Lust, Money & Murder series on Twitter, from the bestselling American writer himself. So today I’m going to leave aside my dear classics and Romance novels and I’m going to stir your curiosity with Mike Wells’ crime novel.
As a child, Elaine Brogan had a special bond with her father and she was detail-oriented, a gift that will help her later in life. When Elaine was sixteen, she became a model, but, after spending a huge amount of money for her humble condition, she realised that everything the agency promised her was just a scam. The sum of money she received back was actually counterfeit. Unfortunately, her father paid for his daughter’s naivety. He was wrongly accused of “a Class C felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison” and he was also accused of theft because “her father had been robbing construction sites to put her through Bromley” – a better school for Elaine. Patrick’s sacrifice for his daughter’s future and the fact that he didn’t want to drag her with him into jail really made me cry and think of my dad, who would have probably done the same for me.
Elaine’s life drastically changes after her father commits suicide in prison. She seeks revenge against Ronald Eskew, the man who gave her the counterfeit money, and joins the Secret Service. Elaine goes through many tough tests which make her a cold, calculated, independent woman, aware that her beauty that can be used as a tool. Isn’t she fit to become a secret agent? She is harshly trained to react fast to unexpected situations such as terrorist attacks and threats against the President of the USA.
Overall, this book was interesting and different from what I usually read. I can’t say I was totally into it, I enjoyed the prologue and Elaine’s story until her father’s death. The college period and the training part made me lose interest a bit, until the secret agent was sent to Bulgaria, where her missions caught my attention again. However, the jaw-dropping twists towards the end tempt me to buy the whole series. I bet there are many people like me, who would like to learn more about Elaine’s journey. Until the next review, find a little time to read a great book, old or new.
http://elitere.ro/lust-money-and-murder/
As a child, Elaine Brogan had a special bond with her father and she was detail-oriented, a gift that will help her later in life. When Elaine was sixteen, she became a model, but, after spending a huge amount of money for her humble condition, she realised that everything the agency promised her was just a scam. The sum of money she received back was actually counterfeit. Unfortunately, her father paid for his daughter’s naivety. He was wrongly accused of “a Class C felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison” and he was also accused of theft because “her father had been robbing construction sites to put her through Bromley” – a better school for Elaine. Patrick’s sacrifice for his daughter’s future and the fact that he didn’t want to drag her with him into jail really made me cry and think of my dad, who would have probably done the same for me.
Elaine’s life drastically changes after her father commits suicide in prison. She seeks revenge against Ronald Eskew, the man who gave her the counterfeit money, and joins the Secret Service. Elaine goes through many tough tests which make her a cold, calculated, independent woman, aware that her beauty that can be used as a tool. Isn’t she fit to become a secret agent? She is harshly trained to react fast to unexpected situations such as terrorist attacks and threats against the President of the USA.
Overall, this book was interesting and different from what I usually read. I can’t say I was totally into it, I enjoyed the prologue and Elaine’s story until her father’s death. The college period and the training part made me lose interest a bit, until the secret agent was sent to Bulgaria, where her missions caught my attention again. However, the jaw-dropping twists towards the end tempt me to buy the whole series. I bet there are many people like me, who would like to learn more about Elaine’s journey. Until the next review, find a little time to read a great book, old or new.
http://elitere.ro/lust-money-and-murder/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2014
Grips you from the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read it in one breath-taking session. It's wonderful to see a strong, smart heroine in crime fiction. I loved the many changes of setting, the twists, the intriguing little insights into the world of counterfeit money, and the character development.
Now where can I learn a magic spell to find the time to read the other books of the series as soon as possible?
Now where can I learn a magic spell to find the time to read the other books of the series as soon as possible?
March 4, 2015
i came across this author on twitter and downloaded his first in the series which is currently free. this is a relatively short novel but the author manages to pack loads into it. enjoyed it so much that i have just bought the first 3 books in the series. cant wait to read the second one.
July 13, 2012
I really wanted to really like this book...or first part of one. And that is important--this is only 1/3 of a novel. You must buy the other two parts to get the full story. I get that--marketing--but I don't really like doing reviews before the story is finished.
Luckily for me, the story itself is pretty good. It is very fast-paced, has some surprises, and is spiraling toward some conclusion that you can reasonably assume is also quick and shocking. I can see why people read on, but I won't be.
I guess I am a bit of a book snob. I like deeper characterization and a build-up to these abrupt twists-and-turns. I want to see for myself (as a reader) some of these traits instead of just being told what they are. I want to think as I read. It is not required in this book. The writer does all of the thinking for you and just pulls you along pointing out the highlights.
I gave the book three stars instead of two because I did like the story AND I finished part one. I wanted to see what happened and how the writer would leave me at the end (knowing that there were two more to complete it.) I found the characters interesting. Bottom line: I wanted more that I was given.
Luckily for me, the story itself is pretty good. It is very fast-paced, has some surprises, and is spiraling toward some conclusion that you can reasonably assume is also quick and shocking. I can see why people read on, but I won't be.
I guess I am a bit of a book snob. I like deeper characterization and a build-up to these abrupt twists-and-turns. I want to see for myself (as a reader) some of these traits instead of just being told what they are. I want to think as I read. It is not required in this book. The writer does all of the thinking for you and just pulls you along pointing out the highlights.
I gave the book three stars instead of two because I did like the story AND I finished part one. I wanted to see what happened and how the writer would leave me at the end (knowing that there were two more to complete it.) I found the characters interesting. Bottom line: I wanted more that I was given.
September 11, 2011
I absolutely love series. I feel this first book of the series is perfect. I can't wait to find out if Elaine will follow through with her plans and what will happen to Nick. I also agree with one other person's praise; the settings are brought to life and the characters are realistic. Like Elaine, all of us ladies have fallen for at least one of our attractive bosses at some point in time. I am totally hooked and thoroughly enjoy your style of writing Mike.
June 4, 2015
This is a story that combines several genres in a very satisfying way. It's a "coming of age"/goverment agent/romantic suspense, that keeps on giving . One warning, this is the first book in a series, and ends in a wicked cliffhanger ! Loved it!
May 12, 2015
From start to finish this book kept me glued to what would happen next. This is a Good read, but please don't think you can read just the first book. I can't wait to crack open book two, Money.
May 29, 2012
Elaine thinks that she wants to be a model, but when the trainer, Ronald Eskew, makes a pass at her she realizes it was all a scam. After her father is arrested for passing counterfeit money and kills himself in prison, Elaine vows to avenge her father's death. To do this, she decides to join the Secret Service. After messing up and being sent to Bulgaria, she meets Nick and falls in love. When faced with another life changing decision, she can only hope she makes the right one by standing by Nick.
As I was reading along, I felt like I knew where this was going, another heroine in trouble. With that said, I could still hardly wait to read the next chapter, the next page, the next sentence. I was rooting for Elaine before I knew where she was going. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I have to buy another book to see what happens to her.
As I was reading along, I felt like I knew where this was going, another heroine in trouble. With that said, I could still hardly wait to read the next chapter, the next page, the next sentence. I was rooting for Elaine before I knew where she was going. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I have to buy another book to see what happens to her.
August 1, 2013
Lust, Money & Murder Book 1 by Mike Wells
Mike Wells has managed to pack a story line that is rich with layers of character motivation and a hint of conspiracy into this powerful series starter! The storyline captures the imagination and leaves you ready to follow the characters forward into the series. Wells guides his readers through the early life and motives of his main character and ties it up the plot neatly in a satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
SEBGwrites.wordpress.com
Mike Wells has managed to pack a story line that is rich with layers of character motivation and a hint of conspiracy into this powerful series starter! The storyline captures the imagination and leaves you ready to follow the characters forward into the series. Wells guides his readers through the early life and motives of his main character and ties it up the plot neatly in a satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
SEBGwrites.wordpress.com
August 11, 2012
You've got to get this read! You'll be hooked from the first page. Excellent character development and plot sequences. I initially heard about this book on Twitter and am very glad I found it. Well done Mike! Tonight, I'll download the next two books in the series.
November 4, 2020
Well, another novel I was so happy to receive directly from the author, Mike Wells, in electronic form. Taking a break from my usual fantasy fare, and for a moment getting into a book in the genre I used to read with abandon - thrillers, police procedurals, and who-dunnits- was a nice change. I'm so pleased I was able to read this novella! The word "unputdownable" is becoming overused, but I'm sorry, "Lust, Money & Murder" definitely fits into that category! This was a fast-paced ride, with the appropriate twists and turns one expects in this kind of novel, and great, descriptive scene-setting. Part one of "Lust, Money & Murder was a wonderful romp from start to finish! Revenge motivated stories always provide juicy plot-drivers, and I relished the motivation in this work. Flawed hero, Elaine Brogan is trying to clear her father's name, and find the people responsible for framing him. Brogan is a great protagonist, smart, tough, with a big heart, and certainly not perfect, but that's what makes her interesting and compelling. I loved the bird's eye view into the laborious Secret Service Training - the Secret Service is a seldom-depicted law enforcement organization I love to see featured in thrillers. I was truly disappointed when the novella ended - I can't wait to get my hands on part two! International espionage, counterfeiting, revenge, murder, what's not to like? It's a winning formula for success. Wells is an excellent writer, and there is a reason why he has thrived as an Indie author, and his novels are bestsellers.
July 6, 2018
You share the feelings of the main characters like you're their friend in the book. This is a fast paced book and never a dull moment. You can tell Mike Wells did his research when it came to the main premise of the book which is the secret service and counterfeiting of currency. Plenty of twists and turns like any good spy thriller which keep you guessing and glad it all wasn't wrapped up in one book.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 7, 2012
Elaine Brogan's father is a construction worker, and though he lacks the education, he understands to bring up his child properly; he must do whatever it takes to provide her with the opportunities he never had. Even if that means he must engage in unsavory and illicit activities on occasions. (Some spoilers if you continue reading...)
Elaine learns at the tender age of 16, that the world is full of swindlers and con artists. Only her father, who gives her unconditional love, can be trusted. When he is arrested and convicted for a crime he never committed, one that she inadvertently involved him in, she is distraught. When he kills himself in prison, in order to protect her, she vows revenge.
With the foundation her father provided, and her will to succeed at any cost, she embarks on a mission to avenge her father's death. She bypasses all the college partying, and the various other distractions, to graduate at the top of her class. Elaine can work anywhere, and raise herself out of the blighted and impoverished Pittsburgh neighborhood where she grew up. Instead she chooses a government job, the US Secret Service. Specifically the counterfeiting division. Elaine soon finds revenge is never sweet nor complete.
She is punished for refusing the advances of her swarmy first boss, and sent to the Bulgarian office where she meets the man of her dreams. Though he is also her superior and the complex Kabuki dance they perform in order to remain professional, frustrates her endlessly. The man she falls for is much like her father, kind and gentle but engaged in somewhat questionable and quasi-legal activity. Can she trust him? Can she trust anybody?
Lust, Money & Murder was originally published as In God We Trust, the words printed on all paper US currency since 1957. Mike Wells, the author, decided to break it up into a trilogy. Lust being the first book, then Money, then Murder. The original book is a collector's item now, though nothing has changed in the text or the story line. You can download the first book for free and buy the second and third book, or you can just buy the whole trilogy in one.
Wells writes in a quick-paced, almost screenplay fashion. The story moves furiously and dramatically. The read is so fast, so exciting you cannot put this book down until you finish it. There aren't numerous steamy sex scenes, as the title would suggest, but there are some brief and tasteful sexual encouters. Lust is more of an insatiable desire for money, revenge, love, morality and truth.
Set aside some time, preferably a weekend, to read the entire trilogy. Depending on your ability, you could read it in less than a day. This is a thriller that grabs you from the start and pulls you in like quicksand. If you love international intrigue, shady and betraying government agents, and highly-trained, expert criminals, this book is for you. --eNovel Reviews
Elaine learns at the tender age of 16, that the world is full of swindlers and con artists. Only her father, who gives her unconditional love, can be trusted. When he is arrested and convicted for a crime he never committed, one that she inadvertently involved him in, she is distraught. When he kills himself in prison, in order to protect her, she vows revenge.
With the foundation her father provided, and her will to succeed at any cost, she embarks on a mission to avenge her father's death. She bypasses all the college partying, and the various other distractions, to graduate at the top of her class. Elaine can work anywhere, and raise herself out of the blighted and impoverished Pittsburgh neighborhood where she grew up. Instead she chooses a government job, the US Secret Service. Specifically the counterfeiting division. Elaine soon finds revenge is never sweet nor complete.
She is punished for refusing the advances of her swarmy first boss, and sent to the Bulgarian office where she meets the man of her dreams. Though he is also her superior and the complex Kabuki dance they perform in order to remain professional, frustrates her endlessly. The man she falls for is much like her father, kind and gentle but engaged in somewhat questionable and quasi-legal activity. Can she trust him? Can she trust anybody?
Lust, Money & Murder was originally published as In God We Trust, the words printed on all paper US currency since 1957. Mike Wells, the author, decided to break it up into a trilogy. Lust being the first book, then Money, then Murder. The original book is a collector's item now, though nothing has changed in the text or the story line. You can download the first book for free and buy the second and third book, or you can just buy the whole trilogy in one.
Wells writes in a quick-paced, almost screenplay fashion. The story moves furiously and dramatically. The read is so fast, so exciting you cannot put this book down until you finish it. There aren't numerous steamy sex scenes, as the title would suggest, but there are some brief and tasteful sexual encouters. Lust is more of an insatiable desire for money, revenge, love, morality and truth.
Set aside some time, preferably a weekend, to read the entire trilogy. Depending on your ability, you could read it in less than a day. This is a thriller that grabs you from the start and pulls you in like quicksand. If you love international intrigue, shady and betraying government agents, and highly-trained, expert criminals, this book is for you. --eNovel Reviews
January 28, 2014
I found this book to be quick paced but engaging. The writing is clear and concise. Author Mike Wells manages to put a lot of story into a short novella without making you feel as if depth is lacking. Elaine’s father was a hard working man who wanted to give her the world but he was by no means perfect. This tale is always at its darkest when expressing the actions which her father thought were necessary. This was a poor man who wanted to give his daughter an expensive education and basically did this by whatever means necessary. One frustrating aspect of the story is Elaine’s naivete, especially as it relates to her father’s actions. When the story begins and starts to develop the reader almost expects the main character to be a streetwise, no nonsense girl. But, she remains innocent and naïve into her college years. This characteristic results in her ending up in a compromising position. And this is where her life begins to unravel. Ultimately, this story is about a young girl who is taken advantage of, has a tragic loss, and then perseveres.
When Elaine reaches adulthood and heads off to college the reader becomes more in tune with her personality through a series of fumbling sexual encounters. We have our first laugh out loud moment when she shares her experience with her roommate. After college Elaine is selected to become a Secret Service agent and we follow her on her difficult journey through their rigorous academy. There is a hint that we may now see some action when she has to take a martial arts exam however the action in that scenario is anti-climactic. I would say that my one complaint about the story is the lack of action. I can say from personal experience that the life of a law enforcement officer is much more mundane in real life then portrayed in the movies or on TV. But, since this novella is a fictionalized version of what law enforcement officers do I was hoping for some edge of your seat thrills. Her first assignment goes horribly wrong and she is transferred to Bulgaria where things heat up. It’s on this assignment that she really gets to do her job and show off her talents. This is also where she meets a fellow Secret Service Agent named Nick who she proceeds to fall madly in love with.
I did enjoy this story overall. Elaine is a smart girl who you come to care about. Her journey is easy to relate to and you want to know what will happen to her in the future. bookie-monster.com
When Elaine reaches adulthood and heads off to college the reader becomes more in tune with her personality through a series of fumbling sexual encounters. We have our first laugh out loud moment when she shares her experience with her roommate. After college Elaine is selected to become a Secret Service agent and we follow her on her difficult journey through their rigorous academy. There is a hint that we may now see some action when she has to take a martial arts exam however the action in that scenario is anti-climactic. I would say that my one complaint about the story is the lack of action. I can say from personal experience that the life of a law enforcement officer is much more mundane in real life then portrayed in the movies or on TV. But, since this novella is a fictionalized version of what law enforcement officers do I was hoping for some edge of your seat thrills. Her first assignment goes horribly wrong and she is transferred to Bulgaria where things heat up. It’s on this assignment that she really gets to do her job and show off her talents. This is also where she meets a fellow Secret Service Agent named Nick who she proceeds to fall madly in love with.
I did enjoy this story overall. Elaine is a smart girl who you come to care about. Her journey is easy to relate to and you want to know what will happen to her in the future. bookie-monster.com
May 10, 2015
Lust, Money & Murder is basically a preview marketed as a book by Mike Wells. Oxford comma debates aside, this is a well done intro for the most part. The premise is that a young girl has a childhood trauma brought on partially by counterfeiting, and decides to dedicate her life to tracking down the con-man who caused it.
I have a lot of problems with this book. Most importantly – this isn’t a book, despite the length and the way it’s pushed and marketed. It’s a free preview that just happens to be 100 pages long, and is distributed as a book. I find that deceitful and annoying. Call it a preview, don’t call it a book. Getting past that, the story is ridiculous. The intro scene is quite good, but we are then launched into a 20 year long flashback where we follow the protagonist literally from birth until she catches up to the present day. This doesn’t provide needed back story – it just ruins the pacing of the book and drags interminably. There’s some major unanswered questions, like why do we care about this girl’s marksmanship and grooming struggles as a field agent cadet in the Treasury department? Is her first sexual encounter really relevant to the story? For me, the answers are no and no.
The big question here is: does this work as a preview that leads me to want to purchase the next two micro-books in the series? Well, Book 2 is $2.99, then they go up from there. None of them are actually complete books, and judging by the feedback on Amazon, I’m not alone in feeling upset about that. He tries to break each book at a critical juncture – but at the “end” of book 1, I really don’t care what happens. I happily deleted the book and went on my merry way.
I blame Amazon’s new “unlimited” model for saddling us with this blight. Mike Wells is a competent writer, his story has the requisite elements to be entertaining, but he feels a need to produce work like this in order to be compensated fairly under this ridiculous all-you-can-eat Amazon system.
So I give Amazon -5,000 stars for this, and Mike Wells 3 stars and no further business for basically bait & switch tactics with these serialized stories. Agatha Christie, HP Lovecraft, and Robert E Howard already showed the world how to write small serials. Follow their models and stop trying to game a desperately broken system.
I am further amused that Mike Wells was so offended by my criticism of his sales strategy (but not his writing), that he blocked me on Twitter. Way to handle criticism.
I have a lot of problems with this book. Most importantly – this isn’t a book, despite the length and the way it’s pushed and marketed. It’s a free preview that just happens to be 100 pages long, and is distributed as a book. I find that deceitful and annoying. Call it a preview, don’t call it a book. Getting past that, the story is ridiculous. The intro scene is quite good, but we are then launched into a 20 year long flashback where we follow the protagonist literally from birth until she catches up to the present day. This doesn’t provide needed back story – it just ruins the pacing of the book and drags interminably. There’s some major unanswered questions, like why do we care about this girl’s marksmanship and grooming struggles as a field agent cadet in the Treasury department? Is her first sexual encounter really relevant to the story? For me, the answers are no and no.
The big question here is: does this work as a preview that leads me to want to purchase the next two micro-books in the series? Well, Book 2 is $2.99, then they go up from there. None of them are actually complete books, and judging by the feedback on Amazon, I’m not alone in feeling upset about that. He tries to break each book at a critical juncture – but at the “end” of book 1, I really don’t care what happens. I happily deleted the book and went on my merry way.
I blame Amazon’s new “unlimited” model for saddling us with this blight. Mike Wells is a competent writer, his story has the requisite elements to be entertaining, but he feels a need to produce work like this in order to be compensated fairly under this ridiculous all-you-can-eat Amazon system.
So I give Amazon -5,000 stars for this, and Mike Wells 3 stars and no further business for basically bait & switch tactics with these serialized stories. Agatha Christie, HP Lovecraft, and Robert E Howard already showed the world how to write small serials. Follow their models and stop trying to game a desperately broken system.
I am further amused that Mike Wells was so offended by my criticism of his sales strategy (but not his writing), that he blocked me on Twitter. Way to handle criticism.
July 20, 2012
A young woman enters a casino to exchange a large amount of money for chips and ends up falling to her death from a cliff edge. Then we have Elaine Brogan who follows her dream of becoming a model and ends up working as a secret service agent to avenge a family tragedy.
This story takes the reader from casinos to exclusive private beaches and then all around the globe from the US, Bulgaria and Germany. Can Elaine get the revenge that she seeks on the mysterious man that has taken her father away?
'Lust' is part one of a series of books that I came across via Twitter, it is short and sweet and easy to read. Although this isn't really my kind of book it did keep me turning the pages and lovers of romance and young adult fiction would probably get more out of it than me. Personally ( I know this sounds daft) but this book read a little bit like one of those stories that you get in magazines like Woman's Weekly and Readers Digest. That's probably the best way I can decribe my experience, in other words it kind of felt a little too lightweight for my liking. Maybe you could also describe it as Coffee Table Fiction or the kind of thing you could read whilst sitting in a Doctor's waiting room. I have never read Mills and Boon but I can imagine that reading Mills and Boon is a bit like this!
I have read a few reviews of this book that state their disappointment at the fact that the book ends prematurely and that it is just a ploy to get the reader to buy the other two (or more) books. Maybe there is truth in that argument and perhaps this book should be called a 'sample' rather than Book One? I don't know if I am interested enough to read the rest of this series but if you like this kind of thing go and knock yourself out.
2.5/5
This story takes the reader from casinos to exclusive private beaches and then all around the globe from the US, Bulgaria and Germany. Can Elaine get the revenge that she seeks on the mysterious man that has taken her father away?
'Lust' is part one of a series of books that I came across via Twitter, it is short and sweet and easy to read. Although this isn't really my kind of book it did keep me turning the pages and lovers of romance and young adult fiction would probably get more out of it than me. Personally ( I know this sounds daft) but this book read a little bit like one of those stories that you get in magazines like Woman's Weekly and Readers Digest. That's probably the best way I can decribe my experience, in other words it kind of felt a little too lightweight for my liking. Maybe you could also describe it as Coffee Table Fiction or the kind of thing you could read whilst sitting in a Doctor's waiting room. I have never read Mills and Boon but I can imagine that reading Mills and Boon is a bit like this!
I have read a few reviews of this book that state their disappointment at the fact that the book ends prematurely and that it is just a ploy to get the reader to buy the other two (or more) books. Maybe there is truth in that argument and perhaps this book should be called a 'sample' rather than Book One? I don't know if I am interested enough to read the rest of this series but if you like this kind of thing go and knock yourself out.
2.5/5
December 17, 2011
Author Mike Wells thoroughly entertained me with ‘Lust, Money, & Murder,’ Book 1-'Lust'. It only took a moment to connect with Elaine and cheer for her as she journeyed through the stages of becoming a Secret Service agent and went after her enemy. Mr. Wells totally left me hanging at the end, which was quite clever, as I am on my way to get the next book. Can’t wait to see what happens next! Book one was fun and very enjoyable! Congrats, Mr. Wells, on a delightful and entertaining read. You transported me to another place, and that’s what I look for, (and need,) as a reader!
August 18, 2011
Good book for those who like a little mystery, a little entrigue, a little romance and an average person as a heroine. I couldn't put this book down. I finished it in a little over 2 hours, and was eager for book 2 so I could continue the adventure. A good prologue to a series of books. The tone was light and easy going, story well written and easy to follow. Counterfeiting details seem to be well researched, without being boring and technical.
May 14, 2013
I read all three books of Lust, Money, and Murder and then noticed I could have gotten all three in one book. So I'm doing the review all together instead of three separate ones. I loved the story, the plot, the writing style, the pace, hell I just love everything about it. I love books where the hero or the heroine doesn't know who he or she can trust and is caught between the good guys and the bad guys. It's my favorite kind of book. This would make a hell of a movie!!
March 21, 2016
I got this book as a freebie and, as like a thriller, looked forward to reading it. Unfortunately I'm afraid I found this one slow and plodding. I hadn't realised until the end that it was the first in a series. The premise of the story is that the main character, Elaine, joins the Secret Service to avenge her father's wrong imprisonment for passing fake money. My guess is that won't happen until book 7. I've read the reviews for book 2 and they're glowing but I won't be purchasing it.
December 28, 2011
Excellent book and I like the charactors. The story was easy to follow and well written. It had just enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting to turn the page or "tap the screen" in my case. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
March 3, 2014
This was one of those-- couldn't decide what to read to picked a random book. I'm actually glad i did. It was a quick easy read but really enjoyable. and I now have part 2 and 3 to hopefully enjoy as much.
August 2, 2014
This is an excellent book with a brilliant story line. Mike wells writes really well, clearly and in good detail. Really enjoyed book one and have bought books 2 and 3, started book 3 and it continues brilliantly. Really glad I have found this author
December 26, 2015
This book was so good I read it in 2 days! I could not put it down! Great job writing Mike Wells!
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