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A Fender Thriller
DARK POOL: A Fender Hacker Thriller
~ Forty Billion Reasons to Kill
By this time in her life, Maggie Fender expected to be on her way to law school. Instead she’s far from any degree, waiting tables to support her teenage half-brother and their ailing father. With early onset Alzheimer’s, her father’s lucid moments are few and unpredictable.
Her brother’s legal defense for felony hacking charges strained their finances to a snap. In spite of the conviction, he claims he was framed. But now that he’s on parole, he also claims their father is sending them messages.
Maggie’s tired of the struggle, but she’s everybody’s legal guardian. Slowing down will lead to disaster. She can hustle. Or face financial ruin.
This isn’t the life she envisioned.
In the news, disgraced hedge fund manager Patty O’Mara awaits trial for bilking investors out of forty billion dollars. The legendary dark pool wizard offered phenomenal profits until the SEC examined his books. Then they discovered O’Mara didn’t make any legitimate trades on the market.
O’Mara ran his hedge fund the way Charles Ponzi and Bernie Madoff ran theirs. It was all a fraud.
One wealthy investor rallies the troop of irate victims by hiring a noted private investigator to find the missing pot of gold. A Russian mobster, out thirty million in cash, prefers to search for the money alone and without witnesses. Their competing efforts sift the same set of facts.
So why are they interested in Maggie Fender’s incoherent father?
While SEC officials try to rebuild credibility for allowing the financial scandal to rage unchecked, the private investigator and the Russian mobster vie to answer a solitary question:
What happened to all that money?
By this time in her life, Maggie Fender expected to be on her way to law school. Instead she’s far from any degree, waiting tables to support her teenage half-brother and their ailing father. With early onset Alzheimer’s, her father’s lucid moments are few and unpredictable.
Her brother’s legal defense for felony hacking charges strained their finances to a snap. In spite of the conviction, he claims he was framed. But now that he’s on parole, he also claims their father is sending them messages.
Maggie’s tired of the struggle, but she’s everybody’s legal guardian. Slowing down will lead to disaster. She can hustle. Or face financial ruin.
This isn’t the life she envisioned.
In the news, disgraced hedge fund manager Patty O’Mara awaits trial for bilking investors out of forty billion dollars. The legendary dark pool wizard offered phenomenal profits until the SEC examined his books. Then they discovered O’Mara didn’t make any legitimate trades on the market.
O’Mara ran his hedge fund the way Charles Ponzi and Bernie Madoff ran theirs. It was all a fraud.
One wealthy investor rallies the troop of irate victims by hiring a noted private investigator to find the missing pot of gold. A Russian mobster, out thirty million in cash, prefers to search for the money alone and without witnesses. Their competing efforts sift the same set of facts.
So why are they interested in Maggie Fender’s incoherent father?
While SEC officials try to rebuild credibility for allowing the financial scandal to rage unchecked, the private investigator and the Russian mobster vie to answer a solitary question:
What happened to all that money?
299 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hanson
24 books207 followersBestselling author Helen Hanson writes thrillers about desperate people with a high-tech bent. Hackers. The CIA. Industry titans. Guys on sailboats. Mobsters. Their personal maelstroms pit them against unrelenting forces willing to kill. Throughout the journey, they try to find some truth, a little humor, and their humanity — from either end of the trigger.
While Helen writes about the power hungry, she genuinely mistrusts anyone who wants to rule the world.
Helen directed operations for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, video games, software, and computers. Her reluctant education behind the redwood curtain culminated in a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrated studies in Computer Science. She also learned to play a mean game of hacky sack.
She is a licensed private pilot with a ticket for single-engine aircraft. Helen and her husband spent their first anniversary with their flight instructor studying for the FAA practical. If you were a passenger on a 737 trying to land at SJC in 1995, she sends her most sincere apologies. Really.
Born in fly-over country, Helen has lived on both coasts, near both borders, and at several locations in between. She lettered in tennis, worked as a machinist, and saw the Clash at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium sometime in the eighties. She currently lives amid the bricks of Texas with her husband, son, and a dog that composes music with squeaky toys.
If you enjoy her books, please consider writing a review. If you don’t, please be kind.
For a FREE Thriller, visit HelenHanson.com
While Helen writes about the power hungry, she genuinely mistrusts anyone who wants to rule the world.
Helen directed operations for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, video games, software, and computers. Her reluctant education behind the redwood curtain culminated in a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrated studies in Computer Science. She also learned to play a mean game of hacky sack.
She is a licensed private pilot with a ticket for single-engine aircraft. Helen and her husband spent their first anniversary with their flight instructor studying for the FAA practical. If you were a passenger on a 737 trying to land at SJC in 1995, she sends her most sincere apologies. Really.
Born in fly-over country, Helen has lived on both coasts, near both borders, and at several locations in between. She lettered in tennis, worked as a machinist, and saw the Clash at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium sometime in the eighties. She currently lives amid the bricks of Texas with her husband, son, and a dog that composes music with squeaky toys.
If you enjoy her books, please consider writing a review. If you don’t, please be kind.
For a FREE Thriller, visit HelenHanson.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 15, 2016
The Fenders are having a hard time, a really really hard time. And as usually happens one person in the family becomes the life boat for every one else. Maggie Fender is the life boat and she is bailing as fast as she can but still losing to life's water threatening to swamp her family. Her dad has Alzheimers', her fifteen year old brother is just paroled after a felony hacking charge, and oh yeah, she just lost her job.Add in a Russian mobster, a Ponzi scheme gone all kinds of upside down, a dead man, her dad accused of killing said dead man and her little brother's continued insistence that he was framed. It's a hell of a mess.
I enjoyed this mystery/thriller very much.Occasionally it bogged down a bit in high tech details, but overall it held my interest. And there is a fair amount of humor as Maggie struggles to maintain her sanity .
I believe this was a freebie through Kindle First. I'll look for this author again.
I enjoyed this mystery/thriller very much.Occasionally it bogged down a bit in high tech details, but overall it held my interest. And there is a fair amount of humor as Maggie struggles to maintain her sanity .
I believe this was a freebie through Kindle First. I'll look for this author again.
December 8, 2014
Dark Pool by Helen Hanson is a very good mystery. I enjoyed it immensely. It starts out with 15 year old Travis Fender getting releases from prison and his sister Maggie picking him up. They get home and dad is missing. Their dad has Alzheimer's. They find a dead body in the parking lot by the beach. They hurry home and find their dad hiding behind a Bush with a knife in his hand and covered in blood. A troublesome neighbor had called the police so they got there the same time dad came out of the Bush. Maggie told the police about the dead body. The police take Mr. Fender into custody. The next day they release him telling Maggie it looked to be a case of self defence. Her dads neck was cut and he had stab wounds on his back. Meanwhile, there is an SEC investigation going on about Patty O'Mara who ran a huge ponzi scheme and robbed people out of their money. Kurt Meyer is hired to find the missing money. Most of the victim file a class action lawsuit to try to recover their money. One who opted out is a Russian mobster, Mr. Penninski. He breaks into Kurt's office and puts a device on his computer that will mirror everything he types so Penninski will know every thing Kurt will know. Penninski sends his thugs out to kidnap Kurt when Kurt is invited to Patty O'Mara's for an interview. It appears the server farm that O'Mara used was the same place Mr. Fender worked until his Alzheimer's overtook him. Travis was in prison for hacking. 6 months he had to stay away from computers. It's a small world.
April 30, 2015
The complete review is posted here: http://quintessentiallybookish.com/20...
Overall Thoughts:
It's been a very long time since I've read a crime thriller and I really enjoyed this one. The plot was complicated, but very well put together. When it wrapped, there were no loose ends. It was full of action, but the plotting and characters were also well-written. I especially enjoyed that the mystery was so personal to the characters. This wasn't simply an FBI agent or detective solving a crime. This was a story of characters for whom solving this mystery was vital to their lives and it really upped the stakes.
Characters:
There are so many different characters and alternating viewpoints in this story that it's hard to really focus on one. Maggie is the primary focus of the story, but there are many intertwining narratives. Hanson did an excellent job of jumping from viewpoint to viewpoint while still maintaining each one's separate characterization. They each have their own story and their own voice. It brings more of a depth to the mystery, especially since it is so involved.
Setting:
I didn't find the setting to be a particularly large part of the story. There were some nice descriptions of the beach, but the book could have easily taken place in any number of settings and still made sense. I suppose the only real advantage to setting it in San Francisco bay area was the proximity to Silicon Valley.
Writing Style:
The one issue I really noticed with the writing was a fair number of typos. There were times when things were spelled incorrectly (including one character's name) or an extra word was added to or missing from a sentence. It could have benefited from a look over by a good copy editor. Aside from that, I found the style to really fit the subject matter. It was straight-forward and quick to read. The dialogue (often a pet peeve of mine) was really well done and sounded natural.
Overall Thoughts:
It's been a very long time since I've read a crime thriller and I really enjoyed this one. The plot was complicated, but very well put together. When it wrapped, there were no loose ends. It was full of action, but the plotting and characters were also well-written. I especially enjoyed that the mystery was so personal to the characters. This wasn't simply an FBI agent or detective solving a crime. This was a story of characters for whom solving this mystery was vital to their lives and it really upped the stakes.
Characters:
There are so many different characters and alternating viewpoints in this story that it's hard to really focus on one. Maggie is the primary focus of the story, but there are many intertwining narratives. Hanson did an excellent job of jumping from viewpoint to viewpoint while still maintaining each one's separate characterization. They each have their own story and their own voice. It brings more of a depth to the mystery, especially since it is so involved.
Setting:
I didn't find the setting to be a particularly large part of the story. There were some nice descriptions of the beach, but the book could have easily taken place in any number of settings and still made sense. I suppose the only real advantage to setting it in San Francisco bay area was the proximity to Silicon Valley.
Writing Style:
The one issue I really noticed with the writing was a fair number of typos. There were times when things were spelled incorrectly (including one character's name) or an extra word was added to or missing from a sentence. It could have benefited from a look over by a good copy editor. Aside from that, I found the style to really fit the subject matter. It was straight-forward and quick to read. The dialogue (often a pet peeve of mine) was really well done and sounded natural.
September 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Poor Maggie have to face crisis after crisis. Her teenage brother just came out of jail. Her father has Alzheimer's. And now she's lost her job as well...
But she soon find out that her brother was framed, and her father was involved is irregular activities.
Then her father disappears...
Can she and Travis find the truth, save her father,and escape alive?
Great techno-thriller.
But she soon find out that her brother was framed, and her father was involved is irregular activities.
Then her father disappears...
Can she and Travis find the truth, save her father,and escape alive?
Great techno-thriller.
June 28, 2013
"Dark Pool" Wonderful book to read, that keep you guessing.
When, I read the tibit, about "Dark Pool" by Helen Hanson, I knew I wanted to read it. "Dark Pool," also, peak my interest for two reasons; The first, it was amazing who done it type mystery, secondly the the father(Martin fender) has Alzheimer's( my mother, also has Alzheimer's).
In "Dark Pool" starts out Maggie Fender, went to pick up her half-brother Travis from medium security prison, he only 15 yr.; but,he look like he about 18.He went to prison, for hacking into a computer server. Travis, knew he was set up, but no be lives him.
On, their way home, Maggie clinker of old car, was on it last leg. She, hoping that they made it. When, they arrive home, Maggie/Travis father (Martin) was missing. Martin, has Alzheimer's, they search the beach, went up to the parking lot, they see something. Both of them ran, to see if it was their father, it was not. But, who is this man, cover in blood. Maggie, turn around Travis was gone. So, Maggie walk back to the house, call police. But, when she got up closer, see notice that the police was already there. Her father(Martin), was in the bush cover with blood & had a knife in his hand. Maggie, inform the police, that her father has Alzheimer's, that he did know what he had done. Also, she let them know, about the unkown man, down the street in the parking lot.
Kurt Meyers, listen to Spencer Thornton speech to the stock holders, that he was going to help them get their money back, from Patty O'Mara. Patty O'Mara ran a ponzi scheme, stole 40 billion from stockholders. In which, Spencer Thornton, lose about several millions of dollars, in the ponzi scheme.
As, Kurt was trying to figure out, how the money was stolen, he get call from Patty, to meet him as he house. When, Kurt got arrive, Patty, found on the floor. Later, he died, without telling anyone what happen to the money he stole. Kurt, came across that Martin Fender, use to work at the servers, where O'Mara had his computers set up for the transactions.
Ok, will not tell anymore. In "Dark Pool", got so many twists & turns in it, will keep you guessing, who & where is the money.
Shhh, will tell you that the Russian mob thinks that Martin Fender, faking Alzheimer's, he the one that stole the money. Another person, is sending letters wanting 2million or else. Plus, a lot more, can't say without spoiling, your read.
I was sent a copy of "Dark Pool" by Helen Hanson, to read & review her book, if I wanted, too.
Thanks, Helen for writing a wonderful book, the characters was well written, it like almost watching a movie, you can picture what each one was doing.
Giving "Dark Pool" five stars, it is a great read.
So, go get your copy of "Dark Pool", today. I promise you will enjoy reading, it.
When, I read the tibit, about "Dark Pool" by Helen Hanson, I knew I wanted to read it. "Dark Pool," also, peak my interest for two reasons; The first, it was amazing who done it type mystery, secondly the the father(Martin fender) has Alzheimer's( my mother, also has Alzheimer's).
In "Dark Pool" starts out Maggie Fender, went to pick up her half-brother Travis from medium security prison, he only 15 yr.; but,he look like he about 18.He went to prison, for hacking into a computer server. Travis, knew he was set up, but no be lives him.
On, their way home, Maggie clinker of old car, was on it last leg. She, hoping that they made it. When, they arrive home, Maggie/Travis father (Martin) was missing. Martin, has Alzheimer's, they search the beach, went up to the parking lot, they see something. Both of them ran, to see if it was their father, it was not. But, who is this man, cover in blood. Maggie, turn around Travis was gone. So, Maggie walk back to the house, call police. But, when she got up closer, see notice that the police was already there. Her father(Martin), was in the bush cover with blood & had a knife in his hand. Maggie, inform the police, that her father has Alzheimer's, that he did know what he had done. Also, she let them know, about the unkown man, down the street in the parking lot.
Kurt Meyers, listen to Spencer Thornton speech to the stock holders, that he was going to help them get their money back, from Patty O'Mara. Patty O'Mara ran a ponzi scheme, stole 40 billion from stockholders. In which, Spencer Thornton, lose about several millions of dollars, in the ponzi scheme.
As, Kurt was trying to figure out, how the money was stolen, he get call from Patty, to meet him as he house. When, Kurt got arrive, Patty, found on the floor. Later, he died, without telling anyone what happen to the money he stole. Kurt, came across that Martin Fender, use to work at the servers, where O'Mara had his computers set up for the transactions.
Ok, will not tell anymore. In "Dark Pool", got so many twists & turns in it, will keep you guessing, who & where is the money.
Shhh, will tell you that the Russian mob thinks that Martin Fender, faking Alzheimer's, he the one that stole the money. Another person, is sending letters wanting 2million or else. Plus, a lot more, can't say without spoiling, your read.
I was sent a copy of "Dark Pool" by Helen Hanson, to read & review her book, if I wanted, too.
Thanks, Helen for writing a wonderful book, the characters was well written, it like almost watching a movie, you can picture what each one was doing.
Giving "Dark Pool" five stars, it is a great read.
So, go get your copy of "Dark Pool", today. I promise you will enjoy reading, it.
March 21, 2012
About the book:
The story opens with Maggie fetching her fifteen year old brother from prison, a brother she never believed was innocent of the hacking charge laid against him. Her father is falling into severe Alzheimer's, her stepmother whom she loved died, and her own mother is off into the wind, leaving young Maggie with the world on her shoulders. Then, when Maggie and Pete get home, they realize their father left the house after the neighbor's last welfare check on him. Frantic, they search for their father, Martin, only to come across a dead body on the beach. Worried, they make their way home only to find the neighbors surrounding their bushes where they finally discover their father. He is disoriented - and holding the bloody murder weapon!
While Maggie is dealing with her brother and father, a large group of investors out for blood are meeting across town with Kurt Meyers, the man hired to find their lost money. The man responsible for the scheme that stole these investors' savings, Patty O'Mara, is under house arrest but he isn't saying anything about the money. But these investors aren't the only ones interested in answers. The head of the local Russian mob is looking for his investments as well and makes threats against Kurt, demanding Kurt keep him informed under threat of his life.
When a new man, another Russian, moves in across the street and shows interest in Maggie, she thinks her luck is finally turning. Until, that is, she discovers the Russian mob is interested in her family. Who can she trust? Her brother she never believed? Her father who almost never has a lucid moment? The honey of a man who might be with the mob? Or the man trying to locate the stolen money?
My take:
I enjoyed this book very much. The story started a little slow, even though there is plenty of action in the beginning. Still, the writing is good and the story winds together into a tight package well worth reading. Slowly the pieces slip together. Sometimes I thought I knew exactly how the story would turn out only to find another piece not fitting in my theory. But later, the piece fit right into the puzzle perfectly.
This is not a who done it, since we know from the beginning who killed the man on the beach. It is a where is it, as in where did the money go since the investors don't know and the man who took it acts as if he doesn't know.
I liked the way Hanson plays with the lost money, teasing us with theories and leads. Even toward the end of the story, I couldn't believe where the trail was leading. The twist is quite nice.
This ranks as a 3.5 on my scale.
The story opens with Maggie fetching her fifteen year old brother from prison, a brother she never believed was innocent of the hacking charge laid against him. Her father is falling into severe Alzheimer's, her stepmother whom she loved died, and her own mother is off into the wind, leaving young Maggie with the world on her shoulders. Then, when Maggie and Pete get home, they realize their father left the house after the neighbor's last welfare check on him. Frantic, they search for their father, Martin, only to come across a dead body on the beach. Worried, they make their way home only to find the neighbors surrounding their bushes where they finally discover their father. He is disoriented - and holding the bloody murder weapon!
While Maggie is dealing with her brother and father, a large group of investors out for blood are meeting across town with Kurt Meyers, the man hired to find their lost money. The man responsible for the scheme that stole these investors' savings, Patty O'Mara, is under house arrest but he isn't saying anything about the money. But these investors aren't the only ones interested in answers. The head of the local Russian mob is looking for his investments as well and makes threats against Kurt, demanding Kurt keep him informed under threat of his life.
When a new man, another Russian, moves in across the street and shows interest in Maggie, she thinks her luck is finally turning. Until, that is, she discovers the Russian mob is interested in her family. Who can she trust? Her brother she never believed? Her father who almost never has a lucid moment? The honey of a man who might be with the mob? Or the man trying to locate the stolen money?
My take:
I enjoyed this book very much. The story started a little slow, even though there is plenty of action in the beginning. Still, the writing is good and the story winds together into a tight package well worth reading. Slowly the pieces slip together. Sometimes I thought I knew exactly how the story would turn out only to find another piece not fitting in my theory. But later, the piece fit right into the puzzle perfectly.
This is not a who done it, since we know from the beginning who killed the man on the beach. It is a where is it, as in where did the money go since the investors don't know and the man who took it acts as if he doesn't know.
I liked the way Hanson plays with the lost money, teasing us with theories and leads. Even toward the end of the story, I couldn't believe where the trail was leading. The twist is quite nice.
This ranks as a 3.5 on my scale.
March 29, 2012
This extremely well written thriller was a very smooth read. The characters were well developed and the main character, Maggie grabbed me immediately, as did the others- each shortly after being introduced. There are plenty of twists in this plot-line. At each turn the author had me rooting for my favorites. This is a cyber thriller and very exciting. I don't do spoilers, but I will say that wow, near the end of this book, there was no way I was putting it down for anything. Stayed up late to finish it and yes, I was very satisfied at its ending. It was refreshing to have read such a quality novel, and the author even had me laughing at the most unexpected times. Perfect descriptions. If I could have rated it a ten, I would have. Well written! Thank you Author Helen Hanson, for a great read! I would gladly read anything this author writes. Don't hesitate to purchase this one!
August 6, 2013
An engaging story with plenty of mystery along with the unrelenting conflict and danger you’d expect from the thriller genre, Dark Pool is an intense read. However, what set it apart for me is summed up in the portion of the description that reads “who can Maggie trust.” She’s overwhelmed with responsibility and those she should be able to depend on, her family, aren’t any more helpful or trustworthy than the rest of the world. Her father due to his Alzheimer’s, which makes anything he says hard to interpret, at best, and often suspect. She finds her brother hard to trust because of the crime he was convicted of committing and his continual denial of having done anything wrong. (Don’t all ex-convicts deny committing the crime?) Maggie’s situation not only jacks up the tension, but had the effect for me of making me sympathize and pull for her to get through this even more.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
February 24, 2012
Maybe I am just not the intended audience for this book, I usually love thrillers, mystery, computers etc.. everything this book had but for me personally the book got to bogged down in parts with the investment scheme thing. I think that my issue was that this story has been done a LOT in movies, books, and TV shows and this was pretty much the same story for me. At the times in the book that was meant to be a shock or I should have been on the edge of my seat I really wasn't. It was to easy to put the book down.
The writing in the book was well done however and I want to point that out, I just didn't care for the story as much I would have hoped I would.
The writing in the book was well done however and I want to point that out, I just didn't care for the story as much I would have hoped I would.
Want to read
March 20, 2017DARK POOL contains some ideas I found intriguing. For one, I lost my own father to Alzheimer's, and I often wondered what it was like from his side of the chasm. Next, the notion of twenty and thirty-somethings failing to launch as adults. I wasn't given the option, and there are few societies or eras in history in which this phenomena could exist. Finally, the Bernie Madoff case was an astonishing example of greed and regulatory incompetence coalescing to ruin the fortunes of people who trusted another with their assets. What he did to those people was unconscionable. I'm genuinely mystified by that shade of evil.
June 21, 2015
Dark Pool immediately and absolutely captured and kept my interest. I did not want to stop reading as I quickly identified with the main characters. All the characters are believable and well developed and I'm sure I've met or lived next door to some of them. There are plenty of twists and turns in a story woven together so beautifully that everything makes sense. There are technical (computer) aspects that are important to the plot, and they are real, but woven into the story so the layman could understand the effects and impacts. There are also some serious and thought provoking aspects of the story. A great story that is enjoyable and will also make you think.
August 25, 2013
My Review: I found this book to be a well written thriller. I really enjoy this genre and was not disappointed. The characters were believable and I really felt I knew them and cared what happened to them. The growth of Maggie and Travis as they dealt with the sorrow of theirs dads cruel disease and the dangers that threaten them was well done. I will have to take the tech stuff on faith as I am computer challenged and obviously investment challenged too as the details of that I got a little lost in. Still very engaging and kept me interested. I would recommend this one. It gets a 5 star.
June 30, 2013
there is only one word for this book. Intense. I was hooked from the beginning I felt such empathy for Mags everything she is going through. She is a rare combination. She is trying so hard to be there for her family and is barely hanging on herself. I really enjoyed reading this book. You should read it you will love it.
October 30, 2014
Is a great book to read
December 6, 2017
This is a slow book with little to keep your interest. I have almost thrown it out a couple of times now, but then I read another chapter and maybe she’s getting it going. I am 40% in now and am still not sure if I should toss it. The most this book would get would be 3 stars—it’s just not doing it. Too many fronts not enough page turning interest. After 60% it got going for me. Sorry Helen.
October 25, 2022
Helen Hanson does it again
She keeps the suspense going from page one to the end. The twists and turns never stop until the end. I've read several of her books and am engrossed every time.
She keeps the suspense going from page one to the end. The twists and turns never stop until the end. I've read several of her books and am engrossed every time.
June 30, 2017
Oh yes! Nicely done whodunit/whydunit and how it all flows together in the end is pure artistry!! Bravo, Miss Helen!
September 19, 2017
Just finished. Couldn't put it down! Well written and a really good storyline, greatly characters and refreshingly different. Highly recommended. Now for her other works.......
November 20, 2022
A great read & very interesting subject.
May 1, 2023
Way too long.
February 23, 2017
I have been reading Helen Hanson books since 3 Spies, the Masters book 1. and finished the two after it. Then I read 2 of the Baxter Cruise series. Now Dark Pool is I assume a stand alone. How interesting that characters from the other series are in this book. I found one in the Baxter Cruise book from the Master's . I like how they flow into one another and keep the character moving forward. This was a book about a man with Altheizmers (SP?) and his son who were both computer genius that got them into serious trouble. His daughter that kept it all together. Many struggles were dealt with and feelings shown. The Fender family were strong to the end.
July 21, 2014
I found "Dark Pool" by Helen Hanson to be an enjoyable mystery/ thriller. The story begins with the Fender family and their woes. The father, Martin Fender is well advanced in Alzheimer's disease. Martin has 2 children, Maggie who must run the household and care for her father, and along with 15 year old little brother Travis. Travis having just been released from prison after serving time as a computer hacker. Along with the Fender family we learn about Patty O'Mara, and his Ponzi scheme that bilked millions out of his clients. Investigator Kurt Meyers and Russian gangster Vladimir Penniski also are hot on O'Mara's tail, looking for the stolen money. Soon they all find out there is some connection to the Fender family. I found the story line to be well developed. The book's characters were all pretty well developed as well. Dialog was pretty much spot on. I'd have to say I really enjoyed reading "Dark Pool". However for some reason it seemed to read very slowly. Not that this is a bad thing it was just a little surprising to me. I gave it 4 stars out of 5. It's ending has some good twists and turns. I'd recommend this to those who like to like computer hacker and Ponzi scheme themes. It was well worth the read. Pick this one up. You'll enjoy it I'm sure.
August 16, 2016
Since I enjoyed the other books that Ms. Hanson wrote, I decided to read this one as well. I was not disappointed in the least.
This is a Amateur Sleuths meets Crime Fiction type of book.
Travis Fender claimed he was framed, only a few people believed in him. One was his father with advanced Alzheimer's Disease. Upon his release from a 6 month stint, a series of events puts Travis and his sister, Maggie, at odds with the local police and some unsavory characters.
I enjoyed how Ms. Hanson portrayed the family dynamics. I mean for the most part we love our family members but they can really get on our nerves at times. When you factor in all the stress the Fender family is facing, well, let's just say what happened is very understandable.
Warning: This is for Mature Audiences due to Violence and Adult Situations.
This is a Amateur Sleuths meets Crime Fiction type of book.
Travis Fender claimed he was framed, only a few people believed in him. One was his father with advanced Alzheimer's Disease. Upon his release from a 6 month stint, a series of events puts Travis and his sister, Maggie, at odds with the local police and some unsavory characters.
I enjoyed how Ms. Hanson portrayed the family dynamics. I mean for the most part we love our family members but they can really get on our nerves at times. When you factor in all the stress the Fender family is facing, well, let's just say what happened is very understandable.
Warning: This is for Mature Audiences due to Violence and Adult Situations.
January 15, 2016
Once again, Hanson brings us into the thoughts of people just like us; ones struggling to make ends meet, caught between responsibility and reaching for dreams, coping with the ugly realities of life and aging parents, mortgage payments and slipping salaries. Then she twists a plot of cyber crime and adrenaline that keeps you reading with high hopes and unexpected turns. Another well done thriller. Can't wait for the next one...
October 16, 2015
Slow and Boring
I really wanted to like this book, but it was so slow and boring that, the only reason I finished it was because I paid for it. Why are Hanson's characters so morose? They remind me of Kevin Costner's movies: rare smiles but like life is a drudgery. Anyway, it had its good points, but they were just few. Sorry.
I really wanted to like this book, but it was so slow and boring that, the only reason I finished it was because I paid for it. Why are Hanson's characters so morose? They remind me of Kevin Costner's movies: rare smiles but like life is a drudgery. Anyway, it had its good points, but they were just few. Sorry.
November 30, 2014
Very well written
I liked the story. this book was well researched and well done. This author has a great future in this type of novel.
I liked the story. this book was well researched and well done. This author has a great future in this type of novel.
May 12, 2015
I really enjoy reading Helen Hanson's books. Her characters are so easy to admire. My only regret is I haven't seen a fifth book; maybe she's writing it now. I rate this one 4.8 stars.
February 5, 2013
This was a gift from the author, enjoyed it, but not as much as 3 Lies.
April 30, 2017
The Fender Family is slowly coming apart. The father has early onset Alzheimer, the teen age dun is just out of jail, having been charged with hacking and Daughter is trying to hold them together with a waitress job as the sole income. A con man with a huge Ponzi scam is on house arrest and there is a search for the money by the SEC and a private investigator as well as a Russian Mob boss who lost millions. The Fenders end up right in the middle of this life gets even worse and more dangerous. I enjoyed this one and will be trying some more of Hanson's books.
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