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Deadly Wealth
BOOK REVIEWSChristian Sia for Readers’ "Deadly An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace is crime fiction that is gripping. Vincent J. Wallace has composed an engaging story that features compelling characters. The author takes the financial systems and their common challenges and weaves a story that is utterly entertaining around them, bringing to life characters that are complex and real. The banking game is intelligently developed and the author shows a lot when it comes to the challenges in the business. The prose is crisp, mostly descriptive, and punctuated by intelligently written dialogues.""Deadly Wealth has a strong plot and the protagonist is a character that readers will want to follow. It is a story that builds in intensity and readers will appreciate this dramatic, character-driven crime set in the financial world. Alexander is a fully realized character and while he is knowledgeable in his domain, he can be naïve with a lot to learn when it comes to anticipating the cunning of his adversaries.""This book is a page-turner with the fluidity I look for in good prose."Vernita Naylor for Readers’ "If you enjoy books with mystery and suspense, pick up a copy of Deadly An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace. This book is a must for those thrill-seekers.""Vincent J. Wallace has used his expansive background in the financial industry to create this book for the reader to enjoy. This is a great read for curling up on your favorite chair or couch, beverage in hand while enjoying this thriller. The author thoroughly sets the stage for the bumpy road in the life of Alexander Stern and his transition into living his dream.""Great story. As an added feature, the reader will enjoy an excerpt from another book by this author."ABOUT THE BOOKAlexander Stern has decided to move forward and leave his handsomely paid job as Chief Risk Officer at a bank. Tired of working there, he resigned and left in less than a month, not caring about how to pay off his debts and how to earn a living, but unwilling to forsake his dreams even momentarily. Surprisingly, his former loyalty and some secrets he knew would reward him with a generous severance that would help him, eighteen months later, to buy out the shareholders of the new company he had joined. It was a bold action supported by his former boss and good friend William Braxon, and two investors from Nashville, U.S. Senator Brian Cox, and wealthy businessman Christopher Mattis.After his last year at university, Alexander had managed to climb the corporate ladder of an international bank in Mexico City, and ended up an expatriate in the Dominican Republic. Years later, he found himself in the right place and in the right moment to become the owner of the financial company he was leading and trying to maintain afloat. Unexpectedly, a plot planned by an unscrupulous competitor and a disloyal employee threatened to put him out of business. His North American partners’ connections and wealth would help him to fight and win an unequal battle, but also putting him at great risk. The deadly outcome of this threat was something neither Alexander nor his wife Gabrielle had expected. Nor the secret intentions of one of his partners.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Vincent J. Wallace
6 books13 followersVincent J. Wallace has lived in Mexico, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, and has visited many cities around the world. This international background and his 27-year career in the financial sector have given him many experiences that will become material for financial-crime thrillers ... because some stories, including ones about criminals, have to be told!
Vincent started writing many years ago, but it wasn't until 2020 that he decided to take his hobby to the next level. Now he alternates his role as an active securities market executive with his new career as a writer of novels. He is an Associate Member of the International Thriller Writers organization.
Deadly Wealth is his first novel and Bloody Growth is the sequel in the Alexander Stern series. He is busy writing his next novel.
Follow him at www.vincentjwallace.com and social media!
Vincent started writing many years ago, but it wasn't until 2020 that he decided to take his hobby to the next level. Now he alternates his role as an active securities market executive with his new career as a writer of novels. He is an Associate Member of the International Thriller Writers organization.
Deadly Wealth is his first novel and Bloody Growth is the sequel in the Alexander Stern series. He is busy writing his next novel.
Follow him at www.vincentjwallace.com and social media!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 27, 2021
Deadly Wealth by Vincent J. Wallace. A modern day spotlight on the executive criminal mind.
Deadly Wealth is a compelling tale of two top executive corporate financiers in warfare, set against the looming spread of COVID-19.
A smooth read, Deadly starts with much attention to backstory and set ups (which adds to suspense), as we follow Alex leaving one company, beginning another. A “good man” in the world of finance, the greed surrounding traps him into dangerous situations, and as he overcomes each setback, the next one only gets bigger, until a final showdown— and in due course, twists on who to trust. *no spoiler alerts
Wallace does a very good job creating story and varying relationships between characters that elucidate main ideas: Human values; how greed addiction to wealth can possess a man and ruin lives. Alex’s wife Gabrielle, leaves finance to follow her passion; Alex seeks to protect and serve his family; his competitor is diseased with resentment and greed. Forensics are fun: Bluetooth devices, social media platforms, off shore bank transfers, and alternate members acting as covers for the major criminal set ups, allow the reader to experience a world of white collar crime we may read about, or know firsthand, but may never know due to the extensive investments into covering these types of real-time stories from media reporting.
Wallace uses time to build suspense, as many paragraphs begin with how many minutes passed; the current time; where the story is headed. A lovely addition is class of fine food, liquor, luxury travel and establishments the characters live in.
The reader gains some faith in human relations through the protagonist and his wife’s story of mutual respect, support and professional growth.
Great summer read!
Deadly Wealth is a compelling tale of two top executive corporate financiers in warfare, set against the looming spread of COVID-19.
A smooth read, Deadly starts with much attention to backstory and set ups (which adds to suspense), as we follow Alex leaving one company, beginning another. A “good man” in the world of finance, the greed surrounding traps him into dangerous situations, and as he overcomes each setback, the next one only gets bigger, until a final showdown— and in due course, twists on who to trust. *no spoiler alerts
Wallace does a very good job creating story and varying relationships between characters that elucidate main ideas: Human values; how greed addiction to wealth can possess a man and ruin lives. Alex’s wife Gabrielle, leaves finance to follow her passion; Alex seeks to protect and serve his family; his competitor is diseased with resentment and greed. Forensics are fun: Bluetooth devices, social media platforms, off shore bank transfers, and alternate members acting as covers for the major criminal set ups, allow the reader to experience a world of white collar crime we may read about, or know firsthand, but may never know due to the extensive investments into covering these types of real-time stories from media reporting.
Wallace uses time to build suspense, as many paragraphs begin with how many minutes passed; the current time; where the story is headed. A lovely addition is class of fine food, liquor, luxury travel and establishments the characters live in.
The reader gains some faith in human relations through the protagonist and his wife’s story of mutual respect, support and professional growth.
Great summer read!
March 25, 2021
***Thank you to the Author for mentioning this book to me on IG***
I want to start this off by stating that I normally don't read Thriller books, only because I've never really gotten into the "Thriller" genre no matter how much of the genre the book is (along with other genres mixed in). I really enjoyed this book, there were a lot of things that came together that made me keep turning that page late into the night. I actually read this book without putting it down (well maybe to eat and such lol)
This book is such a page turner with betrayals and relationships all encompassing the financial systems. This book is about climbing that corporate ladder.
Alexander Stern and his wife don't know what to think about a disloyal employee they have along with the ruthless competitor that could put him out of business.
This book was fast paced, dramatic and I actually felt like I sped up in certain places on reading feeling like I was actually there watching this all unfold in front of me or that I was part of this. Very climactic thriller and I suggest picking this book up if you enjoy this genre definitely but also if you want to dip your toes into the Thriller genre. I wasn't disappointed and I feel like you won't be either!
I want to start this off by stating that I normally don't read Thriller books, only because I've never really gotten into the "Thriller" genre no matter how much of the genre the book is (along with other genres mixed in). I really enjoyed this book, there were a lot of things that came together that made me keep turning that page late into the night. I actually read this book without putting it down (well maybe to eat and such lol)
This book is such a page turner with betrayals and relationships all encompassing the financial systems. This book is about climbing that corporate ladder.
Alexander Stern and his wife don't know what to think about a disloyal employee they have along with the ruthless competitor that could put him out of business.
This book was fast paced, dramatic and I actually felt like I sped up in certain places on reading feeling like I was actually there watching this all unfold in front of me or that I was part of this. Very climactic thriller and I suggest picking this book up if you enjoy this genre definitely but also if you want to dip your toes into the Thriller genre. I wasn't disappointed and I feel like you won't be either!
October 21, 2021
Deadly Wealth was gifted to me by the author, Vincent J. Wallace, in exchange for my honest review.
This one is thoroughly modern. It tells the story of corporate warfare, and set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The world changed quickly and completely in March 2020, and this book does a great job of taking the reader back into those moments of sweeping change. The author builds the backstory and tension right from the first page. One man, Alex, leaves one company to begin another, and begins a crazy, intense and dangerous journey. The characters feel very true to life, with flawed lives and relationships. I really like the examination of greed as a theme. Some characters seek wealth to the extent that it ruins lives, and others leave the world of wealth to follow passions. It is intelligently done with an insightful view of how greed affects all of us.
Perhaps my favorite bit: Wallace starts many paragraphs with the time, showing the reader how much time has passed. It builds the tension and suspense so well. It also makes the book feel even more as though it is happening in real time. The book is taut, well-paced and loads of fun. Read it.
This one is thoroughly modern. It tells the story of corporate warfare, and set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The world changed quickly and completely in March 2020, and this book does a great job of taking the reader back into those moments of sweeping change. The author builds the backstory and tension right from the first page. One man, Alex, leaves one company to begin another, and begins a crazy, intense and dangerous journey. The characters feel very true to life, with flawed lives and relationships. I really like the examination of greed as a theme. Some characters seek wealth to the extent that it ruins lives, and others leave the world of wealth to follow passions. It is intelligently done with an insightful view of how greed affects all of us.
Perhaps my favorite bit: Wallace starts many paragraphs with the time, showing the reader how much time has passed. It builds the tension and suspense so well. It also makes the book feel even more as though it is happening in real time. The book is taut, well-paced and loads of fun. Read it.
May 30, 2021
What a book this has been! Let me tell you this hit close to home not just because of it's relavance with COVID19, but personally for me because I work in the Risk sector full-time. As I sank into the pages of this brilliantly addictive thriller I actually forgot that I was reviewing and just read purely for pleasure.
Vincent J Wallece takes psychological thrillers to a whole new level. I adored this book from start to the beginning and from what I have experience, he has become a must-read independent author for me. Set in the current pandemic, Vincent dabbles with a range of emotions both with characters and his readers. Each change in scene and chapter setting felt like a hammer blow before I was immediately gathered up in the story again.
The most exquisite tension builds and thrums with increasing intensity. The release of information is so clever, almost teasing, and I balanced on a razor sharp wire of awareness. I felt a deep connection with the lead character Alaxandar, whose character development was wonderfully complex yet tangible. If you love intelligent, yet hugely entertaining psychological thrillers, then put this to the top of your list. The sections he has hit with finance sectors, human emotions and practical situations are spot on!
This book has been a pure indulgence for me. It's a rare piece of work that melts your heart and yet keeps you turning the pages. Vincent has done a wonderful job with this book and I hope to see more of his work over the coming years.
Vincent J Wallece takes psychological thrillers to a whole new level. I adored this book from start to the beginning and from what I have experience, he has become a must-read independent author for me. Set in the current pandemic, Vincent dabbles with a range of emotions both with characters and his readers. Each change in scene and chapter setting felt like a hammer blow before I was immediately gathered up in the story again.
The most exquisite tension builds and thrums with increasing intensity. The release of information is so clever, almost teasing, and I balanced on a razor sharp wire of awareness. I felt a deep connection with the lead character Alaxandar, whose character development was wonderfully complex yet tangible. If you love intelligent, yet hugely entertaining psychological thrillers, then put this to the top of your list. The sections he has hit with finance sectors, human emotions and practical situations are spot on!
This book has been a pure indulgence for me. It's a rare piece of work that melts your heart and yet keeps you turning the pages. Vincent has done a wonderful job with this book and I hope to see more of his work over the coming years.
March 24, 2021
Alexander Stern Series Book 1
Extremely detailed story of financial intrigue. This novel follows the journey of Alexander Stern through a maze of plot twists as he navigates international finance intrigue. As the Author is a veteran of the finance sector, these twists and turns are extremely well written and highly realistic. Well done.
Extremely detailed story of financial intrigue. This novel follows the journey of Alexander Stern through a maze of plot twists as he navigates international finance intrigue. As the Author is a veteran of the finance sector, these twists and turns are extremely well written and highly realistic. Well done.
July 15, 2021
An action packed thriller that shows the ugly side of the financial industry. Alexander finds out how ugly that world can be when he takes over a company.
I really enjoyed this thriller and could relate to the MC in a way because I’ve seen how cutthroat work places can be. Maybe not on this level but still there is always someone out there who can topple your life.
Definitely check out this psychological thriller that will have you enthralled til the last page.
* I received this book to give an honest review.
I really enjoyed this thriller and could relate to the MC in a way because I’ve seen how cutthroat work places can be. Maybe not on this level but still there is always someone out there who can topple your life.
Definitely check out this psychological thriller that will have you enthralled til the last page.
* I received this book to give an honest review.
April 24, 2021
Deadly wealth: An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace is a book revolving around Alexander Stern and his adventures in the financial sector.
Alexander Stern worked as a Chief Risk Officer in a bank,a handsomely paid job. But being bored of the job he decides to leave his job,though he remembers he has debts and don't have much funds in his bank to serve him more than six months. But to him his dreams and his life matters the most.
After a while he finds himself in a position of becoming the owner of the company he was working for but there is something planned against him,that can change his life.
The book by Vincent J. Wallace is of financial thriller genre,and is successful in thrilling it's readers. The story at the beginning takes time to setup the characters,the environment and the situation and slowly unfolds the twists and turns in the story.
The book will be a great read for every lover of thriller genre.
Alexander Stern worked as a Chief Risk Officer in a bank,a handsomely paid job. But being bored of the job he decides to leave his job,though he remembers he has debts and don't have much funds in his bank to serve him more than six months. But to him his dreams and his life matters the most.
After a while he finds himself in a position of becoming the owner of the company he was working for but there is something planned against him,that can change his life.
The book by Vincent J. Wallace is of financial thriller genre,and is successful in thrilling it's readers. The story at the beginning takes time to setup the characters,the environment and the situation and slowly unfolds the twists and turns in the story.
The book will be a great read for every lover of thriller genre.
July 18, 2021
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy to review.
This financial/corporate thriller is the author’s debut novel and the first in his Alexander Stern series.
Full of twists and turns that those from the financial sector will really appreciate, this book has a little bit of everything from financial success, to business failure to body guards, disgruntled partners, relationships and even Covid.
Alexander Stern is definitely a man that doesn’t give up. When life gives him lemons, he makes lemonade and just goes with the flow. If plan A doesn’t work he goes with Plan B. He’s always thinking ahead and doesn’t get down on himself. He’s a great role model when it comes to keeping a positive attitude, and foraging on.
This was a great start to an interesting series. This author will just get better with each novel.
This financial/corporate thriller is the author’s debut novel and the first in his Alexander Stern series.
Full of twists and turns that those from the financial sector will really appreciate, this book has a little bit of everything from financial success, to business failure to body guards, disgruntled partners, relationships and even Covid.
Alexander Stern is definitely a man that doesn’t give up. When life gives him lemons, he makes lemonade and just goes with the flow. If plan A doesn’t work he goes with Plan B. He’s always thinking ahead and doesn’t get down on himself. He’s a great role model when it comes to keeping a positive attitude, and foraging on.
This was a great start to an interesting series. This author will just get better with each novel.
April 27, 2021
This is the author's debut novel and also his first book in the Alexander Stern series. This corporate crime/ thriller story revolves around Alexander Stern, who has been working as a top executive in a bank and decides to leave his high paying job to move on with his career. Following a series of events, he gets an opportunity to become owner of a financial institution. However, things don't turn out the way he has planned in his corporate life. Is managing a company the same as working at a company? Or is it just a whole new rat race, which Alexander will learn a hard way?
This book is a classic tale of rivalries between companies and how far one goes to damage the reputation of their competitors. Being working in the financial sector, I have learnt about such professional rivalries. But reading about them in transcript calls or financial reports is not the same as reading an actual book on it. This novel has been a totally different experience for me. As it's related to my professional field, it was a treat to indulge. This book showed me the other side of the outcome of such rivalries that turn into personal hatred, which affects families of owners, their daily struggle to maintain the source of income, exploitation of the sinking ship by bigger parties and so much more. The author has put his extensive experience of working in the financial sector in this book, as evident from his know-how of the technicalities and frauds done in the corporate world. Only issue I had is with the editor of this book. There are several grammatical errors that hinders the experience of reading this well researched book and I feel the book could have been little shorter as few information were repeated in some places. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who love reading about financial crimes.
This book is a classic tale of rivalries between companies and how far one goes to damage the reputation of their competitors. Being working in the financial sector, I have learnt about such professional rivalries. But reading about them in transcript calls or financial reports is not the same as reading an actual book on it. This novel has been a totally different experience for me. As it's related to my professional field, it was a treat to indulge. This book showed me the other side of the outcome of such rivalries that turn into personal hatred, which affects families of owners, their daily struggle to maintain the source of income, exploitation of the sinking ship by bigger parties and so much more. The author has put his extensive experience of working in the financial sector in this book, as evident from his know-how of the technicalities and frauds done in the corporate world. Only issue I had is with the editor of this book. There are several grammatical errors that hinders the experience of reading this well researched book and I feel the book could have been little shorter as few information were repeated in some places. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who love reading about financial crimes.
March 8, 2022
Alexander Stern has a long background in corporate finance. This book recounts his life in finance… and possibly his death.
This book was not a thriller, despite what the cover says. I think maybe the sequel might be a thriller, but this book was too slow to be a thriller. I mean, if you also are a professional finance person, maybe some of the ups and downs might be thriller-esque.
There were things I liked about this book, though. I loved that even though Gabrielle, Alex’s wife, was not likely a main character in the sense of it being her story or that she worked with Alex at Alliance or anything, she was a major character. I appreciated that Alex communicated with her every step of the way and heeded her advice regarding his business. Maybe the story would have progressed just as well without her, but as a woman and a wife, I loved seeing their marriage as a partnership and that they both supported one another in their goals and dreams.
It was also fun seeing the virus incorporated into the book. It was different than I expected, I guess I just assumed that the whole world shut down when and in the same way as the US (I apologize for my ethnocentric thinking). It was interesting that the shutdown in the DR was more of a nationwide curfew, where as here, well, quarantine.
I really enjoyed the last 50 pages. It was more thriller-y, and made everything worth the read. I’m intrigued to read the next book and see what Alex does with the information he’s discovered.
This book was not a thriller, despite what the cover says. I think maybe the sequel might be a thriller, but this book was too slow to be a thriller. I mean, if you also are a professional finance person, maybe some of the ups and downs might be thriller-esque.
There were things I liked about this book, though. I loved that even though Gabrielle, Alex’s wife, was not likely a main character in the sense of it being her story or that she worked with Alex at Alliance or anything, she was a major character. I appreciated that Alex communicated with her every step of the way and heeded her advice regarding his business. Maybe the story would have progressed just as well without her, but as a woman and a wife, I loved seeing their marriage as a partnership and that they both supported one another in their goals and dreams.
It was also fun seeing the virus incorporated into the book. It was different than I expected, I guess I just assumed that the whole world shut down when and in the same way as the US (I apologize for my ethnocentric thinking). It was interesting that the shutdown in the DR was more of a nationwide curfew, where as here, well, quarantine.
I really enjoyed the last 50 pages. It was more thriller-y, and made everything worth the read. I’m intrigued to read the next book and see what Alex does with the information he’s discovered.
April 10, 2021
BOOK REVIEWS
Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite:
"Deadly Wealth: An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace is crime fiction that is gripping. Vincent J. Wallace has composed an engaging story that features compelling characters. The author takes the financial systems and their common challenges and weaves a story that is utterly entertaining around them, bringing to life characters that are complex and real. The banking game is intelligently developed and the author shows a lot when it comes to the challenges in the business. The prose is crisp, mostly descriptive, and punctuated by intelligently written dialogues."
"Deadly Wealth has a strong plot and the protagonist is a character that readers will want to follow. It is a story that builds in intensity and readers will appreciate this dramatic, character-driven crime set in the financial world. Alexander is a fully realized character and while he is knowledgeable in his domain, he can be naïve with a lot to learn when it comes to anticipating the cunning of his adversaries."
"This book is a page-turner with the fluidity I look for in good prose."
Vernita Naylor for Readers’ Favorite:
"If you enjoy books with mystery and suspense, pick up a copy of Deadly Wealth: An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace. This book is a must for those thrill-seekers."
"Vincent J. Wallace has used his expansive background in the financial industry to create this book for the reader to enjoy. This is a great read for curling up on your favorite chair or couch, beverage in hand while enjoying this thriller. The author thoroughly sets the stage for the bumpy road in the life of Alexander Stern and his transition into living his dream."
"Great story. As an added feature, the reader will enjoy an excerpt from another book by this author."
Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite:
"Deadly Wealth: An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace is crime fiction that is gripping. Vincent J. Wallace has composed an engaging story that features compelling characters. The author takes the financial systems and their common challenges and weaves a story that is utterly entertaining around them, bringing to life characters that are complex and real. The banking game is intelligently developed and the author shows a lot when it comes to the challenges in the business. The prose is crisp, mostly descriptive, and punctuated by intelligently written dialogues."
"Deadly Wealth has a strong plot and the protagonist is a character that readers will want to follow. It is a story that builds in intensity and readers will appreciate this dramatic, character-driven crime set in the financial world. Alexander is a fully realized character and while he is knowledgeable in his domain, he can be naïve with a lot to learn when it comes to anticipating the cunning of his adversaries."
"This book is a page-turner with the fluidity I look for in good prose."
Vernita Naylor for Readers’ Favorite:
"If you enjoy books with mystery and suspense, pick up a copy of Deadly Wealth: An Alexander Stern Thriller by Vincent J. Wallace. This book is a must for those thrill-seekers."
"Vincent J. Wallace has used his expansive background in the financial industry to create this book for the reader to enjoy. This is a great read for curling up on your favorite chair or couch, beverage in hand while enjoying this thriller. The author thoroughly sets the stage for the bumpy road in the life of Alexander Stern and his transition into living his dream."
"Great story. As an added feature, the reader will enjoy an excerpt from another book by this author."
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews