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Family Money
A dead man’s secrets put a family in peril in a twisting novel of suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the David Adams series.
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Alex’s world is about to be turned upside down. He can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they’ve both idolized has been keeping secrets. The pledged millions are nowhere to be found. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial adviser. No one, it seems, has any idea who the man they knew, loved, and trusted really was.
As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s shadowy life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come. Deadly ones, too, because every lie that Alex uncovers in Joe’s dark past puts his family in more danger.
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Alex’s world is about to be turned upside down. He can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they’ve both idolized has been keeping secrets. The pledged millions are nowhere to be found. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial adviser. No one, it seems, has any idea who the man they knew, loved, and trusted really was.
As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s shadowy life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come. Deadly ones, too, because every lie that Alex uncovers in Joe’s dark past puts his family in more danger.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
9384 people are currently reading
14498 people want to read
About the author
Chad Zunker
16 books833 followersCHAD ZUNKER is the author of the David Adams legal thriller, An Equal Justice, as well as The Tracker, Shadow Shepherd, and Hunt the Lion in his Sam Callahan series. Chad has worked for some of the country’s most powerful law firms and serves at Community First! Village, a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. He lives in Austin with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters, and is hard at work on his next novel. For more information visit www.chadzunker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,624 reviews
February 4, 2022
I chose this as a First Reads book. Regretfully after the first 5 pages I hated it. I wanted to get through the entire book but it was too unbearable. Never have I given such a bad review. The plot is fairly predictable and the depth of tedious background of family events made this seem like book filler.
March 9, 2022
Family Money, authored by Chad Zunker, is a prime example of a great idea executed in quite mediocre fashion.
The story is that of Alex Mahan and his father-in-law Joe Dobson, a retired attorney. The two share a unique relationship, forged as Joe stepped into the role of father-figure when Alex’s father died. Alex was just sixteen and had been dating Joe’s daughter, Taylor, and while Alex had always respected Joe, it was the strength he gave to Alex at what was possibly the worst time of the boy’s young life that solidified their bond. Eventually, Alex and Taylor married, and Joe and his wife Carol became the consummate in-laws, then grandparents. When Alex struggled to get his own company off the ground, Joe stepped in and loaned Alex five million dollars in start-up capital. Alex’s success thereafter was something he insisted would never have happened without Joe’s support. When the entire family (Alex, Taylor, their two young daughters, Joe and Carol) travels across the border from Texas to Mexico on a humanitarian mission to assist an orphanage in need of funding and repairs, Joe is kidnapped, in broad daylight on a busy street. Alex then embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind Joe’s disappearance and discovers he may not have known his father-in-law at all. As the story unfolds, Joe’s past unravels and decades-old secrets are exposed.
The plot is clever and takes the reader on a journey through Joe’s life through Alex’s eyes. There were well-delineated flashbacks that made the time travel from present to past seamless. Some of the events, however, stretched my willingness to suspend disbelief and disengaged me from the story. Characters were primarily portrayed as noble and honest—willing to risk not only their careers for one another, but also their lives. In light of the secrets that were revealed, however, there were numerous contradictions in the way those characters responded and behaved. Not only were the characters’ actions completely implausible, so were entire scenes. It’s difficult to provide examples without spoilers, but suffice it to say that I found myself simply shaking my head on more than one occasion and mumbling “he would NEVER do that”, and “you’ve got to be kidding”.
Additionally, the language here is very bland. There are few visuals to bring interest to the story—settings are vague, character descriptions generic and the dialogue is very “run of the mill”, the latter of which was most disturbing. I just didn’t find any character development achieved through dialects, speech patterns, word choice, etc. With the exception of some Spanish phrases, each person seemed to be reading a script that refused to differentiate them. Instead of individuals with unique personalities, Zunker created a collective that moved together through the story. It seemed a very Gestalt way to approach the plot, as the whole became greater than the sum of its parts. The characters were never individuals, they were simply part of the extended Mahan-Dobson family unit, outside of which people were expendable and extraneous.
In the end, the book had its merits, primarily in the storyline. Without strong, well-written characters and lively dialogue to bring it to fruition, however, my final reaction was simply “meh”.
The story is that of Alex Mahan and his father-in-law Joe Dobson, a retired attorney. The two share a unique relationship, forged as Joe stepped into the role of father-figure when Alex’s father died. Alex was just sixteen and had been dating Joe’s daughter, Taylor, and while Alex had always respected Joe, it was the strength he gave to Alex at what was possibly the worst time of the boy’s young life that solidified their bond. Eventually, Alex and Taylor married, and Joe and his wife Carol became the consummate in-laws, then grandparents. When Alex struggled to get his own company off the ground, Joe stepped in and loaned Alex five million dollars in start-up capital. Alex’s success thereafter was something he insisted would never have happened without Joe’s support. When the entire family (Alex, Taylor, their two young daughters, Joe and Carol) travels across the border from Texas to Mexico on a humanitarian mission to assist an orphanage in need of funding and repairs, Joe is kidnapped, in broad daylight on a busy street. Alex then embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind Joe’s disappearance and discovers he may not have known his father-in-law at all. As the story unfolds, Joe’s past unravels and decades-old secrets are exposed.
The plot is clever and takes the reader on a journey through Joe’s life through Alex’s eyes. There were well-delineated flashbacks that made the time travel from present to past seamless. Some of the events, however, stretched my willingness to suspend disbelief and disengaged me from the story. Characters were primarily portrayed as noble and honest—willing to risk not only their careers for one another, but also their lives. In light of the secrets that were revealed, however, there were numerous contradictions in the way those characters responded and behaved. Not only were the characters’ actions completely implausible, so were entire scenes. It’s difficult to provide examples without spoilers, but suffice it to say that I found myself simply shaking my head on more than one occasion and mumbling “he would NEVER do that”, and “you’ve got to be kidding”.
Additionally, the language here is very bland. There are few visuals to bring interest to the story—settings are vague, character descriptions generic and the dialogue is very “run of the mill”, the latter of which was most disturbing. I just didn’t find any character development achieved through dialects, speech patterns, word choice, etc. With the exception of some Spanish phrases, each person seemed to be reading a script that refused to differentiate them. Instead of individuals with unique personalities, Zunker created a collective that moved together through the story. It seemed a very Gestalt way to approach the plot, as the whole became greater than the sum of its parts. The characters were never individuals, they were simply part of the extended Mahan-Dobson family unit, outside of which people were expendable and extraneous.
In the end, the book had its merits, primarily in the storyline. Without strong, well-written characters and lively dialogue to bring it to fruition, however, my final reaction was simply “meh”.
June 29, 2024
I'm Sorry...
FAMILY MONEY by Chad Zumker
No spoilers. 3 1/2 stars. This is the story of a wealthy family that took a vacation in Mexico to volunteer at an orphanage...
One late afternoon...
Joe Dobson and his son-in-law Alex Mahan went into the little village to get fixins' for the dinner later that night with the orphans...
After leaving the market, a van pulled up and forced Joe inside the back of the vehicle...
Before a black hood was put over his head, Joe made eye contact with Alex and mouthed: I'm sorry...
... the local police were contacted, and the family spent a couple of restless days and nights waiting for a ransom note from the thugs...
Finally...
The burned out van was found with two bodies burned beyond recognition inside it. One was identified as Joe by his wedding ring...
The grieving family returned to Austin to prepare for Joe's funeral...
Meanwhile...
Alex, Joe's estate trustee, begins the task of sorting through Joe's financial records and finds a mystery wrapped in an enigma...
What did Joe mean when he whispered: I'm sorry to Alex as he was being abducted?... and more importantly, who was Joe Dobson?...
This was a rather straightforward mystery. The plot moved along quickly, and I couldn't say that the story was boring, but I did have a few problems with it, hence the 3 1/2 star rating.
This author drove me nuts with the questions that the main character Alex constantly asked himself. The question mark key must have popped right off of the author's keyboard.
The reveal was rather ho-hum, and I wish the author had given more thought to how he was going to end this drama, but the last 85% was a real nail-biter.
FAMILY MONEY by Chad Zumker
No spoilers. 3 1/2 stars. This is the story of a wealthy family that took a vacation in Mexico to volunteer at an orphanage...
One late afternoon...
Joe Dobson and his son-in-law Alex Mahan went into the little village to get fixins' for the dinner later that night with the orphans...
After leaving the market, a van pulled up and forced Joe inside the back of the vehicle...
Before a black hood was put over his head, Joe made eye contact with Alex and mouthed: I'm sorry...
... the local police were contacted, and the family spent a couple of restless days and nights waiting for a ransom note from the thugs...
Finally...
The burned out van was found with two bodies burned beyond recognition inside it. One was identified as Joe by his wedding ring...
The grieving family returned to Austin to prepare for Joe's funeral...
Meanwhile...
Alex, Joe's estate trustee, begins the task of sorting through Joe's financial records and finds a mystery wrapped in an enigma...
What did Joe mean when he whispered: I'm sorry to Alex as he was being abducted?... and more importantly, who was Joe Dobson?...
This was a rather straightforward mystery. The plot moved along quickly, and I couldn't say that the story was boring, but I did have a few problems with it, hence the 3 1/2 star rating.
This author drove me nuts with the questions that the main character Alex constantly asked himself. The question mark key must have popped right off of the author's keyboard.
The reveal was rather ho-hum, and I wish the author had given more thought to how he was going to end this drama, but the last 85% was a real nail-biter.
July 9, 2024
*The Price of Secrets*
Alex and Taylor are high school sweethearts. Alex in particular is eternally grateful to his father in law Joe, this is because Joe has financially supported his business with a substantial amount.
From the outside everything looks rosy, this is until they travel to Mexico where their worst fears are realised.
Joe is abducted whilst out with Alex who tries his best to save him. His last sight of Joe was the image of him mouthing “sorry” as a black hood is put over Joe’s head as the culprits speed away with him. How will he ever break it to his family???
Things take a dark turn when they receive the worse news about Joe!!!
Something does not sit right with Alex. As he tries to get to the bottom of where the substantial money that Joe invested into his business, the more questions arise. For every question there are no answers but more questions. In another turn of events, each person that Alex questions ends up murdered, what exactly was Joe into? Who is Joe? Alex could stop at this point but he is driven and he does not know who to trust. Alex keeps remembering the pact he made with his wife Taylor, no lies which is a dealbreaker in their marriage. Alex has told many in order to keep his family safe….
Then there is a mad moment at the end…..
Alex and Taylor are high school sweethearts. Alex in particular is eternally grateful to his father in law Joe, this is because Joe has financially supported his business with a substantial amount.
From the outside everything looks rosy, this is until they travel to Mexico where their worst fears are realised.
Joe is abducted whilst out with Alex who tries his best to save him. His last sight of Joe was the image of him mouthing “sorry” as a black hood is put over Joe’s head as the culprits speed away with him. How will he ever break it to his family???
Things take a dark turn when they receive the worse news about Joe!!!
Something does not sit right with Alex. As he tries to get to the bottom of where the substantial money that Joe invested into his business, the more questions arise. For every question there are no answers but more questions. In another turn of events, each person that Alex questions ends up murdered, what exactly was Joe into? Who is Joe? Alex could stop at this point but he is driven and he does not know who to trust. Alex keeps remembering the pact he made with his wife Taylor, no lies which is a dealbreaker in their marriage. Alex has told many in order to keep his family safe….
Then there is a mad moment at the end…..
February 2, 2022
Decent plot, but writing style will insult your intelligence.
I am a huge fan of mysteries, thrillers and police procedurals. I read a lot of them. Unfortunately, my February First Reads choice, FAMILY MATTERS, gets only an average rating from me. There are a lot of great books out there, so I would rather not spend my time on one that, despite the good plot, was only a mediocre read.
The author really did have an interesting idea, with a plot line that could have made FAMILY MONEY into a great story. All the elements were there. The story is told by a doting son-in law who, as executor of the will, is trying to reconcile his deceased Father-in Law's financial affairs. Almost immediately, he stumbles on discrepancies. He is dogged in his pursuit of the source of a five million dollar investment (with a lot more available, if needed), made to him, by his in laws. The money helped him launch his new company three years earlier
The financial mystery and the sequential, logical uncovering of clues, were well thought out and worked well. They were the best parts of the story.
Here is what didn't work: The characters are completely unbelievable. The action scenes are equally unrealistic. The writing feels like it was dummed down, so a fifth grader would be ale to comprehend everything. There isn't the need to understand subtle references, nuance or inference, because everything is spelled out by the author.
Let me elaborate on how these flaws impacted the reading experience:
The narrator is so unrealistically sacchrin and "in love" with his perfect wife and perfect daughters and perfect in laws, that it is not only unrealistic, it is nauseating. He lies constantly, in the interest of protecting his loved ones , which makes him almost physically sick (because the act of lying so horribly offends his moral code). His justification for his abundance of lies doesn't even make sense. No actual person would act like that. No real person would idolize everybody in his life, like this guy does. He apparently only know perfect people. I felt like I was reading a sappy romance novel.
Our narrator also owns a 3 year old company that already employs forty software engineers and is looking to hire another twelve. He is presumably the CEO, and yet. . . he doesn't have to work, or ever even go into the office, unless he feels like it. And he never feels like it, apparently. Must be nice! Not realistic, though "work" is a convenient excuse when unnecessarily lying to his wife. His company doesn't seem to notice when he isn't there but his wife believes he constantly has business obligations he absolutely can't get out of. Hmmmm...
The action scenes were few and far between. They lacked any buildup of tension. They were also unrealistic. For example, a retired CIA agent shows up in another country and goes to work without any authorization. With the help of a man who has never held a gun before, they take on a bunch of armed guards , working for a vicious Mexican Cartel. Border crossings don't require a passport. Bodies get identified without the use of DNA. Everybody lies about things that don't matter. The Cartel kills the only man who knows where their 50 million dollars is stashed, without even questioning him first.
The story is just not believable. It could have been, but for all those ludicrous details. it made me feel like the author, Chad Zuncker, was writing the book for an audience he had determined were not very intelligent. I feel a little insulted by his writing style.
I am a huge fan of mysteries, thrillers and police procedurals. I read a lot of them. Unfortunately, my February First Reads choice, FAMILY MATTERS, gets only an average rating from me. There are a lot of great books out there, so I would rather not spend my time on one that, despite the good plot, was only a mediocre read.
The author really did have an interesting idea, with a plot line that could have made FAMILY MONEY into a great story. All the elements were there. The story is told by a doting son-in law who, as executor of the will, is trying to reconcile his deceased Father-in Law's financial affairs. Almost immediately, he stumbles on discrepancies. He is dogged in his pursuit of the source of a five million dollar investment (with a lot more available, if needed), made to him, by his in laws. The money helped him launch his new company three years earlier
The financial mystery and the sequential, logical uncovering of clues, were well thought out and worked well. They were the best parts of the story.
Here is what didn't work: The characters are completely unbelievable. The action scenes are equally unrealistic. The writing feels like it was dummed down, so a fifth grader would be ale to comprehend everything. There isn't the need to understand subtle references, nuance or inference, because everything is spelled out by the author.
Let me elaborate on how these flaws impacted the reading experience:
The narrator is so unrealistically sacchrin and "in love" with his perfect wife and perfect daughters and perfect in laws, that it is not only unrealistic, it is nauseating. He lies constantly, in the interest of protecting his loved ones , which makes him almost physically sick (because the act of lying so horribly offends his moral code). His justification for his abundance of lies doesn't even make sense. No actual person would act like that. No real person would idolize everybody in his life, like this guy does. He apparently only know perfect people. I felt like I was reading a sappy romance novel.
Our narrator also owns a 3 year old company that already employs forty software engineers and is looking to hire another twelve. He is presumably the CEO, and yet. . . he doesn't have to work, or ever even go into the office, unless he feels like it. And he never feels like it, apparently. Must be nice! Not realistic, though "work" is a convenient excuse when unnecessarily lying to his wife. His company doesn't seem to notice when he isn't there but his wife believes he constantly has business obligations he absolutely can't get out of. Hmmmm...
The action scenes were few and far between. They lacked any buildup of tension. They were also unrealistic. For example, a retired CIA agent shows up in another country and goes to work without any authorization. With the help of a man who has never held a gun before, they take on a bunch of armed guards , working for a vicious Mexican Cartel. Border crossings don't require a passport. Bodies get identified without the use of DNA. Everybody lies about things that don't matter. The Cartel kills the only man who knows where their 50 million dollars is stashed, without even questioning him first.
The story is just not believable. It could have been, but for all those ludicrous details. it made me feel like the author, Chad Zuncker, was writing the book for an audience he had determined were not very intelligent. I feel a little insulted by his writing style.
February 19, 2022
Well... It's a book, I guess.
This book reads like a college-level writing project packed with fluff description to hit the right page count.
Also, the author really likes to remind the reader that his main character drives a Tahoe and is extremely successful and well-off.
I'm not necessarily saying I could write better, but if this is the level of mediocrity publishers are looking for, give me two months and I squirt out a better plot than this book had.
This book reads like a college-level writing project packed with fluff description to hit the right page count.
Also, the author really likes to remind the reader that his main character drives a Tahoe and is extremely successful and well-off.
I'm not necessarily saying I could write better, but if this is the level of mediocrity publishers are looking for, give me two months and I squirt out a better plot than this book had.
February 10, 2022
This was incredibly juvenile and predictable. It read like a reject screenplay for an episode of a CW show.
Also, quick note, if you love your wife so much and promise to always be honest with her maybe don’t lie to her and gaslight her for an entire book. The main character is insufferable and the author clearly doesn’t know how to write a realistic family. He also definitely can’t write women 🤦🏻♀️
Also, quick note, if you love your wife so much and promise to always be honest with her maybe don’t lie to her and gaslight her for an entire book. The main character is insufferable and the author clearly doesn’t know how to write a realistic family. He also definitely can’t write women 🤦🏻♀️
February 28, 2022
I know most mystery/thrillers can be far fetched but this one took it to a new level. Readers are supposed to believe that a regular guy working in tech went against Mexican cartels? Yeah, no.
Also, I knew this book was doomed when in the first few pages the main guy said something along the lines of “no one really speaks English here?”. Sorry not everyone speaks English in Mexico (major eye roll).
Also, the author made some comment about police abuse that may be part of the norm in Mexico to get information from a suspect. Obviously that’s some right wing blue lives matter BS because that definitely happens in the good ol USA.
I mean I should’ve expected it when the books about a white male from Texas written by a white male from
Texas.
Also, I knew this book was doomed when in the first few pages the main guy said something along the lines of “no one really speaks English here?”. Sorry not everyone speaks English in Mexico (major eye roll).
Also, the author made some comment about police abuse that may be part of the norm in Mexico to get information from a suspect. Obviously that’s some right wing blue lives matter BS because that definitely happens in the good ol USA.
I mean I should’ve expected it when the books about a white male from Texas written by a white male from
Texas.
February 1, 2022
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
To be honest, I didn’t find the blurb to this book to be very inspiring. It sounded like so many thrillers I have read in the past and I was quite grateful this turned out to be a relatively short book of just under 250 pages. Overall, I thought this read like a cheap television film with plot twists that were convenient and obvious.
To be honest, I didn’t find the blurb to this book to be very inspiring. It sounded like so many thrillers I have read in the past and I was quite grateful this turned out to be a relatively short book of just under 250 pages. Overall, I thought this read like a cheap television film with plot twists that were convenient and obvious.
July 1, 2022
This book starts off with a bang. The MC’s FIL is kidnapped in Mexico.
Only he whispers, “I’m Sorry” which obliterates all the upcoming twists.
This is a SOLID B action flick with some intrigue.
You don’t buy it, even for a second, that the FIL, Joe, is dead. The MC is a computer guy and goes to great lengths with skills he doesn’t have to find out more about Joe’s past.
All is well & good except that the author thinks we are stupid. He spent a good 20-30 pages wondering if his FIL had a former life. All the clues are there & we have all seen this happen in the movies.
The middle of the book was spoon fed with excess. I almost gave up at 60% of the book. I figured it had a happy ending (it does) and it would be worth the shot.
How he manages to not tell his wife anything for week is beyond me. It all ties itself up into a nice neat bow in the end.
The writing flowed, the action stalled, too many questions were asked but it was fun to unravel Joe’s past.
This qualifies as a quick beach thriller if you’re on vacation.
Only he whispers, “I’m Sorry” which obliterates all the upcoming twists.
This is a SOLID B action flick with some intrigue.
You don’t buy it, even for a second, that the FIL, Joe, is dead. The MC is a computer guy and goes to great lengths with skills he doesn’t have to find out more about Joe’s past.
All is well & good except that the author thinks we are stupid. He spent a good 20-30 pages wondering if his FIL had a former life. All the clues are there & we have all seen this happen in the movies.
The middle of the book was spoon fed with excess. I almost gave up at 60% of the book. I figured it had a happy ending (it does) and it would be worth the shot.
How he manages to not tell his wife anything for week is beyond me. It all ties itself up into a nice neat bow in the end.
The writing flowed, the action stalled, too many questions were asked but it was fun to unravel Joe’s past.
This qualifies as a quick beach thriller if you’re on vacation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
‘Family Money’ by Chad Zunker is one of several Amazon recommendations on a list for their July event, a kindleunlimited summer reading challenge. Participants must open an ebook every day, for three months I think, and read a bit. There are digital rewards, like an attaboy congratulations printed on a digitalized bookmark, earning another digital badge for completing a third week of reading every day. Cool, right? Shutup.
The book I first selected from the list disappointed me, but not so ‘Family Money’. The novel reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller where an ordinary man finds himself caught between fears for his family in the middle of a conspiracy he knew nothing about. I hadn’t intended to download another recommended book from the list because the one I had read before was so disappointing. You don’t have to read a book from Amazon’s suggested list, but I admit I am a sucker for reading contests (I have no connection with Amazon except that of being a customer who spends WAY too much on ebooks, thus the kindleunlimited subscription) and I was curious. The description of the plot grabbed me.
I copied the book blurb below because it is accurate:
”A dead man’s secrets put a family in peril in a twisting novel of suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the David Adams series.
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Alex’s world is about to be turned upside down. He can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they’ve both idolized has been keeping secrets. The pledged millions are nowhere to be found. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial adviser. No one, it seems, has any idea who the man they knew, loved, and trusted really was.
As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s shadowy life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come. Deadly ones, too, because every lie that Alex uncovers in Joe’s dark past puts his family in more danger.”
Alex Mahan is a middle-class family man who has built up wealth because of the help of his father-in-law. Joe gave him $5 million dollars to start up his software company. The company makes a presentation program for businesses. Alex is such an innocent, gentle reader! He is like a deer in headlights for most of the novel, struggling to discover why his beloved father-in-law was murdered. Despite significant roadblocks, he perseveres because Joe had been a father to him as if Alex had been his real son. Alex was sixteen when he had met Joe in his front yard the day Alex’s father died. Joe had stopped by after finding out Alex’s real father had died from leukemia. Because of this love for Joe that he shares with his wife, Taylor, he needs to understand the secrets Joe apparently was keeping from all of them. Even when men start following him, and more murders occur, he keeps searching for answers. He can’t understand, he can’t believe, that Joe could have been involved in any plot of stealing money.
The book is a real page turner! It is written like a procedural, but one written by an emotional “everyman”. He hides nothing from the reader, including his tactical mistakes and ignorance about violence. We discover whatever Alex uncovers at the same time he does. As I am a mystery reader, I found myself ahead of Alex in understanding the dangers he finds himself involved in. This wound me up considerably! It was like watching an airplane flying above me making funny engine noises and trailing smoke. Yikes! Lookout!
I liked ‘Family Money’ very much. The violence is not graphic, but the mystery is engrossing. The thrills increase slowly, building to a flashbang ending! The book is a step beyond an edgy cozy, so I suspect it won’t be “hard” enough for some thriller fans. I really liked it. What a fantastic surprise!
The book I first selected from the list disappointed me, but not so ‘Family Money’. The novel reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller where an ordinary man finds himself caught between fears for his family in the middle of a conspiracy he knew nothing about. I hadn’t intended to download another recommended book from the list because the one I had read before was so disappointing. You don’t have to read a book from Amazon’s suggested list, but I admit I am a sucker for reading contests (I have no connection with Amazon except that of being a customer who spends WAY too much on ebooks, thus the kindleunlimited subscription) and I was curious. The description of the plot grabbed me.
I copied the book blurb below because it is accurate:
”A dead man’s secrets put a family in peril in a twisting novel of suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the David Adams series.
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Alex’s world is about to be turned upside down. He can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they’ve both idolized has been keeping secrets. The pledged millions are nowhere to be found. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial adviser. No one, it seems, has any idea who the man they knew, loved, and trusted really was.
As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s shadowy life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come. Deadly ones, too, because every lie that Alex uncovers in Joe’s dark past puts his family in more danger.”
Alex Mahan is a middle-class family man who has built up wealth because of the help of his father-in-law. Joe gave him $5 million dollars to start up his software company. The company makes a presentation program for businesses. Alex is such an innocent, gentle reader! He is like a deer in headlights for most of the novel, struggling to discover why his beloved father-in-law was murdered. Despite significant roadblocks, he perseveres because Joe had been a father to him as if Alex had been his real son. Alex was sixteen when he had met Joe in his front yard the day Alex’s father died. Joe had stopped by after finding out Alex’s real father had died from leukemia. Because of this love for Joe that he shares with his wife, Taylor, he needs to understand the secrets Joe apparently was keeping from all of them. Even when men start following him, and more murders occur, he keeps searching for answers. He can’t understand, he can’t believe, that Joe could have been involved in any plot of stealing money.
The book is a real page turner! It is written like a procedural, but one written by an emotional “everyman”. He hides nothing from the reader, including his tactical mistakes and ignorance about violence. We discover whatever Alex uncovers at the same time he does. As I am a mystery reader, I found myself ahead of Alex in understanding the dangers he finds himself involved in. This wound me up considerably! It was like watching an airplane flying above me making funny engine noises and trailing smoke. Yikes! Lookout!
I liked ‘Family Money’ very much. The violence is not graphic, but the mystery is engrossing. The thrills increase slowly, building to a flashbang ending! The book is a step beyond an edgy cozy, so I suspect it won’t be “hard” enough for some thriller fans. I really liked it. What a fantastic surprise!
February 7, 2022
10 stars! This was a book I picked for my monthly Amazon First Reads and I’m so glad I did! It was incredibly captivating that I didn’t want to put it down nor did I want it to end! I loved the writing style, the characters,…everything! There was not the over use of cuss words which I appreciated and definitely no f words or gd that i find in a lot of these books and for that i am so thankful. Shows you can write a book like this and not used those words! Well done Mr Zunker…I look forward to reading other books by you! Would love to see this become a movie😉
July 20, 2022
A family vacation in Mexico takes a terrible turn when Alex Mahan’s father-in-law is abducted and subsequently dies in a horrific accident. Alex is the executor of Joe’s will, but the more he looks into his father-in-law’s financial dealings, the more questions arise. Incredibly, Alex chooses to investigate Joe’s finances and previous life by himself, instead of bringing in any kind American law enforcement. It becomes a dangerous endeavor.
Zunker takes his time to develop the plot—and I found it hard to suspend believability sufficient to enjoy it. From Goodreads reviews, I understand Zunker’s David Adams series is a better offering.
Zunker takes his time to develop the plot—and I found it hard to suspend believability sufficient to enjoy it. From Goodreads reviews, I understand Zunker’s David Adams series is a better offering.
March 7, 2022
-12,600 Amazon reviews 4.3 avg
-8,500 Goodreads Ratings 4.1 Avg
A man is kidnapped in Mexico, the son-in-law won't let it go and keeps digging.
What I liked:
-Starts off great and keeps you guessing.
-Takes place in Mexico and Texas
-The characters are likable
-Interesting chase to get the truth
-Nice action scene to save the good guys.
What I didn't like:
-Most of the backstory in italics could have been greatly cut down, but still gave good info. Minor thing.
Strongly recommend, excellent!
-8,500 Goodreads Ratings 4.1 Avg
A man is kidnapped in Mexico, the son-in-law won't let it go and keeps digging.
What I liked:
-Starts off great and keeps you guessing.
-Takes place in Mexico and Texas
-The characters are likable
-Interesting chase to get the truth
-Nice action scene to save the good guys.
What I didn't like:
-Most of the backstory in italics could have been greatly cut down, but still gave good info. Minor thing.
Strongly recommend, excellent!
March 14, 2025
This book had a great story that kept you guessing while also providing answers.
March 19, 2022
Alex Mahan has witnessed the abduction of his father-in-law and Family Money is the story of how he tries to solve a kidnapping, a potential murder, and the possible theft of 55 million dollars. Along the way, he is thwarted on every side by decades-long lies.
Although I have read and loved the two series written by Mr. Zunker, especially the David Adams series, I'm sorry to say this book just didn't do it for me. There were too many unbelievable twists and turns. I disliked how Alex kept explaining how he and his wife had vowed to never lie to each other ... and then he kept lying to her and to everyone else around him. Arrgh! I found myself unable to believe an "average Joe" could fly around the country, solving the mystery of the kidnapping, as well as some older crimes. For me, Alex's constant asking himself rhetorical questions got old rather quickly. Too repetitious.
Don't give up on this author, though! Give the David Adams series a try.
Although I have read and loved the two series written by Mr. Zunker, especially the David Adams series, I'm sorry to say this book just didn't do it for me. There were too many unbelievable twists and turns. I disliked how Alex kept explaining how he and his wife had vowed to never lie to each other ... and then he kept lying to her and to everyone else around him. Arrgh! I found myself unable to believe an "average Joe" could fly around the country, solving the mystery of the kidnapping, as well as some older crimes. For me, Alex's constant asking himself rhetorical questions got old rather quickly. Too repetitious.
Don't give up on this author, though! Give the David Adams series a try.
June 28, 2022
This was a quick read. The ending was fairy tale. The family love throughout the book was inspiring. When you think you know someone deeply, only to find this person has secrets you cannot fathom. Joe Dobson loves his girls and son-in-law, Alex Mahan. His girls consist of his daughter, Taylor, granddaughters, Nicole and Olivia. Read this thriller to find out what level he goes to protect his family. It involves the CIA, CNI, and the mexican police. A good read.
Quotes:
They looked more like day laborers than organized criminals.
"Sometimes small things can make a big difference. Golf is a lot like life in that way."
Still, more lies, moe deception.
Quotes:
They looked more like day laborers than organized criminals.
"Sometimes small things can make a big difference. Golf is a lot like life in that way."
Still, more lies, moe deception.
February 7, 2022
Disappointing plot
The writing seemed clunky. The central character was very irritating with all of his ‘feelings’. Also, if one is writing a mystery then it should be assumed that the reader will be a mystery fan, so to have a body burned beyond recognition at the beginning of the book screams it’s not who you think it is. The reader knows this and spends the rest of the story waiting for the ‘hero’ to catch up. The ending is way too simplistic and corny. The bad guys ‘will be made to go away’ and in the concocted cover up story how are the ashes in the urn going to be explained? No, I cannot recommend this book
The writing seemed clunky. The central character was very irritating with all of his ‘feelings’. Also, if one is writing a mystery then it should be assumed that the reader will be a mystery fan, so to have a body burned beyond recognition at the beginning of the book screams it’s not who you think it is. The reader knows this and spends the rest of the story waiting for the ‘hero’ to catch up. The ending is way too simplistic and corny. The bad guys ‘will be made to go away’ and in the concocted cover up story how are the ashes in the urn going to be explained? No, I cannot recommend this book
February 9, 2022
I've read a few of Chad's books, and I always know what to expect. The way he writes—lighting-fast action, very little filler, almost no flowery language—makes the pages fly. The plot was a good vigilante mystery with some twists. A family goes on vacation to Mexico and the protagonist watches his father in-law get abducted. Why? By whom? What do they want? It follows a typical mystery arc. It's fast-paced and exciting and utterly addictive. Big fan.
March 18, 2022
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Chad Zunker is one of my favourite authors, especially his legal thrillers. His books are always fast-paced, thrilling and easy to read. This book was not an exception and I loved it from the beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful read filled with twists then I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this copy.
Chad Zunker is one of my favourite authors, especially his legal thrillers. His books are always fast-paced, thrilling and easy to read. This book was not an exception and I loved it from the beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful read filled with twists then I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this copy.
April 21, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Alex Mahan and his wife and two daughters along with his in-laws are on a charity trip to Mexico when his father Joe is abducted and killed. Beyond heartbroken Alex has to find out why? The man was a true father to him after his own father passed away and it was because of him that he was able to open his own very successful business. The more Alex digs the more confused he gets about his father-in-law’s life and the more dangerous for him and his family.
Chad Zunker is a new author for me and I really liked this story. He created very likable characters. It was easy to get invested in their lives. Joe was a dynamic character with a huge heart. He welcomed Alex into their family long before he married Taylor. Because of Joe’s large investment in Alex’s company after just 3 years, it is extremely successful and still growing. It also enables Alex to step away and go on a humanitarian mission to Mexico with his family. Joe almost backed out but Alex convinced him to come. The entire family is close-knit, doing almost everything together. I do wish Alex’s wife Taylor was a little more fleshed out but you could never doubt her love for her father.
Told from Alex’s point of view and through a series of flashbacks the story unfolds. With Alex as the executor of Joe’s will, he finds some inconsistencies, specifically where Joe got the money to invest in his business. The more he digs the crazier and more dangerous things become. Truthfully in some parts here and through the rest of the story, you have to suspend reality a bit but that is why I read books like this. A basically normal guy caught up in a kidnapping linked to drug cartels and hidden bank accounts, it sure did keep my attention. I really enjoyed the action scenes and the way the pace picked up about 2/3 of the way through the book. My one drawback is that one major part of the plot was very predictable but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment too much.
Family Money was a quick entertaining story that held my interest from beginning to end. I am open to reading more by this author.
Alex Mahan and his wife and two daughters along with his in-laws are on a charity trip to Mexico when his father Joe is abducted and killed. Beyond heartbroken Alex has to find out why? The man was a true father to him after his own father passed away and it was because of him that he was able to open his own very successful business. The more Alex digs the more confused he gets about his father-in-law’s life and the more dangerous for him and his family.
Chad Zunker is a new author for me and I really liked this story. He created very likable characters. It was easy to get invested in their lives. Joe was a dynamic character with a huge heart. He welcomed Alex into their family long before he married Taylor. Because of Joe’s large investment in Alex’s company after just 3 years, it is extremely successful and still growing. It also enables Alex to step away and go on a humanitarian mission to Mexico with his family. Joe almost backed out but Alex convinced him to come. The entire family is close-knit, doing almost everything together. I do wish Alex’s wife Taylor was a little more fleshed out but you could never doubt her love for her father.
Told from Alex’s point of view and through a series of flashbacks the story unfolds. With Alex as the executor of Joe’s will, he finds some inconsistencies, specifically where Joe got the money to invest in his business. The more he digs the crazier and more dangerous things become. Truthfully in some parts here and through the rest of the story, you have to suspend reality a bit but that is why I read books like this. A basically normal guy caught up in a kidnapping linked to drug cartels and hidden bank accounts, it sure did keep my attention. I really enjoyed the action scenes and the way the pace picked up about 2/3 of the way through the book. My one drawback is that one major part of the plot was very predictable but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment too much.
Family Money was a quick entertaining story that held my interest from beginning to end. I am open to reading more by this author.
April 1, 2022
Great, quick read! I enjoyed this book.
Right from the first page I was pulled in. We open on a family trip to Mexico where Alex watches his father-in-law Joe get abducted across a busy outdoor marketplace. We go along with Alex on his journey to find out what happened to Joe. Told in first person POV from Alex. The chapters are short. There are some quite thrilling moments. We get majority present-day timeline mixed with a few 'background' stories of how Alex and Joe's relationship started and grew over the years of Alex being with Joe's daughter.
I liked the writing. I liked the pacing of the story. I like that we had a reliable narrator. This was a great read for me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the READ NOW title on NG to read and review.
Right from the first page I was pulled in. We open on a family trip to Mexico where Alex watches his father-in-law Joe get abducted across a busy outdoor marketplace. We go along with Alex on his journey to find out what happened to Joe. Told in first person POV from Alex. The chapters are short. There are some quite thrilling moments. We get majority present-day timeline mixed with a few 'background' stories of how Alex and Joe's relationship started and grew over the years of Alex being with Joe's daughter.
I liked the writing. I liked the pacing of the story. I like that we had a reliable narrator. This was a great read for me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the READ NOW title on NG to read and review.
February 21, 2022
Rating: 2.5/5
I received this book through Amazon First Reads and after reading the synopsis, I was not expecting much from this novel.
This book played out exactly how I assumed it would. It is extremely predictable from the start and has no suspense to it. I feel like it wants to be a story with lots of shock revelations and twists, but it fails to deliver.
The only redeeming quality is that it is a quick, easy read that flows well. However, my overall feeling of this novel was, meh. Just meh.
I received this book through Amazon First Reads and after reading the synopsis, I was not expecting much from this novel.
This book played out exactly how I assumed it would. It is extremely predictable from the start and has no suspense to it. I feel like it wants to be a story with lots of shock revelations and twists, but it fails to deliver.
The only redeeming quality is that it is a quick, easy read that flows well. However, my overall feeling of this novel was, meh. Just meh.
February 1, 2022
A well written, briskly paced mystery/suspense
The story is told in first person by son-in-law Alex. It's got a good, steady pace with no lulls.
At first it seems like one of those kidnappings for money, but it doesn't follow the expected course, & Alex's father-in-law, Joe, is found dead with no attempt to communicate about a ransom or anything else
When the family returns home to Austin to grieve, Alex encounters a man from Mexico at his father-in-law's house. When he begins trying to deal with Joe's affairs for his mother-in-law, odd things keep turning up.
That leads Alex to start trying to figure out what Joe had been doing & involved in.
The story is an easy, personable telling of a fascinating, twisty tale, as if you're a friend being caught up on what's going on in Alex's life.
There's a twist that most of us will probably have suspected was coming, but there's still more than enough questions & tension surrounding it that you want to keep reading to learn all the answers.
It's suspenseful & exciting without being gritty or graphic. Admittedly, in some ways, it reads a little pat, but it never put me off from or out of the story, & I ended up really enjoying it.
CONTENT
Nothing graphic - we do read about some grim things that happen, but the author doesn't feel the need to describe them in unnecessary, disgusting detail
A light smattering of d-mns & h-lls, but refreshingly free of the stereotypical language so common to these anymore
The story is told in first person by son-in-law Alex. It's got a good, steady pace with no lulls.
At first it seems like one of those kidnappings for money, but it doesn't follow the expected course, & Alex's father-in-law, Joe, is found dead with no attempt to communicate about a ransom or anything else
When the family returns home to Austin to grieve, Alex encounters a man from Mexico at his father-in-law's house. When he begins trying to deal with Joe's affairs for his mother-in-law, odd things keep turning up.
That leads Alex to start trying to figure out what Joe had been doing & involved in.
The story is an easy, personable telling of a fascinating, twisty tale, as if you're a friend being caught up on what's going on in Alex's life.
There's a twist that most of us will probably have suspected was coming, but there's still more than enough questions & tension surrounding it that you want to keep reading to learn all the answers.
It's suspenseful & exciting without being gritty or graphic. Admittedly, in some ways, it reads a little pat, but it never put me off from or out of the story, & I ended up really enjoying it.
CONTENT
Nothing graphic - we do read about some grim things that happen, but the author doesn't feel the need to describe them in unnecessary, disgusting detail
A light smattering of d-mns & h-lls, but refreshingly free of the stereotypical language so common to these anymore
August 15, 2022
Where to begin....
Pros - it is a really short book and a quick read. I didn't pay much for it - like $2.
Cons- too many to list. Chad Zunker writes like he took an evening class in Creative Writing at Austin Community College. Much of his "writing style" is embarrassingly painful to read. Example: "In the bathroom, I took the hottest shower possible to try to see if the beads of water could bring me any comfort." So very, very torturous.
The plot is unbelievable and can be figured out within a few chapters. But that brought me no satisfaction; only deep regret. I wish Chad had stuck to a future on the gridiron, or designing baby products, and spared us this career choice. I just don't understand the favorable ratings.
Pros - it is a really short book and a quick read. I didn't pay much for it - like $2.
Cons- too many to list. Chad Zunker writes like he took an evening class in Creative Writing at Austin Community College. Much of his "writing style" is embarrassingly painful to read. Example: "In the bathroom, I took the hottest shower possible to try to see if the beads of water could bring me any comfort." So very, very torturous.
The plot is unbelievable and can be figured out within a few chapters. But that brought me no satisfaction; only deep regret. I wish Chad had stuck to a future on the gridiron, or designing baby products, and spared us this career choice. I just don't understand the favorable ratings.
August 24, 2022
I read and listened to this on Kindle Unlimited. It took place mainly in Austin, and a small but very important part in Mexico City.
This was a very fast paced moving read. The audiobook was really good, the narrator had a slight Texas accent which fit perfectly in with the main character, Alex.
I especially enjoyed the family dynamics in this book, it for once, showed real love between all of the members of the family.
Lots of twists and turns to keep you going from the very first page. This was my first book for this author, but going to be sure to check out more of his writings.
This was a very fast paced moving read. The audiobook was really good, the narrator had a slight Texas accent which fit perfectly in with the main character, Alex.
I especially enjoyed the family dynamics in this book, it for once, showed real love between all of the members of the family.
Lots of twists and turns to keep you going from the very first page. This was my first book for this author, but going to be sure to check out more of his writings.
February 5, 2022
The positive of this book was that I was intrigued enough to read to the end to see how it turned out, but for me the behavior of the protagonist was too hard to swallow. No way could average person overcome the obstacles in this book with no sleep for days. Additionally the first person writing became tedious, too many sentences began with “I.” The writing needed some editing- it made it just ok for me.
March 7, 2022
Loved this one! Went in completely blind (as usual) and enjoyed how the story unfolds. I was immersed from the beginning and I loved the characters, especially Joe. Highly recommend!
May 14, 2022
Family Money
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/1/22
Author: Chad Zunker
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pages: 239
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters, a beautiful home, and Alex’s start up is about to implode due to a private funder from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. All is perfect until Joe is kidnapped and murdered during a family trip to Mexico. Alex’s world will be turned upside down and can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they have idolized has hidden secrets. The pledged millions are missing. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial advisor. No one seems to know who he really was. As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come.
My Thoughts: The chapters are shorter, which are great for me. The POV is told from one of the MCs, Alex. The narrator was reliable. Some parts seemed slow, fact-building, but necessary to build the story, and create a suspenseful mystery that I really liked. While this is my first from this author, it will not be my last. The characters are well-developed. The story followed in a good pace that kept me engaged. The story open with the plot and then builds the backstory in flashbacks, and continued building suspense. A beautifully written story that I loved.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/1/22
Author: Chad Zunker
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pages: 239
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters, a beautiful home, and Alex’s start up is about to implode due to a private funder from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. All is perfect until Joe is kidnapped and murdered during a family trip to Mexico. Alex’s world will be turned upside down and can’t bear to tell his grieving wife why. The man they have idolized has hidden secrets. The pledged millions are missing. The source of the original investment is a mystery, even to Joe’s financial advisor. No one seems to know who he really was. As Alex digs deeper into Joe’s life, the most shocking surprises are yet to come.
My Thoughts: The chapters are shorter, which are great for me. The POV is told from one of the MCs, Alex. The narrator was reliable. Some parts seemed slow, fact-building, but necessary to build the story, and create a suspenseful mystery that I really liked. While this is my first from this author, it will not be my last. The characters are well-developed. The story followed in a good pace that kept me engaged. The story open with the plot and then builds the backstory in flashbacks, and continued building suspense. A beautifully written story that I loved.
March 18, 2022
Alex Mahan is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have two daughters and a beautiful home, and Alex’s startup business is about to explode thanks to massive private funding from his compassionate and supportive father-in-law, Joe. With millions more to come, all is perfect—until Joe is abducted and murdered during a family trip in Mexico.
Chad Zunker is one of my favourite authors, especially his legal thrillers. His books are always fast-paced, thrilling and easy to read. This book was not an exception and I loved it from the beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful read filled with twists then I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this copy.
Chad Zunker is one of my favourite authors, especially his legal thrillers. His books are always fast-paced, thrilling and easy to read. This book was not an exception and I loved it from the beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful read filled with twists then I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this copy.
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