Criminally Innocent

by Lloyd Reman

Carl Messina, a Manhattan-based partner at a global accounting firm, has achieved financial success, yet he considers himself a failure. An involuntary bachelor at forty-three, his only lasting relationship with a woman involves his mom, Anne, a woman who never met an opinion she couldn’t express, or an Italian dish she couldn’t cook (or eat). With Carl’s father and brother dead, his mom’s all the family he has left.

As Carl tells us, he would never have made partner were it not for his best friend of twenty-five years, Kavi Chander. Kavi, a poor teenager when he emigrated from India, is now the chief financial officer at ADG, one of the largest companies in the world.

During an anniversary dinner, Kavi gets word of a scandal at ADG. Weeks later, it’s pinned on him. He’s indicted for securities fraud—maximum penalty, life in prison. Although he’s innocent, it’s a time when financial executives are essentially presumed guilty. Petrified at the thought of facing a jury, he explores alternatives, including those that aren’t legal.

When Carl learns of Kavi’s troubles, he tries to help, leading him to Switzerland, India, and Victoria Richards, a sexy yet troubled lawyer with a penchant for manipulating men. Only one thing is certain: Carl’s life will never be the same.

Genres: Fiction

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2014

About the author

Lloyd has been photographed in a jail cell (and many agree he should be imprisoned), yet he’s remained free since his birth in Brooklyn…but give it time.

After graduating from Arizona State (a.k.a. “the University whose football team has never won a national championship”), Lloyd returned to New York City (and his parents promptly moved from New York to Arizona…humm). Realizing he had to support himself (and thinking his schemes to steal millions too risky), he worked nine years at a global accounting firm before becoming a corporate executive with assorted multinationals (they let him travel the globe on their dime – what’s a zoom call?).

Lloyd and his perfectly perfect partner who shall remain nameless (Colleen preferred anonymity) hide out at multiple undisclosed locations (including a multi-acre spread in a rural part of New York State). Lloyd also has two daughters, though they’ll vehemently deny it…can you blame them?

If you want to purchase thousands of Lloyd’s books (or see if he’s been convicted) visit https://www.CriminalParty.com or visit https://www.amazon.com/author/lloyd-r...

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a friend described this book to me, I wasn't sure I'd be interested. The world of finance, I don't know anything about that. But OH, how wrong I was, and so was my friend. Yes, it's set in the world of finance, but this is a truly beautiful story of friendship among a group of men, and focused on the two main characters and their love for each other. Carl Messina is one of my favorite characters I've read in so long -- a real mensch, a guy I wish I knew. (And his mother, oh what a fabulous character too!)

The fun thing is that the business context is perfectly clear and understandable, even to me -- someone without a relevant background -- so it became a rich setting and I enjoyed seeing it from the inside. The psychology of the characters was deep and true, and I understood them and why they made the choices they made. Reman has a knack for writing compelling, unique, and very real characters.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book and was sorry when it ended. I just wanted to spend more time with Carl. Highly recommended!

[Kerry Kjargaard]

I read constantly. I read anything I can get my hands on and sometimes in desperation I read package labels just for the heck of it but I could not engage with this book. Numerous trials were attempted but each time I would end up taking a nap. I finally decided that my time was better spent else where.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I won it in a giveaway, here on Goodreads.

It is a slow burning plot that builds consistently with very well developed characters. I expected it would be more of a thriller, but although it never achieved thriller status to me. . . It's definitely worth the read!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning and the end.
I got lost in the middle.
Thanks to Goodreads for the kindle copy.

[D.]

Just finished this, which I'd won in a Goodreads Giveaway. Centered in the world of Manhattan accounting and huge law firms, the "crime" here is strictly white collar. There are four men who meet at a training event hosted by a Manahattan firm where all 4 are newly hired. As their careers take them to other firms, they remain friends. Kavi C is perhaps the most energetic of the 4, and becomes Chief Financial officer of ADG. It is Kavi who is charged by the SEC, and who needs his other three friends desperately by the end of the tale.

[Kay Ross slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just kept thinking what a great movie this novel would make. A valentine to friendship, corporate struggles and successes. Amazing twists and turns of circumstances to keep interest alive in reading this excellent tale to set your heart and mind thinking