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The Girl in the Vault
A bold new stand-alone thriller from the longtime James Patterson coauthor.
It’s summer in New York City and Faye Walker has it all. She’s not only scored one of the most highly coveted internships on all of Wall Street, she’s also just met the head-over-heels love of her life. With her natural-born gift for numbers and a work ethic that knows no bounds, Faye is a shoo-in for a full-time position at the illustrious merchant bank Greene Brothers Hale. Then, just as she awaits her offer and her signing bonus, a treacherous betrayal arrives to shatter Faye’s plans and her young life.
But what her high finance masters-of-the-universe bosses don’t know is that Faye isn’t like any of the other interns. Having made her way past her humble small-town beginnings, for Faye, going back is not an option. That’s why Faye now has a new plan. One that involves Swiss watch timing, nerves of steel and ten million dollars in cold hard Wall Street cash.
It’s summer in New York City and Faye Walker has it all. She’s not only scored one of the most highly coveted internships on all of Wall Street, she’s also just met the head-over-heels love of her life. With her natural-born gift for numbers and a work ethic that knows no bounds, Faye is a shoo-in for a full-time position at the illustrious merchant bank Greene Brothers Hale. Then, just as she awaits her offer and her signing bonus, a treacherous betrayal arrives to shatter Faye’s plans and her young life.
But what her high finance masters-of-the-universe bosses don’t know is that Faye isn’t like any of the other interns. Having made her way past her humble small-town beginnings, for Faye, going back is not an option. That’s why Faye now has a new plan. One that involves Swiss watch timing, nerves of steel and ten million dollars in cold hard Wall Street cash.
400 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 7, 2023
575 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ledwidge
78 books442 followersMichael Ledwidge is the son of Irish parents and was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of Manhattan College, he is married and has two children.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
October 27, 2023
I discovered Michael Ledwidge through his work on the Michael Bennett series books that he wrote for Patterson. Yes, that’s right, I am one of those who knows that Patterson’s many co-authors are the true authors of his co-authored books. I am also a fan of Ledwidge’s Micheal Gannon series too. Ledwidge is a good writer and storyteller.
Anyway, the book summary lays out the primary storyline, but what the book summary doesn’t reveal is that the “treacherous betrayal” that is inflicted on Faye is by a colleague, Priscilla, whose job Faye saved when she caught a HUGE mistake Priscilla made. Faye corrected Priscilla’s mistake before Priscilla got caught for it and fired. Priscilla proceeds to sleep with the boss in order to get the last coveted spot that the bank offers to the best intern, which was Faye, not Priscella. Priscella was just a rich, stupid, debutante who decided to sleep her way into the spot. The other spot was a total nepo selection, a rich kid and star athlete from the founder’s alma mater, Duke. Faye learns some hard lessons that day. In the world of high finance and international banking, on Wall Street, merit meant jack$#*!. Ledwidge said it perfectly when he wrote:
“People talked about a glass ceiling for women, but that wasn’t it. It wasn’t a glass ceiling for women I saw now. It was a class ceiling. For everyone. There was a class that you had to be born into.”
There is also a secondary storyline about Faye’s boyfriend, Cavan, who is trying to get a green card (he’s from Ireland) before his work visa expires and he has to go back to Ireland. Cavan is cabbie for a horse drawn carriage company while he tries to find a first responder trainee job. There is also another secondary storyline where Faye is trying to get her younger sister out of the hollers of KY and up to NY with her. Faye and her sister were raised by their grandmother after their mother died of cancer and their father went to prison for drug trafficking. None of that is a spoiler since it transpires really early in the story.
However, Faye is an extremely gifted and intelligent woman with just enough of a scrappy attitude to devise a way to walk away with her hard-earned “severance package” as well as take care of her sister and set her and Cavan up. She enlists the help of a junkie, the estranged son of a wealthy client, to assist her in her plan and what a plan it was! Faye’s plan reminded me of something one would see in a Mission Impossible movie with Faye playing the lead role.
Most of the story revolves around putting the plan into place and setting up all the parts of the plan to go off perfectly on the big day – and it does go off perfectly! Almost. It's well into the second half of the story that the plan goes completely off the tracks (literally) in a shocking scene. The end comes pretty fast after that in a handful of scary and intense scenes. However, it was the very end that had me whooping for Faye! Yeah!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! Very satisfying.
If I could give it 4.5stars, I would because of that ending. I stayed up last night way past a resonable bedtime on a work night because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended. However, I’m feeling compelled today to round up. I want to thank NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Hanover Square Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #HanoverSquarePress #TheGirlintheVault
Anyway, the book summary lays out the primary storyline, but what the book summary doesn’t reveal is that the “treacherous betrayal” that is inflicted on Faye is by a colleague, Priscilla, whose job Faye saved when she caught a HUGE mistake Priscilla made. Faye corrected Priscilla’s mistake before Priscilla got caught for it and fired. Priscilla proceeds to sleep with the boss in order to get the last coveted spot that the bank offers to the best intern, which was Faye, not Priscella. Priscella was just a rich, stupid, debutante who decided to sleep her way into the spot. The other spot was a total nepo selection, a rich kid and star athlete from the founder’s alma mater, Duke. Faye learns some hard lessons that day. In the world of high finance and international banking, on Wall Street, merit meant jack$#*!. Ledwidge said it perfectly when he wrote:
“People talked about a glass ceiling for women, but that wasn’t it. It wasn’t a glass ceiling for women I saw now. It was a class ceiling. For everyone. There was a class that you had to be born into.”
There is also a secondary storyline about Faye’s boyfriend, Cavan, who is trying to get a green card (he’s from Ireland) before his work visa expires and he has to go back to Ireland. Cavan is cabbie for a horse drawn carriage company while he tries to find a first responder trainee job. There is also another secondary storyline where Faye is trying to get her younger sister out of the hollers of KY and up to NY with her. Faye and her sister were raised by their grandmother after their mother died of cancer and their father went to prison for drug trafficking. None of that is a spoiler since it transpires really early in the story.
However, Faye is an extremely gifted and intelligent woman with just enough of a scrappy attitude to devise a way to walk away with her hard-earned “severance package” as well as take care of her sister and set her and Cavan up. She enlists the help of a junkie, the estranged son of a wealthy client, to assist her in her plan and what a plan it was! Faye’s plan reminded me of something one would see in a Mission Impossible movie with Faye playing the lead role.
Most of the story revolves around putting the plan into place and setting up all the parts of the plan to go off perfectly on the big day – and it does go off perfectly! Almost. It's well into the second half of the story that the plan goes completely off the tracks (literally) in a shocking scene. The end comes pretty fast after that in a handful of scary and intense scenes. However, it was the very end that had me whooping for Faye! Yeah!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! Very satisfying.
If I could give it 4.5stars, I would because of that ending. I stayed up last night way past a resonable bedtime on a work night because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended. However, I’m feeling compelled today to round up. I want to thank NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Hanover Square Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #HanoverSquarePress #TheGirlintheVault
January 23, 2024
An internship she was desperate for was simply not enough for Faye Walker. She wants more, especially after meeting the man she plans to marry. Can the internship turn into a permanent job for Faye, and if it does, will it be enough for her.
Actually, definitely not. Spurred on by the betrayal of a woman Faye once thought as a close friend, a friend who took the job Faye was angling for, sets Faye on a path of vindictiveness and Faye begins planning more than one theft, actions that will leave her set for life.
While Faye sets a meticulous plan in action, there is the side story of her friend Cavan who is working hard to earn his green card, and that makes up a part of Michael Ledwidge's latest novels. All the while, Faye, while offering emotional support to Cavan, continues on with a plan for a huge heist.
When the story focuses on the heist that Faye was planning, it reminded me of movies like Ocean's 11. It was so hard not to root for Faye even though what was legal and honest apparently was not in her playbook. This exciting read led to a thrilling and surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Actually, definitely not. Spurred on by the betrayal of a woman Faye once thought as a close friend, a friend who took the job Faye was angling for, sets Faye on a path of vindictiveness and Faye begins planning more than one theft, actions that will leave her set for life.
While Faye sets a meticulous plan in action, there is the side story of her friend Cavan who is working hard to earn his green card, and that makes up a part of Michael Ledwidge's latest novels. All the while, Faye, while offering emotional support to Cavan, continues on with a plan for a huge heist.
When the story focuses on the heist that Faye was planning, it reminded me of movies like Ocean's 11. It was so hard not to root for Faye even though what was legal and honest apparently was not in her playbook. This exciting read led to a thrilling and surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 18, 2023
In the heart of bustling New York City, Michael Ledwidge's electrifying standalone thriller, "The Girl in the Vault," immerses readers in a world of high finance, deception, and a daring heist that will leave you breathless. Ledwidge, known for his collaborations with James Patterson, delivers a gripping tale that explores the lengths one determined woman will go to when faced with betrayal and the chance for revenge.
Meet Faye Walker, a brilliant and ambitious young woman who has secured an enviable internship on Wall Street, setting her on a path to success that seemed almost too good to be true. As Faye becomes immersed in the cutthroat world of finance, she not only discovers the allure of power and wealth but also finds herself falling deeply in love. However, her dreams are abruptly shattered when a devastating betrayal threatens to undo everything she has worked so hard for.
Unbeknownst to her superiors, Faye harbors a secret that sets her apart from her peers. Armed with determination, a sharp mind, and an unwavering resolve to escape her small-town origins, Faye hatches a daring plan that involves orchestrating an audacious heist—a heist that centers around a jaw-dropping ten million dollars in cold, hard Wall Street cash.
Ledwidge skillfully weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and calculated risk as Faye navigates the intricate world of high-stakes finance and deceit. With Swiss watch precision and nerves of steel, Faye must overcome formidable odds to execute her plan flawlessly. As the tension mounts, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly following Faye's every move and decision.
This is a pulse-pounding thriller that showcases Ledwidge's knack for crafting intricate plots and multifaceted characters. Faye Walker emerges as a compelling and relatable protagonist—a woman driven by a desire for justice and retribution, even if it means taking extreme measures. Ledwidge masterfully captures the essence of Wall Street's ruthless landscape, where power, ambition, and secrets collide in a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
Throughout the novel, Ledwidge's writing is taut, fast-paced, and infused with suspense that keeps us hooked from the very first page. The labyrinthine twists and turns of the plot keep the adrenaline pumping, culminating in a heart-pounding climax that will leave you breathless.
Ledwidge delivers a riveting and cinematic thriller that explores themes of resilience, revenge, and the lengths one woman is willing to go to rewrite her own destiny. As Faye races against time to outwit her adversaries, readers will be captivated by her journey of transformation and empowerment. With its compelling narrative and pulse-quickening action, Ledwidge's latest offering is a must-read for fans of high-octane suspense and thrilling heists.
I received an ARC of this book; all thoughts are my own. Many thanks.
Meet Faye Walker, a brilliant and ambitious young woman who has secured an enviable internship on Wall Street, setting her on a path to success that seemed almost too good to be true. As Faye becomes immersed in the cutthroat world of finance, she not only discovers the allure of power and wealth but also finds herself falling deeply in love. However, her dreams are abruptly shattered when a devastating betrayal threatens to undo everything she has worked so hard for.
Unbeknownst to her superiors, Faye harbors a secret that sets her apart from her peers. Armed with determination, a sharp mind, and an unwavering resolve to escape her small-town origins, Faye hatches a daring plan that involves orchestrating an audacious heist—a heist that centers around a jaw-dropping ten million dollars in cold, hard Wall Street cash.
Ledwidge skillfully weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and calculated risk as Faye navigates the intricate world of high-stakes finance and deceit. With Swiss watch precision and nerves of steel, Faye must overcome formidable odds to execute her plan flawlessly. As the tension mounts, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly following Faye's every move and decision.
This is a pulse-pounding thriller that showcases Ledwidge's knack for crafting intricate plots and multifaceted characters. Faye Walker emerges as a compelling and relatable protagonist—a woman driven by a desire for justice and retribution, even if it means taking extreme measures. Ledwidge masterfully captures the essence of Wall Street's ruthless landscape, where power, ambition, and secrets collide in a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
Throughout the novel, Ledwidge's writing is taut, fast-paced, and infused with suspense that keeps us hooked from the very first page. The labyrinthine twists and turns of the plot keep the adrenaline pumping, culminating in a heart-pounding climax that will leave you breathless.
Ledwidge delivers a riveting and cinematic thriller that explores themes of resilience, revenge, and the lengths one woman is willing to go to rewrite her own destiny. As Faye races against time to outwit her adversaries, readers will be captivated by her journey of transformation and empowerment. With its compelling narrative and pulse-quickening action, Ledwidge's latest offering is a must-read for fans of high-octane suspense and thrilling heists.
I received an ARC of this book; all thoughts are my own. Many thanks.
November 18, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Girl in the Vault by Michael Ledwidge transports readers into the world finance. A world in which deception and betrayal thrive, where hard work doesn't win you any rewards and revenge, is the tool used to rectify it all. This exciting story is about a determined young woman who uses her smarts to claim what she rightfully earned. The Girl in the Vault will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
The story introduces Faye Walker. She works as an intern for Greene Brothers Hale, one of the largest investment firms in New York City. She works hard and looks forward to the day when the firm will hire her full time. Then she learns that someone who barely lifted a finger the entire internship would get the job which she worked hard for.
After learning of the perceived betrayal, Faye hatches a daring plan which would net her a whopping 3 million dollars. Although everything went smoothly a tragic incident changed the dynamics of the plan. Faye now needs to stay one step ahead of her employers, the law and also an unexpected threat.
Ledwidge portrayal of Faye made her relatable and likeable. Now, although not in agreement with her method, I rooted for her and hoped with all my heart that her plan met with success. It took sometime for me to get into the story, but the moment I did there was no letting go. Action and suspense kept me turning the pages of this fantastical tale. I liked that I never knew what turn the story would take. The many surprises including the one at the end showcased Faye's brilliance.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from the author. The Girl in the Vault delivered a thrilling read which fans of pulse pounding thrillers would enjoy. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story introduces Faye Walker. She works as an intern for Greene Brothers Hale, one of the largest investment firms in New York City. She works hard and looks forward to the day when the firm will hire her full time. Then she learns that someone who barely lifted a finger the entire internship would get the job which she worked hard for.
After learning of the perceived betrayal, Faye hatches a daring plan which would net her a whopping 3 million dollars. Although everything went smoothly a tragic incident changed the dynamics of the plan. Faye now needs to stay one step ahead of her employers, the law and also an unexpected threat.
Ledwidge portrayal of Faye made her relatable and likeable. Now, although not in agreement with her method, I rooted for her and hoped with all my heart that her plan met with success. It took sometime for me to get into the story, but the moment I did there was no letting go. Action and suspense kept me turning the pages of this fantastical tale. I liked that I never knew what turn the story would take. The many surprises including the one at the end showcased Faye's brilliance.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from the author. The Girl in the Vault delivered a thrilling read which fans of pulse pounding thrillers would enjoy. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
December 24, 2023
Read Completed 12/24/23 | 1.5 stars, rounded down because it was awful
I got tricked into reading this book 😅 The concept sounded so good, the audiobook narrator was enjoyable, and the ratings were actually pretty decent to actually good. And I absolutely hated it.
It started off okay, but was kind of meandering. I thought it was wildly unreasonable that the main character decided to try to pull off a multi-million dollar heist on her own because she wasn't going to get a job from her internship at a sleazy company. Did you really want the job after you found out the owner is a dirtbag? So let's steal millions of dollars in a wild, hare-brained scheme all on your own just because you're amazing at math. Okay, that doesn't make you a master con artist.
The heist concept sounded great and there was like, no execution. There was no fun planning, no fun Ocean's 11 type reveals.... it's just Faye telling you how smart she is and reading things back to the audience blah blah blah. This book was VERY MUCH telling you everything that's going on instead of showing nearly anything. It honestly read like this was the first draft and no one bothered to go back and edit anything. This would have been a good first draft where the author then goes back and shines everything up, makes some good connections and twists, and cleans up plot holes and dialogue. Nope, this is all we get.
The ending was terribly stupid, Faye suffers nearly zero consequences, and I've never wanted a book character to die more. Instead, she gets a happy ending and a proposal!?!? I hated her so much.
I was working and cleaning around the house while reading this and by the time I realized how far I was, it was too late to stop (I'll usually finish if it's past 40% because I've already invested time) and I honestly wanted to see if there was something good in the end to make the book worth it. Nope, it wasn't. Everything was so dumb, it was so sloppy, it wasn't even a good heist or a good plan, and the characters were all miserable, shallow, and underdeveloped. Sadly, one of the worst books I've read this year.
I got tricked into reading this book 😅 The concept sounded so good, the audiobook narrator was enjoyable, and the ratings were actually pretty decent to actually good. And I absolutely hated it.
It started off okay, but was kind of meandering. I thought it was wildly unreasonable that the main character decided to try to pull off a multi-million dollar heist on her own because she wasn't going to get a job from her internship at a sleazy company. Did you really want the job after you found out the owner is a dirtbag? So let's steal millions of dollars in a wild, hare-brained scheme all on your own just because you're amazing at math. Okay, that doesn't make you a master con artist.
The heist concept sounded great and there was like, no execution. There was no fun planning, no fun Ocean's 11 type reveals.... it's just Faye telling you how smart she is and reading things back to the audience blah blah blah. This book was VERY MUCH telling you everything that's going on instead of showing nearly anything. It honestly read like this was the first draft and no one bothered to go back and edit anything. This would have been a good first draft where the author then goes back and shines everything up, makes some good connections and twists, and cleans up plot holes and dialogue. Nope, this is all we get.
The ending was terribly stupid, Faye suffers nearly zero consequences, and I've never wanted a book character to die more. Instead, she gets a happy ending and a proposal!?!? I hated her so much.
I was working and cleaning around the house while reading this and by the time I realized how far I was, it was too late to stop (I'll usually finish if it's past 40% because I've already invested time) and I honestly wanted to see if there was something good in the end to make the book worth it. Nope, it wasn't. Everything was so dumb, it was so sloppy, it wasn't even a good heist or a good plan, and the characters were all miserable, shallow, and underdeveloped. Sadly, one of the worst books I've read this year.
September 16, 2023
It’s summer in New York City and Faye Walker has it all. She’s not only scored one of the most highly coveted internships on all of Wall Street, she’s also just met the head-over-heels love of her life. Then, just as she awaits her offer and her signing bonus, a treacherous betrayal arrives to shatter Faye’s plans and her young life. That’s why Faye now has a new plan. One that involves Swiss watch timing, nerves of steel and ten million dollars in cold hard Wall Street cash.
This was horribly slow paced, awfully written and just plain stupid. I was barely able to stay awake while everything that happened made me want to scream.
I had such high hopes for this author but this book was insultingly horrible.
This was horribly slow paced, awfully written and just plain stupid. I was barely able to stay awake while everything that happened made me want to scream.
I had such high hopes for this author but this book was insultingly horrible.
November 19, 2023
3.5 stars rounded down. I really enjoyed this overall, it just seemed a bit out there to me on some of the plots. While not unreasonable in a thriller, this one had just a bit much going for it and while entertaining to say the least, it was a lot for me to see happening and that was where I struggled. Otherwise it was an amazing time and if you can let go of reality a bit then you will find this one very enjoyable I think.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishers and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishers and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
November 10, 2023
Finished reading: November 4th 2023
"They say that money is the root of all evil. But that's not really true. Money is just a tool. Like a hammer, money is just something you use to do things."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
October 30, 2023
3.5 stars, actually.
My feelings about this book are very mixed, I'm afraid. Oh, not that it wasn't engrossing; in fact, I stayed up 45 minutes past my bedtime because I didn't want to wait till morning to see how it turned out. It's just that the plot seemed so contrived that at some points it was borderline silly - and having read other of this talented author's books, it was a bit of a disappointment overall.
Faye Walker, a dirt poor gal from the South, has "made it" to New York City as a summer intern at a Wall Street bank. She's just one of several interns - all unpaid - who are vying for a couple of full-time slots come fall. Her math-inclined brain and near eidetic memory is serving her well, and her chances of making the final cut are excellent. Needless to say, she has very little free time, but she's managed to find the love of her life - an immigrant who's anxiously awaiting his Green Card and driving a carriage around Central Park.
But as the internship nears the end, Faye makes a discovery that convinces her the deck is stacked against her; no matter how hard she's worked, she won't be picked. That, in turn, not only infuriates her, but makes her want to get even. She hatches a devious plan, finds a willing cohort who also has an axe to grind and sets out to get not only vengeance, but several million bucks.
To say her plan is complex would be an understatement; at a few points along the way, the details got lost on me and I just tried to ride it out till the goings on turned back to reasonably coherent (I mean, I've been to New York City and ridden the subway, but the concept of counting support posts and dodging third rails kind of left me scratching my head). Still other details of the plan made sense, but it was hard to believe that even a person as smart as Faye could ever have anticipated every possible glitch and pulled off a caper of this magnitude. The ending wrapped things up with a few twists, but of course I'm not about to offer any hints. All told, it was an enjoyable ride (really!!) even if it fell a little short of my expectations and defied credibility. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
My feelings about this book are very mixed, I'm afraid. Oh, not that it wasn't engrossing; in fact, I stayed up 45 minutes past my bedtime because I didn't want to wait till morning to see how it turned out. It's just that the plot seemed so contrived that at some points it was borderline silly - and having read other of this talented author's books, it was a bit of a disappointment overall.
Faye Walker, a dirt poor gal from the South, has "made it" to New York City as a summer intern at a Wall Street bank. She's just one of several interns - all unpaid - who are vying for a couple of full-time slots come fall. Her math-inclined brain and near eidetic memory is serving her well, and her chances of making the final cut are excellent. Needless to say, she has very little free time, but she's managed to find the love of her life - an immigrant who's anxiously awaiting his Green Card and driving a carriage around Central Park.
But as the internship nears the end, Faye makes a discovery that convinces her the deck is stacked against her; no matter how hard she's worked, she won't be picked. That, in turn, not only infuriates her, but makes her want to get even. She hatches a devious plan, finds a willing cohort who also has an axe to grind and sets out to get not only vengeance, but several million bucks.
To say her plan is complex would be an understatement; at a few points along the way, the details got lost on me and I just tried to ride it out till the goings on turned back to reasonably coherent (I mean, I've been to New York City and ridden the subway, but the concept of counting support posts and dodging third rails kind of left me scratching my head). Still other details of the plan made sense, but it was hard to believe that even a person as smart as Faye could ever have anticipated every possible glitch and pulled off a caper of this magnitude. The ending wrapped things up with a few twists, but of course I'm not about to offer any hints. All told, it was an enjoyable ride (really!!) even if it fell a little short of my expectations and defied credibility. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
January 8, 2024
Holy macaroni!!! Not only is this the first 5-star rating I’ve given in ages, much less this new year, but this book!! I could NOT stop thinking about it, I DREAMED about it, I talked about it, I even avoided it at times because it caused me so much legit anxiety!
Well done! THAT was a GREAT story!
Well done! THAT was a GREAT story!
April 12, 2024
Very Good; an unpaid intern looks to get back at her firm for taking advantage of her and others by staging a kidnapping and ransom; what had been a great read somewhat spoiled in the last 50 pages
November 28, 2023
This story was so convoluted that it bordered on unbelievable. I found it hard to believe that an intern from the sticks of Kentucky with no training was able to plan such an elaborate heist. And boy was she smug!
January 9, 2024
A couple really good hold-your-breath suspenseful parts, but also some very simplistic writing. I’m not familiar with New York streets, and he gave very detailed, descriptive directions. Not his worst, and not his best. Was hoping to start off my 2024 reading list with a bit more bang.
November 15, 2023
2.5 stars. This reads like stereo instructions. I don’t need every detail about every person and building. This had a good idea but the execution was miserable.
December 27, 2023
Entertaining from the first to the last page!
What a thrilling journey driven by hard core planning, precision timing, and “the unexpected” on so many levels!
Audiobook narrator was brilliant!
What a thrilling journey driven by hard core planning, precision timing, and “the unexpected” on so many levels!
Audiobook narrator was brilliant!
June 6, 2024
Goodreads needs to have .5 ratings because this book is a solid 3.5. Interesting plot, likable heroine, good attention to details.
February 24, 2024
An unbelievable page turner. Still, not bad.
November 10, 2023
Faye’s worked hard and things are looking up for her as she’s scored a sought after internship at Greene Brothers Hale, in New York. She’s a whiz with numbers and a shoo-in for a permanent job, when Faye finds out they’re passing her over in favor of a well-connected, rich candidate, one she’s bailed out numerous times. She’s endured a lot from life and this firm and she’s not about to take it laying down.
She’s got a backup plan that will set her up for life, one that seems to go off without a hitch until deadly consequences has her scrambling, trying to stay one step ahead and come out on top.
Michael Ledwidge bio states that he has co-written some of James Patterson’s most popular books and I understand why. I really enjoyed The Girl in the Vault! Action packed, with a smart heroine that’s a bit morally gray, but likable, even so. I was rooting for her to come out on top even with some of her shady plans. While some of the story was a little too fantastic to be believable it was still a fun, fast-paced ride!
A copy was kindly provided by Hanover Square Press in Exchange for an honest review.
She’s got a backup plan that will set her up for life, one that seems to go off without a hitch until deadly consequences has her scrambling, trying to stay one step ahead and come out on top.
Michael Ledwidge bio states that he has co-written some of James Patterson’s most popular books and I understand why. I really enjoyed The Girl in the Vault! Action packed, with a smart heroine that’s a bit morally gray, but likable, even so. I was rooting for her to come out on top even with some of her shady plans. While some of the story was a little too fantastic to be believable it was still a fun, fast-paced ride!
A copy was kindly provided by Hanover Square Press in Exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2023
Faye Walker has a coveted internship on Wall Street, the love of her life, and a ridiculous work ethic. She expects to work for Greene Brothers Hale, but a betrayal shatters her plans. Faye isn’t willing to leave New York City for her small town. Instead, careful timing and nerves of steel should net her ten million dollars in Wall Street cash.
Aside from the stinger of a prologue to catch our interest, we're thrust into Faye's world where she catches mistakes for other interns, makes plans and contingency plans, expects to help her sister also leave Kentucky, and hopes to make it big. The betrayal comes early, and the full-time position she thought she earned by crunching numbers and orders like a machine, skipping meals, and covering for others, was taken by those she covered for. As she says, "It's a class ceiling. For everyone." Without the paid job, all of her plans and dreams go up in smoke, and it would be going back to the trailer park in Kentucky. The theft is meant to be her severance package and is essentially a vault heist using money for special accounts that she had handled and remembers the account numbers for.
As much as Faye tries to plan ahead or get by on her Southern charm, of course, there are things she can't predict that send it all sideways. Enough of the steps had gone through without a hitch, and once it goes bad, it goes bad. That makes it even more intense and thrilling to read, and it's a roller coaster ride until the very end. It's a great story, sure to keep you up at night.
Aside from the stinger of a prologue to catch our interest, we're thrust into Faye's world where she catches mistakes for other interns, makes plans and contingency plans, expects to help her sister also leave Kentucky, and hopes to make it big. The betrayal comes early, and the full-time position she thought she earned by crunching numbers and orders like a machine, skipping meals, and covering for others, was taken by those she covered for. As she says, "It's a class ceiling. For everyone." Without the paid job, all of her plans and dreams go up in smoke, and it would be going back to the trailer park in Kentucky. The theft is meant to be her severance package and is essentially a vault heist using money for special accounts that she had handled and remembers the account numbers for.
As much as Faye tries to plan ahead or get by on her Southern charm, of course, there are things she can't predict that send it all sideways. Enough of the steps had gone through without a hitch, and once it goes bad, it goes bad. That makes it even more intense and thrilling to read, and it's a roller coaster ride until the very end. It's a great story, sure to keep you up at night.
April 11, 2024
Faye Walker is a brilliant when it comes to numbers and math. She is in the right place and meets the right person to set her on a path to a good job in finances. She is in New York, on track for a high paying job on Wall Street, in love and ready to bring her sister to New York to start her new life when she gets passed over for the woman that the boss is sleeping with. Now she wants to get even. Faye puts a plan in place to steal 3 million dollars from the bank involving a fake kidnapping and a lot of the book is about those plans. Things don't go according to plan and Faye finds herself and others running for their lives. This was a fast moving story, that would make a great movie. Faye is a likable character, even though I didn't like what she wanted to do. When you have clawed your way out of a tough situation, you view things differently. I wanted Faye to make a good life for herself, her sister and the love of her life, Cavan. I was rooting for her to be successful. This story, as in life, shows that working hard and being good at your job doesn't always reap the rewards you should get. The end of the book had some twists that added to the thrilling nature of the story. Overall, it is a story of smart girl betrayed, smart girl gets back at betrayer, an innocent ends up dead and bad guys gets their comeuppance. If you enjoy a thriller, where you just sit back and enjoy the story, then I recommend you pick up The Girl in the Vault.
November 21, 2023
I really enjoy this mystery thriller read. It's entertaining and fun.
What I like:
- Faye Walker. Totally admire her, love her guts, she's smart, she's the type that will survive in any situation, root for her success from the get-go.
- The thrill. Love that it keeps me on the edge of my seat. Is this crazy plan will work, is she going to get caught, yup definitely a page-turner for me.
- The action. Again it really got me on the edge on my seat.
What I don't like: It wrapped up too quickly for me and some part just too unbelievable, it's like everything is too easy and it takes a great amount of luckiness to be true, but it doesn't take away all the fun though.
Recommended: Yes, especially if you're looking for a fun thriller read.
What I like:
- Faye Walker. Totally admire her, love her guts, she's smart, she's the type that will survive in any situation, root for her success from the get-go.
- The thrill. Love that it keeps me on the edge of my seat. Is this crazy plan will work, is she going to get caught, yup definitely a page-turner for me.
- The action. Again it really got me on the edge on my seat.
What I don't like: It wrapped up too quickly for me and some part just too unbelievable, it's like everything is too easy and it takes a great amount of luckiness to be true, but it doesn't take away all the fun though.
Recommended: Yes, especially if you're looking for a fun thriller read.
November 20, 2023
BRILLIANT STORY LINE
This was a very interesting different storyline! A brilliant intern exacting revenge after a "no salary" internship at a huge financial bank. I really enjoyed her plan even though I got a tiny bit lost in all her directions around town! The other characters were great, twists around each corner, however I did realize the ending as it was the ONLY way it could have ended.
Very entertaining and worth the read.
This was a very interesting different storyline! A brilliant intern exacting revenge after a "no salary" internship at a huge financial bank. I really enjoyed her plan even though I got a tiny bit lost in all her directions around town! The other characters were great, twists around each corner, however I did realize the ending as it was the ONLY way it could have ended.
Very entertaining and worth the read.
April 16, 2024
When she doesn't get a permanent position at the investment bank she's interning for, Faye Walker does what every extremely intelligent young woman would do, rob the bank! Don't apply anywhere else, jump right to staging an ill conceived kidnapping and robbery. If you like a ridiculous premise, this is the book for you.
December 2, 2023
If you like scam mysteries you will enjoy this book. I’m glad it looks like a stand alone.
August 13, 2024
Well-thought-out plot.
Faye Walker worked hard at her unpaid intern job and did more in hope of getting brought on with the staff of Greene Brothers, Hale investment bank. Her hopes were dashed when she saw another intern leave a hotel with GBH’s managing director. Of course that intern was New York bred and looked like a model while Faye had worked hard to leave the Kentucky backwoods and put herself through school. She vows revenge!
She plots a way to fake a kidnapping and steal the ransom money GBH kept in the vault. She knew where the key to the vault was and talked the son of a major investor into being the “victim”.
Did she get revenge? Yes, on the Managing Director and GBH.
Faye Walker worked hard at her unpaid intern job and did more in hope of getting brought on with the staff of Greene Brothers, Hale investment bank. Her hopes were dashed when she saw another intern leave a hotel with GBH’s managing director. Of course that intern was New York bred and looked like a model while Faye had worked hard to leave the Kentucky backwoods and put herself through school. She vows revenge!
She plots a way to fake a kidnapping and steal the ransom money GBH kept in the vault. She knew where the key to the vault was and talked the son of a major investor into being the “victim”.
Did she get revenge? Yes, on the Managing Director and GBH.
January 26, 2024
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Set in New York City, Michael Ledwidge's The Girl in the Vault masterfully unfolds the perfect fast-paced, explosive crime novel, with twists and turns that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats in the same realm of Ocean's movies, and Mission Impossible. It’s summer in New York City and Faye Walker has it all. She has a fresh Advanced MBA degree. She’s scored one of the most highly coveted internships in all of Wall Street, and she’s also just met the head-over-heels love of her life.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Set in New York City, Michael Ledwidge's The Girl in the Vault masterfully unfolds the perfect fast-paced, explosive crime novel, with twists and turns that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats in the same realm of Ocean's movies, and Mission Impossible. It’s summer in New York City and Faye Walker has it all. She has a fresh Advanced MBA degree. She’s scored one of the most highly coveted internships in all of Wall Street, and she’s also just met the head-over-heels love of her life.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 15, 2024
THE GIRL IN THE VAULT
This was actually ok and probably better than just ok. The plot was of revenge with a touch of romance, intrigue, and danger. What more can we ask for? I like the characters, despite Faye being totally flawed and possibly broken her heart was in the right place while her ethics were on vacation in another country.
The ending was a bit predictable, but what they hey! It made a good read.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
This was actually ok and probably better than just ok. The plot was of revenge with a touch of romance, intrigue, and danger. What more can we ask for? I like the characters, despite Faye being totally flawed and possibly broken her heart was in the right place while her ethics were on vacation in another country.
The ending was a bit predictable, but what they hey! It made a good read.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
December 31, 2023
I was going to give this a VERY generous 2* but just couldn't. Michael Michael Michael you are a better writer than this mess. Loved the Michael Bennett series. The audio version was awful. The main character as one person said was smug and wished she would have gotten killed LOL. Needed lots and lots of editing. Sad that I read this as my last book of 2023
December 30, 2023
Simpleton book for a simpleton mind! Save your money
Childish writing. Unbelievable story with ‘happy’ ending.
Bad choice. I screwed up. Don’t you. Not worth the effort or time.
Childish writing. Unbelievable story with ‘happy’ ending.
Bad choice. I screwed up. Don’t you. Not worth the effort or time.
December 24, 2023
Meh
Not sure this was worth my time. The plan was complicated and seemed to leave a lot of loose ends. The ending was mushy. I found it actually boring in spots. Not recommended primarily because it was just not a story anyone would buy.
Not sure this was worth my time. The plan was complicated and seemed to leave a lot of loose ends. The ending was mushy. I found it actually boring in spots. Not recommended primarily because it was just not a story anyone would buy.
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