Shadow Account

On the whole, the plot was fairly transparent, but interesting enough to keep reading. Many of the shadowy figures pursuing Connor weren’t connected directly and it was interesting to see how the whole thing was orchestrated. Of course, there is a “girl friday” of sorts who helps him uncover critical evidence. She’s been a friend for years and, of course, has always secretly loved him and only after her life is threatened does he realize he loves her, too. The very end is contrived and smarmy (I’m going to propose to her on the beach in Hawaii – barf).

Perhaps the Title Should Read Shallow Account

I seem to remember reading and enjoying a few of Stephen Frey’s previous books. That was not the case with his latest offering.

Shallow characters, unbelievable coincidences and predictability mar Shadow Account. The reader would have been better served had Frey and his editors entitled this book “Shallow Account.”

Maybe be I have missed something during the past few years. Since when are all investment bankers, accountants, corporate executives driven solely by greed? Are not any of them conflicted? Why are white collar criminals lined up at the prosecutor’s office seeking to be the first to rat out their former colleagues?

I see a more complex financial world than Frey presents. To show more write a great book, an author needs to render complex characters in a complex setting. This creates a believable story. At the very least that requires drawing a character with at least two dimensions, preferably three. Frey failed.

I finished the book, so it rates three stars. But, in the interest of full disclosure, I was glad I borrowed it from the library. show less

Disappointing, but I read until the end and then laughed at myself for doing so. If you are reading this review to decide whether or not to read this book next - my recommendation is grab another book from your stacks.

The storyline is more fantasy (silly) with a splash of romance than thriller. It is unfortunate because the storyline could have been solid with a bit more focus and character development.

So many books and so little time - pass on this one unless you have a need to read every book Stephen Frey puts his name to.

There are moments when this book was just downright tedious reading for me but I was interested in the storyline so I kept on reading and it really wasn't worth it. Very disappointed in this selection.
In looking back on the list of books I've read, I have read two (2) other novels by Stephen W. Frey, "The Successor" and "The Vulture Fund". After reading "The Successor" I knew I would keep reading novels by this author. But after reading "The Vulture Fund", I had to add in my review that ..."I think the 'dub' of Stephen W. Frey as the 'Grisham of financial thrillers' to be quite premature. Perhaps I'll try another title by this author this year but it will be awhile." Well, I waited about 6 months and tried "Shadow Account". It will be show more longer than 6 months before I try another novel by this author. Perhaps if you're an accountant, enthralled with the behind-the-scenes corporate financial reporting, or enthralled with behind-the-scenes politics of presidential election preparation, you might love this book. None of those items are at the top of my interest list. show less

Stephen Frey

Stephen Frey