The Takeover (Paperback)

Frey is a powerful writer who opens the doors for an insider's view of trading and a hostile take over of other companies. His terminology is comprehensible, descriptions are vivid, and most characters are well developed.

I can generally tell when I read the first book by a new author. The mistakes they make are similar, and this is no exception. However, the multiple points of view within small sections are acceptable and do keep the story flowing. In addition, this characteristic flaw either lessens or is not noticeable because I was hooked on the story and it had my rapt attention

Without doubt, this is a five star first book for a new author, and I will buy more of his books. I did not care for the last paragraph, but the ambiguity has caused me to think about the story and characters long after I completed the read.

Victoria Tarrani

I loved this book. I had bought this book second-hand at a street sale because it sounded ok from the description and the reviewer quotes, and also because it was only $1 - and I'm really glad that I did. Right now, I'd definitely include The Takeover in a list of my favorite books. To put it into some context, I'm also a fan of Michael Crichton and Tom Clancy books.

This is the first book by Stephen W. Frey that I've read - I will definitely look for and read other books by him.

The story is fast-paced and entertaining, and the plot is terrific. One thought that I had as I read it was "This would make a great movie!" And obviously others, including Paramount, thought that too as I believe Paramount has optioned it.

The depiction of Wall Street, and its reach into the Federal Reserve, the SEC, the press, and Washington is spot-on. A few years ago I might have thought it far-fetched, but since Bush, Enron, the market action of recent years, etc. I've become much more aware/cynical of how things work in the US and in the world. The Takeover was published in 1995, but I found I related it to recent events and the current corporate and political environment (ie. Enrons, Wall Street scams, CEOs, questionable elections, generally self-enrichment at the expense of the public.) Again, to put this in some context, the author, Stephen W. Frey, is a Wall Street investment banker at the executive level so he's able to provide insights into that world.

Wall Street has too much power for my taste and this book reinforced that opinion. Yes, it's fiction, but so was Tom Clancy's Debt of Honor's incredible closing scenario - until it happened.

Great read, definitely worth it. This is the first time I've been moved to write a positive review for a book.