From Publishers Weekly
What's an '80s-style financial shark to do in the brave new waters of '90s business? Whatever it is, Erdman's ( The Panic of '89 ) scenario isn't really convincing. After serving his full three years and a day in a country club-like federal prison, 46-year-old former junk bond finagler Willy Saxon has, in his mind, paid his debt to society. He despises "cooperators" like his old pals Boesky and Milken who got shortened jail terms for informing on friends. Barred from the business, Willy uses his $74 million European nest egg to buy covert control of a foundering San Francisco investment house and (with a little blackmail) of a bond rating agency. He also buys a Napa Valley ranch where he sets up a high-tech trading exchange. Business booms, but when he needs collateral, Willy floats and sells a couple of bogus bonds. Just when it seems he'll be going back to jail, Willy correctly predicts the German mark's plunge and makes $500 million. Though Willy is revered by his young computer wonk employees (and bedded by two beauteous, older leaders of San Francisco's pretentious, self-absorbed high society), readers will find him shallow, selfish and no fun. But cardboard characters and barely serviceable prose probably won't put off Erdman's fans. This is the first title for Forge Books, a new Tor imprint. 250,000 first printing; advertising; author tour.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
The plot of Erdman's thriller involves high finance with lots of money to be waged and won. Willy Saxon is an international investment banker who got caught in the junk bond debacle. Willy has had to cough up $100 million in fines and serve time in a federal prison. Within a week of his release, Willy sets into motion an elaborate moneymaking scheme involving a tax-free zero coupon bond. Willy uses all of his cunning, nerves of steel, and foresight to advance his plan of action. Reader Michael McConnohie maintains the right pace and matches the international accents the script demands. Highly recommended for popular collections.
Kristin M. Jacobi, Mitchell Coll. Lib., New London, Ct.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
