Larry Crane’s novel A Bridge to Treachery takes the reader back to the “greed is good” Gordon Gekko mindset of Wall Street in the 1980s. The story opens with Lou Christopher contemplating, “Where had all the investment theory gone?” He’s a Viet Nam vet who has come late to the stockbroker trade, and he’s hungry to land a big account.
The promise of wealth and success gets dangled in front of Lou, but with strings attached. His prior life in the military makes him a valuable asset. He struggles with the morality of his choice, which adds depth to his character. Little by little, Lou realizes he’s just a pawn in a much bigger game; a game he isn’t supposed to live through.
The first quarter of A Bridge to Treachery builds slowly, but with purpose. One of the author’s greatest creations lies in Mag, Lou’s wife. The author carefully establishes the duo’s history and camaraderie. At one point Mag admits, “I am scared. Scared that there was nothing he did to get this [the big account].” One of the greatest strengths of the novel lies in the author’s deft ear for rendering dialogue, which is no doubt a result of his experience writing plays.
The action of the story contains exquisite detail akin to watching an action movie unfold. The author creates solid images which paint a vivid story world, and yet, such an abundance of detail can also become overbearing at times. Backstory of Lou’s military endeavors mix with the present storyline with mixed success. The narrative feels most disjointed with news bulletins regarding Lou’s act of domestic terrorism.
Larry Crane’s novel thrills, but it also gives the reader more than just surface story. A Bridge to Treachery will keep you turning the pages until the end. For those seeking an intense read, Lou’s role in blowing up a bridge as part of a Presidential re-election conspiracy will not disappoint. For those pursuing a book with intricate layers concerning what it means to do the right thing in love, business, and politics, the author delivers. Even better is the promise of a sequel. What will happen next between Mag and Lou?
You can connect with Larry on his blog.
Are you drawn to stories like this one?
A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for this review. For more insight, read my Book Review Criteria.
Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2012.
Another interesting book! I may have to give this one a try. 🙂 This would be a new author for me. Hope it’s on Kindle.
Yep, it’s on Kindle!
Ok this looks really interesting. It would a great read on a long plane flight when I need something to occupy my time. Thanks for another awesome review. 🙂
Larry is lucky to have you as a reviewer! You make his book sound enticing.
I certainly am fortunate to have had Jeri agree to review Treachery. It’s definitely a thriller, but thrillers can have interesting love stories in them too. Jeri picked up on the Lou/Mag relationship big time. It’s an element that will definitely play a big part in the sequel.
Yes to more of Lou and Mag!!!
I don’t know Larry Crane, but I love mysteries, so I will check him out. Thanks for bringing him to our attention. Just stumbled upon a first novel, “Bad Things Happen” by Harry Dolan. Very good with two continuing characters. I just ordered his second book and hope it lives up to the first one.
Sounds like a good book Jeri. Love thrillers and since one of me ex’s is a top guy on Wall Street it will be interesting to see how well he has done his research. Besides didn’t we all ove Gordon Gekko:-)
Like all good fiction, elements of his real life seem to have inspired the book. Let’s just hope he didn’t blow up any bridges!
You are an amazing reviewer!! I love the depth of your reviews and how you spin your words! I’m telling you, you need to make a business out of this (I think I’ve said this before).
Anyway, this sounds like a great book that both my husband and I will like. To me, that makes it doubly necessary to get this book. Thanks Jeri!!
The reviews have sent a couple of editing projects my way, so that makes me feel pretty good.
BAM!! I just bought it!!
Feels good to help an author generate a sale! Thanks 🙂
Hi Jeri – I really like the placement of the trailer right in the middle of the review. There’s something about a video…
Lately, I’ve been looking at lost of book trailers and I’ve been slowly learning how to edit video. My goal is to be able to make my own trailer when the time comes, so it’s good to have ones like yours to get ideas from.