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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Stephen Frey's SILENT PARTNER.
LABASSIST@aol.com
SILENT PARTNER grabbed my attention from the initial party scene that turned into a death trap until the very last page. The book is well-written and the action flows from page to page --- no long description passages here to keep you away from the action. Will Angela take the risk? Is it worth it to her? You have to read the book to find out. I cannot give away any small detail for that would spoil the whole of the book for anyone. Angela Day, the main character, becomes like a friend before the book is finished. Following her through all of the twists and turns of her association with the rich Jake Lawrence, one wonders, how will this all end? Danger lurks around every corner. Action keeps you turning the page until the very end of the book.
age304@mizzou.edu
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
Stephen Frey was new to me and I don't know how I could have missed his novels in the past.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Currently, the mystery/suspense authors I read on a regular basis are Thomas Perry, John Grisham, John Lescroart, Jeffery Deaver, J.F. Freedman, Sue Grafton and Leonard Goldberg.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
The fact that up-from-the-trailer-park protagonist Angela Day witnessed racism from a front row seat with the tragic attack and fraternity murder of her childhood friend and university roommate, Sally, makes this hard-working Virginia banking executive the perfect choice to conduct due diligence for the mysterious Jake Lawrence. Jake, the novel's silent partner, wants to make a public tender offer and needs Angela to help in his preliminary investigation. Jake's net worth of close to $500 billion makes him fear for his own life on a daily basis --- and with good cause.
In the course of helping Jake, Angela uncovers nefarious business practices related to predatory lending and housing segregation --- and she finds herself in harm's way in the process. Could the bank in which she is employed be guilty of redlining? Are the ideas of her African-American muckraking reporter friend, Liv, correct? Will Angela be able to regain custody of her son, Hunter, when all is said and done?
Financial suspense writer Frey explains some of the workings of financial institutions in a way that non-financially savvy readers can understand and appreciate. He supplies information on the discriminatory lending practices of Sumter Bank, so that readers can follow the storyline. How blatant racism is engaged in is made clear.
The principle of risk versus return is exemplified in the actions of Jake, Angela and many others close to them. This makes for exciting reading and Frey manages to keep the reader turning the pages to find out if it was all worth it!
It will be easy to add Stephen Frey's name to my list! Just as I hope Thomas Perry will write another novel featuring Native American guide Jane Whitefield, I hope Stephen Frey will write another novel including Angela Day.
ARomano895@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have never read any of Frey's books --- this was the first one.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read many books by the following authors: John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Stephen Coonts, Robert Ludlum, David Baldacci, Dean Koontz, Ken Follett and James Patterson. I have read ALL of the novels by Grisham and Koontz.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
SILENT PARTNER was superb! I could not put this book down. The plot is very well done and the author does not get bogged down with technicalities, which can happen when dealing with finance. The story moves very fast and one cannot wait to read the next chapter. Frey's SILENT PARTNER is right up there with works by John Grisham. I liked this novel so much that I went to my local bookstore and bought THE DAY TRADER. This is a five star novel and should without a doubt make the top ten.
baybooks@baybooks.net
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have often thought about reading Frey's books because of their stock market bent. Because his backlist books are in mass paperback form, I keep putting off reading him because the books and print are so small. I probably would have read him earlier if they were in trade paper, a size I prefer.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading SILENT PARTNER. The book began in the college days of the heroine. I was rather annoyed when the horrible deed happened (Sally was killed) and there was no mention of what happened to the perpetrators. I figured that, as the book progressed, we would find out that one of the characters in the later story was present at the frat party --- maybe Jake or one of the bank officers. Surprisingly, I was wrong.
Eventually the author tells us that the whole incident was swept under the rug. Obviously it just served as motivation for the lead character's actions later in the story and why she would be so passionate about justice.
Next it seemed like a love story from Harlequin when Angela and John Tucker rode up the mountainside to meet Jake. It did seem strange that he would leave her in the cave to fend for herself. That was definitely a mystery, especially when she did not hear from him again for so long.
Overall, the book kept my attention and was a quick read --- it was hard to put down. I liked following the financial dealings that were not too complicated --- maybe even more Wall Street info could have been included. Especially appealing to me is the fact that I was three quarters of the way through the book and still didn't know who were the bad guys or the good guys. The story has a good twist --- one that I did not see coming.
Bettys1870@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
This is the first Frey novel I have read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read many suspense/thriller novels. David Liss's A CONSPIRACY OF PAPER dealt with the financial world. It was a book that held my attention to the end. I have read most of the Grisham books --- A TIME TO KILL and THE FIRM were the best. James Patterson, Michael Connelly, Stuart Woods, Tami Hoag, Scott Turow, Martin Cruz Smith (DECEMBER 6 is the one I read recently) and Iris Johansen are some authors I have enjoyed.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
The characters don't ring true and the plot is contrived. Angela is first portrayed as a kind, unassuming, young woman who would like to get ahead, but makes no efforts to assert her rights. True, she tries to save her friend Sally from disaster, but she is the initial cause of the disaster. She thinks she knows the man she married, but allows him to divorce her through lies and take away her infant son. She is by turn gutsy and mousy. She is manipulated by her bosses at the bank but makes no effort to find another position in Richmond, which she could have done early in the game. She steps into a dangerous situation with Jake Lawrence and fights to help him get what he desires. She jumps through hoops to help Liv Jefferson get a newspaper scoop, though this puts Angela in danger. She instantly falls for Tucker because he swaggers like her ex-husband. She is hurt when he refuses to kiss her; she doesn't know if she can trust him, but allows him to call the shots.
Curlyman@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have never read Stephen Frey before but will certainly do so in the future
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I enjoy reading Jonathan and/or Fay Kellerman, James Patterson, Dean Koontz (but not so much recently) and Michael Crichton.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
This was such an exciting book --- a real page turner. The book was very easy to follow and did not seem to have any unfinished stories. I liked how Frey tied everything together in the end. It was very nicely done. I would definitely read his other books and recommend him to others.
DFSn180@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have read another book by Mr. Frey, THE INNER SANCTUM --- it was very good.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I am reading Kathy Reich, Michael Connelly, Iris Johansen and Catherine Coulter, to name a few.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
Angela Day has worked her way out of a disadvantaged background and has become vice-president of a southern bank. Now she is being summoned to visit one of the wealthiest and most mysterious men in the business and financial world. After their meeting, attempts on Angela's life and threats to her family and friends begin. The only person Angela thinks she can trust is Jake Lawrence's ranch manager, John Tucker, who cautions her not to trust his employer. Angela escapes death several times and keeps turning to John Tucker for help --- but he also has lied to her.
If you think a story about banking would be dull, think again. Mr. Frey sets a spin on financial intrigue that will keep you turning pages. There is suspense, murder, betrayals and romance.
An exciting book that is well worth the time to read. Mr. Frey also discusses a website related to the monitoring of banks. It's real. I checked.
fezabel@attbi.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
This is the first Stephen Frey book I've ever read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I've read Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series, James Patterson's 1ST TO DIE and 2ND CHANCE, Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski series and various John Grisham novels.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a good read and it only took a few days to finish. The resolution was very solid and tied everything together very well. Normally, I can figure out a suspense novel in the first few chapters, but SILENT PARTNER kept me wondering. I highly recommend this novel.
mary.caulfield@verizon.net
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have never read any of his books, as thrillers are not usually my first choice for books to read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Lately I have read a few that include Harlan Coben (TELL NO ONE, GONE FOR GOOD), Stephen L. Carter (THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK) and Dick Francis.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
Initially as I began this book, I was not sure that I would enjoy it. Angela seemed too unfeeling in her refusal to understand Sally's feelings about entering the fraternity house, where the members were suspected of having been involved with the Klan. Accusing Sally of being "scared" sounded too callous. The outcome of the party seemed too pat, too contrived. As the two women entered the house, all signs pointed to an awful outcome. As I read more, I felt that this beginning paved the way for all of Angela's future actions. Initially, she struck me as a character that seemed to think too much of her own looks and people's reactions to her appearance, which annoyed me. Later in the book, these things seemed to become less important to Angela. At least she did not dwell on them and became a more likeable person. I like to have some respect for the main character; I was able to gain this respect later in the book.
As the action progressed, I was drawn into the book, wondering why Angela had been sent to Jackson Hole and what was being set up. The episode in the cave really drew me in. The high level of financial intrigue and the fascinating behind-the-scenes machinations to which financiers resort made the book a real winner for me. The ending was dramatic and made you want to read as quickly as possible.
John Tucker was believable as a character that has the drive to accomplish the goals he sets, but the author keeps the reader guessing. I was never sure exactly who the bad guys were, except for Chuck Reese. I was guessing right along with Angela until the book's end, but all of this was believable, not contrived. I was impressed with the great ending.
I will look for Stephen Frey's books at the library. When it is my turn to suggest a book to my book club, you can be sure that I will select one of his books.
Mystrytx@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have not read any other Stephen Frey books; I probably wouldn't buy another.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read James Lee Burke, Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Stephen White, Michael Connelly and Jan Burke.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I was very happy to have been given the opportunity to receive the advanced reading copy of SILENT PARTNER. I could write a raving review or I can write what I really felt about the book. I trust you want what I really felt. I felt that there was nothing that I would consider suspenseful or 'sit-on-the-edge-of-my-seat, page turning' about this story. It reminded me of a woman's romance story.
As for the story itself --- if I had picked it up and read the first few paragraphs of the book, I would not have chosen it to read. I thought the prologue was poorly written. The rest was written more fluidly, but I felt the story was very disjointed. You had to wait until practically the end of the book to find out who and why that unnamed person was attacked in the parking lot. I also thought the story (a 'superman' recluse working for 'justice and the American Way?') was a bit far fetched. Also, I hate books that use the famous "N" word over and over and over, even in the guise of someone fighting to correct a racist situation. I find the word objectionable.
I'm sorry I don't have anything more positive to say. It was interesting to read some of the bank reporting information. But as a story, it just didn't work for me.
rojosho@hotmail.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I had never read Stephen Frey's other books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read other thrillers by such authors as Michael Connelly, Jon Katzenbach and Philip Margolin.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
SILENT PARTNER was an excellent novel. It was gripping, with unexpected turns and a totally surprising conclusion. The character development was well done and the continuity of the entire plot had me enthralled from beginning to end. This fast paced fascinating thriller had me going the entire time. What a tense high. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
PASTANICK@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have read Stephen Frey before. I read his 2002 release THE DAY TRADER and enjoyed it.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read suspense and thrillers all the time. The last three that I enjoyed were BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON by Dean Koontz, KILLING FLOOR by Lee Child and VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS by Janet Evanovich. Authors that I enjoy include: Janet Evanovich, John Sandford, Mary Higgins Clark, Robert Crais, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Jeffery Deaver, Nora Roberts, a.k.a J.D. Robb, Walter Mosley, Lisa Scottoline, Harlan Coben, Agatha Christie, Dennis Lehane, Patricia Cornwell, Jonathan Kellerman, Joy Fielding, David Morrell, Minnete Walters, Dean Koontz, Iris Johansen, Stephen King, Kay Hooper and Brad Meltzer.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I enjoyed Stephen Frey's 2002 bestseller THE DAY TRADER, because of his insight into finances and its compelling story. Frey's latest release contains interesting facts about corporate takeovers, but lacks the intrigue and excitement of THE DAY TRADER. Angela Day suffered the loss of her best friend in college because of racist fraternity brothers. Now working as a loan officer in a bank, she is summoned to help mysterious billionaire Jake Lawrence take over a bank accused of unethical business practices. At first she's hesitant, but then she is made a deal that she can't refuse.
SILENT PARTNER has some good points. There are some exciting moments as Angela tracks down who's behind these immoral business practices. There are also issues of race and the banking world that are timely and Mr. Frey uses his financial knowledge to educate the reader without sounding like a textbook.
Though there are some good aspects to SILENT PARTNER, there are more negative aspects to the story. Stephen Frey's characters are dull, lifeless and clichéd. Angela Day never comes off as a heroine with any common sense (she can figure out take over policies, but she can't save herself from adultery accusations). I never believed for one second that she was capable of taking a task as helping a billionaire like Jake Lawrence. The dialogue seems recycled and ridiculous, especially between Angela and Tucker. SILENT PARTNER is not the worst book I ever read, but it's a big letdown after reading Frey's far superior THE DAY TRADER.
ragsk2743@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have read Stephen Frey's other works.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read novels by Grisham, Cornwell, Tami Hoag, Nelson DeMille, Stephen White, James Patterson and Jonathan Kellerman. The list goes on and on.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I am a voracious reader of suspense novels and must tell you that SILENT PARTNER is one of the best I have read in a long time! The book drew me in with the prologue and continued right on through to the epilogue --- and then I was wishing that there was more!
The twists and turns throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to read the entire book in one sitting. Character development was excellent. I either loved or hated the characters and could almost feel the emotion coursing through Angela at different times throughout the novel. Never predictable, even up to the end! This is his best novel yet.
SAK24@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
This is the first of Mr. Frey's books that I have read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read books by David Baldacci, James Lee Burke, Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman and both Faye and Jonathan Kellerman.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
I have made it about halfway through the book. I don't find the characters very interesting. The plot goes off on too many tangents, so the story does not hang together. I don't see this being a biggie on the bestseller lists. Mr. Frey's characters need to develop more quickly and the number of side plots need to be reduced with more emphasis on the main storyline.
I'm at page 190 and I'm still not sure what the main storyline is. I don't think that I care any more. I wish Mr. Frey good luck with his future writing, but he is not ready for the big time yet.
SBanton343@aol.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
I have four other Stephen Frey books on my bookshelves: INNER SANCTUM, TAKEOVER, VULTURE FUND and THE LEGACY. The highest honor that I can give an author is to put their previous books or their name on my "To Read List." Stephen Frey was already on my list and nothing in this book changes this distinction.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
In SILENT PARTNER, Stephen Frey introduces Angela Day, a beautiful, successful divorced non-custodial mother who has not let her past troubles and background destroy her. In fact, it may have provided her strength. It also introduces Jake Lawrence, a billionaire businessman who we discover may have a conscience. Angela, a low level vice-president of Sumter Bank based in Richmond, Virginia, is chosen by Jake to perform due diligence on a company he wishes to acquire. We also meet a few characters that are a bit one-dimensional and stereotypical. For instance, William Colby as head of security? Come on. Get real. The book starts out with a flashback scene that was to me unnecessary. After this beginning scene, the action starts and I had a hard time putting the book down.
Stephen Frey has a strong financial background in his non-literary world occupation. In his previous stand-alone novels, he provided insights into the world of finance and Wall Street. He provides enough detail to explain the financial aspects without conveying it as a lecture and I learn something. Heaven forbid we should learn from fiction!
Into this world of money, double-dealing, greed and power, Angela must make choices that affect her very life. Every character has an agenda and it is up to Angela to try and figure out whom she can trust. She has a hard time with her own motives. She makes choices to salve her conscience regarding her college roommate and she makes choices in order to attempt to regain custody of her son. This book is a quick read, moves fast and, even if one or two scenes strain belief in terms of credulity, it was pure entertainment!
Now with that said, I admit that I am a sucker for a happy ending. I also must confess to occasionally reading romance novels. With these admissions you might think that is why I enjoyed Stephen Frey's SILENT PARTNER. Now guys, don't let that scare you off. There is plenty of action, murder and mayhem --- just ignore the romance. This is not just a yarn for the ladies.
sharoncerasoli@hotmail.com
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
This is the first Stephen Frey book that I have read, although I have heard good things about his books
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I like suspense quite a bit and have read authors such as Tom Clancy, Jonathan Kellerman, Lisa Gardner, James Patterson, etc.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
This book was a great thriller! I was hooked from the first chapter and really liked Angela. I cared what happened to her. The enigmatic John Tucker was a wonderful character; the author packs a punch with this story. The plot with the financial acquisition and Angela's official and unofficial task of due diligence was really interesting. I do not have a financial background (my husband has an MBA) but I really enjoyed the details and scenarios featured with Sumter Bank and the financial institutions in this book.
The author maintains interest through the many twists and turns --- just as I thought I had things figured out, something new and totally surprising was revealed!
The risk versus return concept is familiar but has a whole new twist with this clever and engaging thriller. I would definitely recommend this book to Stephen Frey fans and newcomers alike!
boyd389@bellsouth.net
Have you read Stephen Frey before?
This is my first Stephen Frey novel and I will probably add him to my list of authors to buy.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I already have a long list of authors including James Patterson, Tami Hoag, Tess Gerritsen, Linda Howard, Iris Johansen, Jeffery Deaver, and Kay Hooper.
What did you think of SILENT PARTNER?
SILENT PARTNER is a complex novel about the banking industry. It is about how people in power control situations and other people. Angela Day is a vice president of Sumter Bank in Richmond, Virgina and has been summoned to Wyoming to meet with reclusive millionaire Jake Lawrence. Angela knows Lawrence owns eight percent of Sumter stock but doesn't know if that has anything to do with the summons. Angela is met by John Tucker Lawrence's ranch manager and, after spending a night on the ranch, meets Lawrence in a mountaintop cabin that can only be reached by horseback.
Jake Lawrence tells Angela he plans to make a public tender offer for a company and wants her to perform a due diligence investigation. To make sure he has Angela's help, he tells her he will help her regain custody of her son. Since Angela only gets to see her son 48 hours a month, she agrees to help him. Things go well until he makes a pass, then Angela walks out of the meeting. On the way down the mountain, Angela and John are shot at. John gets her to safety and she doesn't see him again.
Her bosses at Sumter Bank are not happy with her meeting Jake Lawrence and suspect he is trying to take over their bank. They advise Angela that if she doesn't keep them informed whenever she meets with Lawrence, it could cost her her job. It is not long before Angela discovers losing her job is the least of her worries.
SILENT PARTNER has lots of twists that will keep the reader turning pages. Angela Day's character is strong and lets nothing stand in her way when it comes to getting the job done. John Tucker as Lawrence's manager seems to be everywhere Angela is. Jake Lawrence continues to be a shadowy character for most of the book, but he is pivotal to the conclusion of the novel. I liked this book and recommend it.
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