Chameleon
Richard Hains
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Richard Hains, financial expert, is the ultimate example of being
an expert in the field he is discussing. His first novel, Chameleon, is
brimming with the details only an insider in the setting would know.
This gives it a does of realism that is hard to equal.
Jon Phillips is a successful bond trader for a large bank. He has
devoted his life to advancing in his career until he is one of the most
well known and best in the business. He has everything a man could
desire- expensive car, condo and girlfriend. But he is unhappy, no
longer feeling satisfaction with the direction his life is heading. He
almost misses his quiet life growing up with his close knit family in
Australia. He is unable to just walk away from it all though, the habit
and lure of the money is too strong. So he plans an outrageous scheme
to buy $30 million of United States bonds in a deal that could make him
financially secure for the rest of his life. Unfortunately the idea,
while brilliant, is also illegal. When his plan goes flamingly bad he
is forced into flight, fighting to save his reputation and his life.
Jon must take the offensive in a mental and physical battle with the
enemies that set up his failure.
Hains has created a deeply detailed look at the world of high finance.
He is able to bring the tension of Wall Street and build it into
the suspense of the thriller. Then ending is unique also, unexpected
and yet satisfying. The book does not delve into the morality of the
original deal, it allows the character to suffer the consequences
without speeches, subtle and it works. This is a thriller for anyone
who is interested in world finance, Wall Street and a good, fun time.