Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Having a financial background adds much to my enjoyment of Christopher Reich novels.And I really enjoyed his first three books especially Numbered Account.
But I just could not get into his latest endeavor The Devils Banker. For me it was disjointed,overly complex which some people describe as "intelligent" but which I describe as obtuse. Most importantly it was mainly conversations among the characters rather than exciting action.
One might think he was attempting to write a LeCarre like novel. I'd rather re-read Numbered Account.
Rating: 
Summary: nonsense
Review: I had looked forward to reading this one, but was terribly disappointed. The story has no sense of reality not does it approach fact. A real loser!!
Rating: 
Summary: Back on Top!
Review: I have followed Reich's carreer since the bestseller Numbered Account. He lost me a little bit with The Runner,his second book,mostly because of the subject matter. I am not a big WWII fan.The First Billion was excellent,and now The Devil's Banker is on par with his best. From page one you are dragged into a true thriller... a can't put down winner. What I notice most is how he has matured as a writer. The character development is wonderful and you feel like you know all of the players by books end.
This is a must read!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Devilishly Entertaining
Review: I have read and enjoyed all of Mr. Reich's works. This one is no exception. The story is a rocket all the way, and delivers both on an emotional and purely adrenal level. The story criscrosses the globe - from Pakistan to Paraguay to Paris. Most of the action takes place in France and in D.C. and I love the international locales. Reich makes me feel that the world really is a smaller place these days. The way our Treasury Department combats terrorist finance makes for an interesting, exciting and topical story.Christopher Reich is far better than Baldacci these days and up there with Daniel Silva and Tom Clancy. If you're not reading him, you're missing a heckuva of a good storyteller! Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Missed
Review: I have to say that the book was ok. This was my first book from Mr.Reich. I've heard so many great things about Numbered Account that I wanted to read his latest book because the premise sounded interesting. While he did delve into financial crimes details which I enjoy, the story line was just not beleiveable. It just felt like something was missing. It was all too pat, the characters were cardboard.
I am planning on reading Numbered Account and I am hoping that it will be better.
But on the plus side, I'll still keep an eye out for what he will be writing next as I like financial thrillers.
Rating:
Summary: Best Suspense of the Year!!
Review: I'm a book-a-week thriller reader and, as far as I'm concerned, THE DEVIL'S BANKER deserves the "thriller of the year" award. It's smart, exciting and as fresh as tomorrow's headlines. Don't miss this one!!
Rating:
Summary: Best Suspense of the Year!!
Review: I'm a book-a-week thriller reader and, as far as I'm concerned, THE DEVIL'S BANKER deserves the "thriller of the year" award. It's smart, exciting and as fresh as tomorrow's headlines. Don't miss this one!!
Rating:
Summary: An intelligent, exciting counterterrorism tale
Review: In Paris the bomb killed the terrorist and several counter agents. The CIA fears that the dead terrorist's host group will strike the United States next, but do not know whom, where and how. Forensic accountant Adam Chapel is assigned to follow the money trail as all terrorist groups need funding in hope that the meandering path will lead to the group before they can act. Teamed up with espionage agent Sarah Churchill, they find the money flow from Paris takes them to divergent forks: the European banking community and the back streets of Pakistan. Their efforts soon leads to Hijira and its wealthy enigmatic patron Marc Gabriel, but will Adam and Sarah make it in time to stop a strike at America's heartland? THE DEVIL'S BANKER is an intelligent, exciting counterterrorism tale that hooks the reader from the moment the bomb detonates in Paris (very beginning of the novel). The story line is cleverly devised to entertain readers yet show how a money trail, so much in the news since 9/11, is traced. Though the alphabet soup of organizations and agencies are difficult to follow leading to some disruption as to which side a secondary player belongs to, fans of fiscal thrillers will appreciate Christopher Reich's deep story. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing, fast-paced, but does not close the deal for 5/5
Review: On its own, this book is good, but it doesn't reach the level set by Reich's previous novels. This one got bogged down at times in financial complexities, too many characters and organizations.
But, it is enjoyable and entertaining. The plot is believable in this time of constant terror warnings. The writing is intelligent and smooth.
I think the conclusion is the main area where Reich did not hit his usual home run. I would call it a double--not disappointing but also not thrilling. The book could have used an epilogue or a few more chapters.
It is still a 4/5 stars for entertainment and quality. I think his previous books have been 5/5 stars and I expected it from this book too. It definitely kept my interest but didn't keep me up at night reading. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to read his books at first opportunity.
Rating:
Summary: Surprising Hero...Timely Story
Review: Reich's novel is a doozy. It is scary and very real. The accountant as hero part is surprisingly compelling. The twists and turns and red herrings keep you from figuring out the entire plot until the end. It is good old fashioned spy novel, as well as a thriller and tour through the world of finance. Really well paced and exciting. A quick, but engrossing read.
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