Bottom Line

Nick Blake, a senior managing partner at Martell and Company, a Chicago business consulting firm, is used to giving client execs bad news about their businesses during the recession of 2001. He’s unprepared, however, when founder and megalomaniac CEO Adrian Martell announces drastic cutbacks and retrenchments for Martell. Blake’s job may be in jeopardy after a news leak about the company’s troubles is blamed on his romantic relationship with business reporter Rita Fitzpatrick. The situation turns chaotic when Martell is indicted for insider trader and resigns, and Blake becomes CEO of the troubled company. Martell absconds after cleaning out the partners’ special fund, including $10 million of Blake’s money. This prompts Blake not only to hire a detective but to become one himself. Davis (Dirty Money) provides easy explanations of complex business dealings, while Blake’s persistent pursuit of his one-time mentor leads to foreign adventures before reaching an exciting conclusion in this smartly executed financial thriller. (June)