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Source by Zach Abrams
Royal National Bank is one of the largest and strongest financial institutions in the world. Or it was, until a series of revelations, each brought about by whistleblowers, rocks it to the core, causing its share price to falter and the entire stock market to ripple. Could it be coincidence? Might a series of blunders and incompetence have brought about its decline, or is it sabotage? Could someone be powerful and ingenious enough to mastermind its demise? If so, Who? And Why? - Greed? Power? Revenge? Or perhaps Economic Terrorism? Tom and Sally independently have their suspicions and become reluctantly twinned in the investigation. With Tom’s life and wellbeing imperilled by strange and cryptic threats, they seek to discover the cause before any further damage can take place. Tom is struggling to hold his life together with a crumbling marriage and the most challenging investigation of his life. A new disaster counters his every move. He’s not paranoid, someone is out to get him!
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First published December 21, 2013
24 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Zach Abrams
38 books145 followersHaving the background of a successful career in commerce and finance, Zach Abrams has spent many years writing reports, letters and presentations and it's only fairly recently he started writing novels. "It's a more honourable type of fiction," he declares.
His first novel 'Ring Fenced' was published in November 2011. This is a crime story with a difference, following one man's obsession with power and control.
After this he collaborated with Elly Grant to produce 'Twists and Turns' a book of short stories.
Zach's next novel, 'Made a Killing', is the first book in the Alex Warren series. It follows the investigation after the killing of a much hated criminal where an elephant tusk was used as the murder weapon was. This has been followed by 'A Measure of Trouble' where Alex's team are seeking the murderer of a CEO killed within the cask room of his whisky distillery. The third was published on 31 March 2015, 'Written to Death,' deals with a mysterious death during a writers' group meeting. - These are fast moving, gripping novels set in the tough crime-ridden streets of Glasgow.
Zach's quirky thriller, 'Source- A Fast Paced Financial Crime Thriller' has three investigative journalists travelling across the UK, Spain and France as they research corruption and sabotage in the banking sector while trying to cope with their own fraught personal lives.
@Offender of teh Faith' is the fourth Alex Warren Mystery and then '133 Hours' - a claustrophobic, psychological thriller is being launched in January 2020.
Alike his central character in 'Ring Fenced,' (Bemjamin Short), Zach Abrams completed his education in Scotland and went on to a career in accountancy, business and finance. He is married with two children. He plays no instruments but has an eclectic taste in music, although not as obsessive as Benjamin. Unlike Benjamin, he does not maintain mistresses, write pornography and (sadly) he does not have ownership of such a company. He is not a sociopath (at least by his own reckoning) and all versions of his life are aware of and freely communicate with each other.
More in keeping with 'Alex Warren', Zach was raised in Glasgow and has spent many years working in Central Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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January 3, 2018
Starts off slowly, with significant time dedicated to Tom's relationship with his wife and the newly introduced Sally. The actual problem faced by the bank is only vaguely described and doesn't become clear until after the halfway point.
Once things get going, the author does a solid job of combining the heightening action with the increasingly complex relationships between the characters. He really dives deep into Tom's torment.
I found the premise of an external attempting to tank a company's share price using negative PR to be interesting and plausible, although the damaging allegations are more subtle than one might think. Proof that the author is well-versed in the financial industry.
I had a few issues with the plausibility of the ending, especially the epilogue, but they don't take away from the book as a whole.
Worth a read for those interested in financial thrillers.
Once things get going, the author does a solid job of combining the heightening action with the increasingly complex relationships between the characters. He really dives deep into Tom's torment.
I found the premise of an external attempting to tank a company's share price using negative PR to be interesting and plausible, although the damaging allegations are more subtle than one might think. Proof that the author is well-versed in the financial industry.
I had a few issues with the plausibility of the ending, especially the epilogue, but they don't take away from the book as a whole.
Worth a read for those interested in financial thrillers.
January 14, 2015
Wow, I loved the easy to read writing style from beginning to end for this great novel. The main character Tom, who sounds handsome and is focused on his career, goes through many ups and downs throughout the novel, of which many readers will relate to. Tom who is a journalist works with two others to help aid in investigating a bank, when articles are published about the behind the scene dealings by the bank. The story has you second-guessing everyone Tom meets and every move that happens to try and uncover the mystery. A touch of romance, which I always enjoy and intrigue.
A great read, which I will rave about.
A great read, which I will rave about.
July 12, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"No sleeping on the job."
The title suggests that this will be a story which concentrates on the investigation of financial shenanigans and, although this is present, for this reader the crime solving took second place to the potential relationships between the lead journalist, Tom,at with his wife and children and his desire for his colleage, the lead feature writer from the Australian branch. The financial trail never seemed realistic, the games played more like something imposed to draw in the reader than a genuine part of the investigation. Narration by George Ellington was easy to listen to, though, if a little flat. Good intonation, and although the voicing s are not very memorable, the differentiation is there.
My thanks to the rights holder who freely gifted me a complimentary copy of Source, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. The story and writing were not bad, just bland, without the anticipated intensity: it felt too contrived to be plausible. I probably expected too much.
"No sleeping on the job."
The title suggests that this will be a story which concentrates on the investigation of financial shenanigans and, although this is present, for this reader the crime solving took second place to the potential relationships between the lead journalist, Tom,at with his wife and children and his desire for his colleage, the lead feature writer from the Australian branch. The financial trail never seemed realistic, the games played more like something imposed to draw in the reader than a genuine part of the investigation. Narration by George Ellington was easy to listen to, though, if a little flat. Good intonation, and although the voicing s are not very memorable, the differentiation is there.
My thanks to the rights holder who freely gifted me a complimentary copy of Source, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. The story and writing were not bad, just bland, without the anticipated intensity: it felt too contrived to be plausible. I probably expected too much.
June 29, 2020
I've mixed feelings on this story. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 4* rating. The main character, Tom, is a self centered man who tends to block others out, in search of his own goals. I really didn't care for him a lot but on the other hand, so many things were out of his control. Parts of this seemed kind of slow, but other parts were faster. Lots of things went on, add to this the game of chess. As you read, you'll see how it was used. This was interesting but not my all time favorite. Basically a clean read with a little bit of violence in it.
August 21, 2018
Reading this will give you a financial picture, of the up and downs, as well as the life of Tom. Well thought out plot, author knew what he was writing about. and the character fit into the plan, good thriller, as they go from place to place, this had a surprise ending. Could see more coming from this story.
August 10, 2018
Well Written
Even though this was well written, I couldn't get into the story. The financial goings on were more than my brain could handle. However, the characters are solid, the plot is well paced,and the ending is totally unexpected. Be prepared for a sequel.
Even though this was well written, I couldn't get into the story. The financial goings on were more than my brain could handle. However, the characters are solid, the plot is well paced,and the ending is totally unexpected. Be prepared for a sequel.
March 16, 2019
Suspenseful to the end
This book will most definitely keep you reading until the end. The plot twists and turns throughout the story line, developing new friendships all the while maneuvering through a cat and mouse game. Very well written and a worthy read
This book will most definitely keep you reading until the end. The plot twists and turns throughout the story line, developing new friendships all the while maneuvering through a cat and mouse game. Very well written and a worthy read
October 12, 2023
I enjoyed this mystery. It has some need for additional editing, and sometimes the narration and dialogue weren't the greatest, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
February 21, 2017
A Rattlingly Good Yarn
National Newspaper Columnist Tom Bishop becomes the key member of a triumvirate investigating strange goings on that have been affecting the share price of one of the High Street Banks. The team move breathlessly between London, Glasgow, Manchester, Barcelona and the Pyrenees, and betweentimes Tom grapples with his marital difficulties, so the overall pace is relentless, whilst you don't have to be a fan of conspiracy theories to appreciate the twists and turns in the plot. The dialogue is sparky, the travelogue well realised; what's not to like?
National Newspaper Columnist Tom Bishop becomes the key member of a triumvirate investigating strange goings on that have been affecting the share price of one of the High Street Banks. The team move breathlessly between London, Glasgow, Manchester, Barcelona and the Pyrenees, and betweentimes Tom grapples with his marital difficulties, so the overall pace is relentless, whilst you don't have to be a fan of conspiracy theories to appreciate the twists and turns in the plot. The dialogue is sparky, the travelogue well realised; what's not to like?
May 7, 2014
I honestly am not sure how I want to write this review. MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!
First let me say this is not my normal kind of book to read, but after I read the blurb I was like okay I'ma give this book a try for sure. It seems a bit mysterious.
This was a story that I could put down and start reading something else then come back to it. I was not fully involved with the story being told.
With that being said, it was a good story overall. It revolved around 3 journalist who have been sent to investigate the allegations around the RNB. But I felt a lot of story kept mentioning if they were going to travel by train, plane, or car, and what they were going to eat for dinner. Yes there was a lot of investigating into who was after the RNB, and a little bit of mystery surrounding who was the person or persons involved. But it lacked a lot!
You have Tom who is going through a rough patch in his marriage, but we don't get any answers as to if they worked anything out. It leaves you hanging and wondering.
Sally, she is her own character who I gave props to as she made sure she didn't give in to Tom's advances. I thought that was great. Not much to say about her as she was not a full character I would truly remember. Except that she likes to find answers to what she is looking into.
To me it seemed as though the ending was rushed, there wasn't a lot of answers. I felt as though when Tom and Sally got their answer as to who was behind the bringing down of RNB nothing was fully done. It is like we have to speculate and I do not like that within a story being told.
First let me say this is not my normal kind of book to read, but after I read the blurb I was like okay I'ma give this book a try for sure. It seems a bit mysterious.
This was a story that I could put down and start reading something else then come back to it. I was not fully involved with the story being told.
With that being said, it was a good story overall. It revolved around 3 journalist who have been sent to investigate the allegations around the RNB. But I felt a lot of story kept mentioning if they were going to travel by train, plane, or car, and what they were going to eat for dinner. Yes there was a lot of investigating into who was after the RNB, and a little bit of mystery surrounding who was the person or persons involved. But it lacked a lot!
You have Tom who is going through a rough patch in his marriage, but we don't get any answers as to if they worked anything out. It leaves you hanging and wondering.
Sally, she is her own character who I gave props to as she made sure she didn't give in to Tom's advances. I thought that was great. Not much to say about her as she was not a full character I would truly remember. Except that she likes to find answers to what she is looking into.
To me it seemed as though the ending was rushed, there wasn't a lot of answers. I felt as though when Tom and Sally got their answer as to who was behind the bringing down of RNB nothing was fully done. It is like we have to speculate and I do not like that within a story being told.
January 12, 2015
I read Zach Abrams’ Made a Killing (Alex Warren Murder Mysteries Book 1) in 2012 and called it “a solid and entertaining crime and detective novel”. In the meantime I’ve read a few more novels by the same author, including SOURCE: Greed, Power, Revenge, or is it Economic Terrorism? There are aspects about Abrams’ novels that make them brilliant books to read: they are down to earth and engaging, they have interesting plots, they are well-structured, which helps to create a lot of suspense, they are well written, which brings the characters alive, and the characters are credible.
SOURCE: Greed, Power, Revenge, or is it Economic Terrorism? is no exception. It is a novel you don’t want to put down. I could identify with Tom and Sally, although it took me a while, which is, I believe, an intentional part of the brilliant development of this novel. What I said more than two years ago about Made a Killing, equally applies to SOURCE. This is a solid and entertaining novel, which I am happy to recommend.
SOURCE: Greed, Power, Revenge, or is it Economic Terrorism? is no exception. It is a novel you don’t want to put down. I could identify with Tom and Sally, although it took me a while, which is, I believe, an intentional part of the brilliant development of this novel. What I said more than two years ago about Made a Killing, equally applies to SOURCE. This is a solid and entertaining novel, which I am happy to recommend.
November 4, 2016
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Source, by Zach Abrams, follows Tom and his fellow journalists Sally and Ahmed as they attempt to unravel a sinister plot to overthrow the financial leviathan of the RNB through means such as damaging rumours and by manipulating the stock market. The question is- why? In the midst of all this, they have plenty going on in their personal lives.
I’ll be honest, this book wasn't my cup of tea. Politics and economics aren't things I enjoy, at all. Things started off a bit slow, but then the action picked up and pulled me in. That being said, I did find the characters interesting. I especially liked Tom, and truly felt for him as he juggled everything. I can't imagine the stress journalists go through.
Source, by Zach Abrams, follows Tom and his fellow journalists Sally and Ahmed as they attempt to unravel a sinister plot to overthrow the financial leviathan of the RNB through means such as damaging rumours and by manipulating the stock market. The question is- why? In the midst of all this, they have plenty going on in their personal lives.
I’ll be honest, this book wasn't my cup of tea. Politics and economics aren't things I enjoy, at all. Things started off a bit slow, but then the action picked up and pulled me in. That being said, I did find the characters interesting. I especially liked Tom, and truly felt for him as he juggled everything. I can't imagine the stress journalists go through.
December 31, 2014
Greed, Power, Revenge, or is it Economic Terrorism by Zach Abrams has an intriguing storyline that is well written and totally believable. I got into this book and appreciated the great detail and clever writing. This is a smart book that caught my attention from the start. Had me feeling so many different emotions. I had no idea where this was going to go. Left me in suspense while I read with vigor.
I was emotionally pulled in and invested. This was a great escape that was totally engrossing and entertaining. The author had a way of making you feel as if you were witnessing the scenes as they were happening which made this a very good read. Highly recommend.
February 6, 2014
This story was a really good one. As the reporters were doing their investigation of some economic skullduggery I had to keep reading to see what would happen. It was quite the convoluted story that could be equated in some ways to economic terrorism. I actually hate to think that someone who had ill intent trying the same thing. It would be really bad.
I can't say I liked the characters very much at first. In fact, I actually disliked them but they grew on me after a while. As the story continued I began to cheer for them, especially for the reporters.
I can't say I liked the characters very much at first. In fact, I actually disliked them but they grew on me after a while. As the story continued I began to cheer for them, especially for the reporters.
May 8, 2016
Not so good!
I was not able to sludge through this one. I got 40 or so pages in when the language got too raunchy for me. If the writing had been better it might have been worth two stars but..... The characters were so shallow and flippant (not very inspiring). It's gone from my kindle.
I was not able to sludge through this one. I got 40 or so pages in when the language got too raunchy for me. If the writing had been better it might have been worth two stars but..... The characters were so shallow and flippant (not very inspiring). It's gone from my kindle.
March 16, 2014
Don't be put off by the title. A fast paced story about three journalists chasing a story about corruption in the banking world.
December 6, 2015
Really liked the subject matter and the plot but did not warm to the characters. All too easy for the journalists against a know it all bad guy who doesn't take any action against the good guys
January 6, 2016
Quick review. Good plot. Easy reading. Good plain writing. Indifferent character development. Some aspects of the plot and the role of the characters just didn't sit well. Good entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews