2008 Book 28: The Take Over

Book #:	28
Book Title:	The Take Over
Author:	Stephen W. Frey
Publisher:	Signet
Pub. Date:	July 1996
Pages:	446
Started:	April 8, 2008
Finished:	April 12, 2008
Time to Read:	5 Days
Back Cover / Inside Flap:	"Investment banker Andrew Falcon is spearheading the biggest hostile takeover in Wall Street history - and counting on a staggering five-million-dollar fee if he can pull it off. But Falcon doesn't realize that he has stumbled onto the secret power of a shadowy organization known only as The Sevens. He discovers a scheme so interwoven in financial and political sabotage, so vast and brilliantly designed, that it staggers the imagination. His only chance to stop it depends on taking overwhelming risks - and learning which of the two beautiful women in his life can be trusted. Andrew Falcon's struggle for survival begins as he tries to outwit his betrayers - and a hidden enemy whose hatred is implacable."
Stars:	**
Review:	Big-name magazine reviewers of this book call Frey a cross between Grisham and Ludlum - but I think they overstate the author's staying power. This novel has an interest rhythm - at times, it rushes forward with almost blinding speed; at others, it dawdles over points that hardly seem worth examining. The main character is thoroughly unlikable, although quite an attempt to place the reader in his corner is made. Supporting characters are either stereotypically-built, or even harder to like than the main guy. If you're the financial type and you've been dying to find a novel that focuses on the, uh, interesting world of leveraged buyouts and Wall Street deals, this is for you. If you're not, and you go looking for something reminiscent of either Grisham or Ludlum, I'm afraid you'll find this read lacking. Give it a try - let me know what you think!

If you have read or are planning to read this book, please make sure to stop back by and leave me a comment to let me know your own thoughts!

From my library to yours,

Tiffany