The Millionaires

The Barnes & Noble ReviewMaster thriller writer Brad Meltzer has made a career of providing his readers with action-packed novels that play to the paranoia in all of us. This time out he takes on the world of high finance and topples it into the gutter.Brothers Charlie and Oliver Caruso, both bankers, enmesh themselves in intrigue and embezzlement when they discover that corporate boss Henry Lapidus has been undermining Oliver's career. The duo decide to nab three million bucks from a dead client's inactive account, but even before they can put the money to work for them, a group of underhanded Secret Service agents move in on the prize. But the Carusos soon learn that there's even more at stake, because their initial $3 million is tied into Disney technotronics and a new invention that will revolutionize the entertainment industry. This provides even further incentive for murder and mayhem as the brothers flee to Florida, pursued by trouble at every turn.In this, his fourth thriller, Meltzer capably takes on the theme of financial misadventures and hits on the main element that would appeal to the average Joe on the street: the idea of getting your hands on big money just when you need it. Although there's something of a moral mixed message here, you won't mind much as the plot zips along and nasty villains emerge from every shadow. With a likable narrator, Meltzer keeps the thrills balanced with easy humor, making The Millionaires an inviting suspense novel as well as an engaging charmer. (Tom Piccirilli)