You're a middle-class citizen with an average life. What if your normal day suddenly careened out of control? Imagine leaving work early for a doctors appointment only to be caught up in a potential catastrophe that you alone can avert. You spring into action but your efforts are stymied by local authorities. By nightfall you find yourself laying in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound, accused of murder.
Such is the shocking reality of twenty-nine year old Murhkin Mocado. Unbeknownst to this California native, his skills as an ex-Navy SEAL have made him a target.
A powerful, corrupt group of individuals have set their sights on Mocado to help carry out a nefarious scheme. Born of relentless greed and hunger for power, these men are willing to sacrifice countless lives to bring their insidious plans to fruition. However, the purveyors of evil deeds are also being watched by one Joelle Barstow, an operative well versed in the tradecraft of industrial espionage. Initially sent to gather information on the CEO of a specific corporation, Barstow rapidly gets in over her head and uncovers a web of deceit involving big business and government.
Once Barstow crosses paths with Murhkin Mocado her skills are pushed to the limit, as she tries desperately to navigate this dangerous and deadly world. Mocado, expertly manipulated by his devious handlers, initiates a chain of events leading to one of the worst man-made ecological disasters the world has ever known. Will the pair escape with their lives in order to bring those responsible to justice?
This mystery/thriller takes the reader on a rapid-fire adventure, beginning in the United States, racing through the breathtaking splendor of Ireland, and culminating in Kenya; one of the most exotic countries within the boundaries of Africa's "Dark Continent."
I enjoy a good story that is full of action, mystery, crime and corruption; particularly if the story is set in an exotic place. `In Memory of Greed' fulfilled all those criteria for me. Al Boudreau's novel was a rollicking good yarn; full of pace, fantastic action and he had the bad guys crawling out of almost every page.
Al's colourful and varied characters gradually came into play, one by one, during the build-up between each tense scenario. And as I travelled with the main protagonists to the many locations, the story at times felt like I was there sharing in all the intrigue and excitement.
So, Al a good read; full of action and plenty of surprises. I recommend this novel to any adult who loves losing themselves in a good long story. Well worth considering and very good luck with this.
This was a lot. There are spies, double agents, several countries and their secret services.
Lots of moving parts and its mostly handled well though there are people who are not fleshed out or made clear the point of them and there is something about the writing style that I can't put my finger on but nags at me.
Prior to reading Al Boudreau's In Memory of Greed, I knew to expect three things. It was a thriller, at least some part of it took place in Africa, and big business played a dynamic role in the plot. All were true, but much to my surprise, the premise touched on an issue that impacts my life everyday.
I am one of the growing numbers of Americans who in recent years have developed intolerance to the gluten in wheat. Unlike its cousin Celiac's Disease, which blames a specific European gene, this form of gluten intolerance seems to point another genetic origin indicated using the same tests used for transplant patients in determining the chances of organ rejection.
Medical researchers highly suspect that this gluten may very well be the reason for the sudden epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes. A couple of years ago, I was honored to have a chance to learn a great deal from a Doctor on the east coast who is currently in the process of further proving this phenomenon. His research, along with others into human haplo types are proving more valuable each day in determining answers to a great many mysteries, both medical and historic.
The current rise in American gluten intolerance correlates with the recent widespread use of genetically engineered grains grown today. In the not too distant past we grew many strains of wheat, today we are down to six or seven types. The sales pitch is easy. The farmers purchase these seeds understanding that they are more resilient than their natural counterparts. In fact, these seeds are superior in the fields as they are more resistant to drought, and other pestilent.
With this in mind, Mr. Boudreau's novel takes on personal significance. Most of us are not immune to the many tales of megalomaniacs that fill our history books. However, in our modern society we deny they can and do exist. We live our day to day lives under a false pretense of beliefs that suggest our society is far too advanced, and complex for such an individual to succeed.
Al Boudreau removes this comfortable smoke screen. In his fascinating thriller, Al weaves a web that might just have you believing, a power hungry maniac could achieve his wildest dreams and make it a reality, easier now than ever before. Oh, by the way, oil is too obvious. Our food supply is a much better choice.
The author spares nothing in this intelligent web of greed. It is a fascinating story that only proves our vulnerability. The journey is awesome. The characters are believable, and well developed. In Memory of Greed will keep your eyes glued to the text, and your body on the edge of your seat.
My hats off to the informed author for offering phenomenally well written and designed plot about a very critical and timely subject.
Disclosure: I purchased, and read In Memory of Greed, without any prior arrangement with the author.
Before you open that book, better buckle up because you are going for a ride!
Wow, what a story! Boudreau is a skilled writer of edge of your seat tales. I'm not going to rehash the synopsis--other reviewers have written it.
I'll just pile onto the existing heap of praise. The characters were very well written--allowing glimpses of their minds. They are complex... Good people doing bad things, bad people doing good things. There was plenty of foreshadowing. Not so much that the story ever became predictable, but enough that I read faster so I could find the whole story behind the little hint that had been dropped. The locations--their descriptions, impressive. The sheer number of details included was stunning. And all of this done without the book ever becoming tedious, or feeling over-written.
And everything was described well enough that I never lost track of who was who, and which side they seemed to be on, or which location they currently were. That speaks volumes, because of late, I've read some thrillers that made me think I'd have to keep a notepad handy to keep track of the characters. Not the case in Memory of Greed.
The name fits. It made me think and made me sad at the same time, how people suffer for the sake of other people's greed. And the greed, at some levels of society, is not motivated for the pursuit of wealth, but all too often, the pursuit of power...then more power...
Well, I'm finished...and I'm feeling the buzz drop--that buzz that fills me when I dig into a great story.
I picked up Al Boudreau’s “In Memory of Greed” for the Between the Lines book club’s first discussion. I normally shy away from the full-on political thriller, but Mr. Boudreau had me hooked from the prologue!
Al weaves an intricate story set around the world. The pacing is fast and furious, the settings are painted in such detail that the reader feels like she/he have been to each of the locales mentioned in the book.
But beyond that, the characters are incredibly deep; rich in shades of gray and shadows of personality details that leave one wondering who really is the good guy?
Al also does something rare for a male writer. He writes a strong female lead exceedingly well.
The book moves with the tempo of a Jason Bourne novel, and visits locations only captured properly by someone who’s been to all the places we visit as a reader. “In Memory of Greed” is a thriller in every sense of the word.
Pick this one up—you won’t be disappointed. And put Al Boudreau on your “author’s to watch” list. Al BoudreauIn Memory of Greed
From the moment I opened the cover of "In Memory of Greed," I knew I was in trouble. Eradicated were thoughts of cramming for my final exam. And it wasn't merely because it began in Kenya, on the Masai Mara game reserve, even though I can hardly wait to make a dream trip to South Africa in July. The story pulled me into its clutches, and it wouldn't let go.
Boudreau's writing grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. International intrigue sweeps the reader across continents from one sensational juncture to the next.
Well developed, riveting characters lead the way, fighting through each gripping scene that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. Political corruption driven by greed and increasingly dynamic power plays don't leave you a moment to catch your breath. In Memory Of Greed delves into the human spirit, illustrating how a person can dig down deep to find the strength they need to continue and to face adversity head on and bare their teeth at it in defiance.
From the first page to the last, I was riveted by Al Boudreau’s story of corruption and greed, and by the plight of former Navy SEAL, Murhkin Mocado, an unwilling player in a heinous plot for power by men long devoid of humanity.
Boudreau’s pacing and ability to paint a vivid picture of the action are extraordinary. When I was done reading this book, I felt as if I had just watching a great mystery/thriller film — and I hope some day that will be a reality. The author’s skill in telling a story and in creating complex characters allowed me to actually “see” the story unfold every bit of the way. There were no wasted words or unnecessary scenes. His descriptions were so good that I could visualize the places in Africa where I have never been. What a pleasure to get lost in such an absorbing, colorful, and well-written read.
I look forward to this author’s next work in a big way. A brilliant debut.
Let me say that I don't normally read books in the political thriller genre. But I came across this author online and he was such a world-class gentleman that I just had to read his book.
And I'm so happy that I did. I'm a very fast reader, but I have very limited time to read, so for three evenings, this book kept me on the edge of my seat, practically biting my nails.
Political corruption, check. Suspense, check. Well-developed and colorful characters, check. Thrills, check. Perfect pacing, check. Anxiety over what would happen next, check.
In Memory of Greed has everything that a reader would want in a political thriller. As the description itself will tell you, it's not your average political thriller. It's not. It's better.
Pick up a copy today- you won't regret it. (You'll just find yourself sleep-deprived for a couple of days while you stay up way past your bedtime to read it!)
I thoroughly enjoyed Greed. I was surprised as I wasn't expecting such a page turner. I liked the way the author placed the reader in the scene. I have always wanted to travel to Europe and felt like I was there. The action and suspense was compelling and intriguing. I like to read where someone is thrown into a situation that they have to figure a way out of. This is a real page turner and I recommend it for anyone who likes espionage and travel mixed in with government agencies against the little person. It has a Tom Clancy meets Robert Ludlum feel to it. It is a roller coaster ride with a surprise ending you won't soon forget. Reggie Ridgway http://characterswellmet.blogspot.com
I enjoyed this book. I like to travel and this took me to places that I had never considered before. I found myself looking at places on Google Maps to follow along. It is fun to learn something while reading fiction. Al Boudreau also is able to fold in several significant issues that make it impossible to guess how the ending will play out. Fun read.
In Memory of Greed is a fantastic first novel by author Al Boudreau. Al has a way of placing you exactly where he wants you to be with his vivid imagery. There is great character development and a wonderful tale told. A great read.
This week for your dining pleasure, we are serving up a novel of geo-political intrigue, 'In Memory of Greed'. Indy author Al Boudreau has dished us up a thriller involving the the movers and shakers in the world of Genetically Modified Seeds, and there are some real bad guys in this frequently violent but always entertaining book!
This tale of greed and moral bankruptcy is based on the premise that (quote)'If you control the seeds, you then control the food and ultimately the world.' This is not that new a concept but what is new is that someone finally got around to writing a real thriller based on that rather simple concept.
ModAgro is the world leader of genetically modified seeds, and the CEO, Stuart Roth is determined to make it the only source of seeds, ruthlessly destroying small businesses and farmers in a way that is both heinous and abusive. He is thwarted in a takeover bid of his competitor, Haverhill, and decides to have the CEO of Haverhill murdered. His enforcer, Patrick Keegan makes it so, and frames the perfect patsy.
Murhkin Mocado is a highly trained former US Navy seal. He employed by John Haverhill, and is the son of a powerful US Senator, and has been on the fringe of trouble all of his life. He is framed for a crime that he didn't commit, the murder of a man that he liked. This begins a series of events that kept me on the edge of my seat! I could visualize this as clearly as if it were scenes in an action movie. Murhkin ends up being both hospitalized and arrested, but it is there that he meets his love interest, a nurse named Jenn Pratt.
At the same time that Murhkin is involved in his ordeals, Joelle Barstow, an industrial espionage operative is involved in a series of misadventures which are related to Murhkin's troubles.
Soon Murhkin is taken from his hospital bed, and transported first to Keegan's Ireland, and then to the beautifully drawn country of Kenya. Joelle Barstow is tailing them all the way.
These people are not superhuman, they make mistakes. The rage that is expressed is human in its intensity with one exception. Stuart Roth is completely over the top, but I liked that about him. As his empire crumbles he becomes ever more out of control. His self-abusive tantrums lend comedic moments to the roller coaster ride, as do his assistant's dead-pan comments.
There is a twist at the end that left me thinking about the book long after I finished it. This is an excellent first novel, and while it has received some mixed reviews, most of the reviewers seemed to agree with me that this book was a fun dip into the world of political intrigue.
I bought In Memory of Greed after a friend recommended it to me, and I am so glad that I did. I am a big fan of action, crime thrillers, intrigue, political corruption and international espionage. One of my favourite modern authors is Stieg Larsson. Al Boudreau’s novel ticked all my boxes and a best buy for me by a long way. It is an action-packed roller-coaster ride that will keep you glued to the pages (I know you probably read a Kindle, like I do ) till you come to the last page.
I loved the colourful characters and the building up of tension and suspense. I enjoyed travelling to the different locations following the footsteps of the protagonist. In fact, I am only half way through this book and despite the urge to finish it as soon as possible, I am saving it to my long haul flight this weekend – I can’t think of a better companion on a dreary trip than this expertly crafted and superbly presented novel.
Go on and buy this book! I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting lost in a great book and taking a journey to the unknown and exciting places. You’ll love it, as I do. I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the end, can you?
The above is the 5-star review I did on Amazon site a month ago. I have since finished the book, during my trip to China, but I won’t reveal any more except to urge you to read it. I look forward to reading more of Al’s writings in the future.
In Memory of Greed is a wonderful thriller that shines a light on the consequences of corruption and greed in both the government and corporate realms. A creative writing professor once told me every author should strive for a main character that is “the perfect combination of loveable and flawed.” Al Boudreau managed to blend the two impeccably in Murhkin Mocado. While at times you want to hate this character’s actions, you can’t help but see the heart of gold hiding beneath the surface. I found myself rooting for him throughout the book. From the very first page, I was intrigued by how the story would play out. Full of action, there was never a dull point in the story. I found myself loosing track of time while reading this book, staying up until early morning without realizing it. Mocado unwilling gets sucked into a world of murder and mayhem in the name of money and power. He quickly realizes he is being used, but has no way of getting out of the situation. Boudreau weaved the different elements of the story together nicely, showing how they all worked together in the end. He paints a vivid description of Ireland and Kenya, allowing me to picture places I have never visited with ease. This is a must-read for thriller fans everywhere!
I'm normally not a great fan of political/espionage stories, however, I was intrigued by the chatter across twitter of this book and the brilliant author who wrote it. I decided to download it and find out what it was all about. Let me tell you I am so glad I did. This is a well written book that in my opinion transcends the genre. The story unfolds with an ex navy seal Murhkin Mocado late for a doctor's appointment. It quickly swells to a fast paced story of corporate and government corruption that spans multiple continents and countries. By the third chapter I was completely engulfed in the well written plot and the rich, full of life characters created by this author. The pace never lets up taking the reader around the world in this complex maze of plots and twists.
As little as five years ago, this tale might have been considered borderline science fiction but in today's world it is hauntingly all to real. My only complaints with the story is the 80 plus chapters, personally I would have preferred less but longer chapters but that as I said is a preference. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a gripping tale of espionage and corruption. Make sure you allow yourself some free time before you start, because you are not going to want to stop once you begin. I give In Memory of greed 5 stars. I can't wait to read this author's next book
Enter the world of a young former Navy Seal named Murkhin Mocado who gets drawn into a scheme devised by rich and powerful figures who desperately need someone with his skills to save their plan from falling apart. In the shadowy world outside of the CIA, the Defense Department and the NSA is where deals really get done. Mocado is a pawn being used by two competing armies, but as the story progresses he becomes more and more savvy, and more in control of his own destiny.
This thriller takes you to locations as diverse as Oakland, California, St. Louis, Killarney in Ireland and on safari in Kenya. But the author is so skilled at depicting these places, describing for example the interior of a voodoo shop in Nairobi and its yellow-toothed medicine doctor owner, you feel like you are really there. And the characters come alive on the page. I felt myself tugged in two directions as one evil character showed signs of redeeming goodness. The ending surprised and satisfied me.
If you liked thrillers by Tom Clancy, Dan Brown or Daniel Silva, you will like In Memory of Greed. I could not put it down.
After I finished reading IN MEMORY OF GREED, I sat back and thought about all the plot twists and turns.
At first, it appears there is a clear demarcation between the good and evil characters. As the story progresses, though, one begins to wonder if the sands are shifting. I seemed to lose my footing several times, only to find solid ground again in an "aha" moment.
Protagonist Murhkin Mocado's backstory explains a guilt he shoulders, one that governs his actions. His character reminded me of another troubled soul, Shadow, in Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Both, for various reasons, have developed a gentle exterior while their blood continues to boil with barely-controlled emotions.
This novel takes the reader from California to Shannon to Kenya with action-packed scenes that flow naturally from chapter to chapter. The narrative travels a circuitous route before arriving at its denouement, but the characters' motives are well-defined and never feel contrived. The author expertly draws the story to a well-planned conclusion.
In Memory of Greed by Al Boudreau is the best new book I have read in a long time. A thriller that kept me turning page after page. Al writes in the style of the great thriller authors and he is someone you should watch and read.
In Memory of Greed starts you on a journey from the first page and refuses to let go until the end and it will leave you wanting more. The lead character, an ex-Navy SEAL, is trying hard to set his life right but fate—or maybe something more—forces him to make choices that would bring most men down, but he finds on his journey, a reason to continue. He also finds friends and enemies in strange places as he is forced down a road that can only bring disaster if he makes one false step.
Al Boudreau has done it all in this great tale and I know that I will be reading it again and again to find all the nuances in his detailed thriller. He is a true up and coming author that has only one way to go and that is up.
Came upon this book purely by accident. I was searching for books on Kenya for my daughter's summer project, and found this riveting thriller. Put it on my Kindle and both my husband and I read it on vacation.
Terrific plotting and clear-cut characterizations to rival the Grisham thrillers we have read. This author has a standout talent for creating suspense. We were disappointed not to find any more work by this author, but hope there will be more.
Only one negative. As this author appears to be an independent writer, I hope that his next book will utilize a professional editor. There were far too many errors and it was a real distraction from this otherwise top-notch book. But don't let that stop you, a super-duper read indeed.
I'm trying to get through this book. I like the plot and the characters. But the writing is so poor that it is distracting. Doesn't the author believe in grammar? How about an editor? The simple, factual mistakes are horrifying (Oakland is not in Marin County. US Senators are not elected by district. Etc.
Just finished the book. This is the most poorly written book I have ever finished - which shows me how much of a plot junkie I am. Fine plot. One or two great characters. The rest was terrible.
Loved the book. Very fast paced with another evil person doing another evil deed around every corner. Very scary to think the deeds in the book could actually happen and I truly hope they never do. Loved the character Murhkin, would love to see him in follow up books. Didn't like the bad guys but isn't that the point? This is my first Al Boudreau book but hopefully it won't be the last. Highly recommend.
“In Memory of Greed” is a fast paced political thriller. It focuses on greed, corruption, the acquisition of power and the impact they can have on the lives of people the world over.
For me a very enjoyable read and I will be looking out for other titles by Al Boudreau.
Prior to reading Al Boudreau's In Memory of Greed, I expected three things. A thriller, and at least some part of it took place in Africa, and big business played a dynamic role in the plot. All were true, but much to my surprise, the premise touched on an issue that impacts my life everyday.
I am one of the growing numbers of Americans who in recent years have developed intolerance to the gluten in wheat. Unlike its cousin Celiac's Disease, which blames a specific European gene, this form of gluten intolerance seems to point another genetic origin indicated using the same tests used for transplant patients in determining the chances of organ rejection.
Medical researchers highly suspect that this gluten may very well be the reason for the sudden epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes. A couple of years ago, I was honored to have a chance to learn a great deal from a Doctor on the east coast who is currently in the process of further proving this phenomenon. His research, along with others into human haplo types are proving more valuable each day in determining answers to a great many mysteries, both medical and historic.
The current rise in American gluten intolerance correlates with the recent widespread use of genetically engineered grains grown today. In the not too distant past we grew many strains of wheat, today we are down to six or seven types. The sales pitch is easy. The farmers purchase these seeds understanding that they are more resilient than their natural counterparts. In fact, these seeds are superior in the fields as they are more resistant to drought, and other pestilent.
With this in mind, Mr. Boudreau's novel takes on personal significance. Most of us are not immune to the many tales of megalomaniacs that fill our history books. However, in our modern society we deny they can and do exist. We live our day to day lives under a false pretense of beliefs that suggest our society is far too advanced, and complex for such an individual to succeed.
Al Boudreau removes this comfortable smoke screen. In his fascinating thriller, Al weaves a web that might just have you believing, a power hungry maniac could achieve his wildest dreams and make it a reality, easier now than ever before. Oh, by the way, oil is too obvious. Our food supply is a much better choice.
The author spares nothing in this intelligent web of greed. It is a fascinating story that only proves our vulnerability. The journey is awesome. The characters are believable, and well developed. In Memory of Greed will keep your eyes glued to the text, and your body on the edge of your seat.
My hats off to the informed author for offering phenomenally well written and designed plot about a very critical and timely subject.
Murhkin Mocado, an ex-Navy Seal, can't seem to catch a break. He was dishonorably discharged from the Navy and is now trying to put his life back in order, but nothing is ever simple. Framed for a crime he did not commit, Murhkin is the perfect pawn by some unsavory characters and he finds himself caught up in a global conspiracy, corporate greed and an ecological disaster in the making. The race is on and Murhkin must unravel the mystery of who is pulling the strings in time to save thousands of innocent lives.
The author weaves an intriguing story from Murhkin's abduction from a hospital bed in California to a flight to Ireland and finally to Kenya, Africa. The global manhunt for Murhkin is on. Never having been to Africa, I was transported to the plains with breath-taking descriptions. It is here that the action is racheted up another notch. I was routing for Murhkin with every passing heart-pounding chapter. The cast of characters are well-fleshed out especially Murhkin, although I did find Stuart Roth, the CEO of ModAgro, a little over-the-top.
I would have liked to rank this book higher because I did enjoy the fast-paced and intriguing storyline, but the ending of the book is a bit jumbled and tied up in a neat bow without resolving some of the very issues that Murhkin faced in the opening pages of the book. I would have liked more explanation in the epilogue. Despite this, "In Memory of Greed" is a very good read. Fans of political intrigue and thrillers will enjoy this one.
I found the book to be fascinating. It has colorful and spirited characters. The ending is strong. Readers can tell that the author did a lot of research. A good read!
An okay book..... I'm perhaps being a little harsh marking it 2 stars instead of 3 stars, but despite the book certainly having some entertainment value, I just didn't enjoy it and was glad when I reached the end. On the plus side, it's pretty well written, based on an interesting plot and has some good characters. However, the writing felt a bit formulaic at times, and the big problem was the improbable storyline. It just veers from one unbelievable scenario to another, things get very jumbled and the original plot gets lost along the way leaving you feeling a little bemused by at all when you reach the end of the book.