Game Theory

Katerina Carter Fraud Thrillers #2

by Colleen Cross

GAME THEORY - How the world really works...

The most precious things come at a cost—something fraud investigator Katerina Carter knows all too well. She struggles to cope with uncle Harry’s ever-worsening Alzheimer's just as she lands her biggest case ever - a massive Ponzi scheme.

Billionaire Zachary Barron’s business is in free fall, somehow connected to the shadowy World Institute.

Game Theory uncovers how the world really works, where an ever-smaller pool of winners gain from the suffering of others, leaving the masses to fight over the crumbs remaining. And the players will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Accounting, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

Unknown Binding

First published November 30, 2012

About the author

Colleen Cross writes exciting, intelligent thrillers and engrossing mysteries that grip you from the very first page. She took her very own "Exit Strategy" from the corporate world into the book world several years ago to indulge her bookworm wannabe writer self.

She lives with her family on the West Coast. When she's not writing, she loves to run and explore with her rescue dog, Jaeger, who reminds her daily that life's too short to not follow your dreams--or a squirrel or two.

Her books have been translated into multiple languages with more to come.

Visit her website at www.colleencross.com and sign up for her twice-yearly private newsletter and be the first to hear of new releases and exclusive subscriber-only offers.

Connect with her on social media:
Facebook at www.facebook.com/colleenxcross
Twitter: @colleenxcross
or find her on Goodreads

Reviews

[Anne (Booklady) Molinarolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as Kat Carter thinks she's happier than she has been in a quite a while, things start to unravel. Her divorce case has concluded to her client's benefit. Jace and Kat are in a good place, but her Uncle Harry has been officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and his finances are in the basement. His Flu like symptoms are not any better, either. And he has begun to talk about Hillary again, like she is in town. Is she? And is Hillary the reason for Harry's money problems? Will Jace leave her like her father did when Kat's mother was also falling deeper into that horrible disease?

Adding to Kat's worries is her client, Zachary Barron. Winning his divorce case is nothing compared to the job he hires Kat for. Zach wants Kat to prove that his father, Nathan, has been embezzling from the Company he and Nathan own. What Kat discovers is major fraud within the company that is the poster child for all Ponzi schemes tied to a secretive global think tank called World institute whose powerful members want a global one currency and are willing to do anything - even murder - to achieve that goal. Jace is only one of WI's victims, effectively silenced him. Kat races to save her client, Harry, and Edgewaters' clients before any more bodies fall while trying to save the global currency markets. She knows all too well that very precious things come at a very high cost.

Colleen Cross has taken stories in the headlines and created a good suspense novel. The suspense builds at a wonderful speed. Her writing is good and tight. However, a couple of scenes do stretch the boundaries of belief, hence 1/2 star deduction. I can't wait for the 3rd novel in this series!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this straight after the first one and so it flowed really well. I like the way that the author explained the financial terms in a non condescending way. The narration was good but got really frustrated with Harry's voice it didn't work for me. But I did love the way the author also brought in this sub plot.

Onto the next one in series - love binge listening and this is a great series to do so.

[Marlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. Like the title. Ponzi scheme stuff is on point. Fan of the strong female character busting bad guys.

[Ivette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Na de zaak in Nooduitgang is Katerina, a.k.a. Kat, weer helemaal terug als de stoere maar ietwat eigenwijze speurneus in de fraude-wereld. Haar leven is zwaar geworden na die ene laatste zaak: haar oom vergeet steeds vaker (belangrijke) dingen, en ze maakt zich enorme zorgen over hoe ze de zorg voor hem nog bij kan houden als hij steeds meer achteruit lijkt te raken. Dan wordt het nog ingewikkelder als ze een kans van haar leven krijgt - letterlijk en figuurlijk. Ze wordt benaderd door een zeer belangrijke zakenman, die haar hulp nodig heeft bij het uitzoeken van vreemde zaken binnen zijn bedrijf. Wanneer ze zich hier in vastklampt, wordt haar pijnlijk duidelijk hoe gevaarlijk deze zaak is, en dan dus niet alleen voor de zakenman…

Ik ben dol op Kat. Het is een stoere zakenvrouw die niet op haar mondje is gevallen en weet wat ze wil. Ze vecht voor wat ze waard is en voor haar familie en vrienden, zij zijn het allerbelangrijkste voor haar, naast haar werk, wat ze soms lastig los kan laten. Men weet dat het werk bij haar hoort en proberen op hun eigen manier haar keuzes te respecteren.
Toch verliest Kat soms haar eigen leven uit het oog, met alle gevolgen van dien. Haar privé-leven is niet gemakkelijk, maar het combineren daarvan met het duistere zakenleven waarin ze verzeild raakt, is zoals spelen met vuur. Ze weet het, ze probeert ook uit alle macht deze beide levens zoveel mogelijk uit elkaar te houden, maar dat redt ze niet altijd alleen. Ze krijgt hulp uit meerdere hoeken, maar wie is er te vertrouwen met haar leven, en wie absoluut niet? Het drijft haar tot het uiterste, wat haar hoofd regelmatig laat overlopen met diverse gedachtengangen en theorieën. De zaak is gevuld met complottheorieën en gooien haar eigen gedachtes geheel overhoop, waardoor ze soms haar eigen kracht in zichzelf dreigt te verliezen. Maar Kat zou Kat niet zijn als ze niet genoeg op zichzelf zou kunnen vertrouwen en één denkwijze staat bij haar dan ook altijd bovenaan: er is overal een oplossing voor… Met of zonder (eigenwijze) hulp!

Met Gelijke Munt is een spannende en goed uitgedachte hersenkraker, vol spanning en mysterieuze personages die je continu op andere gedachtes willen brengen om zelf zo onschuldig mogelijk te lijken. Tevens is het onderwerp dat auteur Colleen Cross aankaart - valuta en het rechttrekken van 1 munt over de hele wereld - heel realistisch beschreven, zodat je als lezer na gaat denken over hoe het op het moment in onze eigen financiële wereld gaat. Wordt alles wel eerlijk geregeld, of zijn er in het echt ook zulke plannen op stapel, waardoor de hele mensheid straks afhankelijk raakt van een bepaalde valuta of van de mensen die achter de valuta staan?

Ik ben benieuwd wat de toekomst voor Kat en de mensen om haar heen in petto heeft, want ik heb zomaar het idee dat ze zich in de toekomst graag opnieuw vastbijt in een nieuwe zaak!

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Theory is the second book in this series, but it can easily be listened to or read as a standalone. The first book in this series was my first time reading or listening to this author's work and I admit that I did wonder if the second book would be as good. I need not have worried I enjoyed it immensely.

Game Theory has Katerina Carter, a forensic accountant and fraud investigator trying to solve not one but two crimes. The first has global financial implications and the second has a much more personal and heartbreaking implication. Kat has been hired to investigate possible fraud by the manager of a multi-billion dollar investment fund which leads Kat and her boyfriend Jase who is a reporter, into many risky situations.

The more personal investigation involves her Uncle Harry, who is suffering from rapid onset Alzheimers. His money has disappeared, he's been robbed and has acquired massive debts - who has orchestrated this? Is it someone closer to home?

To add to her tasks she has to try to find Jase, he's been kidnapped but that's not all she too get's kidnapped.

I'd love to tell you more but that would involve spoilers I don't want to give so I will just say that this is a fast-paced enjoyable story which does manage to stretch the boundaries of belief but is no less enjoyable for that. There is lots of family and relationship drama mixed in with the mysteries Kat needs to solve.

The narration by Petrea Burchard is excellent, she also narrated the first book in the series which made the continuity great. She is very talented and really brought this story to life.

If you haven't read or listened to the first book I recommend that you do but that's only because it's so good and for me added to my enjoyment of this one.

I was given this audiobook as a gift and am voluntarily writing my review.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Colleen Cross' first book, Exit Strategy, I was blown away by the hero working as a forensic accountant. We've had all sorts of unlikely professions as heroes, and I worried that this was stretching it a bit. Two things changed my mind, the first being a local 'philanthropist' being jailed for running a Ponzi scheme and all his charity work being at the expense of other people and the second, and the reason most relevant, was the excellent writing. In Game Theory, Ms Cross has once again created an all too believable tale, and the hero at the centre of it all is the brilliant Katerina Carter, Forensic Accountant extraordinaire. Coping with the disappearance of her boyfriend, death threats, a beloved Uncle with dementia and a psychopathic cousin, Kat unravels all the threads and neatly ties them in a bow, sorted and resolved. She has a strong moral code and you have to respect that. Ms Cross cleverly entwines Kat's professional and personal life, and this is what makes the story so credible. I understood the financial shenanigans better in this book than in book 1, maybe because I've just seen this happen in real life. How people can do what they do, is a constant surprise to me. Thank goodness we have real life Katerina Carters to sort out the tangled web of lies these criminals spin. Excellent narration by Petrea Burchard. I am thrilled to recommend Game Theory, a clever and carefully plotted thriller that will keep you absorbed the whole time.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Theory by Colleen Cross is the second book in the series featuring Katerina Carter, whom is a forensic accountant. I loved how this book is both a standalone listen and part of a series. This book has several endearing characters and several despicable ones. I thought the author wrote the character of Uncle Harry in a very sensitive manner. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease, and so difficult to deal with. Katerina and Jace are also favorite characters of mine. I really enjoyed how the author wove several stories into one in this book. I had never really thought of elder-abuse before listening to this book, and the financial implications/consequences. Regarding another aspect of this book, the Ponzi scheme. The author wrote the details with such believability that I could see how people fall for them. The currency manipulation was another aspect that is very scary when one thinks about it. Petrea Burchard performed this book fantastically. I love how she gives distinguishable voices to the various characters. I could envision so many things with the vivid imagery in this book. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator. Blowout by Colleen Cross is the next book in the series.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read Exit Strategy, the first book in the series I was very sceptical about how exciting a book about a forensic accountant could be, but I was proved totally wrong, and was eager to read this book, the second in the series. It was just as good as the first.

It is a story about fraud on a global scale. Kat is a strong protagonist who has to use all her wits to ensure that justice prevails. On top of this Kat finds out that her uncle has Alzheimer's, along with his own money problems. Having had a couple of relatives with this sad disease I felt that it was handled and described sensitively and realistically by Ms Cross. The plot is fast paced and well written, with all the strands nicely tied up at the end. You do have to pay attention when reading/listening though to make sure you understand all the financial stuff.

It was nice to hear Petrea Burchard’s flawless narration again. I like it when there is continuity of narrators in a series.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Colleen Cross's book, and won't be my last. This is the second book, a standalone story, in the Katerina Carter Fraud Legal Thriller Series. Suspenseful, action packed, and filled with twists and turns. This thriller is really captivating! There's a lot going on, but despite that the story is easy to follow. Kat, Jace and Uncle Harry are great characters. Harry's Alzheimer disease is well described and realistic. Petrea Burchard did an amazing job with the narration. I enjoyed my listening, and I'm looking forward for more books written by this author. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook — at my request — and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her mother, and now her uncle were struck down with the horror that is Alzheimer's, and Kat is afraid of losing her supportive lover the way her own father ran out on them. Enter a high profile divorce case which leads to investigation of embezzlement, high finance machinations, and world finance manipulation. Add in a psychopathic killer who turns out to be Kat's cousin and you have the complex thriller that is this book which drew me in and kept me reading! Great stuff!
I have the audio narrated by Petrea Burchard who excels in this multifaceted read.
I requested and much to my delight received a free audio copy of this book. Thank you!

[Jo Reason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid book from Colleen Cross. This book sees Kat solving a possible embezzlement, but I enjoyed the other story in this book, the one with Kat and her Uncle Harry, not forgetting of cause Hilary who is rather scary. Want to know who Hilary is? you might want to read the book.

This book is suspenseful, emotional , exciting. I enjoyed this book more than the first, Exit Strategy (even though that was good), I think the details of the characters are more developed and as I also just finished the first book recently they are fresh in my mind.

Very good narration, the same person as the first book. I received a copy of the audio book in exchange for a review.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Theory is a suspense-charged financial thriller that exposes how the world really works. Cross’ second book in the Kat Carter series is even better than the first. It takes place in the midst of the financial crisis as she exposes a thinly-disguised Bilderberg-type new world order. As she uncovers the fraud her uncle’s Alzheimer’s worsens and reveals a deadly deception much closer to home. If you like John Grisham and Michael Connolly, you’ll enjoy this series. A smart, riveting read!

[Gloria Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow the money! I enjoyed GAME THEORY, second in the Katerina Carter fraud investigator series, even more than EXIT STRATEGY (which is darn good!). Cross has a winning combo here – an out-of-the-ordinary protagonist, an appealing supporting cast, and an intriguing plot line. I look forward to Kat’s further adventures as she peels back the layers of high-finance skulduggery to expose the truth.

[Amanda Tuinstra ( Liefde voor boeken Amanda) · Rating 3 out of 5]

recensie staat op m'n blog.

[Courtney Odor · Rating 2 out of 5]

As always, I have to state that this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.

I found this novel was a bit over the top. There are two parallel stories going on, One involving fraud and the World Institute; the other on the home front involves the Uncle and Kats cousin, that is a psychopath, and there is no connection between these two stories. The main story involves the World Institute. The author writes that the World Institute is fictitious. However, it seems to be modeled on - or at least inspired by - the Bilderberg group.
They even share the start year, 1954. (And there is a lot of rumors and conspiration theories connected to the Bilderberg group, that Ms. Cross has used in the description of the World Institute.) If you never have heard of the Bilderberg group the description of the World Institute may seem too unrealistic.
The other story (the side story?) involves the psychopathic cousin Hillary. I think it was a mistake to use her in the same novel as the World Institute. It was just too much.
I expected the whole time that Hillary was involved in the World Institute, that she may have been the murderess in the first chapter, that could have justified her turning up in this novel. Now the nowel just becomes crammed with chaotic events.

[Jonny Phake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Half way through this book, and I'm hoping the second half can drag the rating up to three stars.

Started off interesting enough.
A rich client in a divorce case. Kat, who's financial woes are compounding, needs this case badly. It's a big payout, with the potential to draw more wealthy clients.

Sadly, the storyline is cluttered with a couple pointless side stories. That slow the story down.

The main story involves a billionaire, who's company has been losing money. They money trail leads to a shadowy group of the world's richest most influential and powerful people.

One side story is about Kats adopted father, who she calls Uncle Harry. He is slowly succumbing to dementia, and also happens to be losing money. A side case Kat must solve....
Spoiler alert, the twist is so obvious it's annoying how long it drags on.

Another side story is about Jace. Kats partner who is a journalist and search and rescue worker. As slow as this book moves, the author still finds time to describe how hot Jace is. Riveting stuff.

The book is often far fetched, and/or predictable.
The characters are hard to like. And seem to movie character like.

Having said that, I'm going to power on through this book because I only have a few days left in the year for my reading goal...

*Edit*

Almost finished, and I had to change my rating to a single star.
It's repetitive narration by the MC has become too much for me.
The lack of commonsense by the MC is astounding, constantly putting herself in dangerous situations.
While the villain(s) continue to be ever more movie like in their ridiculousness.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina is at it again, trying to find fraud in a difficult case. Add to her struggles, her uncle's rapid decline with Alzheimer's and Katerina has her hands full. Her two worlds collide in this story and the plot really thickens then. I loved the personal aspect of this story. It was easy to relate to caring for a parent or family member. This story really captured my heart, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Petrea Buchard once again delivers a great narration. Petrea has an easy to listen to voice and keeps the characters separate. Petrea really brought Harry to life in this story. Even though Harry is a secondary character, he is very complex. Petrea easily narrated his character. I really enjoyed the narration of harry in this installment.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. A simple divorce case turns into so much more for Kat, when her billionaire client wants her to find a thief within his company. The trail leads to far more than either of them could imagine. Kat and Jase find themselves in serious danger after snooping around an invite only conference. The suspense and action will keep you listening much longer then you intended and leave you waiting for book three.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I really enjoy listening or reading these books.
Kat is a great character and has filled out personality wise so much.
Harry, bless him, my heart at times with this man.
This book deals with fraud, big business & family. They both are believable as real happenings. Sneaky & underhand whether family or strangers. Where money is concerned anything can happen!
Another great listen

[Simon Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Katerina book I have listened to and it is just as good as book one, or possibly slightly better.

The series is different from normal crime books as it is a fraud story, whcih has a different twqist on things.

The book had me hooked from the start as I tried to work out what was going to happen and kept me engaged throughout.

I have really enjoyed both books by Colleen and can't wait to listen to the next one, which I am going to start shortly.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second Katerina Carter Mystery is even better than the first. A fast paced mystery with intriguing financial shenanigans but Kat is more than equal to the challenge. Her personal life is also under strain. I found myself growing increasingly angry about the elder abuse and fraud suffered by her Uncle Harry. A great series, looking forward to reading number three.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Corrupts

Not a "How To," but certainly a primer on currency trading and the pros and cons of a single global currency! Petrea Burchard voices the characters with her usual flair and author Colleen Cross provides a compelling travelogue (YES I want to visit western Canada!) while setting up a ripped-from-the-headlines tale of conspiracy and global domination.

[Simon Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: In this intriguing novel we follow Kat, a forensic accountant, into the dark and secretive world of a society set on money market manipulation. What starts as an investigation into one company soon escalates into unearthing a global conspiracy where murder is used to silence objectors or whistleblowers. Full of twists, turns and revaluations this is a well written, fast paced, nicely narrated, mystery novel.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was fast paced and great fun with a strong female lead who just could not seem to get a break all the way through this when all she was trying to do was uncover the truth and help care for her beloved Uncle. I loved it and listened to it in one sitting.

[Niamh bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. the story and carachter development were both great. my only complaint is that the uncle's voice is like grandpa Simpson so I couldn't take him seriously. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced suspence!
I enjoyed all the teists and turns. Felt like there were so many story lines intertwined leading up to a great end tugging at the heart and working at uour brain to figure out what happens next.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Katerina Carter book and this time Kat is attempting to uncover a Ponzi scheme through a company while solving a murder and figuring out what to do with her Uncle Harry who is showing signs of dementia. Another enjoyable book by Colleen Cross.

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book in the series but would be fine as a standalone. I enjoyed the plot and the intrigue along with the twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"The whole monetary system is a game."


Review following

[Krishna Eluri · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story is great, the MC has to be dumbest and most oblivious person ever. I certainly won't be trying the third as i don't want my blood pressure to go up any further.