Silent Money – Review

We’re going back in time a little way for today’s book review, to Glasgow, 1972.

Michael Mitchell is ambitious, talented and determined to succeed. But he learns the hard way that he will never achieve his goals in life – unless he plays by a different set of rules. He partners with a small-time crook to help the Glasgow underworld launder the proceeds of their crimes.

As the operation grows, Michael is forced to become more and more ruthless to protect what he has built. Shocked by who he has become, he vows to leave the criminal world behind and start a new life. But the past has a way of catching up. Finally, he gambles everything on one last desperate attempt to break free.

Review

I’ve always enjoyed crime fiction so was pleased to have the chance to join Rachel’s review tour for Silent Money. As soon as I started reading, I knew I would find it hard to put the book down.

The lead character, Michael, was somebody it was easy to warm to from the outset. Overlooked for promotion in favour of others with ‘the right’ connections, Michael continues to work hard, while making plans to set up his own business venture. Drawing on his experience in the banking sector, and making use of various connections, he begins his new journey.

At first, the operation runs smoothly, offering Michael the kind of lifestyle which has had previously only dreamt of. But as he becomes more ambitious, and the business expands, Michael finds himself mixing with a new level of associate. These are ruthless people, who work to put themselves first. Always. It doesn’t take long for Michael to start regretting his choices, and looking for a way out. It won’t be easy to withdraw though, too many people know too much.

Silent Money is a page turner with a fast paced plot, but not at the expense of character development. Dialogue is believable, making even the least deserving characters seem human. You come to understand their motivations, and what drives them. As I read, I felt I was there, in Glasgow 1972. Rooting for Michael who, in spite of his life choices and actions, remains at heart, a decent person. The ending is intriguing and I would very much like to know what happens next. I wholeheartedly recommend both book and author.

If you’d like to try this one, purchase links are:

UK  – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TQH59ZC/

US  – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TQH59ZC/

Author Bio

I was placed third in the 2015 Lightship Prize for first-time authors, won a 2016 Wishing Shelf Award Red Ribbon, been shortlisted at the UK Festival of Writing for Best First Chapter, longlisted in the 2017 UK Novel Writing Competition.

In 2017, I was one of twelve authors selected for Authors in the Spotlight at the Bloody Scotland book festival in Stirling, showcasing who they considered to be the best emerging talent in crime fiction, and was the only self-published author to be chosen. I have spoken at numerous other book events, including Blackwells’ Writers at the Fringe at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; a stand-alone slot at the Byres Road Book Festival in Glasgow, and the Aye Write! Book Festival, also in Glasgow. 

I went to Glasgow University in 1975 and lived in the city’s West End, the time and place for the setting of the majority of Silent Money.

Website: www.gdharper.com

Facebook: @gdharperauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/harper_author

Disclosure notice: I was gifted a copy of this book in return for a review. All views expressed are my own.