Money Matters: A Novel

By: Brian Finney

Narrated by: Almond Eastland

Finalist for the American Fiction Awards in Best New Fiction

She's poor and naïve. They're rich and dangerous.

At once a painful coming-of-age novel, an exciting amateur sleuth tale, and an intriguing narrative involving social issues (immigration and wealth disparity), Money Matters has mystery at its core. This emotionally charged debut novel is firmly embedded in Los Angeles culture over the 2010 mid-term election.

Jenny, the 27-year-old inexperienced protagonist, faced with the tragic disappearance of a friend, is forced to take on financial tycoons, corrupt politicians, and the treacherous Baja drug cartel in her search to uncover the truth. Jenny’s investigation takes her into the twilight world of undocumented immigrants, which leads her to seek the help of the handsome director of an immigrant rights organization to whom she is strongly attracted. But will the deadly enmity of the rich and powerful thwart her search and end her budding romance?

About the Author

Brian Finney is a writer and Professor Emeritus of Literature at California State University, Long Beach. Educated in England, he obtained a BA from the University of Reading and a PhD from the University of London. Between 1964-1987, he taught and arranged extra-mural courses for the University of London. Since immigrating to the US in 1987, he has taught at the University of California, Riverside, University of Southern California, UCLA, and California State University, Long Beach.

He has published eight books including Christopher Isherwood: A Critical Biography (1979, which was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, Terrorized: How the War on Terror Affected American Culture and Society (KDP 2011/2018), and Money Matters: A Novel (August 2019), Finalist, American Fiction Awards.

He is married and lives in Venice, California

©2019 Brian Finney (P)2019 Brian Finney

Excellent

I am a big fan of detective mysteries, and the plot and twists got me hooked. The narration captures every nuance of the unique and engaging characters that the author developed beautifully. A relatable protagonist plus a mystery waiting to be unraveled, with politics on the side and little sprinkle of romance? The perfect combination! Will definitely listen to this again soon.

Very Well Written

Overall, a well-written book. I do not get into a lot of details, because I prefer to let readers find all the surprises and such themselves. The title tells you the basic plot, but I will say that there were some unexpected twists and turns that had me staying up late to finish this one. I recommend it.

Great Novel

Money Matters is a really good detective novel set in Venice, California. It’s not noir but also not a cozy because of the events between Jenny the detective and Eduardo who leads a legal aid organization for immigrants. Solid plot, interesting characters, and suspenseful narration. Give it a listen.

I LOVED IT!

I loved it! This book caught my attention from the very beginning and held it throughout the entire book. This book is full of action, drama, suspense and romance. The narration was superb and gave the story that extra flair! The author did an excellent job with the character builds and plot. This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last! I look forward to reading more books from this author! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Money Matters, Excellent

It is a story with a unique point of view and even though at times it is a bit difficult to follow, it is worth reading. The mystery is interesting but the focus on the girl's path to truth and her struggles and victories.

Excellent

The story is great. Indeed, in the beginning, it takes time to dive in, but after a few minutes, you literally cannot stop listening to this audiobook. I highly recommend it.

Very Suspenseful

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class mystery, thriller, and suspense with perfect pacing.

Liked It Much

As I began the story, it was the magnetic impact that forced me to continue page after page. The story is written too well. It is interesting and gripping that moves in an intriguing and introspecting manner. Liked it much.

Five Stars

Where do I even begin? This book is so good! As a millennial who also considers herself as an amateur detective, it was fun to go along with Jenny's adventure. She and her sister Tricia couldn't be any more different, and the tension between them was all too real; anyone who has a sibling will relate. There was a lot going on, but it was so well-paced that I never felt lost. Five out of five stars.

Well Done Brian

This book grabbed me from page one and kept me mesmerized from start to finish. The characters and the plot is outstanding and will make you involved until the end.