Undermoney

By: Jay Newman

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

From a seasoned global finance insider comes “a gripping thriller that takes you into the world of New York hedge funds, Russian money launderers, and DC power politics [that] makes you feel like you’re actually there” (Bill Browder, author of Red Notice).

When a US airdrop of billions of dollars disappears in the desert sands of Syria, only a small group of military operatives knows its ultimate destination or why it has been stolen. Their goal is no less than the restoration of America’s geopolitical dominance on the global stage. Essential to this scheme are Greta Webb, a sophisticated CIA operative who is an expert on dark money, not to mention lethally skilled in hand-to-hand combat, and Elias Vicker, the damaged, dangerous soul who runs the world’s largest hedge fund.

To achieve its goals, the group must form dangerous alliances. One is with the hidden family that manages the largest private pool of capital that has ever existed. Another is with Fyodor Volk, the ruthless founder of Russia’s most successful private military company, a mercenary with ties to Vladimir Putin. Volk has his eye on Greta. She would be wise to avoid him but cannot.

Arcing from Manhattan’s finest apartments to Washington, DC, from Middle Eastern war zones to private European bank vaults, Undermoney follows the Americans as they are enmeshed in the world of dark money and confront ever-increasing danger. Ultimately, they must decide whether their objectives are worth the cost of sacrificing not just a few but potentially many human lives. “Unexpectedly timely” (The New Yorker),Undermoney is a “wildly entertaining peek behind the curtain of American politics, financial skullduggery, and high-stakes global conflict” (Nelson DeMille).

©2022 Ginzan Management Ltd. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Captivating

Good story with great narration. The plot can be sometimes hard to follow if you aren’t paying close attention.

Ring of truth.

Gripping, well written, technical details close to authentic.
Has ring of truth to it, let’s take heed.

Messy story told exceptionally well.

There is no happy ending. It is probably what actually happens in our cruel world. Does it make you feel better about humanity? Probably not. But when you really think about the book you realize it’s probably the realest “thriller” you will read all year.

Don't drive and listen

This is a 20 hour book that should be 8-10 hours. There is so much unnecessary detail that takes away from the story. If you are driving you will fall asleep. The underlying story is interesting and good but you will never get to the end because you will be so bored, you will crash and die.

Sprawling story. Too many antiheroes.

Jeremy Bobb is a great narrator. His performance made the book for me. There's a key plot point that makes no sense to me (no spoilers) after the crew has seized control of their largest target. Too many threads and not enough tapestry. Maybe the point is that there is nobody heroic in the political, intelligence, military and financial worlds. OK. You're still trying to create entertainment with compelling characters. Seems like a fail. I did learn a lot about hedge funds, money laundering and kleptocracy, though!

Plausible and interesting

Some sex, some preaching but enough action to keep your interest. At times a bit too much detail, but overall a good experience

Awesome ride

I want to listen and read the book again. - So much to take in and erudite.

Loved it!

This is a very interesting story with lots of ties to current events. Great book, wonderful narration and kept my attention the whole story. Can’t wait for his next book.

A Tom Clancy contender...

A great story line with art imitating life. Looking forward to the sequel and movie.

Entertains

Couldn’t put it down one of the most exciting books I’ve listened to in a while