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Murders and Acquisitions
“Smart, fast, fun, and wildly original! You won’t put it down.”—Kitty Kelley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jackie Oh! and A Biography
From acclaimed publisher Thomas Dunne, Murders and Acquisitions is a gripping story of greed, rivalry, and revenge in the publishing industry. Perfect for fans of Succession.
Entitlement
Greed
Rivalry
Revenge
It’s just another day for the wealthy, privileged Maybachs—at least the few who still pay attention to the business.
Werther Maybach Myers was little known outside his primary businesses of media, publishing, and world-class money laundering. But with his death, his family’s multibillion-dollar conglomerate—Omnium International—has to change. And his position as the major American stakeholder in the enterprise is now up for grabs.
After five generations, few of the founders’ descendants have any interest in the business as long as the money keeps gushing—assuming that even a fight within the family would likely sort itself out. Except sharks are now oligarchs, criminal syndicates, foreign powers.
What happens next will shake the world …
From acclaimed publisher Thomas Dunne, Murders and Acquisitions is a gripping story of greed, rivalry, and revenge in the publishing industry. Perfect for fans of Succession.
Entitlement
Greed
Rivalry
Revenge
It’s just another day for the wealthy, privileged Maybachs—at least the few who still pay attention to the business.
Werther Maybach Myers was little known outside his primary businesses of media, publishing, and world-class money laundering. But with his death, his family’s multibillion-dollar conglomerate—Omnium International—has to change. And his position as the major American stakeholder in the enterprise is now up for grabs.
After five generations, few of the founders’ descendants have any interest in the business as long as the money keeps gushing—assuming that even a fight within the family would likely sort itself out. Except sharks are now oligarchs, criminal syndicates, foreign powers.
What happens next will shake the world …
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 29, 2026I'm very sorry, but if there's one thing I absolutely do not like it is books that read like telephone directories. Names, names and names. Especially because it is not clear whether the reader should remember all the names or not. Early on, there is talk about the ex-girlfriend of a man. It takes almost two pages of history about their relationship. But if they're not longer together, what is the use?
And this goes on and on and frankly I became bored.
Thanks to Blackstone and Edelweiss for this review copy.
And this goes on and on and frankly I became bored.
Thanks to Blackstone and Edelweiss for this review copy.
February 23, 2026
I genuinely struggled with this book.
By the 15% mark, 28 characters had already been introduced, which left me disoriented and disconnected from the story. Without a family tree, character guide, or clearer structural cues, it was difficult to understand how the “Four Families” were related—if they were connected at all.
The timeline also lacked clarity. With no date markers or consistent transitions, I frequently couldn’t tell whether events were unfolding over the course of a single day or shifting between time periods.
By Part 3, the number of named characters exceeds 50. Rather than creating a richly layered narrative, the sheer volume of perspectives made it nearly impossible to develop emotional investment or follow a coherent arc. The minimal use of dialogue further contributes to this distance; much of the book reads as exposition and reported events rather than lived scenes. As a result, the story feels like an ongoing information dump instead of a focused, character-driven narrative.
Unfortunately, this was an overwhelming and frustrating reading experience. I hope others may find joy in this type of writing, but it’s not for me.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC edition in exchange for an honest review.
By the 15% mark, 28 characters had already been introduced, which left me disoriented and disconnected from the story. Without a family tree, character guide, or clearer structural cues, it was difficult to understand how the “Four Families” were related—if they were connected at all.
The timeline also lacked clarity. With no date markers or consistent transitions, I frequently couldn’t tell whether events were unfolding over the course of a single day or shifting between time periods.
By Part 3, the number of named characters exceeds 50. Rather than creating a richly layered narrative, the sheer volume of perspectives made it nearly impossible to develop emotional investment or follow a coherent arc. The minimal use of dialogue further contributes to this distance; much of the book reads as exposition and reported events rather than lived scenes. As a result, the story feels like an ongoing information dump instead of a focused, character-driven narrative.
Unfortunately, this was an overwhelming and frustrating reading experience. I hope others may find joy in this type of writing, but it’s not for me.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC edition in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2025
This was a surprising but enjoyable novel combining an international business, politics and criminality along with some laugh out loud humour and intrigue. Much of the political situation is very close to the bone which I am sure readers will recognise. Aunt Betty is the real star in this story and she ensures justice is done the Maybach way.
March 18, 2026
A guilty pleasure. Short chapters, charming characters, no sex or even a bathroom that I can recall. Written by the editor who published the Da Vinci Code. You get the picture. I think every character was white. Would I recommend it? Maybe not. Will I see the inevitable movie? Absolutely.
May 9, 2026
As a retired publisher and editor that signed hundreds of authors over a long career I loved this highly respected insider’s somewhat dark but entertaining look at the publishing industry. As expected he got it right. He checks all the boxes—from self-absorbed poser back-stabbing management toads, highly sought after acquisitions editors chasing authors and best sellers to drive a list and publish well written mid-list titles, HR keeping DEI dossiers on staff (I once was reprimanded for not hiring an underrepresented minority for a open position even though none applied), to the changing world of production and manufacturing. A bit more on the marketplace would have been welcome.
The book goes far beyond publishing though. The privately owned multinational multibillion dollar Omnium International, like an octopus, had tentacles in many industries in many countries. Founded by four brothers over a century earlier each brother went his own way in the business world carving their presence in dozens of different fields. But profits were shared by all and over the decades few descendants cared about the company as long as the large checks kept coming; and they did. Once the 95 year old major US shareholder, Werther Maybach Meyers, passed the book digs into the people, places, political entities, criminal elements, and intelligence agencies looking to buy the company. Greed leads to the elimination of key Omnium shareholders, marriage for power and money, and Russia seeking U.S. and UK parts of Omnium for disinformation and propaganda purposes.
The book is filled with multiple characters and challenge to read, but well worth the time and effort. New characters in new cities and countries kept popping up in chapter after chapter. I kept asking myself if the character was mentioned previously. sometimes yes, many times not. Only a few matter in the end. Keep your eye on family members Jack Maybach and crafty and devious Betty Maybach, the key characters at Albion and Panda book, the bankers, and the butterfly effect. Part thriller, part mystery, a bit of espionage and political thriller, Thomas Dunne covers all the bases and kept me rooting for the underdogs. You will too.
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this highly entertaining literary thriller.
The book goes far beyond publishing though. The privately owned multinational multibillion dollar Omnium International, like an octopus, had tentacles in many industries in many countries. Founded by four brothers over a century earlier each brother went his own way in the business world carving their presence in dozens of different fields. But profits were shared by all and over the decades few descendants cared about the company as long as the large checks kept coming; and they did. Once the 95 year old major US shareholder, Werther Maybach Meyers, passed the book digs into the people, places, political entities, criminal elements, and intelligence agencies looking to buy the company. Greed leads to the elimination of key Omnium shareholders, marriage for power and money, and Russia seeking U.S. and UK parts of Omnium for disinformation and propaganda purposes.
The book is filled with multiple characters and challenge to read, but well worth the time and effort. New characters in new cities and countries kept popping up in chapter after chapter. I kept asking myself if the character was mentioned previously. sometimes yes, many times not. Only a few matter in the end. Keep your eye on family members Jack Maybach and crafty and devious Betty Maybach, the key characters at Albion and Panda book, the bankers, and the butterfly effect. Part thriller, part mystery, a bit of espionage and political thriller, Thomas Dunne covers all the bases and kept me rooting for the underdogs. You will too.
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this highly entertaining literary thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a little on the fence on this one.
For much of the book you are kept guessing and on your toes with constant action (and reaction!)
But then for other parts, as mentioned in other reviews, you are given SO MANY names that it is really difficult to keep up! And, at times I felt like the book was lagging a bit… so it was very odd for me!
Betty is one of the main characters in the book. She is the niece of a VERY wealthy man with a large family. She is also very friendly with her cousin, Greta. Greta is married to Randy who is a real scoundrel. His picture is probably next to the definition in the dictionary! He is seen to be bad in so many ways it is just incredible! But Betty sits by. Quietly absorbing all that goes in around her… taking it all in.
They are all involved in the family business too. Which is good and bad…
And we get to see many insider scoops on authors and publishing and schemes…
There are also multiple forces in this book. The Mafia. The Bratva. And so much more. And… ways to kill and dispose of bodies…or parts of. 😮😳
I will say that Betty won my heart early on, especially since she seemed to be looking out for her cousin. But wow. She was crazy too!
3 crazy, family-themed, back-stabbing, diabolical stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MurdersAndAcquisitions by @ThomasDunne and narrated nicely by @EdoardoBallerini.
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it on 6/27/26.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley , @BlackstonePublishingAudiobooks and @BlackstonePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
For much of the book you are kept guessing and on your toes with constant action (and reaction!)
But then for other parts, as mentioned in other reviews, you are given SO MANY names that it is really difficult to keep up! And, at times I felt like the book was lagging a bit… so it was very odd for me!
Betty is one of the main characters in the book. She is the niece of a VERY wealthy man with a large family. She is also very friendly with her cousin, Greta. Greta is married to Randy who is a real scoundrel. His picture is probably next to the definition in the dictionary! He is seen to be bad in so many ways it is just incredible! But Betty sits by. Quietly absorbing all that goes in around her… taking it all in.
They are all involved in the family business too. Which is good and bad…
And we get to see many insider scoops on authors and publishing and schemes…
There are also multiple forces in this book. The Mafia. The Bratva. And so much more. And… ways to kill and dispose of bodies…or parts of. 😮😳
I will say that Betty won my heart early on, especially since she seemed to be looking out for her cousin. But wow. She was crazy too!
3 crazy, family-themed, back-stabbing, diabolical stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MurdersAndAcquisitions by @ThomasDunne and narrated nicely by @EdoardoBallerini.
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it on 6/27/26.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley , @BlackstonePublishingAudiobooks and @BlackstonePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a stunning book! A combination of intrigue, mystery, corporate shenanigans, and love, this book delivers on many levels. I was so intrigued at the beginning of this book I couldn’t stop reading.
The book begins with the death of Werther Maybach Meyer, the most powerful American shareholder in Omnium, a century old, family-owned international company with “banking, media, and media arms.” Who will run the company now? The novel spans years and takes one across countries (Germany, London, Moscow). But it an omniscient narrator who tells the story and with much aplomb, glee, irony and twisted sense of humor that you are captivated in the telling.
The book is broken up into six parts that move the story across years and countries. Within each section are chapters that deal with the financial or business aspects of the company and then those that deal with personal aspects of those running various company arms. The financial chapters are not as interesting- but move the story’s look at how shady business can be - as the ones that dive into the characters that move the plot along. This is a very plot driven book.
The chapters that deal with Betty Maybach, Werther’s charity case niece, are the best. Second to Betty’s are the chapters on the Albion Publishing Company with Charlie Murphy and Will Volt. In both we get the characters with the most concern for what the company really stands for. I loved Betty’s story - she is so clever, devious, and deliciously evil (but an evil that works toward a good - loved that ending). The love stories of Charlie and Will balance Betty’s story out. Together they make this book hum beautifully.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
The book begins with the death of Werther Maybach Meyer, the most powerful American shareholder in Omnium, a century old, family-owned international company with “banking, media, and media arms.” Who will run the company now? The novel spans years and takes one across countries (Germany, London, Moscow). But it an omniscient narrator who tells the story and with much aplomb, glee, irony and twisted sense of humor that you are captivated in the telling.
The book is broken up into six parts that move the story across years and countries. Within each section are chapters that deal with the financial or business aspects of the company and then those that deal with personal aspects of those running various company arms. The financial chapters are not as interesting- but move the story’s look at how shady business can be - as the ones that dive into the characters that move the plot along. This is a very plot driven book.
The chapters that deal with Betty Maybach, Werther’s charity case niece, are the best. Second to Betty’s are the chapters on the Albion Publishing Company with Charlie Murphy and Will Volt. In both we get the characters with the most concern for what the company really stands for. I loved Betty’s story - she is so clever, devious, and deliciously evil (but an evil that works toward a good - loved that ending). The love stories of Charlie and Will balance Betty’s story out. Together they make this book hum beautifully.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murders and Acquisitions is the perfect title for this superbly wily, crafty, and intelligent corporate mystery thriller. Author Thomas Dunne's writing is startlingly poetic and refreshingly original. My heart and mind were captured every second and the enjoyment factor was incredibly high. I felt wonderfully on edge while happily ensconced in my outdoor lounger. Why aren't there more novels like this to taunt and grip and engross?
The Maybach family owned and operated Omnium International, a wealthy media conglomerate with headquarters and staff in various countries. Obscenely wealthy and powerful oligarchs had their own acquisitions by their own methods, sometimes including mysterious deaths. Storylines took place in these locations, seamlessly sewn together with multi-coloured threads. The family members were different from each other, some dripped with greedy in every way, others hankered after simpler lives. Many fascinating characters to follow but the two main ones are Betty and Randy. Everyone had scores to settle. Questionable choices and actions sometimes felt necessary for the greater good (though the reader knows they are not!). Very convincing and entertaining. The ending was as satisfying as I had hoped. Timelines are cleverly written, taking the reader back and forth, up and down and around which I LOVED. My mind soaked up snippets of new-to-me information, too. Win-win all around.
My sincere thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this outrageously fiendish and sharp-as-a-tack novel. If you crave something different, this may be for you.
The Maybach family owned and operated Omnium International, a wealthy media conglomerate with headquarters and staff in various countries. Obscenely wealthy and powerful oligarchs had their own acquisitions by their own methods, sometimes including mysterious deaths. Storylines took place in these locations, seamlessly sewn together with multi-coloured threads. The family members were different from each other, some dripped with greedy in every way, others hankered after simpler lives. Many fascinating characters to follow but the two main ones are Betty and Randy. Everyone had scores to settle. Questionable choices and actions sometimes felt necessary for the greater good (though the reader knows they are not!). Very convincing and entertaining. The ending was as satisfying as I had hoped. Timelines are cleverly written, taking the reader back and forth, up and down and around which I LOVED. My mind soaked up snippets of new-to-me information, too. Win-win all around.
My sincere thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this outrageously fiendish and sharp-as-a-tack novel. If you crave something different, this may be for you.
June 19, 2026
This book was so busy trying to be everything that it wound up a bit of a tangled mess. It was about publishing. And it was about family. And it was about oligarchs and politics and organized crime and betrayal and backstabbing and wealth disparity and the ridiculousness of the uber-wealthy and and and.... There were a lot of really fabulous elements. but they were buried in so many layers a plot and character that it was hard to find them.
This feels like two books that got slammed together. There were some magnificent insights and a ton of snarky and witty elements and lines. But there were also a number of places in which I felt utterly confused and completely underwhelmed.... I'll be honest - if it had not been for the narration, I would have DNF'd long before the end. Eduardo Ballerini is amazing, as always, and absolutely saved this one for me because he knew exactly how to maximize the high points and coast through the low.
There was a lot more Russian emphasis than the blurb led me to suspect. I must confess that these were the least interesting parts of the book for me. The publishing bits were definitely the most interesting, as were those in which the various family members vied for a piece of the pie. I would give the author a try again, especially in audiobook form with Ballerini as the narrator, but even without that there were definitely enough elements that drew me in and held my attention. But I would hope to see more of a focused story next time, with less characters and less plot lines to send things in so many different directions...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
This feels like two books that got slammed together. There were some magnificent insights and a ton of snarky and witty elements and lines. But there were also a number of places in which I felt utterly confused and completely underwhelmed.... I'll be honest - if it had not been for the narration, I would have DNF'd long before the end. Eduardo Ballerini is amazing, as always, and absolutely saved this one for me because he knew exactly how to maximize the high points and coast through the low.
There was a lot more Russian emphasis than the blurb led me to suspect. I must confess that these were the least interesting parts of the book for me. The publishing bits were definitely the most interesting, as were those in which the various family members vied for a piece of the pie. I would give the author a try again, especially in audiobook form with Ballerini as the narrator, but even without that there were definitely enough elements that drew me in and held my attention. But I would hope to see more of a focused story next time, with less characters and less plot lines to send things in so many different directions...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
June 19, 2026
For the first long stretch I could not tell you who this book was about. A media magnate dies, his stake in a multibillion dollar conglomerate goes up for grabs, and the people circling it arrive faster than you can place them. Family, lawyers, oligarchs, syndicate figures, foreign powers. The names come in waves before any of them have a face, and I understand why some readers gave up here.
Stay with it. The company is the protagonist. You follow the machine first, and the people only resolve into focus once you understand what it is and who wants to own it. Past the midpoint the book stops being a directory and becomes a thriller, the alliances clarify, and a revenge plot pulls the threads into one line of tension. By the time it comes together you know exactly who is holding the knives and what they stand to lose.
The comedy is drier than the Succession pitch suggests. It works in a chuckle register, describing genuinely dark events in a way that leaves you amused at things you probably should not be amused by. The political backdrop sits close enough to the real thing that you keep recognising the shapes inside the fiction. I listened to the audiobook, and Edoardo Ballerini narrates it well, clear and steady throughout.
The slow opening is a real cost, not a quirk. The book asks for trust before it earns it, and impatient readers may not reach the part that justifies the approach. That honest trade is why it lands at four rather than five. Recommended for readers who like their thrillers wide rather than tight.
Full review at murderedpages.com
Stay with it. The company is the protagonist. You follow the machine first, and the people only resolve into focus once you understand what it is and who wants to own it. Past the midpoint the book stops being a directory and becomes a thriller, the alliances clarify, and a revenge plot pulls the threads into one line of tension. By the time it comes together you know exactly who is holding the knives and what they stand to lose.
The comedy is drier than the Succession pitch suggests. It works in a chuckle register, describing genuinely dark events in a way that leaves you amused at things you probably should not be amused by. The political backdrop sits close enough to the real thing that you keep recognising the shapes inside the fiction. I listened to the audiobook, and Edoardo Ballerini narrates it well, clear and steady throughout.
The slow opening is a real cost, not a quirk. The book asks for trust before it earns it, and impatient readers may not reach the part that justifies the approach. That honest trade is why it lands at four rather than five. Recommended for readers who like their thrillers wide rather than tight.
Full review at murderedpages.com
June 6, 2026
𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗖𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲 is a mystery filled with family secrets, corporate intrigue, power struggles, and betrayal. When Betty Maybach discovers her cousin's husband, Randy, is manipulating his way to the top of the family business, she begins digging into his schemes. What she uncovers puts both her future and her life at risk. Unfortunately, this book wasn't a great fit for me. It didn't capture my attention from the beginning, and I found myself struggling to become invested in the story. There were also a lot of characters to keep track of, which made it difficult to stay focused on the plot and remember who was who. While I appreciated the premise of a wealthy family entangled in secrets and corporate maneuvering, I never felt fully engaged with the characters or their motivations. In the end, this was one of those books that simply wasn't for me, and it took all of my reading determination to see it through to the final page.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
💰 Wealthy family drama
🏢 Corporate intrigue
🔪 Murder mystery
👪 Family secrets
⚖️ Power struggles
🕵️ Amateur investigation
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
💰 Wealthy family drama
🏢 Corporate intrigue
🔪 Murder mystery
👪 Family secrets
⚖️ Power struggles
🕵️ Amateur investigation
May 8, 2026
Read it as a primer on international acquisitions, corporate skullduggery, NYC high finance, Russian oligarchies and you will learn quite a bit about the business world. You won't remember a character's name but the rise and fall and possible redemption of Omnium Corp. will live on as an example of everything that's rotten in today's mystifying world of money. I do think Emma Lathen did this sort of thing the best (actually Lathen was a pseudonym for two women who wrote these together) and though some of her mysteries are dated, particularly in dating and marriage mores, I learnt a few things from her books about banking and business industries. Her books are floating around the used bookstores, snatch one up if you like this sort of thing.
June 15, 2026
This thriller is a dark fictional look behind the media and publishing industry written by an author who worked in it before turning to his own writing.. The Machiavellian world of greedy oligarchs and heirs created by the author provides a sinister backdrop for this mystery that includes plenty of bad behavior, family drama, and corporate power. I listened to the audio book and thought the narrator was excellent. Thanks to the publisher for an early copy.
May 3, 2026
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
With the author's industry expertise, the publishing business side of this feels the most well developed- the more underworld aspects felt a little more confusing. There are a lot of characters and relationships to keep track of, which did bog this story down and slowed the propulsion.
With the author's industry expertise, the publishing business side of this feels the most well developed- the more underworld aspects felt a little more confusing. There are a lot of characters and relationships to keep track of, which did bog this story down and slowed the propulsion.
June 17, 2026
Yes, there are a lot of characters, but the main ones have characteristics that make them memorial and not so hard to track. Fun story. Aunt Betty was my favorite character, but I also really liked Charlie. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 11, 2026
Interesting and insightful at points, but at points it reads more like a table of names than a book. 2.5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews