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Grove O'Rourke #1
Top Producer
In a world that moves as fast as finance does, top producers have to think three steps ahead and make snap decisions. Theirs is a blurred version of reality, one that conceals moves as much as it rewards the bold ones. All too easily, scams can be disguised as success; plotting can be mistaken for killer instincts. And as Grove O’Rourke finds out, “Nothing obscures vulnerability like success. Nothing that is, except for friendships.”
But this book isn’t about stocks and bonds—it’s about people. About Grove O’Rourke, top producer at the investment firm of Sachs, Kidder, and Carnegie, and about his best friend, Charlie Kelemen, whose spectacular murder is carried out in front of hundreds of horrified partygoers at the opening of the novel. It’s about Charlie’s widow, who comes to Grove for help after her husband’s death, even though she’s hiding a dark secret. And it’s about how money—vast sums of money—can cover up even the most glaring imperfections in relationships, and fool everyone.
Well, almost everyone.
With the ease of someone who has lived in the world of top producers, Norb Vonnegut has crafted a sharp, dark thriller that will make you think—and then double-check your investments.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2009
7 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Norb Vonnegut
11 books63 followers"Author of glittery thrillers about fiscal malfeasance...his own improbably sexy genre." -Janet Maslin, the New York Times
When money talks…I listen. Always have. I'm fascinated by what can go wrong and spent years on Wall Street dealing with the problems of wealth. Morgan Stanley, Paine Webber, and Kidder Peabody—I've been around the block. Back then, my job was to protect clients from market disasters.
Today as an author, I'm still asking what can go wrong. Only now, my goal is to take readers on a thrilling ride through the wilds and what-if of Wall Street. The characters in my stories, whether I'm writing fiction or non-fiction, are perfect fodder for an irreverent look at what happens behind the scenes in the bare-knuckled world of finance.
I believe every book should begin with a big idea. In my latest novel, The Trust, I examine how some criminals hide behind the First Amendment and its guarantee of religious freedom. The villain in this story, a real sicko, infiltrates a family's finances before they suspect anything is wrong. And it's up to Grove O'Rourke—stockbroker, good guy, a recurring character in my fiction—to put things right.
Other thing to know about me: I graduated from Phillips Exeter in 1976, Harvard College in 1980 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1986. My family and I split our time between New York City and Narragansett, Rhode Island. I'm an avid cyclist and a Trustee with the American Foundation for the Blind. And I absolutely love books on tape.
I have two new ideas for the Grove O'Rourke series. But these days I'm working on my first non-fiction book. I hope you will check back every now and then. Because, I look forward to telling you a true story about the American dream colliding with American justice. Hint: This is not your father's Law and Order.
When money talks…I listen. Always have. I'm fascinated by what can go wrong and spent years on Wall Street dealing with the problems of wealth. Morgan Stanley, Paine Webber, and Kidder Peabody—I've been around the block. Back then, my job was to protect clients from market disasters.
Today as an author, I'm still asking what can go wrong. Only now, my goal is to take readers on a thrilling ride through the wilds and what-if of Wall Street. The characters in my stories, whether I'm writing fiction or non-fiction, are perfect fodder for an irreverent look at what happens behind the scenes in the bare-knuckled world of finance.
I believe every book should begin with a big idea. In my latest novel, The Trust, I examine how some criminals hide behind the First Amendment and its guarantee of religious freedom. The villain in this story, a real sicko, infiltrates a family's finances before they suspect anything is wrong. And it's up to Grove O'Rourke—stockbroker, good guy, a recurring character in my fiction—to put things right.
Other thing to know about me: I graduated from Phillips Exeter in 1976, Harvard College in 1980 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1986. My family and I split our time between New York City and Narragansett, Rhode Island. I'm an avid cyclist and a Trustee with the American Foundation for the Blind. And I absolutely love books on tape.
I have two new ideas for the Grove O'Rourke series. But these days I'm working on my first non-fiction book. I hope you will check back every now and then. Because, I look forward to telling you a true story about the American dream colliding with American justice. Hint: This is not your father's Law and Order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 1, 2009
Norb Vonnegut's first novel attempts to do for investment bankers what John Grisham's books have done for lawyers. With Top Producer, Vonnegut creates his own mini-genre: the post-Madoff hedge-fund Wall-Street scandal novel. Oh, and it has sharks too--and not just the human kind.
Actual financial advisors and Wall-Street types would probably really enjoy this book. It reeks of authenticity; Vonnegut is himself an investment consultant, and clearly knows their lingo and culture in his bones. He spends a lot of time deploying this financial slang, as if to prove his chops. But this ultimately backfires, because he then has to explain all the secret coded language to the rest of us. Some of the details about how stock trading works are interesting to the lay-woman, but other times the minutia-rama just gets bewildering.
Vonnegut also falls prey to some newbie thriller-writing errors; characters do redundant things like "roar angrily," and there are millions of "she snapped" or "he whispered," when a simple "said" or "asked" would be more elegant. The characters feel sketchy, too; there is one in particular who transforms in the course of the book, in a way that feels more like a plot contrivance than like a real person's behavior.
But the story's got momentum despite these glitches. Once I grabbed on, I was like a water-skier trying to stay upright as my boat raced toward its destination. I think Vonnegut can build a real niche for himself telling these types of stories, especially if he learns from his mistakes in this one--or just lets his style breathe and mellow a bit.
Actual financial advisors and Wall-Street types would probably really enjoy this book. It reeks of authenticity; Vonnegut is himself an investment consultant, and clearly knows their lingo and culture in his bones. He spends a lot of time deploying this financial slang, as if to prove his chops. But this ultimately backfires, because he then has to explain all the secret coded language to the rest of us. Some of the details about how stock trading works are interesting to the lay-woman, but other times the minutia-rama just gets bewildering.
Vonnegut also falls prey to some newbie thriller-writing errors; characters do redundant things like "roar angrily," and there are millions of "she snapped" or "he whispered," when a simple "said" or "asked" would be more elegant. The characters feel sketchy, too; there is one in particular who transforms in the course of the book, in a way that feels more like a plot contrivance than like a real person's behavior.
But the story's got momentum despite these glitches. Once I grabbed on, I was like a water-skier trying to stay upright as my boat raced toward its destination. I think Vonnegut can build a real niche for himself telling these types of stories, especially if he learns from his mistakes in this one--or just lets his style breathe and mellow a bit.
September 8, 2022
On Wall Street we each have one reputation and a thousand opportunities to destroy it every day. Once a name registers horror, there is no turning back. There is no way to fix the damage and end the flux of unsavory associations.
Dennis Kozlowski. Jeffrey Skilling. Grove O'Rourke.
Financial scandals wreak havoc. We can beat the charges--maybe. We can walk freely among our colleagues--maybe. We can start fresh and allow time to dim the memories. Don't bet on it. Salvaging reputations is like pissing into Hurricane Hugo. The stream boomerangs back at 180 miles per hour. The soil of bad press and tang of yellow journalism stain our careers forever. Unflattering articles never go away. They smear oblivious brokers who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thank you Google. You will always be there for me in .18 seconds or less. Thank you for sharing all the sordid speculation. You are a credit to the forces of muckraking, with never a complaint, and no gripes about the workload. You deliver all the news fit to print, and some that is not, with tireless and unflagging dedication.
~~The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. Vonnegut's story starts with a no-expense spared birthday gala for the wife of a high profile Wall-street investor. Imagine the giant tank surrounded by ladies in sparkling evening gowns and men in well-tailored tuxedoes. Then imagine the festivities quickly turning to horror as they see a man sinking inside the tank. His arms are covered in cuts, and the sharks quickly become curious. A heavy service cart is tied to his ankle, confirming that this is no unfortunate accident.
First two sentences: Six weeks ago I was a rising star at a white-shoe investment bank and brokerage firm. I was Babe Ruth on my way from Boston to New York City, John F. Kennedy connecting with crowds during the presidential elections.
Grove O'Rourke is a top producer at a prestigious Wall Street investment firm. He rakes in well over a million in commissions yearly, and thrives on the adrenaline rush of high stakes trading. But his life is about to take a tragic turn. His best friend, Charlie, is the investor who throws the birthday gala at the aquarium for his wife. He's also the one drowning in the aquarium, about to become shark bait. Charlie's death hits Grove hard. It seems pointlessly cruel. Who in the world would want to hurt him? Then Charlie's widow, Sam, comes to Grove for help. As Grove digs into Charlie's finances, attempting to sort out the estate for Sam, he realizes that Charlie's closet has a few skeletons...and there may be a motive for murder after all. Will he be able to help Sam without becoming a victim himself?
My two cents: Vonnegut has an interesting premise for his novel, and clearly has the financial background to give Grove an authentic voice. Unfortunately, the writing doesn't live up to the story. Vonnegut uses the first person POV, and Grove's narrative becomes exhausting. There are frequent italicized sentences, highlighting Grove's mental thoughts....which isn't necessary if first person POV is done correctly. Bonus points though, create a drinking game where you take a shot every time he says "Danger Will Robinson" to himself. If you also take a shot for every time we're told he's a top producer, you'll be drunk by chapter 10. Not only is the POV awkward, but the prose is dry. Then there's a sprinkling of cultural insensitivity. I'm by no means the PC police, and it was glaring to me. Given a rating of 1.5 stars or "Below Average." Recommended only if you like thrillers set in the hustle and bustle of Wall Street.
Other quotes: My dad once quipped, "Charleston is a city distinguished by three hundred years of history uninterrupted by progress." He was right back then. People tell me things are different now, but it is impossible for me to comment. I have not been back to Charleston for some time.
~~There is no such thing as the "securities industry." The term is oxymoronic, emphasis on "moronic." There is only pace, the rush for money and the frenzy of combatants, the distractions from memories eighteen months old. Wall Street is all about angst. [...] Fear is one thing. Greed is another. Everybody has an agenda. There are no exceptions.
Dennis Kozlowski. Jeffrey Skilling. Grove O'Rourke.
Financial scandals wreak havoc. We can beat the charges--maybe. We can walk freely among our colleagues--maybe. We can start fresh and allow time to dim the memories. Don't bet on it. Salvaging reputations is like pissing into Hurricane Hugo. The stream boomerangs back at 180 miles per hour. The soil of bad press and tang of yellow journalism stain our careers forever. Unflattering articles never go away. They smear oblivious brokers who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thank you Google. You will always be there for me in .18 seconds or less. Thank you for sharing all the sordid speculation. You are a credit to the forces of muckraking, with never a complaint, and no gripes about the workload. You deliver all the news fit to print, and some that is not, with tireless and unflagging dedication.
~~The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. Vonnegut's story starts with a no-expense spared birthday gala for the wife of a high profile Wall-street investor. Imagine the giant tank surrounded by ladies in sparkling evening gowns and men in well-tailored tuxedoes. Then imagine the festivities quickly turning to horror as they see a man sinking inside the tank. His arms are covered in cuts, and the sharks quickly become curious. A heavy service cart is tied to his ankle, confirming that this is no unfortunate accident.
First two sentences: Six weeks ago I was a rising star at a white-shoe investment bank and brokerage firm. I was Babe Ruth on my way from Boston to New York City, John F. Kennedy connecting with crowds during the presidential elections.
Grove O'Rourke is a top producer at a prestigious Wall Street investment firm. He rakes in well over a million in commissions yearly, and thrives on the adrenaline rush of high stakes trading. But his life is about to take a tragic turn. His best friend, Charlie, is the investor who throws the birthday gala at the aquarium for his wife. He's also the one drowning in the aquarium, about to become shark bait. Charlie's death hits Grove hard. It seems pointlessly cruel. Who in the world would want to hurt him? Then Charlie's widow, Sam, comes to Grove for help. As Grove digs into Charlie's finances, attempting to sort out the estate for Sam, he realizes that Charlie's closet has a few skeletons...and there may be a motive for murder after all. Will he be able to help Sam without becoming a victim himself?
My two cents: Vonnegut has an interesting premise for his novel, and clearly has the financial background to give Grove an authentic voice. Unfortunately, the writing doesn't live up to the story. Vonnegut uses the first person POV, and Grove's narrative becomes exhausting. There are frequent italicized sentences, highlighting Grove's mental thoughts....which isn't necessary if first person POV is done correctly. Bonus points though, create a drinking game where you take a shot every time he says "Danger Will Robinson" to himself. If you also take a shot for every time we're told he's a top producer, you'll be drunk by chapter 10. Not only is the POV awkward, but the prose is dry. Then there's a sprinkling of cultural insensitivity. I'm by no means the PC police, and it was glaring to me. Given a rating of 1.5 stars or "Below Average." Recommended only if you like thrillers set in the hustle and bustle of Wall Street.
Other quotes: My dad once quipped, "Charleston is a city distinguished by three hundred years of history uninterrupted by progress." He was right back then. People tell me things are different now, but it is impossible for me to comment. I have not been back to Charleston for some time.
~~There is no such thing as the "securities industry." The term is oxymoronic, emphasis on "moronic." There is only pace, the rush for money and the frenzy of combatants, the distractions from memories eighteen months old. Wall Street is all about angst. [...] Fear is one thing. Greed is another. Everybody has an agenda. There are no exceptions.
July 15, 2011
This was a pretty good book not too deep, but all-in-all a decent effort. It was written and published before the Bernie Madoff scandal broke, so the fact that some of the pivotal characters are involved in a "mini-Madoff" scam is possibly just coincidence. (What did Mr. Vonnegut know and when did he know it? Inquiring minds want to know!) I also liked the occasional descriptions of financial instruments and various transactions. I think the "mix" of these forays into the sleuthing plot was probably correct for a general audience. I would have asked for more.
Personally I liked the fact that the protagonist is a cyclist that was an unexpected pleasure. Like the finanical underpinnings it adds color to the story, but in places it also advances the main plot. While it isn't quite the car chase in "The French Connection", one might imagine a filmed sequence following the passage in the book. Although it is not an overly long or deep book, I thought it was a decent read and will be gifting it to one of my reading friends over here in Wales.
Personally I liked the fact that the protagonist is a cyclist that was an unexpected pleasure. Like the finanical underpinnings it adds color to the story, but in places it also advances the main plot. While it isn't quite the car chase in "The French Connection", one might imagine a filmed sequence following the passage in the book. Although it is not an overly long or deep book, I thought it was a decent read and will be gifting it to one of my reading friends over here in Wales.
August 21, 2012
Excellent novel... A fantastic financial thriller..
Looking fwd to reading all of Norb's novels.
Always liked John Grisham for legal thrillers and now we have Norb Vonnegut for the financial thrillers. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets made into a movie someday.
Looking fwd to reading all of Norb's novels.
Always liked John Grisham for legal thrillers and now we have Norb Vonnegut for the financial thrillers. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets made into a movie someday.
August 17, 2012
Top Producer: Norb Vonnegut
Illusions are often hard to see through. Some people create their own persona and many never look past what they see on the surface and ignore what some hope to keep hidden behind the veil of deceit or illusion they have created. Grove O’Rourke is a top producer as they are branded or named at an investment firm in New York. Working hard, dealing with the investments of the wealthy he handles more than 2 million dollars in the area called Private Clients at Sachs, Kidder and Carnegie. But, when his friend Charlie asks him to help pick a location to surprise his wife for his birthday the end result will not only mystify readers but those attending the party too. Location is the New England Aquarium where he thought his wife would not only be surprised but would provide unusual entertainment. But, Charlie was unique and what happens in front of 500 guests would haunt most for quite some time. After the belly dancer performs and does her thing and the guest are warmed up, the liquor flowing someone spots Charlie inside the shark tank but did he go in there willingly or did someone put him in there or was he threatened? What happens if frightening, scary and no one seems to know what to do when they witness Charlie flaying about in the tank, cannot tell if he is putting on a show and when the harsh reality sets in what they witness would frighten most and sicken others.
Funeral provided an interesting mix of mourners and the widow seems to be avoiding him, Grove becomes concerned with just why she has not reached out to him and what really happened to Charlie. Did a deal go bad, were his finances in trouble, the search for answers would envelop him in so deep he might be sorry he ever started. What Samantha, Charlie’s wife reveals to him about her lack of finances and finally reaches out to him for help makes you wonder just what Charlie was really into and where the lies, deceits and greed begins and where the honest truth might be. Charlie ran a one-man investment company, which seemed to be lucrative. However, when the illusion or the veils are lifted what Grove finds might place not only the investors and friend’s money in danger but his job too?
But, the author enlightens the reader into the world of Top Producers, high finance, stocks, IPO’s and the cutthroat way they all work in order to get the client to sign. Millions of dollars at stake and no one wants their client to lose. Office gossip runs high in some cases many will put themselves in awkward positions for the client and others will learn what happens when a simple voicemail gets multiplied by 800 and the entire company finds out your dirty little secret. But, there is much more as several people working with him will do anything to take his clients, feed him information and find out just what made Charlie tick. Just what does the police know and what will happen when they speak to Grove? What happens when he probes too far?
As the plot continues to unfold you learn more about Charlie and his fund of Funds Company and how it worked. Charlie invested hedge funds and his charge was an annual fee of one percent of the assets kept. But, when Grove looked into the company even further why was his wife left with a bank account of only 600 dollars? Where are the rest of the accounts and where are his investments? Why are two police officers from Boston working the case and why do they want to talk to Grove? Why does his boss and several others in his company tell him to back off of Charlie’s company and leave it to the police to unravel the mess? Just who wanted this man dead? Who tied a serving cart to his leg and dropped him in a tank of sharks? No investments found. No accounts and where are the Master Funds?
Delving further he comes up with three names Charlie, Alex Romanov and Patty Gershon who seems to have it all figured out for one of his accounts but does she? What do all three have in common and what is next for Grove? One forged letter with Grover’s signature on it stating the Kelemen Group has an account with his firm. But, it does not. MRI Capital what role did that play and what relationship to Charlie who seemed to have files on his computer related to that company? What was the link to Rugged Computers? But, his laptop and what he learned would reveal more about some of the investments, redemptions that were processed but many other questions would arise and many questions would lead to the truth about what Charlie was really doing and some would wonder just how much money did he really have in reality and on paper? One spreadsheet on the Kelemen Group shed an awful light of light. Told in the first person in the voice of Grove himself you get an insider’s view first hand of the world of investments, stocks and hedge funds. But, when this letter services and this spreadsheet comes to light will his company back him or will his career be over? But, what comes to light is forgery, threats and quick returns on capital. As the author enlightens the reader to Charlie’s past, his Ponzi schemes, his deceptions and where that would leave Grove. What about his wife? Why the cuts on his arms? Just whom did he cheat? He forged what he needed from Grove the endorsement of an 8 -figure account. Just which firm worked with him created the accounts? Why didn’t they call Grove back?
A spider casts his web until he snares his prey. The deceit, deceptions and lies are just on the surface here as Grove delves even further into the life of someone who called his best friend and woman who just might have more to hide than her husband’s missing money. Backstabbing co-workers who would stooped to anything to best you at what you do and get your client, author Norb Vonnegut brings to light many issues that remind the reader of stories that often rock the headlines on a daily basis. First hand knowledge of investments and working in a firm himself, the author creates a story right out of the headlines filled with humor, sarcasm, insight and intrigue.
Loyal employee Annie who cared a lot for Grover plus Chloe who have his back and are on his side. Who invested in Kelemen Group or Charlie’s fund of funds? What will he finally do? Who killed Charlie and why? Wait until you find learn the ending with its twists, curve balls, turns and definite surprises. Will the police finally figure it out? What will happen to Grove? Who gets final deal? Read Top Producers and find out who stays on top! Who killed Charlie and why? Read it to find out!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Illusions are often hard to see through. Some people create their own persona and many never look past what they see on the surface and ignore what some hope to keep hidden behind the veil of deceit or illusion they have created. Grove O’Rourke is a top producer as they are branded or named at an investment firm in New York. Working hard, dealing with the investments of the wealthy he handles more than 2 million dollars in the area called Private Clients at Sachs, Kidder and Carnegie. But, when his friend Charlie asks him to help pick a location to surprise his wife for his birthday the end result will not only mystify readers but those attending the party too. Location is the New England Aquarium where he thought his wife would not only be surprised but would provide unusual entertainment. But, Charlie was unique and what happens in front of 500 guests would haunt most for quite some time. After the belly dancer performs and does her thing and the guest are warmed up, the liquor flowing someone spots Charlie inside the shark tank but did he go in there willingly or did someone put him in there or was he threatened? What happens if frightening, scary and no one seems to know what to do when they witness Charlie flaying about in the tank, cannot tell if he is putting on a show and when the harsh reality sets in what they witness would frighten most and sicken others.
Funeral provided an interesting mix of mourners and the widow seems to be avoiding him, Grove becomes concerned with just why she has not reached out to him and what really happened to Charlie. Did a deal go bad, were his finances in trouble, the search for answers would envelop him in so deep he might be sorry he ever started. What Samantha, Charlie’s wife reveals to him about her lack of finances and finally reaches out to him for help makes you wonder just what Charlie was really into and where the lies, deceits and greed begins and where the honest truth might be. Charlie ran a one-man investment company, which seemed to be lucrative. However, when the illusion or the veils are lifted what Grove finds might place not only the investors and friend’s money in danger but his job too?
But, the author enlightens the reader into the world of Top Producers, high finance, stocks, IPO’s and the cutthroat way they all work in order to get the client to sign. Millions of dollars at stake and no one wants their client to lose. Office gossip runs high in some cases many will put themselves in awkward positions for the client and others will learn what happens when a simple voicemail gets multiplied by 800 and the entire company finds out your dirty little secret. But, there is much more as several people working with him will do anything to take his clients, feed him information and find out just what made Charlie tick. Just what does the police know and what will happen when they speak to Grove? What happens when he probes too far?
As the plot continues to unfold you learn more about Charlie and his fund of Funds Company and how it worked. Charlie invested hedge funds and his charge was an annual fee of one percent of the assets kept. But, when Grove looked into the company even further why was his wife left with a bank account of only 600 dollars? Where are the rest of the accounts and where are his investments? Why are two police officers from Boston working the case and why do they want to talk to Grove? Why does his boss and several others in his company tell him to back off of Charlie’s company and leave it to the police to unravel the mess? Just who wanted this man dead? Who tied a serving cart to his leg and dropped him in a tank of sharks? No investments found. No accounts and where are the Master Funds?
Delving further he comes up with three names Charlie, Alex Romanov and Patty Gershon who seems to have it all figured out for one of his accounts but does she? What do all three have in common and what is next for Grove? One forged letter with Grover’s signature on it stating the Kelemen Group has an account with his firm. But, it does not. MRI Capital what role did that play and what relationship to Charlie who seemed to have files on his computer related to that company? What was the link to Rugged Computers? But, his laptop and what he learned would reveal more about some of the investments, redemptions that were processed but many other questions would arise and many questions would lead to the truth about what Charlie was really doing and some would wonder just how much money did he really have in reality and on paper? One spreadsheet on the Kelemen Group shed an awful light of light. Told in the first person in the voice of Grove himself you get an insider’s view first hand of the world of investments, stocks and hedge funds. But, when this letter services and this spreadsheet comes to light will his company back him or will his career be over? But, what comes to light is forgery, threats and quick returns on capital. As the author enlightens the reader to Charlie’s past, his Ponzi schemes, his deceptions and where that would leave Grove. What about his wife? Why the cuts on his arms? Just whom did he cheat? He forged what he needed from Grove the endorsement of an 8 -figure account. Just which firm worked with him created the accounts? Why didn’t they call Grove back?
A spider casts his web until he snares his prey. The deceit, deceptions and lies are just on the surface here as Grove delves even further into the life of someone who called his best friend and woman who just might have more to hide than her husband’s missing money. Backstabbing co-workers who would stooped to anything to best you at what you do and get your client, author Norb Vonnegut brings to light many issues that remind the reader of stories that often rock the headlines on a daily basis. First hand knowledge of investments and working in a firm himself, the author creates a story right out of the headlines filled with humor, sarcasm, insight and intrigue.
Loyal employee Annie who cared a lot for Grover plus Chloe who have his back and are on his side. Who invested in Kelemen Group or Charlie’s fund of funds? What will he finally do? Who killed Charlie and why? Wait until you find learn the ending with its twists, curve balls, turns and definite surprises. Will the police finally figure it out? What will happen to Grove? Who gets final deal? Read Top Producers and find out who stays on top! Who killed Charlie and why? Read it to find out!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
April 5, 2025
Top Producer by Norb Vonnegut is the first book of the Grove O'Rourke mystery series set in contemporary New York. Grove is a "top producer" at a high-pressure investment firm on Wall Street.
The story starts with a birthday party reeking of poor taste that turns graphically horrific. Foul language among investment "sharks" (bad pun) is apparently a job requirement. Grove considered Charlie his best friend, and he tried his best to help Charlie's widow Sam (Samantha).
Vonnegut reveals all manner of sleazy and shady dealings in Grove's dog-eat-dog investment firm, as John Grisham does for legal firms. At times, the vernacular is astonishingly crude. The firm is unabashedly sexist, described as the norm on Wall Street. Plot twists eventually reveal whodunit, although a reader may guess "who" earlier, if not "why".
The story starts with a birthday party reeking of poor taste that turns graphically horrific. Foul language among investment "sharks" (bad pun) is apparently a job requirement. Grove considered Charlie his best friend, and he tried his best to help Charlie's widow Sam (Samantha).
Vonnegut reveals all manner of sleazy and shady dealings in Grove's dog-eat-dog investment firm, as John Grisham does for legal firms. At times, the vernacular is astonishingly crude. The firm is unabashedly sexist, described as the norm on Wall Street. Plot twists eventually reveal whodunit, although a reader may guess "who" earlier, if not "why".
September 17, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Picked it up at a Friends of the Library book sale. Read well. Totally believable and that's no small thing. Vonnegut knows the securities and financial field inside out from AICPA to FASB to SEC. Will look for others in the Grove O'Rourke series.
July 5, 2017
This was not for me at all! I love suspense and I work in the industry, but this was way too cheesy! I read a ton of suspense and this was so ridiculous. The writing just wasn't my style!
September 8, 2017
Should probably be a 2 star rating, but I like finance books.
July 10, 2020
This was a decent read. Started off a bit slow, but once you focus, things get good.
Read
April 11, 2023A good story line if you could get through all the financial trading parts.
December 17, 2023
Hate to say it, but this book caused me to have a very vivid nightmare, and I'm not prone to having nightmares. I'm sure it's a phenomenal book, but just not for me.
January 20, 2019
CAUTION: Spoiler alert.
Main idea: Grove, the main character, uncovers that his dead friend was not a very good friend at all.
The good: Norb knows the insides of the financial world. Thus, he uses good financial vocabulary, displays knowledge of how hedge funds operate and how Ponzi schemes are committed (which is what this book centers on), and sets the scene well. There is some humor here and there that makes the story somewhat entertaining.
The bad: The problem is that Grove is too distant from the action, the Ponzi scheme committed by his friend and the death of this same friend. Grove hardly has any action scenes himself; he plays a detective role going behind the backs of the boys in blue from Boston. Financial crimes are not all that thrilling to solve, which is what Grove manages to do by looking at a computer screen and some files and finding out random details. There are two scenes that highlight the danger Grove faces: when he pisses off two goons (they chase him around the city in broad daylight) and when he confronts the killer at a restaurant.
Main idea: Grove, the main character, uncovers that his dead friend was not a very good friend at all.
The good: Norb knows the insides of the financial world. Thus, he uses good financial vocabulary, displays knowledge of how hedge funds operate and how Ponzi schemes are committed (which is what this book centers on), and sets the scene well. There is some humor here and there that makes the story somewhat entertaining.
The bad: The problem is that Grove is too distant from the action, the Ponzi scheme committed by his friend and the death of this same friend. Grove hardly has any action scenes himself; he plays a detective role going behind the backs of the boys in blue from Boston. Financial crimes are not all that thrilling to solve, which is what Grove manages to do by looking at a computer screen and some files and finding out random details. There are two scenes that highlight the danger Grove faces: when he pisses off two goons (they chase him around the city in broad daylight) and when he confronts the killer at a restaurant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2010
"Top Producer" is a financial thriller novel that absolutely keeps you turning the pages. We are introduced to Grove O'Rourke, a top producing stockbroker in a major Wall Street firm that gets thrust into a complex and dangerous situation. The action kicks off very quickly as a close friend of Grove's is murdered. The actual murder takes place in a public venue and we readers, along with a large crowd experience one of the most interesting murders to ever take place in fiction. I won't spoil that for you but rest assured it is an awesome scene.
The novel is largely a mystery novel as Grove tries to solve the murder and sort out all of the motivations of the various players. But his own life is in danger as well and thus the suspense keeps ratcheting up as he gets closer to solving the mystery. This book is well plotted, allowing us just enough clues to figure things out at the same time as the protagonist. When you get that "ah-ha!" moment, you realize the clues were there all along. And the ending is very satisfying. Mr Vonnegut's writing style is very apparent right from the beginning, demonstrating elegant word choice and interesting dialogue that belies the fact that this is his very first novel. Some readers may struggle with the financial terminology that is sprinkled throughout but I think the author does a great job of explaining what we need to know without being condescending.
The big name in financial thrillers is Stephen Frey and I feel this book stands up very well if compared side by side. Mr Vonnegut has great credentials to write this kind of story and I believe his background is essential to understanding the day-to-day pace and motivations of people in the high finance business. He brings us right in as if we are part of the action. He writes with flare, captivates his audience, and ties together the plot most effectively. I am impressed and firmly believe Norb Vonnegut has a great future in writing novels.
The novel is largely a mystery novel as Grove tries to solve the murder and sort out all of the motivations of the various players. But his own life is in danger as well and thus the suspense keeps ratcheting up as he gets closer to solving the mystery. This book is well plotted, allowing us just enough clues to figure things out at the same time as the protagonist. When you get that "ah-ha!" moment, you realize the clues were there all along. And the ending is very satisfying. Mr Vonnegut's writing style is very apparent right from the beginning, demonstrating elegant word choice and interesting dialogue that belies the fact that this is his very first novel. Some readers may struggle with the financial terminology that is sprinkled throughout but I think the author does a great job of explaining what we need to know without being condescending.
The big name in financial thrillers is Stephen Frey and I feel this book stands up very well if compared side by side. Mr Vonnegut has great credentials to write this kind of story and I believe his background is essential to understanding the day-to-day pace and motivations of people in the high finance business. He brings us right in as if we are part of the action. He writes with flare, captivates his audience, and ties together the plot most effectively. I am impressed and firmly believe Norb Vonnegut has a great future in writing novels.
August 30, 2009
A Good Financial Mystery
Although I do not consider it a thriller, Top Producer was an enjoyable experience. The opening chapters set the stage as Grove O'Rourke and 500 other people watch as Charlie Keleman is gruesomely killed by sharks in an aquarium. Obviously Charlie was not as well loved as everyone seemed to believe.
Vonnegut displays his knowledge of Wall Street with skill, and against all odds, paints an exciting and interesting picture of high finance and a world where money is king. Traversing Charlie's accounts becomes a tiresome and mind boggling task for O'Rourke as he helps Charlie's wife reclaim the money that has been invested. Along the way, O'Rourke has to deal with the police and friends/associates whose business it is to not share secrets. However, the secrets do come out, and the mystery of Charlie's death becomes as tangled as a politicians income tax returns.
The characters in Top Producer are top notch. They are completely believable and well depicted as everyone has an agenda and keeping their jobs and making money is the might be more important than solving the mystery of who killed Charlie Keleman. Although Top Producer is filled with financial jargon and countless explanations of the business, Vonnegut writes it in such a way that it flows nicely with the story and provides the reader with exactly what is needed to know without going over the top. Not only is Top Producer a good mystery; but also a nice education lesson in accounting, investment, and Ponzi schemes.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog For More Reviews
Although I do not consider it a thriller, Top Producer was an enjoyable experience. The opening chapters set the stage as Grove O'Rourke and 500 other people watch as Charlie Keleman is gruesomely killed by sharks in an aquarium. Obviously Charlie was not as well loved as everyone seemed to believe.
Vonnegut displays his knowledge of Wall Street with skill, and against all odds, paints an exciting and interesting picture of high finance and a world where money is king. Traversing Charlie's accounts becomes a tiresome and mind boggling task for O'Rourke as he helps Charlie's wife reclaim the money that has been invested. Along the way, O'Rourke has to deal with the police and friends/associates whose business it is to not share secrets. However, the secrets do come out, and the mystery of Charlie's death becomes as tangled as a politicians income tax returns.
The characters in Top Producer are top notch. They are completely believable and well depicted as everyone has an agenda and keeping their jobs and making money is the might be more important than solving the mystery of who killed Charlie Keleman. Although Top Producer is filled with financial jargon and countless explanations of the business, Vonnegut writes it in such a way that it flows nicely with the story and provides the reader with exactly what is needed to know without going over the top. Not only is Top Producer a good mystery; but also a nice education lesson in accounting, investment, and Ponzi schemes.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog For More Reviews
January 22, 2013
Norb Vonnegut knows what he writes about. A recent managing director of a wealth management outfit, he has worked for the name brands on Wall Street, Morgan Stanley among them.
His Grove O'Rourke is a wealth generator - a man who finds and nurtures the clients - in that market. At a time when his spirits are at the lowest, following the death of his wife and daughter in a road accident, he is taken in and supported by his dear friends, Charlie and Sam Kelemen. When Charlie is the victim of a singularly gruesome murder, O'Rouke's life takes a series of menacing downturns.
The murder mystery is inextricably linked to - but somewhat subsidiary to - a toxic money trail. Those with no financial turn of mind are probably not ideal customers for Top Producer; the rest will be rivetted. The environment is poisonously authentic, the characters believable. Particularly recommended for those who keep their money in a biscuit tin under the bed while (as will become apparent) staying away from aquariums.
His Grove O'Rourke is a wealth generator - a man who finds and nurtures the clients - in that market. At a time when his spirits are at the lowest, following the death of his wife and daughter in a road accident, he is taken in and supported by his dear friends, Charlie and Sam Kelemen. When Charlie is the victim of a singularly gruesome murder, O'Rouke's life takes a series of menacing downturns.
The murder mystery is inextricably linked to - but somewhat subsidiary to - a toxic money trail. Those with no financial turn of mind are probably not ideal customers for Top Producer; the rest will be rivetted. The environment is poisonously authentic, the characters believable. Particularly recommended for those who keep their money in a biscuit tin under the bed while (as will become apparent) staying away from aquariums.
January 15, 2016
Norb is light years away in mindset from family member Kurt Vonnegut, of who I know too much. 'Top Producer' is a top producer of detailed, yet understandable, words of how Wall Street works. To tie such a complex subject in with an involved case of murcer is more than admirable.
However, this book is struck by what I find in the bulk of contemporary novels: Massive excess. For me a quarter of this book could be cut loose and work so much better. Vonneguts asides of bicycling and food and over focus of a victim is, at times, ridiculous. Asides should be a paragraph or two. Not pages and pages.
With all of the excess a reader will learn far more than needed of each character. A better writer could have scaled the character development down to far, far fewer words. The settings are very well depicted. Excess here may have helped a bit.
Still this is a very good book with a rather simple mystery that is decked out in Wall street trimmings.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
However, this book is struck by what I find in the bulk of contemporary novels: Massive excess. For me a quarter of this book could be cut loose and work so much better. Vonneguts asides of bicycling and food and over focus of a victim is, at times, ridiculous. Asides should be a paragraph or two. Not pages and pages.
With all of the excess a reader will learn far more than needed of each character. A better writer could have scaled the character development down to far, far fewer words. The settings are very well depicted. Excess here may have helped a bit.
Still this is a very good book with a rather simple mystery that is decked out in Wall street trimmings.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
June 8, 2009
I enjoyed parts of it but parts of this book were draining to get through. The book starts off fast paced and exciting. The murder in the book is stomach churning. Then it gets into the main character's past and his current life. Norb Vonnegut starts going into a stockbroker's work in numbing detail. I have read Stephen Frey's financial thrillers and I don't believe that this is of that caliber. There seems to be no point to most of the detail. However, if you are in stockbroker or financial business then you may love this part of the book. It takes hundreds of pages to get through to find the killer and what happened and why. However the reader will know who it is early on, it's the figuring out why that kept me going. I almost put this book down several times. It was a hard fought read. I wouldn't recommend it to many people...only those interested in financial thrillers.
December 2, 2011
I was hesitant at first to read this book, because if it was about Wall Street and Stock Markets, I was not interested. However it was recommended to me and I figured I give it a shot.
Well, the beginning was so gruesome with the brutal death of Charlie, the main character's best friend, that I wanted to put it down.
However, something told me to keep reading and I'm glad I did. This book was fast paced and exciting. Never knowing what was going to happen next as he tried to figure out what happened to his friend and his money. Will he be implicated in the murder?
All this while dealing with busy clients and stock deals are going on and are well explained. Office dynamics are thrown in for added measure.
I highly recommend this book and might even read another one by Norb Vonnegut.
Well, the beginning was so gruesome with the brutal death of Charlie, the main character's best friend, that I wanted to put it down.
However, something told me to keep reading and I'm glad I did. This book was fast paced and exciting. Never knowing what was going to happen next as he tried to figure out what happened to his friend and his money. Will he be implicated in the murder?
All this while dealing with busy clients and stock deals are going on and are well explained. Office dynamics are thrown in for added measure.
I highly recommend this book and might even read another one by Norb Vonnegut.
November 18, 2009
Grove O'Rourke is a "top producer" (shocking), which I promise you you will never forget because I'm pretty sure those words are placed together at least twice on every page. Grove's friend Charlie Kelemen throws this big birthday bash for his wife at the New England Aquarium at the beginning of the novel, and pretty soon a bunch of men are wearing burqas and Kelemen is swimming with the sharks. And then eaten by them. Mmmm, finance guru is delicious in the evening.
read more...
read more...
November 12, 2009
Publishers Weekly called Top Producer "The gold standard for financial thrillers," and I would agree. The book is a nice blend of financial information and a murder story that begs to be solved. The book's main character, Grove O'Rourke, is engaging, fearless, but perhaps a bit too impetuous to manage my portfolio--if I had one. He seems to let his emotions get in the way of logic, but the author always pulls him out of the tough situations he puts himself in.
It's a good yarn and I hope the first of several Grove O'Rourke adventures.
It's a good yarn and I hope the first of several Grove O'Rourke adventures.
June 30, 2010
This book was a definate change of pace from my normal read. I won it, so I read it! A murder mystery set on Wall Street. Definately a financial thriller. If you yawn when it comes to all the jargon they use on Wall Street this book isn't for you. As I supress a yawn. The basic story, the murder mystery was a good yarn, the financial background to all of it, wasn't really my cup of tea. It kept my interest enough that I was able to finish the book, which is saying quite a bit, but it almost became work by the second half of the book.
I would say this is more of a "mans" yarn.
I would say this is more of a "mans" yarn.
June 27, 2011
I am in the financial industry, so I understood many of the concepts in the book, but he describes them very well for those without investment history. At its core, it is a murder mystery. Instead of having biological evidence like blood, or fingerprints left at the scene, Grover has to follow the paperwork through statements, his knowledge of the industry to eventually find out who has killed his best friend. Its a very good read, and highly enjoyable. I will definitely be picking up his next book.
June 24, 2009
This is my husband's first novel. While he was out of his office I ran in with a zip drive and stole a copy. I was worried. I put the zip in my computer and sat down to read. I laughed my head off. I couldn't stop reading. Top Producer held me captive. It is very good! St. Martin's will publish in the US on September 15th. Murdoch Books publishes in Australia on September 1st. Reviews and more information at www.norbvonnegut.com and Amazon.
January 23, 2012
Norb Vonnegut’s ‘The Producer’ was an exciting peek inside the inner workings of Wall Street. Vonnegut took this beyond simply being a story about large-scale fraud (though that was well done) and used his financial experience to make some interesting points about how stock markets, particularly in Wall Street, function. Norb’s use of technical terms and concepts was never overwhelming and nicely complimented the main plot.
July 27, 2012
An exciting read. Vonnegut takes us into the dark world of frantic high finance on Wall Street where phone calls are short and personal loyalty is even shorter. Once you start reading, it's hard to put the book down because you can hardly wait to find out what's going to happen next. But he gives you clues along the way, those delicious "Aha" moments when you figure out what's happening just before the protagonist does.
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April 30, 2014I don't know if I would go as far as recommending this book but if pop-fiction is what you like or need in order to unwind yourself from serious non-fiction stuff this will do. I was skeptical through the first one third of the book, comparing it to that terrible waste of ink and paper written by Brad Meltzer "The Millionaires", but the plot picked up and was even entertaining at times. Still would only give it a 4 out of 10.
June 7, 2010
In the fast-moving world of finance, Norb Vonnegut is a great author. I really enjoyed his descriptive processes. Especially that of bed-suck (The bed just sucks you in) and the relationship of Grove O'Rourke and his pillows. Those two stick out to me, but the novel as a whole is very very good and I enjoyed it very much. The murder itself was pretty unique.
November 12, 2011
Although similar in format and tone, I did not enjoy Top Producer as much as Gods of Greenwich. There was a marked improvement in the writing quality and plot development between the two books. If you read Gods of Greenwich and are looking for more Norb Vonnegut, I suggest waiting for the publication of his next novel.
April 25, 2013
This was not quite a financial eye-opener, nor a highly refined tale of suspense. It took a little from column A, and a little from column B. The sum didn't add up. The best part of the book is the first-person narration from the point of view of the modern, well-educated but cynical and juvenile protagonist. The plot however, is insufferable.
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