The Marketmaker

Power and Money #3

by Ridpath Michael

Disgruntled academic Nick Elliott has reluctantly taken work with city brokers Dekker Ward. Strange things start happening to Dekker's employees, including Nick's colleague, Isabel, which is when Nick decides to take on a fixer who is unaccustomed to people standing in his way.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Finance

343 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Armin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Ridpath: Der Marktmacher
Deutlich besser als der Erstling „Der Spekulant“, bei dem die Börsenfakten eine ziemlich dünne Krimihandlung stützen mussten.
Dieses mal gehen Spannung und Spekulation Hand in Hand, dazu tragen auch die Charaktere bei, auch wenn Nick Elliot phasenweise tugendhaft bis zur Verklemmtheit daher kommt. Dieser etwas lebensuntüchtige Touch gehört aber zu seinem Charaker, auch wenn er ihn nicht immer sympathisch macht.
Zu Beginn der Handlung ist er ein Loser, der nicht so recht etwas mit seinem Glück anfangen kann, aber keine andere Wahl hat als die Stelle bei Decker Ward anzunehmen, die ihm sein Freund Jamie verschafft hat.
Denn Doktorand Nick kann die Hypothek für seine Eigentumswohnung nicht mehr bezahlen, in der ihn seine Ex hat sitzen lassen, geschweige denn die Reparatur für den Boiler.
Nick spart sogar den großzügigen Vorschuss seines neuen Chefs für schlechtere Tage, die noch kommen werden und radelt weiterhin täglich zum Hochhaus in der Canary Wharf statt sich erst mal den obligatorischen Porsche zu ordern.
Hauptattratkion ist für ihn die schöne Isabel, die schon reichlich Körbe verteilt hat.Am dritten Tag bei Dekker Ward wird er schon mit ihr nach Brasilien geschickt, um eine Aufbau-Programm für eine Favela auf den Weg zu bringen. Denn aktuell ist Dekker Ward die Nummer eins bei Deals mit Lateinamerika.
Als der Rivale (Ridpaths Dauerbösewichte Bloomfield Weiss) den Zuschlag bekommt, macht Marktmacher Riccardo Ross das Hilfsprojekt grundsäztlich unmöglich.
Die evenutelle Verwicklung von Dekker-Ward in Drogengeschäfte macht dem moralisch überaus rigorosen Nick weiter zu schaffen, er ist bereits entschlossen zu kündigen, als ihm Riccardo noch einmal mit Isabel nach Brasilien schickt, um ein neues Favala-Projekt in Sao Paulo auf den Weg zu bringen. Dort finden die beiden zueinander, um kurz darauf entführt zu werden. Nick kann sich retten und wird nach seiner Kündigung das Opfer eines Vernichtungsfeldzugs von Riccardo, der ihm, wie schon einem anderen Kollegen, sämtliche Rückzugsmöglihckeiten abschneidet. Denn der Marktmacher empfindet Nicks Ausscheiden als Vertrauensbruch.
Nick findet Unterschlupf bei Jamie und dort auch die Fakten für einen Rachefeldzug gegen Ross. Der kommt gut voran, doch nichts ist so wie es scheint in diesem Übernahmenpoker mit einer Entführungsgeschichte. Und da Ridpaths Held nicht um die Ecke denken kann, dauert es sehr, sehr lange, ehe den Leser eine Ahnung der wahren Zusammenhänge überkommt.
Lieben muss man diesen einfältigen Moralisten Nick Elliott nicht unbedingt, der mit seinen Einstellungen ein ziemlicher Knüppel im Getriebe ist, aber die Handlungslogik ist absolut schlüssig. Auch die Details stimmen, etwa wenn sich Radfahrer Nick bei seiner letzten Mission um Leben und Tod nicht einfach eine schnelle Karre schnappt oder mietet, sondern mit dem Taxi aufs Land fährt, um die letzten losen Fäden zusammen zu fügen, nachdem sich sämtliche Feindbilder als Phantome oder Vorurteile heraus gestellt haben.
Dieser Nick Elliott ist phasenweise schwer zu ertragen, aber der Marktmacher ist eine spannende Lektüre mit Mehrwert, zumal die Spekulationskapitel für einen echten Adrealinschub gut sind und die Faszination des Handels so gut rüber bringen, dass die Krimi-Handlung in Sachen Spannung zweitranging, wenn nicht zweitklassig erscheint.

[John A. Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Elliot is trying to finish his PhD in Russian literature, but money is tight so he allows his friend to get him a job at Dekker Ward, working for Ricardo Ross, aka The Marketmaker. Ross is a master in the Latin American bond market, and riches beckon for Elliot.
Dekkar has a good reputation, but while Nick is learning about the Bond industry, he begins to worry about the culture within the company. Whilst The Marketmaker ostensibly has clean hands, can the same be said for everyone? A trader is killed on a business trip during a robbery, and another is fired. Whilst on a business trip, Elliot is attacked, then he and a colleague are the targets of a kidnap attempt in Brazil. Perhaps Dekkar has dark secrets...

Michael Ridpath takes us into the nineties world of bond trading, investment banking and excess. This is a good story, and despite being almost three decades old, it does not feel particularly dated - sure, there are no mobiles and the internet is not the ubiquitous presence it is today, but overall the story moves along in London and Brazil at a decent pace, with just the right amount of technical financial talk and intrigue. I'll be looking for some of Ridpath's other novels on Kindle.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmmmm. John Grisham but without the interest, tension or slightest character development. Ridiculous red herring pantomime baddies set up who then, against all likelihood, just turn out to be misunderstood ' hard men of business '.

Farcical unbelievable denoument of the central kidnap premise, pointless plotless character detail of the 'hero ' being an expert in Russian literature. The only point to this seeming to be so that Ridpath can mention Pushkin and Tolstoy quite a lot oh and there's a pregnant sister and a street urchin who is hardened to his sombre lot but has a heart of gold deep down.

I am really not sure what this absolute rubbish was trying to achieve. If it was to be an exciting story...it wasn't. If it was an investigation of the action of high finance and how it oppresses and corrupts, Ridpath dipped his foot in the tiny shallows but then backed out and resolved the whole thing with a ridiculously contrived and stupid ending.

I have to say that i have enjoyed writing this review far more than reading the damn novel. Really don't bother with this one. I like Grisham type stories as straightforward thrillers with twists and turns of plot and i assumed Ridpath was similar....he so is not. The only thing that stopped this novel acquiring the small but sincerely bestowed accolade of being on my unfinished shelf was I wanted to see how bad it would be at the end.

[Karen Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, but hasn’t aged well.

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time an author has made the world of high finance into an exciting thriller capable of holding my interest, despite being a tad wordy at times. Well written, well developed characters, and a fair dose of suspense. A few more typos than I would have cared for as well as incorrect usage of possessives, but the author is British after all and that’s just the way they do things. All in all, I enjoyed this story and plan to read more by this author. He does know of the subject matter that he writes about and it shows through in his work.

[Heidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm now on page 198. - I really like Michael Ridpath's financial thrillers, they are so well-written and so exciting! This is my fourth one (and I believe there are six altogether). Never mind they were written nearly 20 years ago, the money-laundering and other disgusting practices described in his (fictional) books still sound very topical and the stories are very good, indeed! Very enjoyable reading!

Auf S. 336. - Das Buch ist nach wie vor spannend und für die ersten zwei Drittel würde ich ihm auch 5* geben. Im letzten Drittel laufen jedoch Sachen ab, die jeglicher Glaubwürdigkeit entbehren, und sowas mag ich nicht. Ohne das jetzt konkret benennen zu wollen, um nichts zu verraten, geht es darum, dass diesem jungen Spund im letzten Drittel Möglichkeiten der Einflussnahme zugeschrieben werden, die wirklich total unrealistisch sind (und zwar erst so, dann so)...

Auf S. 358. - Diese völlig unglaubwürdige Glorifizierung der Hauptfigur wird allmählich peinlich... Ich schäme mich ein wenig für den Autoren. "Schnulzig" ist das Wort, das einem dazu einfällt... 4* max

Finished. - "Und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind..."

[Apurvsibalgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marketmaker has very crisp writing with good understanding of the questions a reader would have next. It has all the elements of a nice story, love, lust and lies. We see the story from Nick's prespective and we never anticipate Jamie to be the bad guy as he is shown as a good friend of Nick's since the beginning.

Coming from a finance background the financial details are crisp and accurate and if you have an idea about bonds and developing markets, it makes a lot of sense.

All in all, it is a one time read. The love triangle is something that confused me. Towards the end I thought that Nick would end up with Kate when she ask's him to move into their house and later tells him that she had made a mistake earlier and she would have been better off with Nick. But, alas!

[Monzenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost every time I'm about to rate a Ridpath novel a five, something drops it to a four. Yet again the markets element is great - emerging markets is a rich haven for market and trading stories. And lots of the small stories are indeed fascinating. But then the standard thriller / drama element just had to appear. While it is usually the case for me that I get bored by the middle of a book and then revived at the end, Market Maker does the opposite for me: I was riveted by the first two thirds of the book, including half the dramatic plot point, but then the back third becomes not as interesting - the markets element fade and the drama element appears. Ah well, still a good book to recommend.

[Henri Moreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marketmaker follows the story of Nick Elliot, a recent hire at Dekker Ward brokerage, uncovers the unfortunate fact that the prior employee in his position was murdered. Enter suspicion, touches of romance, seemingly dodgy bosses and a kidnapping in Brazil.

It's pretty decent, reminds me of the authors other books in a way however the story was strong enough to carry itself entertainingly.

Having read three of Ridpath's financial thrillers I do feel that Paul Erdman writes a better financial thriller novel.

[Keith Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a few years since I read a Ridpath and this book didn't make up for lost time. It was an okay read, written in the author's early days (his 3rd book) when his subject was still financial thrillers. The pace clips along ok, the characters are alright but it's all slightly predictable (the bad guy was very obvious) and I wasn;t really that interested in the plot or anybody's fate. Overall, meh.

[Theko Moteane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a little bit of everything, romantic tension. cool setting (I feel like I was in Brazil twice), I learnt an appropriate amount about debt markets (thankfully not too heavy on the jargon). However the development of Eduardos' character came back hollow. seems he was used as a decoy for the real culprit, yet little is resolved.
The book has a Heroes conclusion, but it could have been better. Great book.

[Laura Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little bored for the first quarter of the book but the pace quickened making it a more compelling read. Twists and turns abound with much speculation as to the purpose of this story. It is a decent read although it was difficult to reason with many choices the author made for the characters. As always, I could never be an author; however, this type of book just isn't for me.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rookie trader, Nick Elliot gets mixed up in a money laundering, murder and kidnap drama. Add in a bit of romance with the beautiful and intelligent Isabel Pereira and you have an entertaining if implausible read.

[Suzette Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting twists

Nick needs a good paying job. He lands a doozy with Dekker Ward. Life gets complicated. The Marketmaker lost me a few times talking about how the bond market works but it was worth sticking with it. It turned into an intense thriller. Good reading.

[David Highton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thriller using the Latin American bond market as the background scenario- ok but not brilliant

[Jeroen Van de Crommenacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. Quite light holiday reading really and nothing earth-shattering, but just about entertaining enough.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from a great storyteller.

[Mark Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, certainly the best of his books.

[Max Zimmermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nettes Buch. Der Inhalt ist ein wenig flach. Ganz nett für zwischendurch

[Wiktor Kisiński · Rating 1 out of 5]

Puny,immaterial parlance

[Sleonhardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for what I like to call an “airport novel.” Not great literature, but keeps you turning the pages, good reading when you’re distracted and only half paying attention.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read the synopsis of this novel, I’ve been looking forward to reading it … and it did not disappoint! First, Ridpath’s power of vivid description was in full force: the reader can feel the press of London’s grim office buildings as they “frowned down” on Nick during his bike ride to work; the oppressive humidity of Rio and São Paulo almost induced perspiration; the sparkle of the Canary Wharf Tower glitters in the mind’s eye; the breath-taking view from Dekker Ward’s 40th story offices stretches in the reader’s imagination. Ridpath is a master of graphic description, and it is on full display.

Ridpath also excels at educating the reader on the subject matter (in this case, emerging markets) in the course of dialogue and plot. This primer is never tedious; it flies seamlessly as the story progresses.

One of the first things that drew me to Ridpath is the depth of his character development. Once again, this book contains characters that are rich and diverse - no central casting, cookie-cutter stereotypes.

The central plot took a while to develop as Ridpath moved his chess pieces into place. But the pace was not slow, as I enjoyed learning about emerging market strategies and “getting to know” the characters. Then the action picked up, with plot twists aplenty. I cannot say anything about the final twist for fear of exposing a spoiler point, but the portion of the reveal “gob-smacked” me. It’s hard to surprise me, but this one did. (I finished the book last night, and I’m still musing over and pondering it this morning. Very satisfying!) One of Ridpath’s many strengths is his memorable endings, and this one will remain with me for a long time. As with every Ridpath book I’ve ever read, I recommend this one highly.

[Alan Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read one of Michael Ridpath’s Icelandic Detective novels I was a little uncertain about starting this book. Strangely enough the Icelandic Novel had been a little off-putting with regard to the names! No such problem here, even though there were quite a few Portuguese names as much of the book is set in Brazil – somehow they were easier to pronounce!
Nick Elliott, a specialist in Russian Novels, is tempted to move into the world of finance because his friend, Jamie, introduces him to a financial wizard who is looking to expand his interests in developing countries by approaching the Russian market. Before any incursion is made into that market, however, Nick is shown how the company works by being sent to Brazil with one of the leading lights of the firm, Isabel Pereira, to work on the development of a deal to help one of the Brazilian favelas, very deprived areas. Nick has had suspicions aroused by the death of the broker who had previously worked at his desk, and when he is attacked in Brazil, he becomes even more concerned. To add any more details would be to give away what then transpires.
I was really quite interested in the details regarding the working of large investment concerns, and the sort of people who are drawn towards those companies, but whose background can be described as less than palatable. The financial shenanigans and a drawn out kidnapping make for an interesting and at times very exciting novel.
Whilst I am not sure that I will be drawn back to similar books and the same author, I can say that I did enjoy this one, and recommend it for others to have a look at, especially as I picked it up free a few months ago!

[Alison]

I found one more book at the bottom of the pile of thrillers read over the summer. Bottom of the pile it may be, but actually it was the best of the lot. Maybe because the body count seemed lower than others I read, or a least the worst of the violence happened out of sight. Anyway, it was a revelation, learning something about how the financial world works, and how it can be manipulated for bad - and good. And while I was reading the book at least I felt like something sank in. What a cutthroat business.

[Chris Steeden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Ridpath produces another financial murder kidnapping thriller that keeps your attention. It is pure escapism and that is what I had to keep reminding myself as we follow our hero into the financial world. I'm sorry but I cannot believe that this character would go into the financial world (escapism) to start with and then all the stuff that happens to him is unlikely but you know it makes for an OK book and a diverting few hours.

[Jbaes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Excellent Read by Michael Ridpath

He captures the way the top traders and bond salesmen act and talk perfectly. He captures the excitement of working in the capital markets perfectly. He displays the type of assholes they can be perfectly. And his stories hold together from beginning to end perfectly.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I love the Fire and Ice series so much but this one doesn't compare. Maybe there is too much financial jargon in it to hold my attention. I had to force myself to keep reading, hoping that it would get better. I haven't read any of the other "non-Fire and Ice" books and this doesn't really make me want to.

[Liedzeit Liedzeit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junger Mann, (disenchanted academic Nick Elliott) eigentlich Russisch Dozent, geht, weil er Geld braucht, in eine broker Firma. Natürlich macht er sich gut, verliebt sich erfolgreich in hübsche Kollegin und entlarvt am Schluß den Schurken, der sein bester Freund ist. Sehr überraschend, absolut brillant.

[Tim Mode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery-love story, if you're looking for a quick escapist read. A glimpse into the ruthlessness of emerging-market bond-trading in '90s London/Brazil. Some reasonably good character development & suspenseful moments.

[Uma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average book... Very heavy with financial jargon... But quite well written.
I liked how the Marketmaker was built as such a ruthless character and in the end it was another fairly harmless guy who got in the way.