Overview
On a routine visit to an international bank in Switzerland, Charles Black, the just-retired Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, finds himself in jail - suddenly, inexplicably, imprisoned by the Swiss police. He is accused of committing massive frauds in the financial markets, allegedly netting him over $450 millon. The case against him seems ironclad - almost too perfect. It is nearly certain that he will be convicted and will spend thirty years doing hard labor in a Swiss prison. He has been framed - set up. Charlie's wife, Sally, in her efforts to find diplomatic support and effective legal defense for him, is frustrated at every turn. No one in Switzerland or the United States seems able - or even willing - to help. But neither Charlie nor Sally will give up; they will not agree to a proposal of a lesser prison term in exchange for his pleading guilty. Then, one evening, a mysterious stranger offers Sally a deal. Gradually, and in colorful detail, we learn why and how Charlie was framed and what he and Sally must do to uncover and expose the financial conspiracy that has set him up. And what they learn launches them, at virtually a moment's notice, on an exciting but dangerous journey, one they hope will lead to Charlie's freedom and clear his name.The exciting new novel from the bestselling author of The Crash of '79 and The Panic of '89. When just-retired chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Charles Black finds himself framed for financial fraud while on a trip to Switzerland, the case against him seems ironclad. His wife is approached by someone who claims to be able to get Charlie off. The price: $3 million. But is this just another part of the frame-up? 352 pp. National ads.
Editorials
Publisher"s Weekly
"Among financial thriller writers, Erdman (Zero Coupon) rules not only as the first (The Billion Dollar Sure Thing, 1973) but also as the most adept at demystifying both the secrets of money and the minds of those who know those secrets. Readers partial to monetary mayhem will find this a satisfying way to spend, or even to invest, a few hours of their time." · Publishers WeeklySan Francisco Examiner
"When it comes to the financial thriller, no author comes close to Paul Erdman, who is always on the cutting edge and always terrifying....Erdman offers up a dandy plot, with interesting characters. But his descriptions of financial dealings, computer transfers, paper trails and the like are as scary as a Stephen King thriller or the daily front page." · San Francisco ExaminerKirkus Reviews
Still in fine form, old pro Erdman (Zero Coupon, 1993; the nonfiction Tug of War, 1996; etc.) produces another larky fiscal thriller in which the former head of the US Federal Reserve Board finds himself in trouble and on the run.Charles Black, the FRB's recently retired chairman, is jailed in Switzerland on charges of massive securities fraud. On the basis of seemingly irrefutable evidence, the Swiss authorities accuse him of using inside information to engineer a series of market killings that netted in excess of $400 million. But upright Charlie, it turns out, has been framed at the behest of an immensely wealthy Sardinian named Pietro di Cagliari. Using an attractive young woman as bait, the crafty islander has lured Herr Dr. Samuel Schweizer (the ostensibly incorruptible chairman of Switzerland's National Bank) into his high-flying orbit in aid of shady financial ends. In turn, an infatuated Sammy (who needs big bucks to keep his new mistress in the style to which she's accustomed) recruits Hans Zwiebach, a lawyer of easy virtue whose client list includes Charlie. Trading through the latter's dormant Swiss account on tips from Sammy, the duplicitous attorney amasses a considerable fortune that, although in Charlie's name, does nothing to enrich him. When a credible happenstance threatens an investigation, the three create a paper trail that leads to the hapless American. Concerned about loose ends, Pietro (with murder in mind) arranges for Charlie's escape from jail. Before the Sardinian's minions can do their dirty work, though, Charlie, with plucky wife Sally in tow, makes it to a remote Alaskan fishing village. Once in a comfortable lodge equipped with all the modern conveniences, the resourceful exWall Streeter not only fends off would-be assassins but also unravels the transnational plot against him.
Capital entertainment for Erdman's many fans, who will not be at all surprised by the fierce loathing for all things Swiss that suffuses the always absorbing story.