Literary Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave
A wealth management book and two thrillers are Ryan’s picks for May.

Wealth Unbroken
by Rebecca Walser

I’m going to be honest—I’m reluctant to review any how-to finance book. Why? Because more so than other literary styles/genres, these are, understandably, polarizing. For every person who swears by the stated advice, plenty will holler equally much about it being fool’s gold. This book by tax attorney, CFP, wealth strategist, and iHeartradio financial advisor Rebecca Walser is no different. Her goal is a big one—map out “how to be one of the few who not only survive but thrives in the coming era of increasing taxes, extreme market volatility, and an aged, debt-ridden America.” Does she deliver? It’s hard to say.

The only advice I ever received about preparing for my retirement? Spend less. Max out the 401k. And bank 10% of my take-home pay. Kind of yawner stuff, but it’s what a lot of us were told. Surely there’s more to it, though, right?

Enter Walser and Wealth Unbroken. In this book, she discusses things that your own CPA might well have never mentioned. That’s a plus. She’s also a fan of creating a sound tax plan that’s more or less predicated on paying taxes today to avoid higher rates in the future. 

One of the real virtues of this book is that potentially complex ideas are presented clearly in a conversational style. I also think she does a good job in the first chapter of showing how the world of retirement planning has changed. The days of 30+ years with the same company (like my father and father-in-law enjoyed) are long gone. 

Is this book for you? Probably so, if you prefer the certainty of life insurance and annuities over stocks and options on indexes. But you might also enjoy this if you want a fresh perspective on American capitalism and taxes.

Rating: 3.75/5 
www.wealthunbroken.com

The Consultant
by TJ O’Connor

While TJ O’Connor has published numerous books already, his latest novel, published by Longboat Key’s own Oceanview Publishing, is his first thriller. O’Connor is an independent security consultant who specializes in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis, so the level of authenticity and vividness in The Consultant – Book 1 of the Jonathan Hunter thriller series – is understandably quite high.

The Consultant tells the story of Jonathan Hunter, who, in his own words, is a consultant. “Sort of a handyman for very special clients. Well, one very special client.” But Hunter gets involved on a personal level when his brother sends a plea for help despite having not spoken to him in years. What follows is Hunter stumbling upon a hotbed of terrorist activity by Middle Eastern refugees right here in the U.S. Couple that with Hunter’s spy mentor playing his own high-stakes game with Russian intelligence, and you’ve got a story that cooks along nicely from start to finish.

Hunter’s more Jason Bourne than James Bond, though he’s got a more pronounced sense of humor that many readers will appreciate. O’Connor’s fast-paced writing style will surely please readers, as well.

Rating: 4.0/5 
www.TJOConnor.com

The Company of Demons
by Michael Jordan

The debut novel by Michael Jordan (no, not that one—this writer is a longtime trial lawyer from Ohio!) follows lawyer John Coleman as he works to solve the brutal murder of a friend. The manner in which the murder took place has people thinking about the “Torso Murderer,” who killed at least 12 people back in the days of Eliot Ness (the 1930s) but who was never captured. Is this latest murder related? Coleman is determined to find out, even if it means running afoul of a biker gang, a shady ex-cop, and the dead man’s drug-loving son. book

One of the challenges of The Company of Demons is that Coleman, a first-person narrator, can come across as unlikable. For one thing, he makes plenty of bad decisions (drinking, cheating, and avoiding responsibility, to name only a few). For another, he’s full of excuses about these constant bad decisions. Plus, there’s always the question – how does a first-person narrator end up in the right place at the right time to tell the story? book

Some readers might also resist his portrayal of women in this story. Compared to the development of the male characters, most come across as less nuanced and interesting. But Jordan’s writing style is solid, and he manages to include enough twists and turns such that many readers will be surprised by the ending of this book that’s part serial killer thriller and part legal drama. book

Rating: 3.75/5 
www.MichaelJordanBooks.com

Ryan G. Van Cleave is the author of 20 books, and he runs the creative writing program at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Web: ryangvancleave.com