Moneymaker

This was a great story we have Mack who is supposed to just do surveillance though things go south and Mack and Andy his friend are left to defend themselves and figure out what exactly is going on.

This reminded me of Max Payne so much but the video game not the movie and I really liked Mack and Avery together. This is my first time reading anything from Josh Boldt though I got to say it was a really good read with lots of action, laughs, and oh no moments that it keeps you engaged.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In Josh Boldt’s novel “Moneymaker,” readers are thrust into a heart-pounding, action-packed narrative filled with suspense, drama, and unexpected twists. Set in 1997, this gripping Southern crime novel takes place two decades before the events of Boldt’s previous work, “Slurry.” 

Here’s my take:

Navy veteran Mack Abbott, now a private surveillance expert, finds himself entangled in a dangerous web while tracking a drug shipment in Savannah. Ruthless smugglers stop at nothing to protect their illicit product. Abbott’s sole connection in town is Avery Calloway, an exotic dancer with questionable motives and a taste for the smugglers’ wares. As their relationship deepens, danger closes in around them.

My Review:

Character Depth: Boldt masterfully unveils the layers of Mack Abbott. His transition from military life to civilian surveillance work is fraught with tension, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity. Abbott’s flaws make him relatable, and his determination keeps us rooting for him.

Setting: Savannah comes alive—the sultry nights, the murky waters, and the underbelly of crime. The city becomes a character itself, adding depth to the story.

Avery Calloway: The enigmatic dancer adds intrigue. Is she an ally or a double agent? Her chemistry with Abbott sizzles, but trust remains elusive.

The plot races forward, fueled by suspenseful twists. Boldt keeps readers guessing, never allowing complacency.

“Moneymaker” explores loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between good and bad. It’s a gritty examination of choices and consequences.

Boldt’s prose is sharp, evocative, and unapologetically Southern. He captures the humidity, the tension, and the desperation.

Moneymaker is a rollercoaster ride through the criminal underbelly. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction or simply crave a thrilling read, this novel delivers. Dive into Mack Abbott’s early years, and unravel the mysteries that shape his future.