Amazon Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Characters you care about
This is a compelling yarn with vividly drawn characters who the reader cares about. The plot is timeless. The story is set in what we might have thought was a simpler, less complicated time but resonates with today’s news stories of criminal gangs, extortion, violence, how ordinary people get trapped by their own unthinking greed, and the endless challenges facing law enforcement in bringing bad guys to justice. it wasn’t so much that I couldn’t put it down. Rather I had to keep picking it up and turning the page to find out how things worked out for the characters I cared about.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fast paced, page turner
David Bowra has written a rollicking great yarn. His professional life has given us an excellent layman’s perspective into the intricacies of financial fraud. He is profoundly aware of the reader’s ignorance and never allows us to be confused or bogged down by details, yet he gives us enough insight to keep us enthralled. We also see the very human side of what it must be like to be immersed or on the fringes of illegality. This is a factor which so often is not presented in the ‘rufty tufty’ world of the thriller. His story, therefore, is realistic, well crafted, subtly nuanced and fast paced. I thoroughly recommend this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable read
A very enjoyable read. Set in and around Vancouver some 40 odd years ago the story follows the relationship between a life long criminal who wants out and the failed businessman who he’s ordered to eliminate. Throughout the various twists and turns of the book we see the internal struggle they each have to contend with and which brings out their human side. Becomes quite a page turner once the action heats up.
5.0 out of 5 stars A darn good tale…
Outstanding first book, the first few chapter take a while to get going, but once the author finds his stride the book flies along. It’s a darn good story, twists and turns along the way with nuggets of local detail to keep it all alive and real.
Looking forward to the follow up!
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable novel
Set in Vancouver this novel is thoroughly entertaining. It’s a great quick read. Lots happening in familiar locations and fast paced with some very interesting characters. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to read a well written thriller. Great first novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!
Top notch effort from first time author David Bowra! Found the book to be engaging and entertaining from the beginning and built to an eventful and gripping ending. Realistic portrayal of gang life in BC in the ’70’s and the dark side of life many would be unaware of. Thoroughly enjoyable! Look forward to more from this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!
Top notch effort from first time author David Bowra! Found the book to be engaging and entertaining from the beginning and built to an eventful and gripping ending. Realistic portrayal of gang life in BC in the ’70’s and the dark side of life many would be unaware of. Thoroughly enjoyable! Look forward to more from this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced, easy to read, intriguing
It’s intriguing, touches on insolvency, gangs, and financial crimes. Set in British Columbia. It’s easy to read, moves fast, and has and a human side that makes you have compassion for the victim, as well as the gangster. A page turner that is “just right” on the details.
Well paced with good character development. The story line brings the reader on a journey through the murky waters of the insolvency world against the backdrop of Vancouver, B.C.. A good first effort. I look forward to the next book.
Dan
5.0 out of 5 stars Put the kettle on.This one is a page turner.
Great first novel from Mr Bowra. Has a realistic plot of men making bad decisions and getting in too deep. Enjoyable, look forward to the next one. Love the Canadian setting. Got tv series written all over this one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Rattling good read….!
Was recommended by a neighbor to read this and it filled a dull rainy weekend very well! Rattled through it in record speed and hoping that the author gets busy writing the sequel! Great stuff.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Bowra’s Banking on Murder is a fast-moving, intriguing mystery around commercial fraud, organized crime and murder with many twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to read on, anxious to see where the characters end up; an excellent read,” Peter Cleveland
Finished reading this wild and woolly book in two nights. The characters are wonderful and the plot moves at lightening speed. The bad guy is possibly not that bad, and the good guy(s) possibly not so good. There’s a lovely tension running through the whole book compelling the reader to flip the pages with some urgency. Let’s hope Monsieur Bowra pens a sequel quickly.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story!
This was a great read! The plot was excellent and made even better knowing that it was based on a true story. The author did a great job capturing the emotions of the characters in the book. I also really enjoyed the Canadian setting and the vivid portrayals of the Canadian landscape throughout.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Tremendous Read
This is a very well written book. It is a very realistic portrayal of the many people and families affected by an organized crime ring unravelling. Strongly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fast paced good read
This is a fast paced, very readable story set in the world of financial crime and gangs in Western Canada. It moves between Vancouver and the North West in the late 70s. The author knows the financial sector well and simplifies it for the layman. The main characters are the accountant, the criminal who wants out but is caught up with the gang and the businessman whose loan has been called in. The criminal and the businessman try to evade capture by the Mounties and we gain insight into their side of the story. The pursuit is an exciting read. The author made me sympathy for the criminal in spite of his crimes. The book is well written and fast moving and to be highly recommended.