Getting a new business up and running is anything but the simple project people anticipate. Marty and his good friend Bo have learned this the hard way as their startup is on the verge of collapse due to inadequate funding. Everything turns around for them when Nico Scava invests in their business and offers an enterprising solution to their financial woes, which involves priceless works of art. Already adept at operating on the extreme limits of legality, the duo accepts his offer and unwittingly makes their business the target of a backlash arising from Nico’s past transgressions. They are about to find that turning a profit in their new line of business may involve loss of life in Michael Balter’s Chasing Money.

A comedy of errors provides the storyline for Michael Balter’s thriller as he envelops readers in the murky world of generating startup funding. His characters are well developed with curious background stories that trigger the imagination. This is an impressive display of Balter’s exceptional talent for creating something incredible from limited material. Their conversations are a delight to follow as they maintain a dark sense of humor even in perilous situations. What stood out for me is the extensive research that went into the historical background of the paintings in this story. You could not help but be impressed with Balter’s fluid blending of historical facts with fiction to create a tale that maintains the suspense from start to finish. Chasing Money is an impressive debut novel by a gifted author.

Chasing Money: A Marty and Bo Thriller by Michael Balter delivers a story of suspense and humor. The novel follows Marty and Bo, two relatable, down-on-their-luck entrepreneurs who find themselves in a high-stakes game far beyond the world of startups. What begins as a desperate search for funding quickly spirals into a deadly chase involving a missing painting, the Russian mob, and a trail of bodies. Marty and Bo are flawed yet likable, using their resourcefulness to navigate a world of dangerous criminals and shadowy deals.

Narrated by Marty, the plot’s twists and turns are skillfully executed, with each revelation adding layers to the mystery of the missing masterpiece. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic artist to the intimidating mobsters, add depth and intrigue to the story. Balter’s attention to detail adds sophistication without detracting from the plot. The world-building is consistent with a high and low tension that keeps readers on a roller-coaster of action and suspense. Chasing Money intertwines action with reflective moments as Marty and Bo navigate their challenges in the chaotic and tumultuous world they created with their antics. The decisions they make are significant, and the ethical challenges they encounter give the narrative a genuine feel. It’s an exciting adventure that illustrates how seeking success may not be the riskiest option available. Readers who appreciate thrillers and crime thrillers with a strong emphasis on action, suspense-infused humor, and a captivating pair of protagonists trying to raise capital will find Chasing Money an engaging read.

Chasing Money: A Marty and Bo Thriller by Michael Balter is a witty crime thriller. Marty and Bo are struggling. Their startup is failing, they are flat broke, and their private lives are in trouble, too. When Nico Scava approaches them with an investment offer, it’s too good to pass up – he’s got the connections and the money they need. But when he turns up dead, Marty and Bo are in deep trouble. The Russian mob is hot on their tails. They need to find a missing painting and $10 million very quickly, or they’ll be joining Scava in a long sleep. What was Scava involved in? Can Marty and Bo escape? As more bodies follow them, they’ll need to make the toughest decisions of their lives.

Chasing Money by Michael Balter starts on a high and continues in the same vein all the way through. Every character in this book is well-developed, rounded into real people with their own personalities that lend something to the story, even the smaller players. This is a serious thriller but it’s also got plenty of wit and humor to lighten the load. The captivating writing will draw you in and keep you on the hook right to the end, with sharp dialog and descriptions that will make you feel as though you are there. The plot is unique and there are plenty of twists and turns, not to mention heart-pounding terror in parts. The author has done his research on certain aspects of this story, too, not least art forgery and Nazi loot. And every chapter will leave you wanting more – just one more chapter, then I’ll put it down. Not happening. This is highly recommended to crime thriller aficionados, and I guarantee you’ll read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to see if there will be a sequel to this exciting addition to the genre.