Book Review: "The Budapest Experiment" by Maurice G. Miller

About The Author

mauriceMaurice has been involved in the creative arts since his teenage years. Having worked and played in rock/blues bands for most of his adult life, the artistic role models that he came to admire were those authors, musicians, and philosophers that wrote the books, poetry, lyrics, and music that touched and moved the souls of generations. Counted among his favorites authors are J.D. Salinger, Earnest Hemingway, Dante Alighieri, and Kahlil Gibran. Deciding to take a break from the music career, he has rededicated his creative energies toward writing.
Then there is the "business geek" side of him. With an MBA degree, and having started several ventures, he has an obsession for creating new business ideas, digging into data analytics, and dissecting statistics. This passion for entrepreneurship is reflected prominently in his writing style.
Maurice's debut fictional novel, "The Budapest Experiment", an international thriller, was released on May 25, 2015 and is available now on Amazon.
Lots more can be found, including book info, social media contacts, and blog posts, at: http://www.mauricegmiller.com.

About The Book

Blurb:

At what price would you sell your soul...?

budapestThis captivating thriller weaves business, politics, seduction, power, and religion all into a compelling tale of international intrigue.

Set in 1991, during the dawn of the Post-Communist era in Hungary, this novel chronicles the exploits of Michael, an adventurous but struggling American entrepreneur.
During this period of tumultuous political, economic, and social change, the Russian Mob is taking advantage of the ensuing turmoil to entrench itself deeper into the business landscape of the former Soviet Bloc countries.
Navigating through the streets of Budapest, Michael immediately senses an air of mysticism and lurking danger. Things begin to heat up, as a series of business dealings and events leads him to a consulting position with the 'Organization'.
Seduced by their women, money, and power, Michael becomes entangled in the web of Mob culture. An examination of conscience reveals a spirit ravaged with feelings of guilt and betrayal, but a rapidly growing bank account serves as the means to justify his actions.
Pondering his future, he wonders if he can balance this extreme Budapest lifestyle with his ‘ordinary’ family life back home. After padding his wallet for the past several months, would the Organization let him just walk away, or would there be consequences?
This book is intended for mature audiences.
Warning: Ends on a cliffhanger - sequel coming out soon

My Review:

Captivating and Intriguing Thriller
Looking to dive into the International business scene of Hungary, Michael believes nothing can touch him and jumps head first into the deep end of business with the Russian Mafia. He has a guardian angel but can she even save him from himself and the disaster he's heading into? He knows he shouldn't do the things he does, but he seems almost helpless to stop himself as he is seduced by the excitement, money, and beautiful women to the point of naivety.
I loved the way this story began and ended (although, warning, it was a cliff hanger). It's an intriguing and action-packed story with lots of description and Budapest flavor. It's filled with lots of descriptive sex scenes and I'll admit I moved over the last few as there were too many for my taste. It is well-written and moves at a pretty good pace. I do think it could be cut down to about 300 pages while still carrying the plot and characters.
I'm pulling for Michael because even though he's done a few bad things, like cheating on his wife and working for the mob, he appears to be a decent man, filled with guilt as he's caught up in the craziness of it all.

Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece (Started - 16% read)
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph

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