Plastic Gods (Rich Coleman Novel) [Paperback]

This is a very well written book that draws the reader into the storyline and doesn't let them go until the very end. I had to read the entire book at one setting to see how Matt would resolve his problems. Author William Manchee does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing and makes the book one surprise after another. While his excellent writing style and use of plot twists and turns make this one of the most exciting fiction novels of the year, I don't rate it as one of the best. The reason is simple. While William Manchee is an excellent writer and I look forward to many more great novels tantalizing plot lines from him, the quality of the editing makes him come across as more of a hack writer. There are multiple sentences where a complete word is just plain missing, wrong words are used (such as "there" instead of "their"), and multiple other problems. As you near the end of the book and suspense is building, the problems become more and more common. This completely breaks up the flow of the novel and breaks the suspense that he is so masterful at creating because you have to stop and play fill-in-the-blank. I looked to make sure I did not have an uncorrected proof, but alas I did not. An excellent story, masterfully done, and recommended for those who like a good suspense story, it falls back into the category of mediocre only because of bad editing. Mr. Manchee has the potential to break out of the pack and become a well-known name in suspense novels, but only with better editing.

It doesn't take the banking industry long to notice that bankruptcy filings in the northern part of Texas are suddenly burgeoning. MidSouth executive vice president Douglas Barnes, chairman of the board Frank Hill and a treacherous ex Marine, Hans Schultz join forces to coerce Matt out of the bankruptcy scene. Matt will not budge. Hill and Schultz step up their campaign to include murder, defamation and lots of dirty tricks. Following Matt's being set up by a supposed landscaper needing debt relief; Matt faces not only jail and probation but a hefty fine as well. When the depraved banker and his deadly henchman endanger Lynn they have gone too far. Matt uses his jail time to fine hone a strategy for settling the score between himself and Frank Hill. The FBI, police from Texas to the east coast, the stock market and even Federal Congressmen all figure in this tale.

One of Manchee's best Plastic Gods is a nail biter. From the opening paragraphs when Rich Coleman reflects over his own life and muses about his son's surprising decision to become an attorney through the whole action packed tale we follow Matt on his headstrong journey into a life he never expected. Matt's impulsive determination carry him and those with whom he associates into jeopardy, lethal danger and a crassness the naïve young man never suspected existed. Writer Manchee's long years as an attorney hold him in good stead as he guides the reader through what might be far less interesting reading if offered by a less gifted writer. The reader is drawn right into the setting as Matt faces questioning by the Texas Bar Association, trial and incarceration. Manchee's writing skills only increase as he continues producing narrative after narrative filled with zestful characters, absorbing premise and spine tingling action.

I did not find Lynn a particularly likeable character when first introduced, however she grew on me, and I was saddened to read of Hans' attack upon her. Matt's terrified concern for his wife, his predictable desire for revenge against the banking entity and chairman Hill in particular were handled with deftness. This reader was caught up in the tale and wanted Hill brought to swift and certain justice as well. Potent emotions, perilous conspiracy, treachery, perplexing tale, a keen eye for detail are all bound into this stunning work as writer Manchee offers the reader a peek into a side of banking and credit most of us never realized might exist. I enjoyed following the strategy outlined for bringing Hill and those associated with him to justice. While Plastic Gods is a work of fiction the tale offered by writer Manchee certainly gives the reader something to think about when we receive our next bank card credit offer in the mail.

Not for the faint of heart. Excellent read, happy to recommend.

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Reviewed by: molly martin