Riding the Brand

by Bruce Makous

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591330688
• ISBN13: 9781591330684
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Hilliard & Harris Publishers
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Venture Capital Thriller

A former student in creative writing from Oberlin College in New York, Bruce Makous goes to the head of the class (I couldn't resist) with his debut novel, Riding the Brand. Besides being one of the better crime novels I've read lately, it is one of the best small press offerings I've read in ages. Publishers Hilliard and Harris appear to be one of the few smaller houses operating with a real, live copyeditor. (Of course, Makous' own experience as Associate Editor of the literary magazine Boulevard probably ties into that, as well.) As one who reviews a lot of books, finding a book from smaller house that is this textually pristine would alone be cause for celebration, even if it weren't such a great read. Hubble Countermine is on the verge of an initial public offering (IPO) for his dot-com enterprise. His website's main feature is that it can find information on any individual. This pretty much the ideal service, for just about anybody, the first sign that author Makous has his finger on the pulse of the modern business world. Hubb's relationship with his girlfriend Deena is going well until his brother, Nicky, is connected to the death of Deena's stepsister, Mar. Then Hubb's world begins to crumble, and soon Nicky dies mysteriously, too. To make things worse, Hubb begins relying on his virtual döppelganger, "Dubble" Countermine, to do his talking for him when questioned by the police. In fact, the only thing that seems to be going his way is the successful acquisition of the necessary venture capital to get his company off the ground. He just has to make sure that he doesn't spend it frivolously, or "ride the brand." In the meantime, Deena, having moved away, is having surprising luck launching her own fashion design firm, Deena East, while finding romance in the form of her benefactor. Simulaneously, the private detective that Hubb hires to look into the deaths Nicky and Mar, Leo Mastrone, begins to uncover several unexpected coincidences. Some coincidences that neither Hubb nor Deena are going to be prepared for. Makous shows all the signs of experience in this novel. (This is actually his fourth novel, but the first published.) He's obviously comfortable with letting his characters do their own things and he adds several creative touches throughout the novel. Realistically delving into the seamier sides of business and humanity, Makous' work echoes that of Frederick Forsyth. And, like Forsyth, Riding the Brand is an almost perfect choice for commuting: plot-heavy, quickly-paced, and divided into relatively short chapters, it is easy to get through without having to think too much about the story; I finished it in two days, and I don't read quickly. Most of all, it's a solid story with believable characters and a hero in Hubble who, though he may have one of the odder quirks I've ever come across, was instantly easy to identify with. I look for Bruce Makous to have a terrific career ahead of him if he can get over the hurdle of anony

A Fun Read...Propelled to the Climax

I wondered, can a detective novel that delves into the similarities between venture capital firms and organized crime be a fun read? Well, I discovered that it could if that book is "Riding the Brand" by first-time novelist Bruce Makous. Snappy dialogue, somewhat likeable bad guys, and flawed heroes reminded me of Elmore Leonard's style, but Makous is true to himself. Makous has developed a unique work of fiction that reflects the corporate headlines of the past few years. The story engaged me from the start, and really took-off like a bullet out of a semi-automatic once I got to the halfway point. As I was propelled to the climax, I just had to keep reading to the end. As a result, I didn't get to bed that night until very late, but it was well worth it. If you want to settle in with an entertaining thriller while also taking a look at the controversial side of the business world, this is the book for you.

Fast, Sexy, Noir-ish Thriller with Snappy Banter

Riding the Brand was a fun read as a sexy, noir-ish detective thriller. I liked the fresh premise: what if some wiseguys ran their venture capital firm using loan shark thuggery, preying on cash-hungry tech company start-ups. I think this is a good offering from new author Bruce Makous. I really like it's similarity to 1930s detective films and pulp fiction novels, with the snappy banter and stylish characters. I'll give a bunch of these out for holiday gifts -- especially friends in Philadelphia and New York, where the story is set. (But my parents will have to find it on their own, as the sex scenes are too hot for this kid to give her folks!)

Dot.com Kills

I found this book enormously entertaining and interesting. It gives an insider's glimpse into the mania which was the Dot.com bubble and its bursting--and the life and death consequences. A novel new context for a terrific mystery plot.

Riding the Brand - a hi tech , murder mystery.

this topical, thriller has it all murder, sex, intrigue, new technology, and old world crime types, trying to have it all . major difference between this new author's style is his ability to seamlessly switch from direct quotation style to very descriptive verbage, that allows the reader to to alternatly "listen" and "see" the action ,as this story weaves it's way thru the lives of the assorted collection of characters, all of whom are flawed in differing ways. written on a level to appeal to the reader ,who expects to be challenged at a slightly above average comprehension level. Not your normal Grisham or Patterson mass readership tripe. Got everything to have a look by the cinema boys.