Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony

By Gary Stephen Ross

Book Overview

He was one of the brightest stars at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a brilliant young banker on his way to the top. But Brian Molony had a secret obsession: he loved to gamble. The unsuspecting bank was soon fuelling that obsession, as Molony helped himself to hundreds of thousands, then millions, of dollars in fraudulent loans. Despite falling deeper and deeper in the hole, Molony convinced himself he could win it all back. Before long, the mild-mannered assistant manager had become one of the biggest high-rollers the casinos had ever seen and earned himself a place in the annals of criminal history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0771075324
• ISBN13: 9780771075322
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.0" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Read!

This book was recommended to me by a few people and I read it long before I saw the movie "Owning Mahoney". You follow the footsteps of an "everyday Joe" and the overwhelming compulsion that can drive a man who is very honest and moral into committing acts that he would have never dreamed possible. The book also shows firsthand how it is not only the gambler's life who is decimated, but that of his family, friends, and employer. The book is a true story of a life that spiraled out of control, but shows that redemption is possible. If this subject interests you, I highly recommend reading the book and skipping the movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a five star performance, but the movie doesn't begin to capture the depth of pain that Brian Molony caused those around him. Truly a fascinating read.

Beats the Movie Version

Wow. This book jumps you. I read it out of curiosity, having seen the film version "Owning Mahowney" (sic).I was unprepared for what a hard-working journalist can do to ignite your feel for the main character. Magnificently well researched, and woven with the artistic sensibility of a Truman Capote (I'm thinking "In Cold Blood").I'm quite disappointed not to see anything else available by this writer. Of course, I have no idea if he's even alive. But my hat's off to him in any event.I'm curious re Mr. Molony as well. I hope his life's proved as worthwhile as he would wish.You cannot regret buying this one. No way.

Riveting!

Even though I knew what happened in the end, I found this book fascinating and compelling. I chose it as a 'before bed' book because I thought it would be easy to put down. It wasn't, and I lost a nights sleep, but gained a great read!