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Mike Wells
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Lust, Money & Murder - Book 1: A Female Secret Service Agent Takes on an International Criminal Kindle Edition

by Mike Wells (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 3,028 ratings
Series description: Born in the worst suburb in Pittsburgh, Elaine Brogan is bright, beautiful and bold. When her father is falsely arrested for passing counterfeit $100 bills, Elaine vows to become a Secret Service agent and track down the man responsible. After barely surviving the arduous Secret Service Training Academy in Laurel, Maryland, she is transferred to bleak and blustery Great Falls, Montana. But things do not go as planned, and Elaine soon finds herself betrayed and thrown into an adventure that takes her halfway around the world, from dark and mysterious Sofia, Bulgaria, to Moscow Russia, and finally, to Milan, Italy. In the end, will Elaine find the love and happiness she truly seeks…or will she turn to a life of obscene wealth, power and corruption?
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  1. Book 1 of 15
    Lust, Money & Murder
  2. Print length
    131 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 18, 2014
  6. File size
    1.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

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About the Author

Mike Wells is an American bestselling author of over 20 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin.  He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and  Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide.  Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style.  His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists.  He currently lives in Europe and teaches part-time in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005638LWK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mike Wells Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 131 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1458163639
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 15 ‏ : ‎ Lust, Money & Murder
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 3,028 ratings

About the author

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Mike Wells

Mike Wells

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Mike Wells is an American bestselling author of more than 25 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin. He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide. Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style. His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists. He currently lives in Europe and has taught in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford.

Please follow Mike's blog at:

http://mikewellsblog.blogspot.com/

Connect with Mike on Twitter and Facebook:

http://www.twitter.com/MikeWellsAuthor

http://www.facebook.com/MikeWellsAuthor

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
3,028 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-paced, with a captivating plot that captures interest through its twists and turns. The writing is tight and easy to read, while the characters are well-developed, with one review noting rich layers of motivation. The mystery content receives positive feedback for its well-researched counterfeiting details, and customers consider it worth the cost. However, several customers note that the book feels incomplete.

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253 customers mention "Readability"246 positive7 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thoroughly enjoyable, with several mentioning it held their full attention from the first couple of chapters.

"...Characters: The characters were very interesting and fun. I especially enjoyed Elaine, the main character...." Read more

"...Wells' writing is easy to read - not just easy, but engaging...." Read more

"This book hooked me with the first couple of chapters, which I liked quite a bit. Then something funny happened...." Read more

"...However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed...." Read more

182 customers mention "Plot"146 positive36 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, which captures them with its twists and turns of events and suspenseful nature.

"...General Plot: In general, the plot of this story was fun. I know it sounds weird to see that in a story like this but it was...." Read more

"...I found the story interesting, though some of what happened seemed too pat and, for that, it was very, very much like real life...." Read more

"...It does have a decent plot, but spends too much time on a flat, silly romance instead of on intrigue and danger and such things...." Read more

"...weaves an interesting tale of mystery and suspense, with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader's attention from the..." Read more

111 customers mention "Pacing"103 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced thriller that flows quickly and is an easy read.

"...The pacing was pretty good. There were times where it felt as though the plot was stalling a bit, but those never lasted that long...." Read more

"...I'm really only giving this 3 stars because it's free, short, and a quick read - I feel I got my money's worth from it...." Read more

"...The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling...." Read more

"I found this book to be quick paced but engaging. The writing is clear and concise...." Read more

87 customers mention "Writing quality"84 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well written as prose and easy to read, with one customer highlighting the effective use of description and detail.

"...I found the characters fun and engaging. Elaine was so wonderfully drawn out for the first book in a series and I actually found myself rooting for..." Read more

"...Wells' writing is easy to read - not just easy, but engaging...." Read more

"...An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development...." Read more

"...Mike Wells is an aesthetically keen painter using a large brush yet still managing to provide us an occasional peek into his poetic heart...." Read more

79 customers mention "Character development"73 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are well developed and fun, with one customer highlighting the rich layers of character motivation.

"...Characters: The characters were very interesting and fun. I especially enjoyed Elaine, the main character...." Read more

"...I read the book in one sitting. I loved the Elaine character but I was anxious to connect the prolog to the story as well...." Read more

"...to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development...." Read more

"...dab of poetry to the description of a scene, and develop surprisingly subtle nuances of character...." Read more

25 customers mention "Mystery content"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery elements of the book, finding it informative with well-researched counterfeiting details, and one customer notes how cultural references are woven throughout the narrative.

"...(e.g., the counterfeit details and the CIA application and training of Elaine are extremely..." Read more

"...(or life experience, or some of each) is evident in the cultural references woven throughout the story...." Read more

"...Elaine is a strong female character, exceptional in her ability to identify counterfeit bills, yet she is also vulnerable...." Read more

"...She becomes an expert on spotting counterfeit bills but suddenly finds herself in a very unsafe and sticky situation leaving her to with a huge..." Read more

24 customers mention "Value for money"21 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well worth the cost and appreciate its brilliant merchandising, with one customer noting it's available as a free Kindle download.

"...I'm really only giving this 3 stars because it's free, short, and a quick read - I feel I got my money's worth from it...." Read more

"...I recommend this series set to anyone who likes intrigue, money, and love." Read more

"...complete, on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel and, in my opinion, is worth it. Four stars." Read more

"...This first book is free, which gives the reader an in depth look at the author's writing abilities and story content...." Read more

21 customers mention "Book content"0 positive21 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book content, with several noting that it feels incomplete and not a complete book, while one customer describes it as a simple and boring read.

"...more 'real'. Now I must warn my readers that this book is not a complete book...." Read more

"...It is true the story is not complete in a "stand alone" type of book, however, how can someone not like something for free?..." Read more

"...on the background history of the heroine, although it spends a few too many pages on her sexual exploits during her college years for my own..." Read more

"...But this is not a book, and labelling it as such is deceptive...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Rob Flood
    5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars! Great beginning to a series.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I was given the opportunity by the author to read this book and I am very grateful to Mike for this. I am going to break this review down into 3 sections, characters, pacing, and general plot while maintaining a spoiler free review. I want to first say that I am giving this 4.5 stars out of 5.

    Characters:

    The characters were very interesting and fun. I especially enjoyed Elaine, the main character. She was a pistol and a half who had so much going for her and knew that she could not let anything or anyone stand in her way. I found her flaws to be real and raw because of what had happened to her when she was younger. Even though her father had done something wrong, she still loved him. Elaine's first roommate was a spitfire too and even though she was sort of a minor character I enjoyed her very much. There were very much characters that I did not like besides her first boss. The biggest one was the second boss she had, Nick. I thought something was a bit off about him from the beginning but Mike wrote him in such a way that you really were not entirely sure what that that piece of the story was sort of missing until the end. This show creativity and thought in the character. I believe the characters were well thought out and I wanted to know more about them.

    Pacing:

    The pacing was pretty good. There were times where it felt as though the plot was stalling a bit, but those never lasted that long. I thought that the change in venues happened a bit quicker than I would have liked and it made the timeline a bit tough to see as a reality and that is why I gave it just under a full 5 star rating. Honestly though, my feelings on the pacing are simply because of the way I view pacing on my own and probably has very little to do with how Mike wrote his story.

    General Plot:

    In general, the plot of this story was fun. I know it sounds weird to see that in a story like this but it was. I found the characters fun and engaging. Elaine was so wonderfully drawn out for the first book in a series and I actually found myself rooting for her and what she did for herself. I thought the Secret Service plot was wonderful and gave a great sense of action to the story. It was well done and I want to read more from Mike Wells in the future.

    Again, thank you Mike for a great book and allowing readers to enjoy it so much.
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  • Sunday S. Smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars Beware! Only a Taste!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Disclaimer: This is not a complete book at all. It ends in the middle of a scene! But if you want a taste to see if you want to buy, this is it.

    About the book:
    The book does begin with a prolog that is deeply interesting about a young woman who seeks out wealthy men to spend some quality time with in hopes of getting a few expensive gifts to keep. She makes a big mistake when she picks up a man who takes her to a casino in San Remo, Italy.
    The story then opens with the day Elaine Brogan was born and how her father, Patrick Brogan doted on her. We get glimpses into Elaine's childhood until she is sixteen when she gets wrapped up in a modeling school scam. When she demands her money back, the head of the company gives it to her but little does she know this is the beginning of the end of her life as she knows it. The rest of the story shows us how Elaine came to be Agent Elaine. When she is transferred to Bulgaria, her life gets very interesting indeed, not just because she falls in love but because there are some strange things afoot, things she has to figure out for herself.

    My Take:
    I read the book in one sitting. I loved the Elaine character but I was anxious to connect the prolog to the story as well. Wells' writing is easy to read - not just easy, but engaging. I found the story interesting, though some of what happened seemed too pat and, for that, it was very, very much like real life. Ever wish you could get that last lick in only to find your moment for revenge is long gone, never to return? Ahhh, well that is life and, though we might not like it in a story, it makes the story more 'real'.
    Now I must warn my readers that this book is not a complete book. It just stops in a serious cliff hanger which made me want to go out and buy the next book. But it angers me as well. One of my favorite writers (Connie Willis) did that with her book Blackout and I hated it! I won't buy books like that if I can help it. The good news for the readers here is this book is currently free. It gives you a chance to test drive this writer for no cost. If you like the writing, you can purchase books 1, 2, & 3 for about $5.00.

    I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes intrigue and a good back story.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Unlimited Book Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written first installment to a long series
    Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    When a grieving, young woman inadvertently gets her father incarcerated, she swears revenge by becoming a secret service agent to take down the guilty parties.
    Mike Wells has created an involved series of books that chronicle her life and struggles to get the revenge she so desperately seeks.
    Report
  • Maree Hurtz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting
    Reviewed in Australia on October 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the book, easy read
    Report
  • SMB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to read
    Reviewed in India on October 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Good book to read
    Report
  • Elia Dolan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If you haven’t read the works of Mike Wells by now, then you really should have. Lust, Money and Murder is exactly that; sex, violence, thrills and a tantalizing amount of love is featured throughout this novel in a way that keeps you up all night desperate to race to the end of the novel. Unfortunately, I felt sad when I did reach the end of the novel and I have no doubt that you will too.

    The novel begins in present day, set in a town in Italy. By the first few pages, a scam has been successful, a woman has been courted by a man who whispered nothing but sweet nothings, and the same woman is murdered callously without a second thought. After this tantalizing opening, we are introduced to a young woman named Elaine Brogan. The young Miss Brogan has a large aspiration to become a successful model and live the life of beauty and glamour; at first, it seems like she is a going to achieve it.However, two thousand pounds later she decides to leave the particular agency that has recruited her and she has the sudden realization that she is being treated as nothing more than a flesh of meat after she has an encounter with a sleazy man that works within the industry. Demanding her money back, she displays it to her proud father and decides that she has officially removed herself from the realms of modelling. However, her life crashes down around her after her father is arrested and then a few days later, ends up dead.

    Elaine is hell bent on revenge, and sets her sights on a new career ambition: The Secret Service. After a series of disastrous events within her first workplace, she is transferred to Bulgaria where she meets her new boss and the new love of her love. After a mere 12 months, she realises that not all is as it seems in Bulgaria and once again Elaine’s life is uprooted as she becomes embroiled amidst greed, adventure disaster and heartbreak.

    Lust, Money & Murder is the first novel in a groundbreaking series. Wells’s writing is relentless and enthralling with a unique ability that enables the reader to identify with each individual character. I personally saw a lot of myself found myself in Elaine’s character; and this alone forged a connection between me and the protagonist which led to me wanting to know even more about her. Particularly as the novel ended with an almighty cliffhanger that has led me to purchase the next installment in the series. I cannot recommend this story enough. Well done, Mike Wells. Well done.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good, quick read
    Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Even though only just over 100 pages, this rocks along and packs in a lot in its short length, much like an good television show that you can't stop at one or two episodes. Will be checking out the other books in the series
    Report

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