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This is a big book that is as compelling as it is corpulent. It's an exceptionally well-written chronicle of international intrigue and suspense. A contemporary thriller that spans the globe, there is literary heft to this novel as well. It is like a John le Carre spellbinder without the spies and counterspies.
Victor is a British business executive demonstrating a breakthrough product to potential corporate investors in Japan. The product has the potential to virtually eliminate counterfeiting of banknotes, checks, or negotiable documents. Not surprisingly, villains are afoot with as much interest in it as respectable businesses. One in particular snares Victor into a compromising position that could lead to all manner of problems if he doesn't help them obtain this virtually intelligent superconductive polymer. What follows are escalating attempts to secure the wonder product at all costs, including bribery, blackmail, theft, torture, murder, and more.
In addition to constructing a highly intriguing plot, author Hudson creates a cadre of characters who make his tale as entertaining as it is involving. There's Doo-hwan, a Korean gangster who strikes fear in his accomplices' hearts as well as his enemies. Then there's Veronica, a temptress from Singapore who is drop-dead gorgeous and bent on revenge. Hipkiss, meanwhile, is an over-his-head CEO who is more martinet than manager. There are also assassins, policemen, long-suffering wives, and even an honest executive or two. Hudson imbues them all with human foibles that make them as credible as they are memorable. Fans of thrillers, as well as those who simply enjoy first-rate writing, will definitely enjoy the time they spend with this tome. In this instance, Bad Chemistry makes a good novel.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review