We also learn of Kurt’s distaste for the sales force, which call themselves The Band of Brothers. They use military metaphors too easily and Kurt lets them know quite plainly that while they just play at battle, real combat is violently different. Just how much violence Kurt is capable of is something that Jason will learn first-hand.
The story moves along quickly and contains some real shocks and surprises that both help Jason as he racks up business successes, and hinders him as he searches for a way out of his relationship with Kurt.
To depict corporate life, and especially as well as Finder does, one would think he’s a veteran tycoon or at least a former cube jockey. Instead, he uses his journalism skills, and researches the heck out of his subjects. He typically spends three months or so researching the industry of the novel in progress, whether it be office furniture, or in the case of Killer Instinct, flat screen plasma monitors and televisions. He attributes his ability to really zero in on the jargon and attitudes that are specific to these workplaces to the fact that he is an outsider to the corporate world.
So, whether you work in an office, warehouse or schoolhouse, summer vacation is the perfect time for anyone who loves suspense, thrills, and a well-told story, to pick up Killer Instinct.
Joseph Finder is also the author of The Moscow Club, Extraordinary Powers, Zero Hour, High Crimes, and the nonfiction Red Carpet: The Connection Between the Kremlin and America’s Most Powerful Businessmen.
Article comments
1 - Aaron Fleming
Sounds pretty good, I can really appreciate a good level of attention to detail, I like a novel that is clearly knowledgable on that which it talks about.
2 - Mark Saleski
woa...not a cell phone kind of guy AND finds a car after mowing the lawn.
i had no idea that somebody was writing about 'lil ole me!
3 - Mary K. Williams
It's always about you Mark. : )
(When it's not about me)
4 - Mark Saleski
that's what is says in my internet instruction manual.
(well, not the part about it being about you)
5 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
6 - Mat Brewster
My manual says its always about cheese.
Good stuff as always, Sir Mary.
7 - Mary K. Willaims
Cheese, yes...and wind. Absolutely
8 - Mary K. Williams
No, forget the wind. Ack.
I meant wine.
9 - Mary K. Williams
Natalie - Thank you!
10 - Marcie
Killer Instinct was my first Joseph Finder, and I pretty much agree with Ms. Williams assessment. I greatly enjoyed the book. One caveat, though - Mr. Finder gets the pressure and the corporate politics SO right, that it may be a bit off-putting for people who live it every day. There's a fairly long section that concentrates on pretty intently on corporate machinations -- it's necessary to set up the final third of the book, but that's so true to life I was feeling depressed and discouraged just reading it. I listened to the audio, and there's an interview at the end of the book in which Mr. Finder marvels that there aren't more books set in the business world, since that's where so many people spend their days. I'd say that's exactly why. Overall I enjoyed it, but my husband wouldn't finish it - he reads to escape that grind, not relive it.
11 - Mary K. Williams
Marcie - I know what you mean. My husband comes under the same category.
I've not read any other titles except for the two other 'corporate thrillers' (Finder hates that label - but easier to describe that way) Paranoia and Company Man were very good. Total page turners. If you look under my writer's page, you can follow links to my review of the latter. I' try to include link here, but I'd screw up the html at this point.
I will be reading his earlier works as soon as things slow down.
I recommend you do the same!
Thank you for the comments too!