The Marketmaker by
Michael Ridpath
pbk out May 99
(Penguin)
at £5.99
An impecunious lecturer in Russian studies Nick Elliot joins a firm of city brokers specialising in South American bonds but with plans to break into the Russian markets. Introduced by a college friend now a prosperous broker with the firm he aims to clear his debts, accumulate capital and then return to the academic life.
Whilst impressed with the super efficiency of the organisation and his boss “The Marketmaker” a charming but scary workaholic, Elliot soon becomes aware of undercurrents. He leaves at the “accidental” death of his predecessor in a bungled hotel robbery. The abrupt dismissal of a colleague and the incorrect vilification of his character to prevent future employment increase his disquiet.
His suspicions of the illegal source of monies in the firm’s offshore accounts and the unscrupulous methods used to dominate the South American scene escalate, but evidence is difficult to obtain. Despite an attempt on his life, and a later kidnapping he finds his way through the tangle of bribery and corruption. The action takes place in South America and London.
This is an exciting and well-written story by an ex bonds trader with Yorkshire connections.
