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jessmoats's review against another edition
1.0
As a Joseph Finder fan, I was extremely disappointed with The Fixer. I found myself just plowing through the pages in a desperate race for the finish line. The scenarios and situations that the main character, Rick, gets into are just plain silly. After finding over 3 million dollars stashed in the walls of his childhood home, Rick sets out to discover the true origins of the money. He suspects his father, now living in a nursing home after a massive stroke, has the answers he needs to uncover the mystery. While the premise of the novel sounded promising, I found myself thinking that the main character was nothing more than a self-centered idiot. I found the scenarios to be unrealistic, edging on idiotic. If you are a Joseph Finder fan (or a fan of thrillers and mystery novels), don't read this book!
jmj697mn's review against another edition
4.0
I love Joesph Finder's books. I flew through this one in a few hours. Recommended for fans of thrillers and suspense novels.
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
Mr. Finder is another author who when I see his books I do get excited. I could not wait to get my hands on his latest book. I began to read it and the beginning was fine. Then I continued to read and read. Still fine but where is the intense build up. It was steady but not big surprises or adrenaline rush. There was no character that really stuck out for me as strong either.
Although I was missing the intensity from reading this book. I still like Mr. Finder's writing style and stuck with the book. Which by the way the second half of the book is way better then the first half. The story picks up speed and there is action. Things start happening with different players. The ending was a good one.
Although I was missing the intensity from reading this book. I still like Mr. Finder's writing style and stuck with the book. Which by the way the second half of the book is way better then the first half. The story picks up speed and there is action. Things start happening with different players. The ending was a good one.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved, THE FIXER, and everything about this top-notch, innovative, fast-paced riveting crime mystery suspense thriller!
Joseph Finder is at the “top of his game” with father and son team, which may have more in common than they know---deeply buried secrets, conspiracy, power, corruption, and greed in the city of Boston, with some tough emotional life lessons. Set aside the time, as a read in one sitting; a page-turner!
Rick Hoffman has been on top of the world with glitz, glamour, prestige and money with a high profile media Boston magazine as well as a former investigative reporter at the Boston Globe. He still has connections; however, keeping it quiet his currently unemployed; no longer the star.
Unfortunately his last career move, for more money did not last too long, due to the shift in online media world, from the former print business. Presently, he is single, alone, jobless, and broke. He finds himself back in his home town, in his father’s old home, with a sleeping bag, and a BMW. His material possessions now something of the past, as well as his fiancée.
The old home place is a disaster, since his dad had a stroke over eighteen years ago, the house has been sitting empty, in dire need of repair. Unable to sell or lease in its present condition, taking mega bucks to renovate. (money he does not have.) Jeff, the guy next door has been watching out for the place while Rick was away. While Rick, is attempting to sleep in this rat infested house, disgusted with his life, he hears noise in the walls, and figures rats, or squirrels have set up house. The neighbor Jeff, a building contractor shows up, and attempts to assist Rick figure out where the noise is coming from, as they tear down the wall. Turns out there is $3.4 million buried inside the wall!
Rick is afraid Jeff has seen some of the bills (hopefully only a few); makes light of the situation, as he does now want anyone to know about the money. This could be the answer to his prayers; however, where did the money come from, and where will he hide it? He cannot put it all in the bank, and he cannot leave it at the house, or his car. He decides to hire Jeff to begin renovation, in order to sell it, and split the money with his sister, Wendy who lives out of town.
After putting small amounts in several different banks, he decides to get a small storage unit. He of course keeps some, as happens to run into his former girlfriend from college; hot, as well as highly intelligent and promising. She is now divorced with a younger son and he needs to impress her. He goes off buying all these fancy designer clothes and takes her to dinner, blowing thousands, which is really a turn off for her. After all, she is no longer with Goldman Sachs; she runs a non-profit for kids helping them with math. (lots of humor here)
Now Rick feels like a fool, plus he runs into some people, while spending money. Not cool. Soon he has thugs following him and threatening him. They want to know about the money? Rick decides to rent various cars daily, to throw off the guys, going from one bed and breakfast and hotel to another, while he puts on his investigative reporting hat, and begins digging into the mystery behind the money. Since his dad cannot speak, he has to find a way to communicate, in order to find out where the money came from.
Rick soon learns things about his dad, Leonard Hoffman the attorney, the father, and the man he evidently never knew. He is now in a nursing home and sits in front of a TV all day. He has not spoken in eighteen years. Seems he was connected to a shady bunch. He was a Fixer, a Bagman-- When strip clubs and porn clubs (“Combat Zone” Boston’s red-light district) had cash they needed to get rid of, (money laundering) and others who needed cash for bribes, his dad was their man.
The Combat Zone was a center of bribery with some heavy hitter players surrounding the Big Dig, when Boston added new downtown roads and tunnels which transformed the city’s traffic problem. It happened to be the largest and most complex and most technologically challenging construction project in the history of the country. He needs to find out the name behind the power, and why they are being so protective. Rick, now driven and obsessed to get to the bottom of this mystery will utilize all his investigative skills to uncover this complex web of deceit.
However, Rick soon learns everything is not as it appears. His dad was connected to some powerful men, and he is determined to find the answers and bring them down. His dad may have been trying to do the right thing, when he was stopped. When researching the time period, the day of his stroke, he had a meeting with the head of Boston’s PR firm which specializes in reputation management.
Danger is following Rick, and now the numbers have increased. Not only do they want money, they want him quiet; not opening up a can of worms. This giant has paid off half of the town and is now threatened. From the police, the top media PR, a reputation management company, one of the largest developers, political leaders, and others….he has to follow every lead to uncover the misdeeds before they destroy him. In the meantime, he may learn something about his father which may turn out to make him a hero in his eyes, after all, plus learn what really matters in life.
What makes THE FIXER so unique and engaging, is the emotional human dynamics, quite different than the normal crime thriller of finding a stash of money and simple corruption. Finders dives deep into the complex relationship of a father, who longer cannot speak for himself; however, actually speaks volumes. His character, his values, his goals and ambitions did not turn out the way he planned, and the sacrifices he made for his family after his wife died to give his children the best life possible. We also see the transformation of Rick from a selfish self-centered man grow into a man of character. This time he may not be able to be bought, for any price. Well done.
An action-packed, well-written, engrossing plot and compelling suspense thriller of secrets, lies, payoffs, blackmail, and corruption of the underbelly of Boston city business and politics. Mixed with humor, drama, and mystery crossing several genres. Highly recommend –an ideal gift for Father’s Day, an excellent choice for book clubs, discussions, and thriller fans.
On a side note:Thank you for the Judy Collins mention (the folk singer-not me) as you have to be in the age range to be familiar “From Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns”. We share the name; however, I now use Judith, versus Judy, as she dominates the internet domain world. :) Namesake: Was named after the star (so flattered)-a product of the 50s. A classic, especially if you are from the sixties era.
Also pre-ordered the audiobook, and look forward to listening, as well!
JDCMustReadBooks
Loved, THE FIXER, and everything about this top-notch, innovative, fast-paced riveting crime mystery suspense thriller!
Joseph Finder is at the “top of his game” with father and son team, which may have more in common than they know---deeply buried secrets, conspiracy, power, corruption, and greed in the city of Boston, with some tough emotional life lessons. Set aside the time, as a read in one sitting; a page-turner!
Rick Hoffman has been on top of the world with glitz, glamour, prestige and money with a high profile media Boston magazine as well as a former investigative reporter at the Boston Globe. He still has connections; however, keeping it quiet his currently unemployed; no longer the star.
Unfortunately his last career move, for more money did not last too long, due to the shift in online media world, from the former print business. Presently, he is single, alone, jobless, and broke. He finds himself back in his home town, in his father’s old home, with a sleeping bag, and a BMW. His material possessions now something of the past, as well as his fiancée.
The old home place is a disaster, since his dad had a stroke over eighteen years ago, the house has been sitting empty, in dire need of repair. Unable to sell or lease in its present condition, taking mega bucks to renovate. (money he does not have.) Jeff, the guy next door has been watching out for the place while Rick was away. While Rick, is attempting to sleep in this rat infested house, disgusted with his life, he hears noise in the walls, and figures rats, or squirrels have set up house. The neighbor Jeff, a building contractor shows up, and attempts to assist Rick figure out where the noise is coming from, as they tear down the wall. Turns out there is $3.4 million buried inside the wall!
Rick is afraid Jeff has seen some of the bills (hopefully only a few); makes light of the situation, as he does now want anyone to know about the money. This could be the answer to his prayers; however, where did the money come from, and where will he hide it? He cannot put it all in the bank, and he cannot leave it at the house, or his car. He decides to hire Jeff to begin renovation, in order to sell it, and split the money with his sister, Wendy who lives out of town.
After putting small amounts in several different banks, he decides to get a small storage unit. He of course keeps some, as happens to run into his former girlfriend from college; hot, as well as highly intelligent and promising. She is now divorced with a younger son and he needs to impress her. He goes off buying all these fancy designer clothes and takes her to dinner, blowing thousands, which is really a turn off for her. After all, she is no longer with Goldman Sachs; she runs a non-profit for kids helping them with math. (lots of humor here)
Now Rick feels like a fool, plus he runs into some people, while spending money. Not cool. Soon he has thugs following him and threatening him. They want to know about the money? Rick decides to rent various cars daily, to throw off the guys, going from one bed and breakfast and hotel to another, while he puts on his investigative reporting hat, and begins digging into the mystery behind the money. Since his dad cannot speak, he has to find a way to communicate, in order to find out where the money came from.
Rick soon learns things about his dad, Leonard Hoffman the attorney, the father, and the man he evidently never knew. He is now in a nursing home and sits in front of a TV all day. He has not spoken in eighteen years. Seems he was connected to a shady bunch. He was a Fixer, a Bagman-- When strip clubs and porn clubs (“Combat Zone” Boston’s red-light district) had cash they needed to get rid of, (money laundering) and others who needed cash for bribes, his dad was their man.
The Combat Zone was a center of bribery with some heavy hitter players surrounding the Big Dig, when Boston added new downtown roads and tunnels which transformed the city’s traffic problem. It happened to be the largest and most complex and most technologically challenging construction project in the history of the country. He needs to find out the name behind the power, and why they are being so protective. Rick, now driven and obsessed to get to the bottom of this mystery will utilize all his investigative skills to uncover this complex web of deceit.
However, Rick soon learns everything is not as it appears. His dad was connected to some powerful men, and he is determined to find the answers and bring them down. His dad may have been trying to do the right thing, when he was stopped. When researching the time period, the day of his stroke, he had a meeting with the head of Boston’s PR firm which specializes in reputation management.
Danger is following Rick, and now the numbers have increased. Not only do they want money, they want him quiet; not opening up a can of worms. This giant has paid off half of the town and is now threatened. From the police, the top media PR, a reputation management company, one of the largest developers, political leaders, and others….he has to follow every lead to uncover the misdeeds before they destroy him. In the meantime, he may learn something about his father which may turn out to make him a hero in his eyes, after all, plus learn what really matters in life.
What makes THE FIXER so unique and engaging, is the emotional human dynamics, quite different than the normal crime thriller of finding a stash of money and simple corruption. Finders dives deep into the complex relationship of a father, who longer cannot speak for himself; however, actually speaks volumes. His character, his values, his goals and ambitions did not turn out the way he planned, and the sacrifices he made for his family after his wife died to give his children the best life possible. We also see the transformation of Rick from a selfish self-centered man grow into a man of character. This time he may not be able to be bought, for any price. Well done.
An action-packed, well-written, engrossing plot and compelling suspense thriller of secrets, lies, payoffs, blackmail, and corruption of the underbelly of Boston city business and politics. Mixed with humor, drama, and mystery crossing several genres. Highly recommend –an ideal gift for Father’s Day, an excellent choice for book clubs, discussions, and thriller fans.
On a side note:Thank you for the Judy Collins mention (the folk singer-not me) as you have to be in the age range to be familiar “From Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns”. We share the name; however, I now use Judith, versus Judy, as she dominates the internet domain world. :) Namesake: Was named after the star (so flattered)-a product of the 50s. A classic, especially if you are from the sixties era.
Also pre-ordered the audiobook, and look forward to listening, as well!
JDCMustReadBooks
emckeon1002's review against another edition
3.0
Great literature it ain't, but a sturdy plot that is as hard to walk away from as a bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips.
annabella82's review against another edition
3.0
I honestly had a little bit of a hard time getting into this book.
The plot was pretty straightforward...there weren't too many twists and turns. Also, the main character never really seemed to be in that much danger.
The thing I didn't really enjoy were the characters. They were a little lacking. However, I did enjoy ready about the relationship between the father and son.
All in all this wasn't a great book but it wasn't bad...and it was a quick read.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway.
The plot was pretty straightforward...there weren't too many twists and turns. Also, the main character never really seemed to be in that much danger.
The thing I didn't really enjoy were the characters. They were a little lacking. However, I did enjoy ready about the relationship between the father and son.
All in all this wasn't a great book but it wasn't bad...and it was a quick read.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway.
claudetteb's review against another edition
2.0
This was a hard book to rate. The protagonist is unlikable for most of the book, making the redemption arc too extreme. I found myself skimming through endless descriptions of cars, clothes, restaurants..... blah blah... filler, really, because the story was a pretty simple one. All in all, not Finder's best effort.
kiks396's review against another edition
2.0
Rick Hoffman is the perfect example of why the human race is doomed to failure. Greedy, selfish and self-centered. All for $5 million. His treatment of his father and family in general was sad and pathetic and I didn't care for him or his success. Actually found myself rooting for the bad guys to get him.
jennyrbaker's review against another edition
3.0
The Fixer is my first introduction to Joseph Finder’s novels and I must say I have mixed feelings about it. The novel has a plot that’s compelling and engaging with well-developed characters that are both interesting and likeable. There’s immediate tension at the beginning, but the pacing tends to drag at times. It has a satisfying ending, but there aren’t a lot of surprises.
The story starts out strong when Rick Hoffman finds over three million dollars behind a wall of his father’s abandoned house that’s in desperate need of renovation. Rick had his share of glamorous jobs when he worked as the executive editor for Back Bay magazine and as an investigative reporter for The Boston Globe. His father is in a nursing home and can’t speak because of a stroke he had over 18 years ago, so Rick has to put his investigative skills to the test to find the origin of the money. During his investigation, he learns about his father’s secret past and realizes just how little he knows about him.
My excitement fizzled about 60 pages into it during a boring dating scene, but you learn the significance of the date much later in the novel. The story picks up steam again when Rick discovers dangerous people are following him and threaten his life. He connects with different people when he begins researching his father’s business connections and each piece of the puzzle gets more intriguing, but the story loses steam again with some of the backstories. Half way through the novel, I still wasn’t sure if I liked or disliked the book, but I kept reading and I’m glad I did.
Rick quickly learns that he’s in way over his head, but of course that doesn’t stop him. The more he probes to find the source of the money, the more dangerous Rick’s situation becomes. The last half of the book has outstanding suspense. This is when you can’t put the book down, so if Joseph Finder had maintained this level of suspense from the beginning, this would have been a four-star novel.
If you enjoy mystery/thrillers that have good action scenes and haven’t tried Joseph Finder, he’s still worth reading.Jenny's Book Bag The Fixer Review.
The story starts out strong when Rick Hoffman finds over three million dollars behind a wall of his father’s abandoned house that’s in desperate need of renovation. Rick had his share of glamorous jobs when he worked as the executive editor for Back Bay magazine and as an investigative reporter for The Boston Globe. His father is in a nursing home and can’t speak because of a stroke he had over 18 years ago, so Rick has to put his investigative skills to the test to find the origin of the money. During his investigation, he learns about his father’s secret past and realizes just how little he knows about him.
My excitement fizzled about 60 pages into it during a boring dating scene, but you learn the significance of the date much later in the novel. The story picks up steam again when Rick discovers dangerous people are following him and threaten his life. He connects with different people when he begins researching his father’s business connections and each piece of the puzzle gets more intriguing, but the story loses steam again with some of the backstories. Half way through the novel, I still wasn’t sure if I liked or disliked the book, but I kept reading and I’m glad I did.
Rick quickly learns that he’s in way over his head, but of course that doesn’t stop him. The more he probes to find the source of the money, the more dangerous Rick’s situation becomes. The last half of the book has outstanding suspense. This is when you can’t put the book down, so if Joseph Finder had maintained this level of suspense from the beginning, this would have been a four-star novel.
If you enjoy mystery/thrillers that have good action scenes and haven’t tried Joseph Finder, he’s still worth reading.Jenny's Book Bag The Fixer Review.