The Oil Dossier

In 2014, Walter Sherman is a man of means seeking to make a killing in the volatile Oil markets. His plans include shorting the price of oil down to fifty dollars in four years. The financial gain is apparent, but any other motives are unknown. Walter climbed the ranks as a young powerbroker, parlaying family fortunes into his own. His climb is endless, despite being limited by paralysis. Hugh Williams is the CEO of Ross Paper. He is boating off the Carolina coast when he is the victim of a professional hit. The hit is carried out with ruthless efficiency. The death of Williams leaves a power vacuum in a company that is the subject of takeover rumors as well as questions of financial stability.

Willem is a financial advisor doing due diligence for his friend in regards to Ross Paper. He is assessing the feasibility of a stock share sale by the ex-wife, wife, and son of Williams. The ex-wife wants her son to be named the new CEO. The new wife looks for a quick cash-out. A competitor seeks a friendly buy-out on their terms. Instead, only distrust, jealousy, and ambition rule the conversations. Willem is left with more questions than answers. The aftershocks of the 2008 financial crash and crisis resonate all around the financial world. Nigel Grainger runs SummitBank, which currently holds Ross’ debt and their survival in his hands. SummitBank has become the standard bearer for a hobbled financial system. SummitBank is the subject of concern as the trail of a former officer accused of malfeasance has shed the spotlight on its practices. The Coalition of Fate Makers, akin to the world makers who gather at Davos and Bilderberg has possible foreknowledge of future world events. What role will they play in the Oil prices? The fate of Ross Paper? As events unfold, alliances are made, laws are broken, and bodies start to pile up. Where do these separate parts fit in the whole picture? Will Willem be the one to discover the missing link before he is the next body? Only time will tell.

The Oil Dossier by Jack Amstel is a political thriller brimming with high-level intensity. The plot is reader-friendly and not overly complex to follow along. The various characters are carefully crafted and the dialogue is sharp and stimulating. The book recalls movies such as Syriana, The Pelican Brief in its sympathetic and identifiable protagonist and venal antagonists. This is a book for the action and drama oriented reader.