The Bank

*****This is one of the best thrillers I've ever read, and it's because of its depth. Miriam Verbeek doesn't just give us action, she gives us context, character, and meaning (Joseph Cage - Goodreads)

A computer hack, an unknown body, a backroom researcher and a deadly search for answers.

Backroom compliance researcher Saskia van Essen just wants to do her job at the bank. The problem for bank management is that she’s exposing their links to organised crime. When Interpol asks for her help, Saskia’s plunged into a game of cat and mouse, presenting a naïve face while continuing to uncover the bank’s dirty secrets.

On the cusp of completing her mission, Saskia realises she’s overplayed her hand. No one, she discovers, escapes the criminal mastermind and his stranglehold on the bank. Imprisoned in his fortress, her family and friends in deadly danger, she can only hope that the coded messages she sends will be intercepted in time – by the right people and … at least … in enough time to save those she loves.

From Lyon to Venice and Brussels, “The Bank” exposes how the criminal underworld and legal and financial institutions prop each other up, corrupting political systems and abusing the most defenceless in society.

***** The author is a brilliant storyteller. I was immersed in this story from the beginning. It is a gripping tale, full of suspense and surprises. It is a complex story, but it is so well executed that it isn’t difficult to follow. The investigative agents use methods that are described in detail and seem realistic. The descriptions of Lyon are vivid and rich in historical detail, complementing the story. (Catherine Sweet - Online Bookclub)

***** Well-crafted within the thriller genre and filled with grace in its characterizations and back story, The Bank: Breaching the Underworld by Miriam Verbeek is a rare find. This is a novel for those seeking a deep, satisfying experience with a memorable woman leading the charge. (Chanticleer Book Reviews)

*****This is a book (that) forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about the systems we live under (Katherin Rivera - Goodreads)