Winner - 2023 Best Indie Book Award - Crime Thriller
A missing masterpiece. A deadly threat. A desperate search. Marty and Bo were just trying to keep their struggling startup alive - but now they've got a bigger problem - keeping themselves alive.
"Exceptionally clever and compelling" - Midwest Book Review
"Packed with action. A strong voice paired with authentic dialogue... Witty and engaging." The BookLife Prize
"A satisfying crime novel that will keep readers hooked." Kirkus Reviews
Most investor pitch meetings don't end in murder - but then Marty and Bo haven't had a lot of luck lately. They've been struggling to keep their startup business alive. It's not high-tech, it's not highly successful and the pressure to find capital has strained their bank accounts and Marty's marriage.
So when Nico Scava offered to invest they eagerly accepted. He had money, connections in the art world, and a creative idea, but maybe they should have asked more questions. Now Nico's dead and they're on the hook for whatever scheme he was running. The Russian mob is after them, and if they don't find $10 million and a mysterious missing painting in the next few days they'll be dead too.
Their frantic chase will lead them from a cabin in the Oregon woods to a Portland strip club, from an aging artist to a bogus baron, and deep into the history of a missing masterpiece that someone is willing to kill to obtain. As the bodies pile up, Marty and Bo will have some tough choices to make about how far they'll go to protect their families, their company, and themselves.
"A gritty, heart-pounding thriller that grabs you from the first page and won't let you get away " - Michael Lindley, author of the Amazon #1 Hanna and Alex Low Country mystery series.
"The DaVinci Code for grownups. Don't miss this impressive debut novel " - Warren C. Easley, author of the award-winning Cal Claxton Mysteries.
Industry Reviews
"Gritty descriptions, simmering threats, and a wry sense of humor contribute to a countdown to disaster. Exceptionally clever and compelling." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"A strong voice paired with authentic dialogue... Packed with action." - The BookLife Prize
"A heart-pounding thriller that grabs you from the first page and won't let you get away." - Michael Lindley, author of the Amazon #1 Hanna and Alex Low Country mystery series.
"The DaVinci Code for grownups. Tinged with noir and ringing with authenticity. Don't miss this impressive debut novel!" - Warren C. Easley, author of the award-winning Cal Claxton mysteries.
"Chasing Money is a roller coaster of a ride. It's wildly inventive and incredibly entertaining. I couldn't put it down." - Charles Cutter, author of the acclaimed Burr Lafayette legal thrillers
"With crisp dialogue and tightly-packed scenes, Balter tells an intense and nearly tragic tale with splashes of dark humor, an intriguing supporting cast and a real-life art mystery." - Steve Anderson, author of the Kasper Brothers series and other novels.
"Balter's acerbic wit, clear writing style and extensive knowledge of art history make this a captivating read!" - John Wemlinger, author of The Cut, a 2022 Michigan Notable Book
"A simple but satisfying crime novel that will keep readers hooked." - Kirkus Reviews
"Chasing Money is an impressive debut novel by a gifted author." - Awarded 5 Stars, Essian Asian, Reader's Favorite.
