Review: "An Astounding, Revealing Crime Story"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 30, 2014
This is an awesome story written by Stephen Douglass who has worked in the petroleum industry in Canada for decades. His story deals with money laundering, fraud, manipulation, with a very driving force of true love.  There's something here for everyone.  The main character is Mike King, who leaves the school of medicine to explore the world for a year, then returns to major in chemical engineering as inspired by an oil magnet friend of his father.  The second character is Karen Taylor, daughter of wealthy parents, who loves Mike King.  But while he is on his one year sabbatical, Karen and her friend Patti Archer are on a hijacked Boeing 707 which winds up in a devastating explosion near Damascus.  Mike is devastated to think Karen has been killed, goes back to school, and soon marries Barbara Larkin.  The third character is Jim Servito who has a brilliant mind, is cynical, and one of the most ruthless characters that Mike and Karen will have to face.  He's blackmailed his way to riches and through money laundering, and without remorse, he will strike down anyone who stands in his way.This book reveals the roots of the gasoline wars and shortages of the early 70's.  It deals with Mike's failed marriage and also his success of rising from being an employee to having his own oil company.  It gives one a first hand, factual look at how big businessmen wheel and deal to increase their profits ... or to prevent losing them.This story would make a powerful movie, if Hollywood had the courage to get it to the silver screen.  There's only one actor I envision playing the ruthless Jim Servito ... Al Pacino!  This is a stellar story one which you won't be able to put down, and one you will never forget.