While a struggling office temp, Josh Redmond receives a $1000 check in the mail from "United States Agent." He tries to track down the sender without luck. Checks continue to arrive month after month and Josh deposits them in his bank account.
Seven years later, Josh is a successful advertising copywriter with a wife and child. The checks still arrive and are cashed without his wife's knowledge. One day on the Fire Island ferry, a man approaches Josh and says, "I am from United States Agent. You are now active." The story that follows proves there's no such thing as Money for Nothing.
The premise for this novel grabbed my attention immediately and I was entranced from the very first page. There's a bumbling terrorist plot at the center of the tale surrounded by a perfect balance of suspense and humor. Josh isn't the brightest bulb, and his actions enhance the plot.
Treat Money for Nothing as you would a movie you're watching purely for entertainment value. This isn't a traditional spy novel with painstaking attention to detail. It's simply an enjoyable tale worthy of your personal bookshelf.
Donald Westlake is an accomplished author and Academy-Award-nominated scriptwriter. More information about the author and a list of his works is available at DonaldWestlake.com.
