Reads like a crime thriller

This book reads as if was a fictional crime novel but it's one of the hardest hitting pieces of non-fiction you'll ever read (listen to). The stories of corruption and personal accounts of those fighting it are so moving it brings tears to the eyes.

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17 people found this helpful

No Russian Spy Novel Can Match This

Exciting, Surprising, devastating AND hopeful. A must-read. A twisted tale simply written. Style is visual without being flowery- perfect for audible. And they cast exactly the right voiceover guy . You will stop what you’re doing as you listen. Your heart starts beating faster and yet you can’t move until you find out what happens next. And because it’s true, you will cry. And then you’ll share it with a friend. Because you will want other people to know what you’ve just experienced.

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13 people found this helpful

Fascinating and depressing story

I knew the basics of the story but this lats it out in detail and shows the widespread looting of the Russian economy by the oligarchs and Putin and how they tortured and abused Magnitsky when he wouldn't recant. Reads like a thriller and shows the reaches that Putin will go to to attack his critics.

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2 people found this helpful

Riveting Listen

The headline reviews are true, parts of this genuinely read like a fictional thriller.

The only criticism I have of this book is the author's self justification and almost complete lack of self reflection throughout, there are obvious moral and ethical questions, not least about the transfer and control of capital and wealth, which hang in the air unaddressed.

But that is the author's choice, and if you can get past it there is so much of interest, the whole book provides a huge amount to enthrall. The description of the russian economic and political climate from mid 1990s to mid 2000s is told through the story of Mr. Browders company Hermitage Investments and is fascinating, giving an excellent context and some explanation for current global relations. Mr. Browder is an excellent storyteller, which must have contibuted greatly to his success in business, and in completing this book he has used this skill to provide a fitting tribute to and memorial of his murdered colleague Sergei Magnitsky.

A final word for the narration - Adam Grupper's performance is excellent, and lends appropriate and engaging voices to the real life people who appear in the book.

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1 person found this helpful

An amazing and thought-provoking book

I really enjoyed this book, a fascinating insight into Russia, the world of finance and politics.
A terrible story, made all the worse for being true. Despite that I leave the book slightly unsure on Bill Browder himself, whilst I don't doubt this happened I am uncomfortable with his position as the hero of the story. It makes me question the balance of the book. Still, a great listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Great book .

This book should be heard by everybody. A dramatic and tragic tale of Russian cruelty and cynicism. Very well narrated.

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sensational book

an excellent book. utterly terrifying. if you're not familiar with the story this book is a must read.

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A Must Read

A fascinating and relevant story made all the more compelling by its reality. Inspiring, heartbreaking and important.

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Expertly details the worst & best of human nature

An amazing, scarily true story that keeps you enthralled to the bitter end.
Bill Browder you should be proud of yourself as both an author and a true friend.

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A powerful and compelling read

This is a true story that chronicles the horrendous story of one innocent mans treatment by Putin and the Russian state and Bill Browder’s relentless campaign to expose the truth and attempt to expose the people and corrupt system behind them. If you want to be informed about human rights and the Russian state read this book .

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