(This mainstream narrative delves into the life of protagonist Henry Janus, a successful, politically powerful, ostensibly philanthropic, but unscrupulous real estate developer, whose wealth and power impact the lives of everyone in his purview. His seeming largess brings him one of the highest honors his community can bestow as the novel opens. Through the device of pertinent outtake quotations from his acceptance speech, the recollections of major characters most intimately involved with him in his business and personal affairs provide a revealing portrait of the sinister power broker's impact on his former partners, current colleagues, associates, competitors, family members and the beautiful paramours who are both his trophies and victims. The reader gets into the inner sanctums of the business and legal domains where political connections, strong personalities and conflict abound. The Janus saga reveals boardroom intrigue, internecine struggles in his home, and his relentless pursuit of empire building. Settings include his home, office, private plane, and fleshpots and centers of power and luxury at home and abroad. In a dramatic climax, Janus trips over his own outsized ego, his domineering and manipulative personality, and his lusts to run afoul of the Internal Revenue Service. An audit and criminal investigation result in a multi-count indictment. A tax fraud trial follows and a plea bargain is negotiated. Even his strong political connections, can't save him from his downfall. He endures a prison sentence, the death of his wife, and arrogation by his own son. Shorn of power, but not wealth, Janus turns to international business interests. But his carnal proclivities trip him up again. The corporate chieftain, once respected, feared, or loathed, finds himself in total isolation and the agent of his own destruction.

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 1 members.