A Fatal Debt

This timely debut thriller by an award-winningFinancial Timescolumnist is a gripping tale of lethal intrigue set in the high-stakes world of Wall Streetwhere wealth and privilege are no match for jealousy and betrayal. Ben Cowper, an attending psychiatrist at the prestigious New YorkEpiscopal Hospital, is stunned to learn the identity of the emergency patient hes just been assigned to treat: Harry Shapiro, a Wall Street colossus and one of Episcopals most prominent donors. But a high-profile reversal of fortune has left the once powerful investment banker jobless, bitter, and possibly desperatejudging by the handgun his wife finds him clutching. In Bens expert opinion, Shapiro is a suicide waiting to happen. But when the headstrong financier balks at an extended stay in the hospital psych ward, Ben reluctantly releases him, bowing to political pressure from Episcopals chief administrator, whos more concerned with the patients money than his mind. Days later, the shocking news breaks: theres been a murder in Shapiros Hamptons mansion. But even more shocking is the identity of the victim. A tragedy sets in motion an explosive chain of events that turns Ben Cowpers life upside down. As hard-nosed cops close in with harder questions, the hospital closes ranks to protect its own interests. But with colleagues freezing Ben out, innocent circumstances conspire to incriminate him. Hounded by a DA whos out for blood, and haunted by the specter of a shattered career, Ben has no choice: he must delve into the hearts and minds of the people who know Harry best, uncover the secrets theyd rather dieor killto keep, and expose the truth behind a web of malice disguised as madness.