cover image Evil, Inc.

Evil, Inc.

Glenn Kaplan, . . Forge, $24.95 (348pp) ISBN 978-0-765-31618-9

Kaplan (All for Money ) takes kill-or-be-killed business ideologies to psychopathic new levels in this deftly plotted corporate thriller. When hard-charging executive Ken Olson is promoted to divisional director of a floundering Ohio plastics manufacturer, he believes his career is finally on the fast track. Instead, he finds himself at the mercy of a ruthless CEO, a scheming board member and a charismatic vice president whose ambition is only surpassed by his amorality. Shortly after Ken's promotion, an explosion at the plant kills an estimated 1,000 people—including his wife and infant daughter—and amid rumors of safety violations and corruption, he's forced to resign. But when massive amounts of ammonium nitrate are found at the scene and two alleged air conditioning specialists are killed, Olson begins hunting the architect of the crime, making him a prime target for corporate heavyweights who will do anything to conceal the truth. It's Donald Trump meets Hannibal Lecter, with highly engaging results. (Aug.)