The Target

In his debut novel --The Target, author Dean Arden spins a modern-day tale of deception, intrigue, and suspense. A social and political commentary that offers insight into Washington and Wall Street's betrayal of the public trust and the dangers of unrestrained power, personal and corporate greed, and partisan corruption. Set in the backdrop of the 2008 financial crises, Michael Dolan -- the Chief Compliance Officer for a moderately sized subprime mortgage lender, Bender Capital Lending -- is suddenly and unexpectedly cast as an accomplice in a vast predatory lending scheme landing him as the target of a federal criminal investigation. As he is left to contend with the injustice of the justice system, his family and friends rising and falling around him, the news-media relentlessly portrays him as a corrupt attorney, and his long-time friend cooperates with the FBI to testify against him. The once achievable goal of winning at trial quickly fading, Michael is forced to choose between maintaining his innocence or accepting a plea deal and doing what's best for his young family.

It's as much scary as it is possible. A page-turning examination of the legal system, the world of politics, the so-called social elite, and the ease by which the average person can get caught-up within a moral and legal struggle only to be chewed up and spit out by those with their own agenda. The Target taps into issues that are relevant to today's social and political climate and is a must-read for those who wonder about the struggle for power, the price of liberty, the boundaries of friendship, and the test of faith.

The Target is a novel that blends all the elements of a financial who done it crime drama, with political intrigue and intense personal emotions. A real-life financial thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more at the end.