Webs of Power

Darlene Quinn
Emerald Book Company (2008)
ISBN 9781934572054
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (1/09)


“Webs of Power” is an intriguing story that provides a look into the cutthroat world of corporate America.  A large retail department store is being taken over and several entities are trying to influence the outcome.  There are three main sets of characters that are portrayed as power couples.  Philip Sloane and Viviana De Mornay are working together, but for individual benefit, and as events unfold it appears there may be a question of whether one may be using the other.  Mark and Paige Toddman have been married for many years and work well together as a team.  However, as personal issues threaten their marriage, it is unclear if one can succeed without the other.  Ashleigh McDowell and Conrad Taylor comprise a young engaged couple who end up playing a key role in the outcome of the negotiations.

I enjoyed reading about how business deals are made and the methods used to secure financing for the purchase.  I also liked how both men and women were portrayed as strong and intelligent business leaders.  This is especially unusual because the story is set in the 1980s when females were not often considered to be shrewd businesspeople.  Although this story is fictitious, the author includes an interesting factual history of department stores and reasons that have resulted in their present state of decline.

My only complaint about this book is there are a few too many unnecessary characters.  I was confused at times as to which role each one played and which faction they were trying to help.  Otherwise, this story will appeal to males and females.  They will be enthralled by some of the shocking and deceptive business practices that occur and may look at prominent business leaders in a new light.

“Webs of Power” by Darlene Quinn is a well-written story that exposes the inner workings of the business world.  By using short chapters that revolve around the different characters, the author keeps the pace fast because new information is constantly being added and connected to the events of the previous chapters.  I often found myself waiting in anticipation to see what would occur next.  The ending left an opening for a possible sequel - one which I would be extremely interested in reading.

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