The year is 1999 and Internet companies are springing up everywhere. Anything seems possible for those who think big. So when David Lane – a cautious banker – is invited to help start up a dotcom he decides that for onece he will do something dangerous. If only he’d realised quite how dangerous.
Dive into the thrilling world of high-stakes finance and burgeoning technology with Michael Ridpath's "Fatal Error," a gripping novel set against the backdrop of the late 1990s dot-com boom. Published by Penguin in 2004, this paperback edition delivers a captivating narrative of ambition, risk, and the perilous allure of overnight success. The story centers around David Lane, a meticulous and prudent banker, who finds himself at a critical crossroads. Lured by the intoxicating promise of unimaginable wealth and the irresistible buzz surrounding the burgeoning Internet industry, David makes a life-altering decision: to abandon his safe, predictable world and plunge headfirst into the uncharted territory of a dot-com startup. It's a gamble fueled by a desire to break free from his cautious existence and finally embrace a life of daring. Ridpath masterfully captures the zeitgeist of 1999, a time when Internet companies were sprouting like mushrooms after a rain shower, and fortunes were seemingly made overnight. "Fatal Error" explores the intoxicating belief that anything was possible for those with vision and audacity. David Lane, initially an outsider to this frenetic world, is quickly swept up in the whirlwind of innovation, venture capital, and the relentless pursuit of market dominance. But David soon discovers that the glittering facade of the dot-com revolution hides a darker underbelly. He soon realises that he has made a dangerous move. As he navigates the cutthroat environment of venture capitalists, ambitious entrepreneurs, and rapidly shifting market trends, he uncovers secrets and betrayals that threaten to unravel everything he's worked for and possibly his life. The novel explores the themes of greed, corruption, and the ethical compromises made in the relentless pursuit of wealth. Michael Ridpath, known for his meticulously researched financial thrillers, brings his expertise to bear in "Fatal Error." The novel offers a realistic and insightful portrayal of the financial world, providing readers with a glimpse into the complex mechanics of investment banking, venture capital, and the volatile dynamics of the stock market. With 448 pages of tightly woven plot and suspenseful twists, "Fatal Error" is a compelling read for fans of financial thrillers, suspense novels, and stories set against the backdrop of significant historical events. Whether you're a seasoned follower of Michael Ridpath's work or a newcomer to the genre, this book will grip you from the first page and leave you breathless until the very end. "Fatal Error" is more than just a thrilling page-turner; it's a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of chasing dreams without considering the potential costs. Grab your copy of "Fatal Error" today and experience the electrifying thrill of the dot-com boom, the heart-stopping suspense of a financial conspiracy, and the unforgettable characters that make this novel a true masterpiece of the genre. This Penguin paperback edition, with ISBN 9780140295917, offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in history, and the gripping story ensures a truly memorable reading experience.