Michael Balter, a new FOM member, was surprised and delighted to learn recently that his debut novel, Chasing Money, has won the 2023 Best Indie Book Award in the Crime Thriller category. An international literary contest, the Best Indie Book Award® (BIBA) recognizes the accomplishments of independent authors worldwide.
Chasing Money stood out among thousands of entries, impressing the judges with its compelling story, engaging narrative, seamless transitions, well-paced movement, gripping hooks, and the author’s mastery of voice, character, and dialogue.
“This is such an honor,” said Michael Balter. “There are so many excellent books that compete for this award each year. I am thrilled that Chasing Money was recognized as the Best Indie Crime Thriller of 2023 by BIBA.”
Released in August 2023, Chasing Money tells the story of two business partners in a struggling Oregon startup, Marty and Bo, who take money from the wrong person. When an angry Russian killer demands $10 million and a mysterious missing masterpiece, they find themselves in a desperate chase for survival.
“I was tired of thrillers with traditional heroes – grizzled detectives, secret agents, special forces,” said Balter. “It was more interesting to craft a story where ordinary people, people like you and me, find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. And that seems to be something readers like too.”
Gritty and darkly humorous, Chasing Money has garnered impressive reviews, with Midwest Book Review calling it “exceptionally clever and compelling,” Kirkus Reviews asserting it “will
keep readers hooked,” and The BookLife Prize praising its “strong voice paired with authentic dialogue.”
Chasing Money is available in hardback, paperback, and Kindle at Amazon, and may be ordered at Powell’s, Barnes and Noble, and independent bookstores everywhere.
About the Author
Michael Balter is an award-winning author who has captivated audiences with tales of his extraordinary life as a German emigrant, a Vietnam War veteran, a Silicon Valley pioneer, and a serial entrepreneur. Michael lived in Oregon for 29 years and now makes his home in Charlevoix, Michigan. Learn more about him at mbalter.com
