From Shreds to Riches, a novel the authors say is based on actual events, begins with a bang—more precisely a “bam,” as the FBI raids a telemarketing operation run by Scott Newman and his partner, who crouches under a desk as Newman attempts to bluff it out.

The next two-thirds of the story is a flashback, detailing how Newman came to this pass. This structure is essential in keeping the reader engaged; without this dramatic opening, many readers would lose interest, as Newman is an antihero, as dislikable as they come.

Newman’s operation sells lightbulbs, fluorescent tubes, and other supplies to the purchasing agents of commercial businesses. He inflates his prices, but Newman, the self-proclaimed “King of Benjamins,” gets away with this by bribing the agents with cash gifts. In addition, he raids the clients of his competitors, betrays nearly everyone who hires or works for him, and cheats on his wife.

In short, there is nothing likable about this guy, yet the authors, David Fisher and Cal Orey, make us root for him as the government closes in—no small achievement.

In real life, telemarketing lightbulbs to businesses is hardly a way to make one wealthy, so we are left to wonder what scam served as the basis for this entertaining story. The authors either know their way around corporate structures or have done considerable research, for as Newman sets up complex shell companies to conceal some of his operations, the set-ups ring true.

This rollicking story contains some entertaining writing, among them the observation that the voice of the wife of a salesman was “ like a foghorn.” But the book is not without its problems. The narrative slips from first-person to third-person and back again without any apparent purpose. The effect is jarring. There are numerous typos, the misspelling of a character’s name and a reference to “lip-singing” being two examples. Several sentences and thoughts are repeated, making one want to shout, “We already know that.” Finally, some plot points are superfluous or remain unresolved at the end of the novel.

These problems aside, From Shreds to Riches is worth the time of any reader interested in corporate malfeasance or government overreach, for this book delivers both.