The Vatican Deal

A Marty and Bo Thriller (Marty Schott and Bo Bishop, Book 2)

De: Michael Balter

Narrado por: Frits Zernike

Danger, deception, and betrayal lurk at every turn in this compelling international crime thriller - now available as a gripping audiobook - from the award-winning author of Chasing Money.

Marty and Bo are back and flush with money thanks to their alluring new business partner, Natalya, and her powerful Russian oligarch backer. The two friends are in Italy to buy an art foundry and close a multi-million dollar licensing deal with the Vatican. But when they arrive, they discover the stakes are far higher than they imagined.

Threatened and attacked, Marty and Bo find themselves in a trap. The Naples Mafia is after the foundry for nefarious purposes. The head of the Vatican Bank has a hidden agenda. The Russian oligarch wants more than he is saying. Everyone is keeping secrets and telling lies. The two friends are ready to call it quits when a dangerous figure from their past appears in Rome. And then Natalya is kidnapped, the stakes go from business to personal, and all bets are off.

Caught in the crossfire between the Naples Mafia and the Russian Vory, can Marty and Bo uncover the truth about the Vatican deal, find a way to rescue Natalya, and escape with their lives and friendship intact?

With masterful narration by Frits Zernike—who brings to life a cast of characters from Italy, Russia, America, and Ireland—this thrilling audiobook will keep you on the edge of your seat.

©2025 Michael Balter Books (P)2025 Michael Balter Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Vatican Deal is an electrifying blend of suspense, intrigue, and razor-sharp wit, where the stakes are as monumental as the Vatican’s own secrets.” - Gary McAvoy, bestselling author of Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers

“We can’t remember the last time we read a mafia thriller that was this fun.” - BestThrillers.com

“ The Vatican Deal is a must-read for lovers of gripping high-stakes crime thrillers with a touch of adventure, action, and drama... I loved it.” - Readers’ Favorite

A Tense Fast-Paced Thriller

The boys are back, recovered financially, and involved with the Vatican, a Russian oligarch, and Naples Mafia! A thrilling adventure filled with violence, mystery, deception, and the hope of rescuing their friends, retaining their friendship and escaping in one piece, alive!

Once again, Michael Balter, the author, delivers a gripping thriller that pushes each character beyond the typical good-versus-bad dynamic, diving deep into their flaws and moral gray areas. With secrets, danger, power, and money fueling the plot from start to finish, relationships are pushed to the edge and personal limits are tested. It's a richly detailed and compelling story that keeps readers hooked throughout. Each character is thoughtfully developed, offering clear insight into their relationships and personal boundaries. The dialogue feels natural and aligns well with the characters, their actions, and the unfolding situations.

Frits Zernike, narrator, delivers a rich, engaging performance that draws the listener in completely. He speaks with clarity and adds just the right touch of energy and perspective to bring the story to life.

Another gripping thriller that pulls you in, thanks to the powerful combo of the author’s storytelling and the narrator’s delivery.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Book two continues to thrill...

This story took a little time to settle into, but once it did—wow, it really took off! I’ll admit I was a bit lost at first (it’s been a while since book one), but once the recap came in—super helpful!—everything started to fall into place.

The narration was a strong highlight—it added depth and energy. Once I got into the rhythm of the book, I was fully invested.

Overall, this was an exciting, layered listen that rewards your attention. Stick with it, and you’ll be glad you did!