Journal of a Russian Businessman: -40°F

This fact-based financial thriller consists of two intertwined stories.

One is the true story of the decline and fall of a prominent and once prosperous company in Moscow that triggered pitched investigations in the United States, Europe, and Russia.

The other is the true story of a scam that was launched by a group of Americans which enabled them to defraud a number of wealthy people in the United States, Europe, and Russia, possibly even including Prime Minister Putin. By the time the last ironic plot twist takes place, Interpol, the FBI and law enforcers from Europe and Russia are involved.

In his picaresque journal Dmitry Pototskiy gives an account of the consequences of his encounter with these Americans selling high finance snake oil. The author wryly relates the intrigues which ensued and flamboyant personalities he met along the way, from Moscow through the USA to Europe.

All characters—businessmen, bankers, lawyers, interrogators, cops, and just passers-by—represent real people. It is behind-the-scene look at international finance and modern Russian capitalism written with the dry wit and sharp, vivid observations.

One does not have to be an economist or even an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal to love the ride this book takes you on. One is treated to a sophisticated, dryly humorous tragicomedy of how life throws together human fates and ambitions to keep this world revolving.