The Last Chance

Harry Stone, a property developer, wants to buy Marine House, but he owes a crime lord £2.5m. He tries to entice Claire, his former PA, back to help him, but she finds a sneaky moneymaking scam he is running. Stone's last chance to get Marine House disappears until one day there is a knock on his front door.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Harry Stone, a charismatic chancer and property developer, has his eyes set on acquiring Marine House, a majestic Regency mansion situated on the picturesque Brighton seafront. His intention is to convert it into luxurious flats, which he believes will yield substantial profits. However, Stone faces a significant obstacle in his quest to secure the property: he owes a substantial sum of money to a notorious crime lord.

Lady Ruth Jackson, the vendor of Marine House, is hesitant to sell to Stone due to his questionable past. She has heard of his dubious dealings and is wary of associating with him. Undeterred, Stone is determined to pursue his dream and will stop at nothing to acquire the property. He employs a range of shady tactics, including stock market manipulations, the trading of diamonds from the Caribbean, and even dropping sweeteners to Lady Ruth's children to sway her decision.

Despite his cunning schemes, Stone's health begins to deteriorate, and he realizes he needs the assistance of his onetime PA, Claire. He tries to entice Claire back into his life, hoping that her expertise and connections will help him secure Marine House. However, Claire is grappling with growing insecurity in her relationship with her wealthy partner, and when she discovers a sneaky moneymaking scam Stone is running right under her nose, she is outraged.

As Stone's chances of acquiring Marine House dwindle, he watches helplessly as his last opportunity slips away. But fate intervenes in the form of a knock on his front door. It's Claire, who has come back into his life with a proposition. She offers to help Stone in exchange for a share of the profits from Marine House. Stone, desperate for any chance to reclaim his dream, agrees to her terms.

Together, they embark on a risky venture, using Claire's connections and Stone's scheming skills to navigate the complex world of real estate. They encounter numerous obstacles and challenges, including rival developers, corrupt officials, and even the threat of violence. But they are determined to succeed, and their partnership grows stronger with each passing day.

As they close in on their goal, Stone and Claire find themselves facing a moral dilemma. They have compromised their principles and engaged in illegal activities to acquire Marine House. They question whether the ends justify the means and wonder if they have crossed a line that cannot be undone.

In the end, Stone and Claire secure the purchase of Marine House, and their partnership thrives. They use their newfound wealth to help those in need and make a positive impact on the community. However, they cannot escape the consequences of their actions, and the shadow of their past continues to haunt them.

Marine House becomes a symbol of their triumph over adversity, a testament to their determination and resilience. But it also serves as a reminder of the dangers of greed and the importance of staying true to one's values.

In conclusion, "Marine House" is a thrilling tale of ambition, corruption, and redemption. It explores the dark corners of the human psyche and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Harry Stone, a complex character with a troubled past, is a master of manipulation and deception. He is driven by his desire for wealth and power, but his actions have consequences that extend beyond his own life.

Claire, his onetime PA, is a morally ambiguous character who is torn between her loyalty to Stone and her conscience. She is drawn to his charm and charisma, but she cannot ignore the illegal activities they engage in. Together, they navigate a dangerous world filled with rival developers, corrupt officials, and the threat of violence.

The story is filled with suspense, drama, and unexpected twists. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of staying true to one's values. "Marine House" is a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always a chance for redemption and a second chance to make things right.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 339 x 227 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915352330