Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1309073 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Bowden follows two bestsellers (Black Hawk Down; Killing Pablo) with a tragicomic tale based on a series of articles he wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he was a reporter for two decades. Joey Coyle, at 28, is down and out, amiable but aimless, an unemployed longshoreman from South Philly who, despite his cheerful exterior, has a gnawing sense of inadequacy that he masks with methamphetamine. In February 1981, Joey has a spectacularly lucky or spectacularly unlucky, as Bowden shows with the tale's unfolding day: driving with a couple of guys from the neighborhood, he finds two sacks containing $1.2 million in cash. Despite major media attention on the money's disappearance from an armored car, Coyle decides to keep it. What ensues is partly a police procedural (will the cops find Joey?), but the drama, as Bowden relates the story, lies mainly in Coyle's rapid, drug-mediated deterioration into panic and paranoia as he attempts to launder and stash the money. Bowden's narrative is succinct and fast-moving, spare but complete, and ends in a farcical trial, in which Coyle tries an insanity defense, followed by Hollywood's muddled attempt to turn the story into a feel-good movie starring John Cusack. The tale has a sad conclusion, as Coyle's attempt to live up to his new role as a kind of urban hero fails. This is a smaller tale than Bowden's earlier ones, but a satisfying one, smartly told. (Oct.) Forecast: As Bowden writes, who doesn't dream of finding $1 million? This should have wide appeal, aided by Bowden's reputation.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Bowden's newest effort recounts true events that happened in early 1980s Philadelphia to Joey Coyle, a drug-addled, down-and-out longshoreman. One day, while on the way to score drugs, Joey and his two buddies spotted an armored van that had just spilled over $1 million in unmarked bills out onto the street. Without a second thought, Joey got out of the car and snatched up the bags. By all accounts (but especially his), this was Joey's lucky day until his drug-induced paranoia set in and his troubles really started. His frantic and pathetic attempts to launder the money are carefully chronicled by Bowden (Black Hawk Down; Killing Pablo), who pieces together all the facts and tries (as best he is able) to retrace the steps of Coyle and others whom he subsequently involved in his laundering efforts. Bowden's quick and intense story is like a joyride in print, but while interesting it is not as essential a purchase as his other works. Recommended for larger collections.
Rachel Collins, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Unemployed longshoreman Joey Coyle thought the yellow tub lying in the road might work as a toolbox. Inside he found 1.2 million dollars--stacks of hundreds in cellophane. BLACK HAWK DOWN author Mark Bowden is justly revered for transforming interviews and research into a story that rolls out before you in the here and now. His own vivid, intelligent voice deepens the verisimilitude of this story. He knows the text. He knew Joey. The 1986 series in the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SUNDAY MAGAZINE around which this book was built also sparked a movie titled MONEY FOR NOTHING, starring John Cusack. Seem like a happy ending to you? Check again. B.H.C. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Losers, are Always Weepers
Written like a fiction novel, Bowden tells the true story of an instant financial windfall of $1.2 million for Joey Coyle an unemployed, drug dependant, loser with nothing going for him and the IQ of a rock. Joey, depressed after his drug dealer wasn't home spots a yellow container on the side of the road which he thinks would make a good tool box. Looking inside he discovers two bags with reserve bank written on them. Not really caring that this money obviously belongs to someone he quickly puts the bags in his friend's car and they drive away.

This book tells what Joey does with the money in the seven days it takes the authorities to work out he took it and capture him. It is a crime in Philadelphia not to try and return something found with a value over $250. His big plans and how absolutely terrified he gets when he realises the mob is not around just to help you change hundred dollar notes into smaller currency are examined in detail. You'll be amazed at just how stupid this guy is. Also the stupidity of Purolator Armored Car Company and their drivers who lost the money of the back of the truck in the first place.

What would you do if you found 1.2 million? To be honest I would keep it but I sure wouldn't be as stupid as Joey. This is an extremely interesting book. I never heard of the actual story before so I have no idea how accurate this book portrays events but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It does drag on a bit with the trial and epilogue at the end which could have been summed up with a lot less paragraphs. Apart from that though, I was addicted and wanted to know the outcome. Highly recommended!

Not a lot of substance to this book
I bought this book after reading a complimentary review online. Unfortunately, this book proved to be a very bland, unentertaining read about an unintelligent, vanilla main character who doesn't even give himself a chance to keep the money that he found.

Nothing spectacular really happens in the book; in fact, this probably would have been a better feature article for a second-tier major newspaper.

I found the characters very difficult to follow, much less get interested in. I do not recommend this book at all.

not really that great
This book is the worst of the 4 Bowden books I've read. It's mildly entertaining and much too short. It seems like there really wasn't enough of a story to turn it into a book. If you want something short to read it's alright I guess.