Black Money (novel)

Black Money is a 1994 crime thriller novel written by Ross Thomas under the pseudonym Oliver Bleeck. It is the seventh novel in the Philip St. Ives series.

The story follows Philip St. Ives, a professional go-between, as he is hired by a wealthy and eccentric Greek shipping magnate to recover compromising photographs involving the man's daughter and a politically connected, yet highly unsavory, American senator. St. Ives travels from Washington D.C. to Europe, navigating a web of international intrigue, deceit, and murder while dealing with a cast of colorful characters, including spies, con artists, and ruthless assassins.

The novel is characterized by Thomas's signature witty dialogue, complex plot twists, and sharp observations about human nature and political corruption. Like other novels in the St. Ives series, Black Money emphasizes the protagonist's resourcefulness and moral ambiguity as he navigates morally gray areas to achieve his objectives. The setting and characters reflect Thomas's extensive travel experience and his knowledge of international politics and criminal underworlds.