Award-winning author of Chasing Money

An Amazon #1 Best Seller and 2024 Crime Thriller of the Year

NEW RELEASE – MAY 15, 2025

Marty and Bo are Back!

From the award-winning author of Chasing Money comes a compelling international crime thriller packed with danger, deception, and betrayal.  

Get the inside scoop!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter with more info on books and events:

Subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! It goes out about once per month. Michael

Praise for The Vatican Deal:

“Michael Balter masterfully crafts a high-stakes thriller that plunges readers deep into the shadowy corridors of power, crime, and deception. 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.

Balter’s command of atmosphere is exceptional—whether it’s the sun-drenched piazzas of Rome or the claustrophobic depths of criminal conspiracies, every scene pulses with authenticity and tension. His protagonists, Marty and Bo, are the perfect mix of world-weary cynicism and dogged determination, making them compelling guides through this labyrinth of danger and deception.

With masterful pacing and an eye for both the grandeur and grit of his settings, Balter delivers a relentless thriller that lingers long after the final page. Fans of Vatican intrigue and crime fiction will find this a must-read” 

– Gary McAvoy, bestselling author of the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers

We can’t remember the last time we read a mafia thriller that was this fun.

BestThrillers.com

A brilliant mix of danger, deception, and intrigue … with complex characters, unpredictable twists, and high-stakes action

Al Warren, House of Mystery Radio Show

Emotionally compelling, astute in its logic, delightfully unexpected … hard to predict or put down 

D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review

A fast-paced, action-packed crime thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Feathered Quill

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.

Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite

An intricate, masterfully crafted plot peppered with twists, authentic detail, and smart dialogue. The Vatican Deal is as fine a thriller as I’ve had the pleasure of reading.

Warren. C. Easley, author of the award-winning Cal Claxton Mysteries

Now available on Audible

What would you do if a Russian killer put a gun to your head?

“A gritty, heart-pounding thriller that grabs you from the first page and won’t let you get away!”

Award Recognition – Chasing Money

BIBA Award
Crime Thriller

Crime Thriller
of the Year

Gold Award
Mystery Thriller

Silver Award
Debut Author

Readers Favorite
5-Stars

Eric Hoffer
Book Award

Praise for Chasing Money:

Michael Balter’s debut novel, Chasing Money, is a fast-paced thriller that pits two partners in a start-up venture against an angry Russian killer. If Marty and Bo don’t find ten million dollars and a mysterious missing painting in the next week, it’s not just their company that will be dead. 

Gritty descriptions, simmering threats, and a wry sense of humor… Exceptionally clever and compelling. 

D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review

The DaVinci Code for grownups. Tinged with noir and ringing with authenticity. Don’t miss this impressive debut novel. 

Warren. C. Easley, author of the award-winning Cal Claxton Mysteries

Chasing Money is a rollercoaster of a ride. It’s wildly inventive and incredibly entertaining. 

Charles Cutter, author of the acclaimed Burr Lafayette legal thrillers

Packed with action. A strong voice paired with authentic dialogue… Witty and engaging.

The BookLife Prize

A strong start for a debut author … A simple but satisfying crime novel that will keep readers hooked.

Kirkus Reviews

Grows funnier and more surprising every step of the way. Balter’s gift for pacing and dialogue make this a series to watch.

Publisher’s Weekly

Where to Buy Michael’s Books

Chasing Money is available in hardcover and paperback editions from bookstores everywhere, including those listed below. The Kindle version of Chasing Money is exclusively available from Amazon, and they also offer Audible,  hardcover and paperback editions.

McLean & Eakin

This Petoskey, MI, bookseller stocks signed copies of both Michael’s books for pickup or online order.

Order now

Dockside Books

Get Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal at Dockside Books on Bridge St, opening May 2025 in Charlevoix, MI. 

Coming soon

Brilliant Books

Located at 118 E Front Street in Traverse City, MI, Brilliant Books carries Michael’s latest novel, The Vatican Deal. 

Order now

Horizon Books

Located at 243. E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI, Horizon Books carries Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal in stock

Order now

Annie Blooms

Your neighborhood independent bookstore located at 7834 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR. 

Order now!

Powell’s Books

Portland’s legendary independent bookstore has Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal available to order. 

Order now

Barnes & Noble

The world’s largest retail bookstore can supply you with Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal in paperback or hardback.

Order now

Books-A-Million

One of the largest retail book chains in the US, BAM! has both Michael’s books available to order. 

Order now

Bookshop.org

Every purchase through this online retailer supports independent booksellers.  You can order Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal here.

Order now

Amazon.com

Both Michael’s books are available in hardback, paperback, Kindle, and as Audible audiobooks.  (The Vatican Deal audiobook is coming soon.)

Order now

Events

May 24, 2025

Dockside Books
Book Signing

2:30 – 3:30 PM
204 Bridge St.
Charlevoix, Michigan

June 7, 2025

McLean & Eakin
Book Signing

1:00 – 3:00 PM
307 E. Lake St.
Petoskey, Michigan

June 9, 2025

Lions Club Talk

Noon
The Shirley Roloff Center
Charlevoix, Michigan

July 3, 2025

Rotary Club Talk

7:30 AM 
The Happy Troll
Charlevoix, Michigan