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"By providing smart guidance during the financial crisis, the nation’s best advisors proved their mettle." Barron's 2010
  In 2010, 2011 and 2012 Barron's Magazine lists David Mallach as one of the top one thousand advisors in the United States. On this site you can purchase his books.

A courtroom drama that indicts the dominant strategies of the financial planning industry, telling an enjoyable story at the same time. Kirkus Reviews (click for full review)

Now available as an MP3 Audio Book
  Audio books have become very popular and you can now purchase David Mallach's novels on CD in MP3 format. CDR's with MP3 (music or audio books) have been a popular format for some time now and will play on the majority of CD Players at home and in your car. You can also copy the MP3 files to your memory card or directly to your portable device.
  All of the books are narrated by Dave Giorgio. Dave is an audio producer, voice over talent and musician. He has performed live at more than one thousand events, has written hundreds of original songs, and has produced more than 200 audio books and has earned two Gold records.

 

Myth
Audio Sample from Myth Click Here

From Reviewer, R. Ebbs (NetGalley Review)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Myth”-a compelling court drama based on an investment conundrum January 23, 2014 by rbsprods-top 500 reviewer & amazon.com vine voice (click for full review)

►“Mallach’s writing is sharp and compelling. His characters are well crafted. A simple tap on the lip, for example, speaks volumes about Brown. Stains on Marat’s clothes reveal that he is as sloppy as he is brilliant. Diane Gardner – ForeWord Reviews (click for full review)

►“Myth is a must-read for any investor.  Through its entertaining short story, Myth lucidly explains David Mallach’s highly successful growth of income strategy and dispels the myth of the bond market’s safety.  Through Myth, David Mallach again distinguishes himself by demonstrating his passion for educating investors in his use of analysts in determining what to buy, when to sell, and how to re-invest.  Myth provides an illuminating guide through the forest of issues that stand between investors who seek to protect principal and safely generate meaningful income.”  Joseph D. – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

►“Investment Strategy Made Clear, March 1, 2014”
By Gabby Hayze "Mo Addams"
(click for full review)

  Johnny Long is back and better than ever as he takes on the most challenging crisis to hit the financial-services industry in decades. In Myth, we have a harrowing tale involving a retired couple in dire distress. Their income has been decimated, the result of depending on fixed income over years of declining interest rates. Their options are few and their future bleak. How will they survive?

They turn to Lucien Marat for help. Armed with a passion to help others, Lucien Marat takes on Wall Street in a trial that he hopes can save millions of retirees from certain ruin. What unfolds is a shocking account about “business as usual” on Wall Street as well as a probing look at consumer accountability. Along the way, we learn that there is cause for hope, that there is another way!

In this, his fourth novel, David Mallach triumphs. His handling of controversial material is both insightful and fair-minded. Myth is the kind of book that can rock the foundations of Wall Street. Myth is far more than a novel; it is a startling expose wrapped masterfully within a narrative that grips the reader from the start and refuses to let go. In a world where everybody thinks they are right and where being wrong can cost billions, Mr. Mallach reminds us that our perception of “right” and “wrong” can itself be a myth.

Audio Sample from Myth

Listen to a sample from the audio-book version:

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 Reviews of Myth:

“Myth is a game changer – both from an investor and financial professional’s point of view.  In the world of the new normal, what seemed logical can actually turn out differently.  With the cost of everyday living going up, and more baby boomers retiring, we need a strategy to keep up with the changing times.  This book should be mandatory reading for not only the investing public but for financial professionals everywhere.  Highly recommended!”  Mike R. – Farmington, Michigan.

“In broadcasting I adhered to the principle of ‘KISS’ – Keep It Simple Stupid.  Myth is so beautiful in its simplicity, that it’s remarkable that not every advisor follows it.” Steve L. – Six  Peaks Ranch, Colorado.

“Myth fascinates me for two reasons. First, it provides an inside look at the arbitration process that provides remedy for individual investors. You see the thought processes and anxieties of both sides in the case and, especially, of the panel who must decide a complex issue. In the end, we see all these people in a sympathetic light. Second, it exposes the widely held misconception that a portfolio of fixed-income securities is safe. And it points out the importance of focusing on income growth rather than just on safety.”  Julie and Keith S. – Germantown, Tennessee.

“Myth reveals the simple truth about the risk associated with fixed income.  By witnessing the events that unfold in Myth, the reader learns how a fixed income portfolio built with the best intentions and backed by the financial industry can fail.  Through the reappearance of Dancing With The Analysts character, Johnny Long, a serious discourse unfolds and illuminates a strategy for growth of income.”  Leona S. – Alexandria, Virigina.

“Unless your assets are large enough that you don’t need to worry about rising interest rates, this book is essential reading.  I have read all of David Mallach’s books.  Each one presents an interesting, easily read discussion of fairly complex material.  Myth is no exception.  Don’t wait to read it until interest rates have gone up and your bond portfolio is way down.”  Doug D. – Kingston, Tennessee.

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From Kirkus Reviews

“A courtroom drama that indicts the dominant strategies of the financial planning industry, telling an enjoyable story at the same time.

In his latest novel drawing on his years of financial industry experience, Mallach (Walking with the Analysts, 2008) turns a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority hearing into a tension-filled analysis of the shortcomings of fixed-income investment strategies. Blue-collar workers Henry and Norma Thompson file a complaint against their financial adviser, Valerie Brown, after her investments on their behalf lead to the loss of a significant portion of their retirement savings. Feisty but schlubby lawyer Lucien Marat represents the Thompsons at the FINRA hearing, but his real mission is to bring about systemic change in the financial industry, one lawsuit at a time. Mallach keeps the intricacies of investment strategy at a level the average reader can understand, using his characters, rather than infodumps, to explain concepts through fast-paced dialogue. What at first seems to be a clear-cut case of professional negligence turns out to be more complicated as the opposing lawyers reveal one twist after another, and Mallach keeps readers guessing until the hearing’s conclusion. The book ends by following up on several of the characters two years after the hearing, particularly the ever-more-litigious Marat and the chastened Brown; the Thompsons, however, do not appear again—an odd choice given their importance to the book’s central conflict. Mallach succeeds in keeping the story moving, despite the relatively dry subject matter, thanks to multidimensional characters who can’t make it to the end of the page without arguing with each other. The highly descriptive style of writing, though occasionally overstuffed with colorful turns of phrase—“irritating enough to make the Dalai Lama curse like a character in Goodfellas”; “people like you can sell birthday cakes and party hats to a Jehovah’s Witness”—continues to keep the pages turning and the conflict crackling.

Proof that even the mechanics of low-risk investment strategies can be the basis of a thoughtful, dynamic novel.” Kirkus Reviews

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From Diane Gardner – ForeWord Reviews

“David A. Mallach gets readers invested in a surprisingly captivating fictional story about
what’s wrong in today’s investment world.

When their supposedly safe investments fall apart, a retired couple begins to go broke … fast. To save themselves, they hire a lawyer and spark a legal proceeding that could shatter the financial world. With this, David A. Mallach launches a surprisingly captivating fictional story about what’s wrong in today’s investment world, why once safe retirement investments may be risky, and who is responsible for the personal financial crises many people face today.

Mallach manages to clearly define some issues impacting retired and near-retired people’s nest eggs today. Through fiction, he questions the strategies used to safeguard people’s life savings and suggests that a better way might be needed. It’s a call to action and discussion for investment professionals. It’s an insightful story that gives everyday investors some issues to consider as they work with their own financial advisers. And it’s an engrossing tale of the behind-the-scenes legal and political maneuvers that impact Wall Street today.

When Henry and Norma Thompson’s retirement dreams begin to disappear with their life savings, they hire attorney Lucien Marat to represent them at an arbitration hearing. Their claim? Their investment adviser, Valerie Brown, is responsible. As the case progresses, it focuses on concerns about the investments chosen and processes used to choose them. It could not only cost Brown her job, it could also open the entire industry up to lawsuits. As each side makes its case, it becomes clear that everything hinges on the evidence of one important witness. And what he says proves explosive. The arbitrators’ job won’t be easy, Marat has ulterior motives that could impede his own case, and Brown, who could be a scapegoat, could lose everything. And the Thompsons? The arbitrators must decide who is the real killer of their dreams.

Mallach’s writing is sharp and compelling. His characters are well crafted. A simple tap on the lip, for example, speaks volumes about Brown. Stains on Marat’s clothes reveal that he is as sloppy as he is brilliant.

But the true strength is Mallach’s ability to make complicated financial issues clear. And to make them unexpectedly interesting. The format of an arbitration hearing allows for drama, even though, in many ways, the book’s underlying purpose appears to be to question current investment practices. Yet the plot is well paced. And the cliffhangers are effective, as when the arbitrators first realize the significance of the case: “‘This is a watershed moment.’ ‘Yes, I know.’ The door bursts open … ‘Folks, you ain’t heard nothing yet.’”

Readers should be aware that this book is not intended to suggest any particular investment strategy, though one is prominent. And they should expect a more subtle kind of legal drama than an author like John Grisham might present. However, anyone interested in the issues facing Wall Street today, in understanding personal financial risks they might not have considered, or in a really juicy courtroom drama, will find this book to be a worthwhile investment.” Diane Gardner – ForeWord Reviews

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From Reviewer, R. Ebbs (NetGalley Review for “Myth”.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“MYTH”-A COMPELLING COURT DRAMA BASED ON AN INVESTMENT CONUNDRUM January 23, 2014 By RBSProds-TOP 500 REVIEWER & Amazon.com VINE VOICE

   "Four and a half ABSORBING Stars! A timely, enjoyable reflection on different facets in the current risk-reward environment of the financial investment world. “Myth", stressed by the author as a fictional story of change that should not necessarily be used for financial planning in the real world, is the fourth book by author, investment guru, and educator David A. Mallach, who wraps real world investment topics into his works. It centers around the investments of a retired middle class couple, both of whom worked for decades in the same plant and were planning a comfortable retirement based on a ‘safe' financial underpinning. Everything changes when they meet American National Finance star investment broker Valerie Brown who takes command of their life savings and invests in supposedly safe fixed-income, short-term, high-quality investments. Over 7 years, the couple goes from a good beginning in investment returns, to treading water, to partially going under. It all ends up in this revealing loss litigation court drama, with possible Wall Street investment compliance consequences within the universe of this novel. The author presents some memorable characters, deepening revelations of the intricacies of the initial investment, the court proceedings, the surprising outcome, and the aftermath.

    Along the way we meet Ms Brown, Henry and Norma Thompson, Lucien Marat and Jack Elias, the three FINRA Arbitration committee members, the “Icarus Flaw”, the ‘driving to California’ gambit, the myth of “safe” investments, the 'growth of income' approach, and money manager Johnny Long from Mallach’s “Analysts” novels. It should be remembered, the plaintiffs had two other active income streams available. While most of the characters physical characteristics are not too developed, it’s their psychological makeup that makes this an enjoyable read by this skillful author. This fictional book has some minor repetition and is more targeted towards those interested in the intricacies and vagaries of the world of finance and investment, whose tentacles can potentially reach down and affect any ordinary investor. But it also takes into account the human condition of the characters and the effects the world of finance can have on lives, especially during and after arbitration hearings. It also features a nice ‘coda’ although some plot questions are unanswered. The title “Myth" permeates the posturing characters and the high stakes circumstances found within this novel which is Highly

   Recommended. Four and a half ENGAGING Stars! (260 pages. Reviewed in both Kindle text and text-to-speech formats. David Mallach is author of "Dancing with the Analysts", "Walking with the Analysts", and "Running with the Analysts”." From Reviewer, R. Ebbs (NetGalley Review for “Myth”.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  (I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.) When the Bernie Madoff scandal broke in the news, I wondered how someone could get away for so long with a Ponzi scheme without anyone catching on to what he was up to. The answer seemed to be that when people are realizing gains on their investments, they don't question why they're getting richer. They just accept it as their due. But then came the realization that people who trusted Bernie Madoff with their retirement funds and many other sources of revenue were completely wiped out. THEN people wanted answers, and it wasn't much of a stretch to say they wanted Madoff's head on a silver platter. That's when I wondered if all those investors bore no responsibility at all for what happened to their money. All was peachy when they increased their nest eggs, but now that all was in jeopardy and people lost every cent they'd saved, NOW they wanted blood. Enter David Mallach, author of Myth, a wonderfully informative book in the form of a story about one such couple who wanted to invest their money into vehicles that would support them financially during their retirement years.

  The story begins with Henry and Norma Thompson who have brought a case against their financial advisor, Valerie Brown. Along with their respective attorneys, the Thompsons and Ms Brown are in an arbitration meeting that will decide what is to be done about the $400,000 they lost since handing over management of their money to Brown. There are 3 members on the panel deciding the outcome of this case. The Thompson's attorney, Lucien Marat, believes he has built a rock solid case against both Valerie Brown, and also against her employer, American National Finance. He believes he can recover all the money lost for the Thompsons as well as hefty punitive damages. The rest of the book details how Marat prepared to do that.

  This could have been the kind of book that makes people's eyes glaze over as they explain they don't understand how the investment business works. I've heard others say that they just can't process the information; it's all too complicated for anyone not directly tied to the investment process. Obviously none of those people tried reading David Mallach because not only can he explain what we need to know in terms easy to follow, but he provides examples of his points especially concerning what people should be looking for and what they can expect to get from financial advisors. The Thompson's case is not an unusual one, and it appears that Valerie Brown did serve them as well as she was able. But it wasn't good enough to keep the Thompsons from losing a substantial amount of money. Money that did not have to be lost if the correct strategy had been used in planning the future of the investments the Thompsons intended on making. I was fascinated with this story because of the way in which it was written and because Mallach himself has worked in this field and has a tried and true record to back up what he says.

  I highly recommend Myth to anyone interested in how financial planning should work. It also is a well written, easy to understand look at the investment culture and how it does or does not operate to serve its clients best interests. For that reason, I think this novel is not only a good read; it's an important book as well. By Gabby Hayze "Mo Addams"

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This book is a work of fiction. Therefore, it should not be assumed by any reader that any specific investment or investment strategy made reference to in this book will be either profitable or equal historical or anticipated performance levels. It should also not be assumed that the performance of any specific investment style or sector will be either profitable or equal its corresponding historical index benchmark. Finally, different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or investment strategy made reference to in this book will be suitable or otherwise appropriate for an individual’s investment portfolio. To the extent that readers have any questions regarding the suitability of any specific investment or investment strategy made reference to in this book for their individual investment(s) or financial situation, they are encouraged to consult with the investment professional of their choosing.

 

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