The Dealmaker's Will - by Walker Thrash (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

While he was being played, he learned to play the game.

Will Powell's real estate dreams have stalled, leaving him desperate and vulnerable. Enter Julian Darrow: brilliant, wealthy, and dangerously persuasive. Drawn into Julian's world of ruthless deals, shadowy ethics, and rules, Will finds success within reach--but at what cost?

The Dealmaker's Will: The Story of One Deal-And the 7 Rules That Made It Happen is a literary business fable with the pacing of a thriller and the depth of a drama. It delivers business insight through storytelling with real-world tactics, ethical dilemmas, and psychological tension directly into character and plot. It asks the question: What rules really matter in dealmaking?

For readers of MICHAEL LEWIS, PATRICK LENCIONI, JOHN GRISHAM, and TOM WOLFE.

Set in the Denver area, with nods to Austin, Texas and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Review Quotes

"The Dealmaker's Will by Walker Thrash is a thriller with a most unique and interesting premise! The plot focuses solely on the ability of the MMC Will's ability to learn the 7 rules to close a deal and simultaneously make it happen. I was hooked from the beginning as Will meets the mysterious Julian who begins teaching Will the art of dealmaking and tasking him to win approval on a city bid. The series of meetings and conversations between these two characters are more than transactional as the reader begins to slowly learn about their motives, fears, and insecurities. Other players in the hunt to make the deal keep the reader guessing as to who is "playing" who and why. Will is a likeable entrepreneur that had me hoping he was genuine and would come out on top the whole time. However, as plot twists unfold and the characters become increasingly slippery and shifty, it is impossible to determine whether any of them are legitimate or trustworthy and who will ultimately seal the deal. For a story that primarily takes place in a town car, a business meeting or over the phone, Walker Thrash fully develops and humanizes these mostly shady characters and builds edge-of-your seat tension. Thrash also provides a surprising and satisfying ending. Who knew the nuts and bolts of making a business deal could be so compelling! I devoured this book in less than a day! I strongly recommend reading this "business thriller" for a fresh take on this genre of writing." --Book by Book

"The Dealmaker's Will is a masterfully woven tale that blends high-stakes strategy, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue into a compelling narrative that's impossible to put down. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a world where power is currency and trust is rare. What sets this book apart is its sharp insight into the motivations that drive ambition, loyalty, and betrayal -- all set against a backdrop of corporate warfare and personal reckoning. The characters are multidimensional, flawed, and intensely human, each grappling with their own internal conflicts as they navigate a world where every decision carries weight. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, with each twist feeling both surprising and inevitable. Dialogue crackles with intelligence and tension, and the writing style strikes a perfect balance between elegance and grit. What makes the novel truly memorable is its underlying message: even in a cutthroat world, redemption is possible -- but it always comes at a price. Whether you're a fan of suspense, drama, or simply great storytelling, this is a read that will stay with you long after the final page. A smart, gripping, and emotionally resonant story that delivers on every level." --Darya the Reviewer

About the Author

Walker Thrash is a seasoned real estate developer, entrepreneur, and managing partner of Vertikal, a real estate development company focused on public-private partnerships. Walker has developed and constructed real estate across the United States, with projects spanning hotels, residential, restaurants, mixed-use, and community-focused developments. His writing distills decades of hard-earned experience in dealmaking, leadership, and building things that matter--with the occasional dose of humor to keep it honest and relatable. Walker lives in Louisville, CO with his wife and four children.