The Golden Calf
The Golden Calf by Douglas Maloney, published by iUniverse in June 2005, is a 360-page work that delves into the complexities of philanthropy and human ambition. The narrative centers on Charles Tucker, a crooked land developer who, after being prosecuted for fraud, leaves his fortune in a trust designed to be spent exclusively in Santa Cecilia County. His intention was to create chaos and competition among those vying for his wealth, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of greed and altruism.
Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters, including altruists and con artists, all eager to claim a piece of the trust fund. The story provides an inside look at the dynamics of legal battles and the motivations driving various claimants, from legitimate programs to dubious schemes. The Golden Calf presents a thought-provoking examination of the intersection between politics, suspense, and the human condition, revealing the best and worst aspects of individuals as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of charitable funds.
Official synopsis Publisher
Crooked land developer Charles Tucker loathed Santa Cecilia County. After the county government prosecuted him for fraud, he swore vengeance. At his death, he left his fortune in a trust and required that every cent be spent in Santa Cecilia. He suspected that his wealth would cause misery, envy, loathing, and avarice. He was right.
The spectacular trust fund creates a feeding frenzy among covetous contenders, from committed altruists to adept con artists. Expensive lawyers and their eager clients vie to garner the trust funds for their programs, from a woman’s center to a junk science scam.
The intense turmoil opens the door on an inside view of big buck philanthropy and the human needs biz. Trustees, lawyers, claimants, and the hopeful recipients are swept up in an Olympian struggle for charitable funds, just as Tucker gleefully intended.
The Golden Calf is a delicious mix of cynicism, politics, and compassion as it plumbs the best and worst of human nature in the pursuit of charitable funds.
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