Easy Money

In the midst of a global pandemic, when uncertainties loomed large, television actor Ben McKenzie found himself ensnared by the allure of cryptocurrency. Navigating this digital frontier as a curious father with unexpected time on his hands, McKenzie embarked on a quest to understand the wildly fluctuating world of blockchain, Bitcoin, and their assorted digital kin. Despite his academic background in economics, the promise of exorbitant profits and the fear of missing out drew him dangerously close to this intricate network of virtual currencies—a realm simultaneously portrayed as both the financial revolution of the future and a potential perilous bubble.

Easy Money is a riveting chronicle of McKenzie’s exploration, punctuated by his collaboration with seasoned journalist Jacob Silverman. Together, they traverse the shadowy labyrinth of cryptocurrency, unearthing tales that range from the dreams of ordinary folks and high-stakes traders to the machinations of crypto moguls and the wild ambitions of Hollywood’s elite. What begins as a personal investigation quickly unfurls into an exposé of shocking schemes, as they uncover a trail of deception, with promises of financial freedom devolving into stories of loss and betrayal.

The narrative takes readers behind the scenes of the crypto landscape, offering first-hand accounts and interviews with key figures such as Sam Bankman-Fried, Brock Pierce, and Alex Mashinsky. McKenzie and Silverman bring to light the precarious nature of this financial frontier, fuelled by a potent mix of innovation and recklessness, illuminating the complex interplay between aspiration and exploitation.

Easy Money does more than delve into the technicalities of virtual assets; it paints a vivid picture of the human stories interwoven with this digital phenomenon. Whether you are a sceptic, a novice, or a seasoned investor, McKenzie's compelling narrative and Silverman's investigative prowess provide an essential guide to understanding the exuberance and pitfalls of the crypto industry, ultimately questioning if this world of digital gold is as foolproof as it purports to be.

This book promises not only to engage readers with its profound insights and vivid storytelling but also to provoke thoughtful discussion on the future of finance in a rapidly digitising world. With their narrative rich in detail, McKenzie and Silverman invite you to ponder: is the quest for easy money worth the gamble?