rand mcgreal

Credentials set in Victoria, British Columbia follows the travails of Peter Barrie—a brilliant socially immature economics Professor—trying to gain recognition for his work at a World Bank Monetary Conference. He knows his task is daunting, but doesn’t foresee the peril that is hidden in the back bays of the Island. The story unfolds with character references and the plot lines of James Barrie’s classic Peter and Wendy. Peter’s goal is impeded by a humiliating barrage of criticism and verbal attacks from his academic adversaries, the Keynesians, the π rates. The postcard façade of The Empress Hotel and the sophisticated elegance of the city on the edge of the wild draws curious delegates from all the major institutions of academic study. Peter Barrie joins this select group although his institution is far from prominent or esteemed. He has won the right to give the closing address through perseverance not prestige. He is hopeful the content of his speech will propel him to prominence. But his dream of a fair review will be shattered by the events at the Conference fueled by the scorn and jealousy of his colleagues. Peter’s intentions are not lost on his associates. Most of his colleagues represent opposing schools of economic thought. Peter as a symbol of market economics becomes a tasty morsel for their sharp tongues. The Keynesian economists seek to belittle and humiliate him and scatter his ideas in the deep forests of Vancouver Island. In the graceful halls of the Empress Hotel the grizzlies’ of academic arrogance stalk Peter for the slightest misstep. When he turns his back, they lash out. Bruised but unhurt, Peter struggles along his hopeful path until the daughter of a close friend is kidnapped. Peter becomes a suspect after his awkward police interview. His few friends and allies come to his aid, but all seems futile until the real culprit makes a mistake.