The world of the financial advisor is not often thought of as “literary.” But financial services professionals have appeared as characters in more novels than you might think.

So, if you’re looking for something a little more riveting than a financial report, these financial services-related mysteries have lessons you can use:

1. Dick Francis’s Gamble by Felix Francis (2011)
Nicholas “Foxy” Foxton’s world is turned upside-down when his friend and fellow financial advisor at Lyall & Black is shot dead in front of 60,000 people at the Grand National Races. As Foxton looks deeper into his friend’s death, he begins to question who his friend really was and whether he can trust his employer.

Lesson for advisors: Make sure your firm and partners share your business ethics.

2. Middle Man: A Broker’s Tale by John Guy (2010)
Jack Chap is a financial professional who likes life in the “middle ground” — orderly and stable. As circumstances push Chap away from his comfort zone, his life begins to break down. Could such an even-tempered person really commit murder?

Lesson for advisors: Dig below the surface in getting to know your clients.

3. A Killing on Wall Street: An Investment Mystery by Derrick Niederman (2000)
Cliff Cavanaugh, a day trader and former investment analyst, is trying to solve the murder of portfolio manager Kyle Hooperman. The search for the killer quickly takes him down a road of questionable IPOs — while giving readers a rundown on investment basics.

Lesson for advisors: Always perform due diligence before recommending a new product.

4. Need You Now by James Grippando (coming in 2012)
In this upcoming novel, a young financial advisor and his girlfriend discover a conspiracy that goes much further than Wall Street.

Lesson for advisors: Work with a team for best results.

5. Safe Harbor by Rosemary McCracken (coming in 2012)
A frightened woman barges into financial advisor Pat Tierney’s office with a shocking request: Look after my boy; he’s your late husband’s son. The next day the woman is murdered and police say the seven-year-old may be the killer’s next target.

Lesson for advisors: Be wary of “walk-ins” who come without a referral.