In Red Dead Redemption 2, John Marston will come across a snake oil salesman named Timothy Donahue. Marston will have the option to purchase the salesman's book, which claims to help people get rich quick. It is evident that Donahue is the typical pyramid scheme financial advisor who claims he can turn a dollar into a million.
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While that much is clear, gamers may be intrigued about the ridiculous tips in the book. Before getting curious, players should read through this article for guidance. What happens to Marston if he gets the book is disheartening
To find Timothy, head over to the Bastille Saloon in the center of Saint Denis. Near the saloon, Donahue can be found standing next to a wagon full of books. His impeccable work is titled "The Irrefutable Guide To Instant Riches." Unless Donahue is a wizard, it is hard to believe he has a sound financial strategy to achieve those lofty goals. Still, such a preposterous claim can peak ones interest.
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If the title of the book wasn't concerning enough, it's clear Donahue has gone a few days without a shower. He isn't going to win best dressed novelist in Saint Denis either. The patch on his jacket reveals that he's not wealthy enough to afford a fine French suit. We are told to never judge a book by its cover, but there are two glaringly bad covers here.
The longer players stand next to him, the wilder the salesman's pitches get. It's obvious Donahue is desperate to sell just one copy of his book. It gets to the point where he begins insulting passers by for being poor. Donahue will state that "My book will change your life. My book will make you who you want to be. Rich! Rich is who you want to be!"
Approach the salesman, and Marston will seem interested until he hears that the price is $50. This is an incredibly high price for a shady book from a less than reputable salesman. Accounting for inflation, this magical book equates to somewhere around $100,000 in the modern world. Gamers will then have to choose whether to accept or reject the offer.
After buying the book, Donahue will remark that it is the "best investment you will ever make." No surprise here, it isn't. Players can read through the in-game excerpt to get an idea of just how unhelpful the book is.
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Donahue's book is no more than a mash of confusing maxims and nonexistent idioms. Line after line builds up to nothing. There is no lesson, only meaningless words and phrases. Marston will not be pleased that the weasel tricked him out of $50. Fortunately gamers will be able to pay him a visit and get back some of that hard earned cash.
In short, do not buy the book. Still, for those who do, revenge does feel good.
After a few days have passed, Donahue will be back on the street selling his book in the same location. Ride to Saint Denis and confront him to get the $50 back. When Marston expresses his displeasure, Donahue will say that he needs to "Follow the 38 steps to wealth."
Marston will insist that Donahue give him the money back, but Donahue will try to run away. He doesn't run very fast, so it should be relatively easy to track him down. Hogtie or kill Donahue to get the money back. There will be an additional $2 in his pocket, suggesting Marston was the only person thick enough to buy his absurd book. Whether he is released or killed is inconsequential. Perhaps the cheating swine deserves some vigilante justice, but that is up to the user.
If Marston chooses to ignore Donahue nothing will happen. Donahue will continue to try and trick the citizens of Saint Denis. Clearly, players are better off avoiding Donahue and his scam of a book.
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