The Broker

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA. It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world’s most sophisticated satellite surveillance system.

Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive—there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him?

©2004 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Most and best of all, it’s Grisham living up to his reputation as a great storyteller.”—Entertainment Weekly

“A fast-paced, fun read with echoes of something deeper. The author’s command of pop fiction delivers crisp, sharp prose.”—The Boston Globe

“[Grisham] is exceptionally good at what he does. . . . Indeed, right now in this country, nobody does it better.”—The Washington Post

End leaves you unfulfilled

The story was basically good a bit slow in places. The ending leaved alot to be desired

It felt like a guide to learning Italian.

Typical Grisham... except that the first 3/4 of the book feel like an intense course into the Italian language. The book could have been streamlined if they didn't have every Italian word that was spoken or learned by the character pronounced. The novel is non descriptive. Not the best novel Grisham has written.

The Broker

I just love the whole book. There was no let down!!!! It kept me up just to listen!!!

Keeps you entertained

This was a fun book to listen to, in typical Grisham fashion, lots of twists and and turns. As usual they get into impossible situations and escape. You will enjoy even with those flaws, I know I did.

Grisham great as usual

love his writing and narration was great. good story line. Acttually may read it again.

The Broker Roller Coster

I will be brief, Slow getting started, Fast passed in the middle and close to the end and then just left you hanging. Don't get me wrong I still liked the book. I just hope there is a sequel!

Broker Review

The plot was good, but the book dragged on! I think the book could have been half the length and still would have been effective. Too much detail given about locations and sites. At times I felt like I was on a personal guided tour of Italy.

Also, the ending was a bit abrupt given the involved plot in the book. Not one of the author's best. The reader was excellent, though.

Enjoyed on a trip

I'm a huge John Grisham fan, but I'm sorry to say this was not one of my favorites. I like the idea, and some of the location narrative (loved the language study narrative!), but didn't ever get to the point that I cared much for the main character.

Great Grisham, great reader

So enjoyed this. It's like a travel guide of Italy AMD Beck does a fantastic job of the accents.

intriguing Story

Throughly enjoyed the journey through this adventure. There are a lot of twists and turns and a well thought out ending.