The Broker

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Italy with a Twist

Beck does a great job selling this tale of an attourney on the lamb. Althought the storyline is strong, it is diluted by the endless descriptions of the country, culture, language, food, etc... If you can listen past all of the repetative Italian information, there is a rewarding ending to this novel. But, be warned, unless you happen to be really interested in Italian culture, you'll find yourself saying, "enough already - on with the story".

Another great Grisham novel

Don't expect anything different from his typical books, which I enjoy.

Michael Beck is one of the great narrators

Makes an excellent story feel real and happening to you - surely a powerful and priceless adjunct to any audio book, an author's dearest wish I would imagine

Grisham and Beck FTW

Great book, a couple loose gaps like with the Chinese spies etc. but all in all a throgouhly Great book and another spitting example of Grisham’s genius. Beck is the best narrator of Grisham’s work too... my god.

a way out of a no way out page turne

loved it! and learned a little Italian too! totally engaging story with great settings and nonstop action

Great story

Great story with great narration. It makes me want to study the Italian language and visit Bologna!

Grisham is the best

Grisham has never disappointed. Some storylines are more for me and some for others, but the story is complete and compelling.
Michael Beck is the perfect narrator for all the Grisham books plus many others. Win-Win.

Excellence

The author and the narrator are absolutely amazing. The storyline is fantastic, and even though the author knows little about spying and technology, he create an amazing work. Thank you so much, I enjoyed.

Enjoyable Story

John Grisham’s story held my attention. On this and other audio books, I have come to appreciate Michael Beck’s work.

That Trip I can No Longer Take

A review claimed the book was slow in places. That is an American attitude described by the author-hurry, what comes next? I absorbed the descriptions and remembered the places I have visited. My desire to return is strong. My own pace, preferably and not chased. A fun read and probably more likely than Mr. Grissom claims.