Preview
  • The Broker

  • A Novel
  • By: John Grisham
  • Narrated by: Michael Beck
  • Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (5,385 ratings)

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The Broker

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Michael Beck
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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

Featured Article: 10 Authors Like David Baldacci


David Baldacci is the bestselling author of dozens of novels for adults, and a handful of books for kids and teens. His best-known titles are mystery novels starring FBI and Secret Service agents, and his plots run the spectrum from historical mystery to political thrillers. He's even written general fiction, romantic fiction, kidlit, and YA. If Baldacci is one of your favorite authors, but you listen faster than he can write, never fear! We’ve got you covered with some suggestions of 10 great authors like David Baldacci who write mysteries, thrillers, and fast-paced stories that you’ll love.

What listeners say about The Broker

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Riveting<br />

good book..... eleven hours just wasn't long enough, a recommended read or listen.
. . .

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Great story

It was hard to get in to it at first as there are many characters, once your get into The Broker, ya can’t stop! Michael Beck has got to be my favorite narrator. He is perfect for John Grisham novels.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Fulfilling contract…

…to write how many books within how much time! Mr. Grisham, like many LOY-YERS, has a clear cut gift of communication. Thus, the right story (setting, plot combined with character development), and THEN the “man and his audience will meet.” Problem is, he is producing “fairy tails” for more sophisticated readers and that is a formula for “hit or miss…” Erst, his audience will surely shrink. Escaping genre now finds this otherwise super talent man at his best. I sat in those bleachers once. Fabulous happening.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Boring. This was not up to Grisham’s standard. It was mediocre at best

Boring. This was NOT up to Grisham’s standard. It was mediocre at best. Definitely a disappointment

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Michael Beck is great Narrator. Always love John Grisham books.

This book has made my heart race to visit Italy. I loved all the details. Great story and had me on the edge to know how it would end.
Narrator is the best! I have listened to 2 books from him and will be looking for my next!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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As usual, Beck’s performance doesn’t disappoint

Love reading Grisham novels - but now with audible, and with Micheal Beck as the narrator, I find myself searching for more Grisham novels! Excellent story line- hope there’s a part two to this book- as I was left wanting the story to continue .... with out spoiling the ending, what happens NEXT? Please!

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Great Book

as always this was a great Grisham book. The reader is also very good too.

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very intriguing

kept me wanting to hear more.
narrative was excellent
good ending.
excellent description of the places 👌

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My Favorite Grisham Book

I have listened to this book several times - it’s my favorite John Grisham book. And I love Michael Beck - he is the best to listen to.

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Grisham is the great American story teller!!!

John Grisham is an American treasure! His storytelling is so effortless, and so captivating! I would rather listen to a John Grisham book than any other. Thank you John!!!

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