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

Ignore the Bad Reviews - It's Grisham

I can't say I begin to understand the really bad reviews. Was this Grisham's best book? No, but it certainly isn't a bad book. The only real fault I have (as many others have mentioned) is the story line takes Joel Bachmann (the main character) to Italy. I understand John Grisham loves Italy and Italy is a beautiful setting, but this time it felt like it was merely a great tax write-off for Grisham with very little need to actually do any research much to the detriment of Grisham's loyal readers. I guess John forgot that he took us to Italy with Playing for Pizza. We went through the Italian lessons there too. So the whole Italian lesson thing was mere filler with an excuse for John to go back to Italy in the guise of doing research. Beck does well with the Italian so maybe John took him too.

That however does not mean the story itself is not interesting and like several of Grisham's novels, he makes us wait to hear exactly what happened that caused Joel to first go to prison, be pardoned and then spirited off to Italy. This enhances interested and leaves the reader trying to decide if he/she should like Joel or not.

Some reviewers have accused the story of being far fetched. I don't think so at all - not in today's world and certainly less far fetched than a few of John's stories. The Broker depicts a rich, powerful lawyer working on behalf of his clients without much regard for anything but the monetary payoff. Corrupt people in government willing to play with whatever side greases their palm. The the cover-up from all sides with the "end justifies the means" attitude.

The Broker has some humor in the beginning but unlike some of Grisham's novels, it moves on to telling the story with the humor traded in for lessons in Italian.

Michael Beck - it just doesn't feel like a Grisham book without Michael Beck reading it. Beck could probably read a phone book and create some interest.

not bad

Interesting book...but needed more prolog...what happened to all the other players. But I still recomend.

I enjoyed it!

i was a bit worried about this book based on all of the bad reviews. But I really enjoyed it. I loved the parts in Italy. Makes me want to visit. The story had me on the edge of my seat at parts. This book is not the Firm or his other law books, but I liked it as much as The Juror and A Painted House.

Love Beck with Grisham

Broker is different from typical Grisham lawyer stories yet still keeps you intrigued through out. Love Michael Beck too.

Loved all the Italian

I enjoyed hearing all the Italian language. I liked the reader and could understand him. The story kept me listening.

Highly recommended

I’ve read this book several times. It’s a really good story. I. And upon it on audible and bought it immediately to listen to. I then waited a little while before I did. Occasionally the narrators of a book have ruined it for me, much like a bad rendition of a movie can do. This was not the case. Michael Beck did a fabulous job narrating this amazing story. I will most certainly listen to it again in the near future.
I even got on google earth at times during the story to look at the places that are described in the story. They are amazingly accurate. It helped bring even more dimension and life to this already phenomenal story.

Wonderful

Thoroughly, enjoyed. It is definitely a page turner. I look forward to the next book.

Not the best, but still one of my all time favorites.

I don’t know why, but The Broker has always been one of my all time favorite books, especially the audio version. It’s not the most fast paced or even what a lot of people would consider classic Grisham, but if you’ve gone through The Firm, The Client & all the other more well known novels by this author and are looking for a witty & original story give this one a listen. I highly doubt you’ll regret it.

As Always Wonderful

As Always I was pleased! This story was an "edge of your seat" and looking over your shoulder story! Grisham transported me to Italy, down cobbled streets, in quaint Cafe's and learning Italian. Exhilarating and Relaxing, Intense and Nail biting. I'm so glad I chose this book! The Broker! Thank you Grisham!

Definitely kept me listening’

The ending was a bit anticlimactic. The storyline kept me leaning forward. Had me talking to my iPhone. Good book, I recommend it.