The Cleaner

By: Brett Battles

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Jonathan Quinn: a freelance operative with a take-no-prisoners style and the heart of a loner. His job? Professional "cleaner". Nothing too violent, just disposing of bodies. But in Brett Battles' electrifying debut novel, Quinn's latest assignment will change everything.

The job seemed simple enough: investigating a suspicious case of arson. But when a dead body turns up, and Quinn's handlers at "the Office" turn strangely silent, he knows he's in over his head. With only a handful of clues, Quinn struggles to find out why someone wants him dead...and if it's linked to a larger attempt to wipe out the Office.

Quinn's only hope may be Orlando, a woman from his past who may hold the key to solving the case. Suddenly, the two are prying into old crimes, crisscrossing continents, and struggling to stay alive. But as the hunt intensifies, Quinn is stunned by a chilling secret...and a brilliantly orchestrated conspiracy.

Furiously paced, filled with superbly drawn characters and pitch-perfect dialogue, The Cleaner confirms Battles' place as one of the most exciting new talents in suspense fiction.

©2007 Brett Battles (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

2008, Shamus Award

"Brett Battles makes a grand entrance into the thriller scene with this unputdownable spy novel. The Cleaner has it all: exotic locales, James Bondian derring-do, and ingenious plot twists that will keep you sweating all the way ’til the end.”—Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of The Bone Garden

“This book is a pure delight. Protagonist Jonathan Quinn is a unique and welcome addition to the world of crime fiction. The Cleaner is a brilliant and heart-pounding thriller; I’m on the edge of my seat, awaiting future installments of Quinn’s adventures.”—Jeffery Deaver, bestselling author of The Broken Window

“A page-turner that may remind some readers of the cult TV spy series Alias . . . .Quinn [is] a compelling protagonist. . . . Admirers of quality espionage fiction can look forward to a new series worth following.”—Publishers Weekly

Tedious with details

I’m no sure if I want listen to more books from the series. It never grasped my attention fully. I was rolling my eyes at the mundane details. I was not a captured listener. And the resin for the guy to fake his death was jealousy? Hahaha. That’s ridiculous and hard to believe.

Unique and rewarding.

I've never read a story quite like it. A definite must read book for your list.

Great Book

The Cleaner is an excellent book by Brett battles. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Scott brick did an excellent performance. looking forward to the rest of the series

Meh

It’s the first book. Probably one of the first the author has written and/or published, so I’m giving it a little bit of slack. Hence the 3 stars instead of 2. I loved the night man novels, so I know Brett Battles is a better author than is displayed in this novel. This could benefit from a few edits. I’m struggling with the characters. Even Nate (who is the shining star in the Night Man novels) is not quite developed yet. This story is a bit all over the place. The ending actually ruins a perfectly good character for me. Having read the prequel some things made very little sense. It was run of the mill, not very well written and long winded. I hope this series picks up and will get the same charm as the other novels I read, because I do actually enjoy this author’s writing. At least… I enjoy his later work.

Loved it!

I totally loved the twists and turns of this book cant wait to read the next one

Not bad for what it is...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I listened to this because I ran out of credits - it was one my husband picked. I usually listen to "deeper" stuff. Not bad for the genre - kept my attention and was a good diversion during a medical procedure.

The Cleaner

Very good story line but it dragged on and on. There were several times when I didn’t want to listen anymore. However, the suspense as to what was really going on and the need to find out kept me interested.

ignorant

Decent story but the main character never does any "cleaning". The author's ignorance of basic gun terminology is amusing.

I've found a new author with a promising series

Actually, the title says it all in a nutshell. I had never been introduced to Brett Battles or this series. The plot moved right along, the characters were well rounded persons, and the ending, while a little predictable, was well written. As always, Scott Brick was perfection. Some will say his voice is monotonous. I would say he reads without attempting to act it out with phony, irritating inflections.

Great story. Brick, as usual, was incredible.

The story was a very good story. It was very original with a lot of action but not over-the-top. Brick is simply awesome again.