The Inner Circle

By: Brad Meltzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

There are stories no one knows. Hidden stories. I love those stories. And since I work in the National Archives, I find those stories for a living. Beecher White, a young archivist, spends his days working with the most important documents of the U.S. government. He has always been the keeper of other people's stories, never a part of the story himself...Until now.

When Clementine Kaye, Beecher's first childhood crush, shows up at the National Archives asking for his help tracking down her long-lost father, Beecher tries to impress her by showing her the secret vault where the president of the United States privately reviews classified documents. After they accidentally happen upon a priceless artifact - a 200-year-old dictionary that once belonged to George Washington, hidden underneath a desk chair, Beecher and Clementine find themselves suddenly entangled in a web of deception, conspiracy, and murder.

Soon a man is dead, and Beecher is on the run as he races to learn the truth behind this mysterious national treasure. His search will lead him to discover a coded and ingenious puzzle that conceals a disturbing secret from the founding of our nation. It is a secret, Beecher soon discovers, that some believe is worth killing for.

Gripping, fast-paced, and filled with the fascinating historical detail for which he is famous, The Inner Circle is a thrilling novel that once again proves Brad Meltzer as a brilliant author writing at the height of his craft.

©2011 Brad Meltzer (P)2011 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Meltzer has earned the right to belly up to the bar with John Grisham, Scott Turow, and David Baldacci." (People)

Compelling and consuming...it keeps you guessing!

What did you love best about The Inner Circle?

Excellent start for a new series. I already look forward to reading the next book. I bought this book because I want to read and listen to the Fifth Assassin and this book is the one in the series before that book. I hoped it would be good. It hooked me. I am a fan forever now. Tight plotting and page turning all the way through. Your bonus comes in the form of intriguing bits of info tucked into the story. For example, you will learn where the phrase "reading between the lines" comes from.

Well worth the credit and every minute spent with the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

They were all great.

Long story, repetitive, but I finished

This book starts great, and then it just becomes more and more confusing and reminds me of National Treasure and DaVinci Code. Characters are unbelievable and it is hard to stick with it. The writing is ok, but the story is stagnant and does not move along. Narrator is good. I had to reread the book, and finally finished it. The writing is detailed, but somehow the story doesn't come together. I feel like I was fighting feathers trying to get through the book. If you have a long drive ahead, listen to it. If it is on sale get, don't waste a credit.

Excellent book and series with great narration!

The Culper Ring three book series is fascinating. General George Washington ordered the formation of a spy organization called the Culper Ring in 1778 to spy on the British military and report back to him. During the Revolutionary War the ring had several successes including, according to anecdotal evidence avoiding the assassination of General Washington. The Culper Ring was active throughout the war. Author Brad Meltzer's novels in the series suggest that the small ring of spies has continued to operate today protecting the US government, its leaders, and its vital founding documents. I've previously reviewed the third novel in the series, but the first two are also well worth listening to. The series is made up of espionage thrillers in their purist form. Scott Brick narrates this series as well as several stand alone novels by Meltzer. I recommend this series.

To Many Twist To Count

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

It is a great way of learning interesting historical facts mingled with a great fictional story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I have on multiple points in this book stop to absorb the latest twist in the plot.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final scene at the mental hospital.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It would be a really long sitting. Great for a long road trip or to listen to over a week or two.

Interesting for history buffs

I love history, especially US history. I am thankful for those brave men and women who pledges their sacred honor and were willing to sacrifice their lives so that this nation could be created.
This story brings some of our earliest history to light but also reveals how some politicians abuse their power. This is a modern day story that delves into history. I enjoyed it.

Struggled to finish

The climax of the story just wouldn't end. I endured it in 5-minute increments and still am not sure what really happened. I can't tell if it was just really bad writing or overacting by the narrator.

Another great read!

What did you love best about The Inner Circle?

Brad Meltzer is and excellent writer and researcher who pulls lots of great details into a story, which captures your attention from start to finish.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The details are excellent additions and creates much interest.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick is a fabulous narrator and gives the characters life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Refreshing Deceit

I purchased this book because of the reviews and I was not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and the mystery surrounding it. I found myself listening to this book at all hours of the day. Starting on the second in the series today. I hope it is as good as this one was!

So interesting!!!

Good story. History can be so intriguing. Great imagination on the authors part. At least I hope it’s only his imagination!!

I love Brad Meltzer!

Brad writes a very good mystery with lots of historical tidbits throne in. I never read one I haven't liked