The Zero Game

By: Brad Meltzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are playing a mysterious game. It's a game almost no one knows about: not their friends, not their coworkers, and certainly not their bosses, who are some of the most powerful senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill.

It's a game that has everything: risk, reward, mystery, and the thrill of knowing that, just by being invited to play, you've confirmed your status as a true power broker in Washington.

But as Matthew and Harris quickly discover, the Zero Game is hiding a secret so explosive that it will shake Washington to its core. And when someone close to them winds up dead, Harris and Matthew realize this game is far more sinister than they ever imagined. As the bull's-eye turns their way, it's clear they're about to become the game's next victims.

In a frenetic chase from the secret tunnels under the Capitol to an abandoned gold mine halfway across the country, the two friends realize they're no longer players in the game; they're pawns. On the run, they turn to the only person they can trust: a 16-year-old Senate page who can move around the Capitol undetected. As a ruthless killer creeps closer, this idealistic young page not only holds the key to their safety, but is the one person who can redeem them in the process.

Packed with high-octane suspense and heart-pounding action, The Zero Game is Brad Meltzer at his supercharged best.

©2004 Forty-Four Steps, Inc. (P)2004 Time Warner AudioBooks, a division of the Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"Packed with plenty of backroom D.C. ambience and lots of action, the novel also boasts improved plotting and character development since Meltzer's last high-concept best seller." (Booklist)

Good, fast-paced read

I enjoyed this book very much. It was fast-paced and kept my interest the whole time. I enjoyed both the inner looks at the white house and the adventure part of the book. I enjoyed this as I have enjoyed all of the Brad Meltzer books to which I have listened.

Classic Baldacci

miss ed several exits driving while engrossed in this plot. A read again in a few months!

Great Book

What did you love best about The Zero Game?

The twist at the end really caught me by surprise

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

The plot kept the action moving forward in a way that made me sit in the car to listen just a little longer even at the risk of melting ice cream I just bought from the grocery store

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

I love Scott Brick and this reading was up to his usual stellar standards.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me think that with our current legislative environment, it could happen...that is right up until the last 10 minutes of the book when everything changed.

awesome! thrilling!

Such a well done story! loved it! Could hardly stop listening! Another great book by Meltzer!

A wonderdul listen with a surprise ending.

What made the experience of listening to The Zero Game the most enjoyable?

The story kept you interested from beginning to end.

What did you like best about this story?

The betting.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Viv

Any additional comments?

Brad Meltzer is a great author giving you interest in the running of today's government affairs.

Disappointing

Good premise - the insider story of the legislative branch. Poor execution. Characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical. Plot is predictable. Good candidate for an action movie contract.

Great Book!!!

I have read all of Brad Meltzer's other books and this was my 1st time to listen to an audio version. Then when I realized that the narriator was Scott Brick (The Company) it was like icing on the cake. Other reviewers had said they thought Brad was too wordy but I like that about his work. Brads stories catch me quickly and carry me along with each twist and turn of the character and the story.... I like that. Great listen!!!

A good Meltzer book

Didn't see the early twist coming. A couple of sections were too long but a very satisfying book overall.

Good exiting story

This story is a thrilling ride. the story is exiting and the plot, allthough at times a little to quick, is entertaining. The story keeps you reading/listening all through the book. If you like a good thriller, this is the book to read.

Perfect Epilogue

Beautifully written, passionately read. Brad did an amazing job with this one. And the Epilogue? Completely fitting.