A gripping thriller debut, set deep in the heart of the world's most powerful political arena
A year ago, fresh out of Harvard Law School, Mike Ford landed his dream job at the Davies Group, Washington's most powerful consulting firm. Now, he's staring down the barrel of a gun, pursued by two of the world's most dangerous men. To get out, he'll have to do all the things he thought he'd never do again: lie, cheat, steal - and this time, maybe even kill.
Mike grew up in a world of small-stakes con men, learning lessons at his father's knee. His hard-won success in college and law school was his ticket out. As the Davies Group's rising star, he rubs shoulders with "The 500", the elite men and women who really run Washington - and the world. But peddling influence, he soon learns, is familiar work: even with a pedigree, a con is still a con.
Combining the best elements of political intrigue and heart-stopping action, The 500 is an explosive debut, one that calls to mind classic thrillers like The Firm and Presumed Innocent. In Mike Ford, listeners will discover a new hero who learns that the higher the climb, the harder - and deadlier - the fall.
©2012 Matthew Quirk (P)2012 Hachette Audio
"A real page turner, exciting, great thriller."
If you believe in the corrupting influence of power, and misappropriation of knowledge in Washington DC, you'll love this novel.
"Great First Novel From a New Writer"
I don't usually listen to books twice all that often but maybe in a year or so I would. Honestly, I'm just looking forward to his next one.
Actually, I almost did.
This was the author's first book and it's as good as any of John Grisham's. I think he's only going to get better.
Blind Vietnam veteran. Antique weapons collector. Outdoor enthusiast. Florida State University graduate with Business major. Owner of home health agency. registered nurse.
"How to Get Out of the Washington Toilet"
An exciting and somewhat plausible tale of what could happen when one man knows too many secrets about too many other men.
A mystery, adventure, and love story that will hold your attention.
An enjoyable stretch of the imagination.
"A refreshing break"
I almost never listen to a book twice. But in this case, I think I would make an exception.
Why is it that we have gotten away from protagonists who work hard and outwit their opponents? Instead, we have mostly dormant characters who allow the world to spin around them, and out of control, until they make one decision to do something or other that potentially fixes the mess of a life they have made. Gone are the days of brilliant Forsyth characters who proactively make complicated plans to defeat their foes. At least until now. Quirk's quirky, ex-con character Ford fits the bill. He's wily, sarcastic, cynical and engaging. I loved every minute of this book.
"great book"
One of the books I will definately listen to again.
The protagonist, he seemed so human, and unwilling to see those he cared about, were only his "friend" for money and power.
Easy to listen to, just the right amount of drama.
Wanted to listen more than just my commute, that's for sure.
Avid marathoner and hi tech market analyst. Lover of Ken Follett, Christopher Moore, Timothy Zahn and any book that pulls me in.
"Author wrote himself into a corner"
The premise of this book was really good and I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and the set up but as the book gets closer to the end it becomes clear the author wrote himself into a corner and didn't know how to credibly get out. The main character goes this incredible metamorphosis into a super spy - yeah, right!He manages to escape from impossible-to-escape trap after trap - fully unscathed. Give me a break!
Will definitely read more reviews about his next book before wasting my time
Good narration. Engaging and good voices.
Find another book to listen to.
"Buyer Beware"
No!
This book was disappointing on so many levels.
How did this guy get published? The plot is a total rip-off, the characters are stereotypes, and most of the narrator's voices made my skin crawl. I don't usually write reviews but I believe that most of these rave reviews are planted. Stop the insanity! Do not waste your credit on this insult to your intelligence.