The 500

A Novel

By: Matthew Quirk

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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

This book is WILD!! Easy 5 STARS...

What does Jay Snyder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jay Snyder did a fantastic job with this book.

Any additional comments?

Wow, this book is like "The Firm" on speed!! I have had this book my wish list since it came out on Audible and sat on the fence with it because of some of the feedback. I sometimes wonder how many GOOD books I pass by because someone doesn't share my taste for books. It's really unfortunate when you think about it, how many authors go unread or listened to because the first person to read/listen to a book didn't like it.
Anyway, this book according to me has everything going for it. Corrupt powerful law firm that digs up dirt on the most influential politicians only to be used to corrupt them, a young newly hired lawyer just starting out who is forced to revert to his street smarts in order to survive. There is a background story going on that just feels like filler to give a little history, pay attention, it has a conclusion that will knock your socks off and fills in missing pieces from the main plot.
This book was so well written, very coherent, very believable and a consistent pace that runs on high speed through out the book.
I am very impressed and my next book will be THE DIRECTIVE, the next on the series.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Author wrote himself into a corner

What did you like best about The 500? What did you like least?

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!

Would you ever listen to anything by Matthew Quirk again?

Will definitely read more reviews about his next book before wasting my time

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Good narration. Engaging and good voices.

Did The 500 inspire you to do anything?

Find another book to listen to.

A refreshing break

Would you listen to The 500 again? Why?

I almost never listen to a book twice. But in this case, I think I would make an exception.

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

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.

Buyer Beware

Would you try another book from Matthew Quirk and/or Jay Snyder?

No!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

This book was disappointing on so many levels.

Any additional comments?

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.

Just couldn't stand to finish it...

A decent storyline to start, but it gets more and more ridiculous after the half-way mark. I'm a big fan of Grisham and Michael Connelly, but Quirk's novel just crosses too many lanes of proverbial traffic to hold up. Maybe I'll have the stomach to finish it some day!

Excellent first audible release

Would you consider the audio edition of The 500 to be better than the print version?

I enjoy listening more than actually reading books these days. At the park listening while I walk the puppy works better for me. This book gets you invested in the characters and the story.

What about Jay Snyder’s performance did you like?

As is the case with all audible reviews, you have to like the narrators job if the book hooks you.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I liked following the main character not quite being the honest young attorney falling in onto the bad site and then trying to outwit other bad guys to survive.

Any additional comments?

I for one would like to see if the character comes back in a second book as I would give it a listen.

A Good Listen - Lots of Action

I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of action, suspense, and I enjoyed the characters. I would say its a good suspense for sure. Some the story content was occasionally a bit un-believable, so that is why I gave it a 4. But as a whole, I'd recommend this book and enjoyed the author's imagination and creativity.

Great First Novel From a New Writer

Would you listen to The 500 again? Why?

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.

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

Actually, I almost did.

Any additional comments?

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.

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 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.