The Broker

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A fast-paced, fun read with echoes of something deeper. The author’s command of pop fiction delivers crisp, sharp prose.” —The Boston Globe

In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA.

It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world’s most sophisticated satellite surveillance system. Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis.

Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive—there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him?

Critic reviews

“Most and best of all, it’s Grisham living up to his reputation as a great storyteller.”—USA Today

“[Grisham] is exceptionally good at what he does. . . . Indeed, right now in this country, nobody does it better.”—The Washington Post

“Where Grisham leads, millions of readers follow.”—New York Daily News

“Like a meticulous magician debuting a fancy trick, Grisham takes great care creating his setup.”—People

“The Broker is smart, quick and fun. Time will slip by . . . it has ‘major motion picture’ written on every page.”—Rocky Mountain News

“This is one of his David-and-Goliath fables—a little guy battling a powerful, deadly enemy. . . . Once you’ve started the book you’re not likely to give it up—he still has the knack of creating suspense.”—Charlotte Observer

Fantastic

As usual John Grisham grabs you at the very beginning of the book and keeps your attention throughout. The authors attention to detail is partially responsible for this as he carefully sets the reader down in Bologna in such a way that you can actually feel as if you were there with Marco dealing with the problems he faces, (both real and imagined). In the last 3 hours or so, he steps up the pace and you find it almost impossible to pause as the excitement increases. Part of the credit must also be given to Michael Beck. Michael Beck does a superb job of reading this book, which assists in creating the environment.

One of Grisham’s best

I’m not always a fan of John Grisham’s legal-based fiction, but I love this one!

Reads Like A travel Guide, not a thriller

listened to the unabridged audio version of The Broker. And while I enjoyed I found it to be an average read. I knew from Grisham's past works that his despicable protagonist would reform and overcome his problems. And the Broker was no exception. What bothered me most was that very little actually happened. Joel goes to cafes. He hangs out with his tutors. He learns Italian. He eats food I cannot even name. He falls in love with a woman, and avoids bad guys.

This was a good book, but its hardly a four star effort. It might be nice if it were labeled a 'cozy' mystery. More time was spent touring italy and drinking cappucino than pursuing justice or fighting bad guys. Average. But not Great. Three Stars

Great story!

I’ve always enjoyed Grisham stories and this one is definitely my favorite. From beginning to end this story keeps my attention.

super

great flow, humor and suspence. perfect road trip entertainment.keep them coming for is road warriors. wrote one for 10-15 yr olds

great listen

Excellent narrator and an easy listen. Very suspenseful and keeps your attention. Highly recommended for those mystery lovers.

The Broker

This was my first Audible book and I am sure one of many more to come. I was truly transported right into the drama. The story line is great, characters of intrigue and the locations were so vivid. I feel like I was in Bologna, Italy. One night I fell asleep listening to the book, only to wake up dreaming in italian! Great book.

Micheal Beck great narrator!!

Great story! Loved the descriptions of Italy! Took me back! Really enjoy listening to Micheal Beck's narration!!!

More of a language and tour guide.

There's a story for sure but I felt the book really was more of a Italian language guide and tourist guide for parts of Italy than a gripping suspense thriller mystery.

Too much translation

the book was interesting but way too much on learning Italian and too slow. Teadeous