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 US. 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)

Captivating

This is my first Brad Meltzer book and i am hooked. Often it takes a few chapters to capture me in an audio book, but not this one. This is the first time i listened to a book and was captivated in the first chapter. I thought Scott Brick was amazing narrator. I thought Meltzer's novels would be on the same level as Robert Littel (the company) so i was a bit disappointed. However, it takes several chapters before i am hooked into any of Robert Littell's books.

Overall, Brad Meltzer's writing reminds me of Grisham or Sidney Sheldon. easy reads, good story line, and very entertaining. It's worth the credit.

27 of 27 people found this review helpful

WOW Get this book. Great plus Scott Brick

I have been an Audible customer since 2006. I have never been motivitated to leave even stars for a book. After over 400+ books I am moved to write a review for this book. This book is a real thriller in every way. You never know who the are the good guys or the bad guys. It never had slow periods. I was amazed how it managed to keep my attention througout the entire book. Scott was wonderful as always. The short chapters helped keep place on my player. I have purchased some Melzer before. I will be going back to check for more after this. Thanks Brad.

69 of 73 people found this review helpful

VERY WELL DONE

If you could sum up The Inner Circle in three words, what would they be?

DrivenThoughtful Interesting

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

All I buy books based on the reader first and the author second, I know that is strange but I have falling in love with a few more books this way and found authors like Meltzer this way.

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

Not really moved me but one that stood out was when the Archivist was looking out his window that was interesting kind of an Ahhh moment. Sorry no spoilers….

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading the next installment. Funny I normally pick books based on the reader first and then the story. Scott Brick is one of the best I have heard and really look forward to his reading. Meltzer really loves history and looks at it sideways which is really interesting. It is actually really cool to learn something from a fiction book.

20 of 22 people found this review helpful

Great history and detail

This book has it all, suspense, intrigue, history, romantic tension and landmarks of our nation, all in a fascinating work of fiction, well read and well structured.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

the Inner Circle

Scott Brick and Brad Meltzer are well paired for this book. The beginning is a slow methodical process of character development. Okay, the archivist is naive, a girl is involved and so is a father figure. Traditional, comfortable and DON'T stop listening. GOOD BOOK!!!

19 of 21 people found this review helpful

Meltzer at his best, but unresolved questions

Brad Meltzer is one of my very favorite authors, especially when centered in and around Washington, and especially when read by Scott Brick. I highly anticipated this novel, as his last novel, an homage to his son, was the only one I was never motivated to read. This did not disappoint, with wonderful character development, intrigue, multiple plot lines, sinister politicos--but when it ended, several of those issues were left unresolved. I checked to make certain I had purchased the unabridged version, concerned too much had been edited out. But, no, it was unabridged. Perhaps he is taking a leaf or page from Steig Larssen's trilogy and intends on continuing the saga begun in this book. However; that is uncharacteristic of his writing so far. This is definitely worth the listen, and Scott Brick does his usual perfect job of characterizing each character just right. Meltzer is definitely at his best with his Washington thrillers. This is no exception.

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

What could be better?

I was thrilled to see that one of my favorite authors was paired with one of the best narrators in the business and INNER CIRCLE didn't disappoint. This high quality production was enjoyable, entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you're a fan of Brad's new show, DECODED, you'll love listening to this audiobook. More Meltzer, please!

42 of 51 people found this review helpful

Good potential, way to much drama

Unfortunately this could have been a good story, even a great one. THere are some real interesting plots. But they get lost in the drama, over dramatizations. Brad stretches story line out to far and you start skipping chapters. Perhaps the abridged version is the one to read. I purchased the second book but I'm going to return it.

18 of 22 people found this review helpful

Inner Circle - another hit

As usual Brad Meltzer hits another one out of the park. Very well done, loved the setting in the National Archives. Quick pace, well defined characters within a broad landscape. Can't tear myself away once I start............

10 of 12 people found this review helpful