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

End leaves you unfulfilled

The story was basically good a bit slow in places. The ending leaved alot to be desired

It felt like a guide to learning Italian.

Typical Grisham... except that the first 3/4 of the book feel like an intense course into the Italian language. The book could have been streamlined if they didn't have every Italian word that was spoken or learned by the character pronounced. The novel is non descriptive. Not the best novel Grisham has written.

The Broker

I just love the whole book. There was no let down!!!! It kept me up just to listen!!!

Keeps you entertained

This was a fun book to listen to, in typical Grisham fashion, lots of twists and and turns. As usual they get into impossible situations and escape. You will enjoy even with those flaws, I know I did.

That Trip I can No Longer Take

A review claimed the book was slow in places. That is an American attitude described by the author-hurry, what comes next? I absorbed the descriptions and remembered the places I have visited. My desire to return is strong. My own pace, preferably and not chased. A fun read and probably more likely than Mr. Grissom claims.