Search - The Broker

Laying aside his law dramas for another break (like he did with "A Painted House" and "Skipping Christmas"), John Grisham instead brings us "The Broker" sort of an espionage filled spy story... The protagonist is Joel Backman, a former high-powered Washington stockbroker that's hiding some big secrets and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence is solitary confinement. In the waning hours of his 4-year and HIGHLY unsuccessful presidency, Arthur Morgan is pressured by the head of the CIA to pardon Backman. The plan is to smuggle Backman out of the country and sit back and watch to see just who kills him. The CIA believes that the Russians, Chinese, Israelis, and Saudis all have reasons to go after the man. Within a few hours, Backman is transferred out of prison and into Italy...He's quickly given a fake background and a fake name (Marco) and soon begins adjusting to life in Italy. Sure, he's not allowed to have contact with anyone from his past life nor is he allowed to travel anywhere but anything beats prison. One reviewer of this book said "It has major motion picture written all over it" and that's true. It has potential to be a great movie, despite the fact that it's only a good book. It's entertaining and I'm really fond of the protagonist, but it goes on a little too long I guess. Having said that, I must suddenly contradict myself. I felt the novel ended too abruptly;
I wanted to know more about Backman and just kind of cuts the audience off. Whatever though. It's a pretty good book that's worth reading that's better than some of Grisham's other recent literary efforts.

As always, easy to read and follow with plot twists and turns that don't get in the way. Love him.

Before he was sent to federal prison for treason (among other things), Joel Backman was an extremely powerful man. Known as "the broker," Backman was a high roller--a lawyer making $10 million a year who could "open any door in Washington." That is, until he tried to broker a deal selling access to the world's most powerful satellite surveillance system to the highest bidder. When caught, Backman accepted prison as the one option that would keep him safe and alive, since the interested parties (the Israelis, the Saudis, the Russians, and the Chinese) were all itching to get their hands on his secrets at any cost. Little does he know that his own government has designs on accessing that information--or at least letting it die with him. Now, six years after his incarceration, the director of the CIA convinces a lame duck president to pardon Backman, and the broker becomes a free man--and an open target.

Compelling read that is fast paced and stretches your imagination.

In the final hours in the oval office, the out going President grants controversial last minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in prison.

Excellent!

This was a very good book. Interesting how things don't turn out the way you absolutely KNEW they would. Makes you wonder how much of this really happens today.

Another great one by Grisham. Definitely worth reading.

One of his best, you will wake up at night wanting to keep reading!

This book starts out kind of slow but once you get started its pretty good. If you like John Grisham, this is one to read.

John Grisham book, what more do I really need to say. He is an awesome writer, I have read EVERY book he has written. Fast paced.

John Grisham book. What else can I say?

Good book.

great read, almost up there with the 1st book Iread by him, the firm!

Great read!

A controversial Presidential pardon to a notorious power broken so the CIA can force him to reveal secrets that may compromise the world's most sophisticated satellite surveillance system. Good Grisham novel.