THE BROKER

Grisham’s latest novel is the story of Joel Backman, a lawyer and international deal maker who went to prison for trying to broker satellite spy software to the highest bidder. At the urging of the CIA, Backman is pardoned and whisked to Italy, where the Agency sets him up to see which country will murder him. Of course, the plan goes awry. Grisham’s plot is thoroughly entertaining, and Michael Beck’s reading is equally engaging. Beck captures Backman’s fear at knowing that no one can be trusted and excels at his seamless transitions to and from English and Italian, the language Backman must learn to survive. Although this is not a legal thriller, Grisham’s fans will be pleased, and listeners will enjoy the chase. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]