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The Brethren is in many respects his most daring book yet. The novel grows from two separate subplots. In the first, three imprisoned ex-judges (the "brethren" in the title), frustrated by their loss of power and influence, concoct an elaborate blackmail scheme that preys on wealthy, closeted gay men. The second story traces the rise of presidential candidate Aaron Lake, a puppet essentially created by CIA director Teddy Maynard to fulfill Maynard's plans for restoring the power of his beleaguered agency.
Grisham's tight control of the two meandering threads leaves the reader guessing through most of the opening chapters how and when these two worlds will collide. Also impressive is Grisham's careful portraiture. Justice Hatlee Beech in particular is a fascinating, tragic anti-hero: a millionaire judge with an appointment for life who was rendered divorced, bankrupt, and friendless after his conviction for a drunk-driving homicide.
The book's cynical view of presidential politics and criminal justice casts a somewhat gloomy shadow over the tale. CIA director Teddy Maynard is an all-powerful demon with absolute knowledge and control of the public will and public funds. Even his candidate, Congressman Lake, is a pawn in Maynard's egomaniacal game of ad campaigns, illicit contributions, and international intrigue. In the end, The Brethren marks a transition in Grisham's career toward a more thoughtful narrative style with less interest in the big-payoff blockbuster ending. But that's not to say that the last 50 pages won't keep your reading light turned on late. --Patrick O'Kelley
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Book Description Audio Book. Condition: Good. Four Reliable audio cassettes withdrawn from the library in the plastic clamshell case. A few library markings to the box and the tapes. Some shelf wear to the box. The cassettes sit inside sturdy and presentable. All the tapes are tested to make sure the sound is clean and clear. Enjoy this abridged audio performance!. Seller Inventory # AudioLib2251027
Book Description Audio Book. Condition: Good. Four audio cassettes. 4 reliable audio tapes in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the box. Some chafing and edge wear to the box. The tapes inside sit sturdy and presentable. Enjoy this abridged audio performance!. Seller Inventory # AudioBox8209253
Book Description AUDIO CASSETTE. Condition: Good. Please expect to see some fold marks to the box. 4 AUDIO CASSETTES, TESTED FOR YOUR SATISFACTION, in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the case. Each cassette is in an individual slot, protected and clear sounding. ENJOY THIS AUDIO CASSETTE PERFORMANCE. Audio Book. Seller Inventory # ORCAS1023130037
Book Description cassette. Condition: Very Good. 4 tape audio cassette book in great condition. Tapes play perfectly. Minor shelf wear to the case. Seller Inventory # mon0000062676
Book Description AUDIO CASSETTE. Condition: Good. 4 AUDIO CASSETTES in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the case. Former owner name. Each cassette tape is tested, prior to shipping, for quality of sound. You will receive a good set. Enjoy this reliable Audio Cassette performance. Seller Inventory # 111120181291144
Book Description Audio Book (Cassette). Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book. Please note the image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item. Ex-Library. Seller Inventory # 123524344
Book Description AUDIO CASSETTE. Condition: Good. 4 AUDIO CASSETTE EDITION. We will test each cassette prior to shipping for reliable sound. You will receive a worthwhile set. Enjoy this AUDIO CASSETTE PERFORMANCE for your home and library. Seller Inventory # 202013149867258
Book Description AUDIO CASSETTE. Condition: Good. 4 AUDIO CASSETTE performance in the original printed box. Each cassette is tested, prior to shipping, for a good sound quality. You will receive a worthwhile set. Seller Inventory # 06012015140529
Book Description Audio Cassette. Condition: Good. 4 AUDIO CASSETTES, tested for your satisfaction for a worthwhile set, in the original printed box. Some shelf wear and edge wear to the box. The Audio Cassettes are in individual slots, protected and clear sounding. Enjoy this AUDIO CASSETTE performance!. Audio Book. Seller Inventory # 666662101310002
Book Description Audio Cassettes. Condition: Good. 4 AUDIO CASSETTES tested for your satisfaction for a worthwhile set, in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the box. The audio cassettes are in individual slots, protected and clear sounding. Enjoy this audio cassette performance. Audio Book. Seller Inventory # 444201212191018