The 500 by Matthew Quirk

The 500 by Matthew Quirk

Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 382
Source: provided by the publisher through NetGalley

The Short Version:
Harvard Law grad Mike Ford takes what appears to be a dream job only to find himself involved in the dark side of DC political games and running for his life.

Why I Read It:
I’d seen a few positive reviews and the premise reminded me of the things I liked about The Firm by John Grisham so many years ago.

The Book:
Mike Ford grew up learning small time con games from his father. When he and his older brother took up the trade, Mike ended up serving in the military to avoid jail. After he was discharged he put himself through Harvard Law School. On top of his school debts he’s being harassed about the debt he accumulated while caring for his dying mother.

When he’s offered a job with a powerful Washington, DC consulting firm he finally has the end of his financial troubles in sight and is looking forward to putting his shadier days behind him. Working for The Davies Group has him rubbing shoulders at cocktail parties with the elite of DC political circles. “The 500” are the most powerful of the power brokers.

Mike has it made, right? Wrong. There are secrets behind the success and power of The Davies Group. Mike soon learns that either he plays along or he (and the people he loves) will be in danger and might not make it out alive.

My Thoughts:
As I expected this book reminded me of the things I liked about The Firm without being simply a rehash of it. There was a protagonist I liked with a slightly shady history going up against corporate bad guys who are way more dangerous than any normal group of powerful people.It’s fun escapist fare and was exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up.

The deeper Mike gets involved with the darker side of the business, the more he learns about the true motives of his bosses. Before it’s over this thriller has Mike on the run from his employers, the police, and a sadistic Serbian war criminal.

The pace is quick and the action interesting. There is plenty of suspense and scary situations. I liked Mike and despite some dumb moves along the way he was a protagonist I could root for. I hear that there is a sequel in the works and I’ll most definitely be watching for it.

Rating 4/5