Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing, even when expecting just a page-turner
Review: Sometimes Grisham manages to move beyond the thriller apsect to higher ground, as in "The Street Lawyer" or "The Testament." He didn't move above ground with "The Brethren," though. Judges in a minumum security prison? Completely believable. Running a money making scam from their cell? Why not? A presidential candidate hand-picked and financed by the CIA? Well, maybe not, but I did grow up during Vietnam and Watergate, so it wasn't *completely* outside the realm of possibility in my mind.Putting all these plot elements together and expecting it to be realistic is pretty far-fetched, though. Realizing that Grisham's strength comes from taking the implausible and making it seem possible made "The Brethren" even more disappointing. The story of the three judges holding forth on an X-rated scam run from the federal prison kept me reading, as they were somewhat interesting and enjoyable characters to follow, even thought they may have lacked any depth. Trying to see how their story and the story of Aaron Lake would come together kept me going at first, though it was not that hard to see where it was headed after a few chapters. The rest of the book, I just coasted, not especially caring how it all would work out, because none of the main players created any feeling of sympathy or connection that resonated with me. Yes, I read it all the way to the end, but more to see if my prediction of the denouement matched Grisham's. He's done better. Here's to anticipating his new book, which is supposed to be a departure for him. I think he needs a break from the legal thrillers for a while!
Rating:
Summary: Mediocre effort by a good author
Review: I have read all of John Grisham's books, and this is the first one that I truly hated. The character development left a lot to be desired. The plot, while interesting in the beginning took some good twists and turns but leaves the reader flat in the end. In all honesty, if you are looking for a Grisham book, try The Testament, or The Firm. These are much better.
Rating:
Summary: one of Grisham's weakest yet
Review: Who wants to read a book about dirty old men who want to sleep with younger men, and get blackmailed by some prisoners? That's one of the two main plotlines of this book. This is one Grisham book that I found easy to put down, and hard to pick up again.
Rating:
Summary: Did he phone this in?
Review: I was VERY disappointed with The Brethren. I found the plot implausible and the characters were just too "perfect". I struggled to get through this novel and I am a BIG Grisham fan.
Rating: 
Summary: This could really happen, couldn't it?
Review: This book left me wondering how often criminals in jails really do mastermind businesses to make money illegally and get away with it? "The Brethren" had many twists and turns and a few surprises for this reader. The story of three men orchestrating a money-making and blackmail scheme from inside a jail cell is original and unique. The fact that they stumble on a politicial seeking office as the President of the United States is an added bonus and one they want to use to their benefit. Thus begins the story. A fast-moving Grisham as usual, but the ending came a little too soon. Always a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Worst one yet
Review: John Grisham's books have deteriorated over time--we've reached a new low. Boring, predictable, dull characters you can't care about. I actually had to force myself to finish it. Gave it to a friend and she didn't even get to the end--same reason. I've read every book he's ever put out, usually as they are hot off the presses. I've begun to question why....
Rating: 
Summary: Another good book from Grisham
Review: If you like Grisham, you'll like this book. One of his better efforts, it moves along on two fronts that eventually come together in a satisfying conclusion. Character development is excellent, suspense constant, with a relatively abrupt ending being the only downside to the book. The book tells the story of three judges spending time in a federal penitentiary in Florida and a con game they are running on unsuspecting marks on the outside. A parallel story is that of a Presidential Candidate, his run for office, and all the intrigue associated with a Presidential race. Twists and turns abound, keeping the reader's interest throughout. Be ready to read for awhile as this book is hard to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Not Great, Not Horrible
Review: Grisham's a solid writer, there's no doubt of that. And I'll agree that this book is well-written. But there are so many little side-stories and so many characters that it gets confusing quickly. But I'd reccommend it anyway, it's a decent read and it seems to be pretty factual when it comes to the politics aspects of the storyline. Give it a try, see what you think...
Rating:
Summary: Pretty Intriguing, but not this best
Review: You find yourself pretty amazed at how easy and simple the scam is, but the overall story was just okay. It's not a total bore, but in my opinion, not his best. Actually when you get the whole effect of the scam and exactly how it works, you are almost halfway through the book. It's an easy read. Got a couple of hours to kill on the beach? Definitely the book to bring.
Rating:
Summary: Publisher's dream
Review: I always get a sense of excitement when I pick up the new John Grisham book. The cover is often pretty, the reverse is complete with complementary reviews, there is an interesting plot summary and the immortal "International no.1 bestseller" is printed on the front. However, the meat of the novel often disappoints. I didn't like The Client; A Time to Kill was run-of-the-mill and The Rainmaker, my favourite Grisham, was average at best. I am a publisher's dream though and so I picked up the new novel of an author I don't particular care for. I read the book and, surprise, I didn't particularly like it. The Brethren is more of a political thriller than Grisham's usual courtroom plots. There are lawyers of course, but no scene is set in a courtroom. This was a pleasant surprise. The plot was interesting and fun. Three intelligent, imprisoned judges use their spare time to think up ways of making money so that their life, when or if they are released are comfortable. They start a scam that attempts to out rich, closeted gay men. It's a brilliant idea. And they are untouchable behind the walls of Trumble. However, their trap snares the wrong victim, the soon-to-be President of the US. There are two plots. One concerns the Brethren. Their scam is brilliant and exciting to see in action. Their incompetent link to the outside Trevor adds a dash of humour to their story. The problem with this plot is that the Brethren are not easily enough recognisable. Joe Roy Spicer was the only judge who was imprinted in my mind, due to the fact that he was often seperate from the other two. In a related story, Teddy, a wheel-chair bound genius plots to get Aaron Lake, a seemingly perfect candidate into the White House. This story is less exciting than the premier story but the characters are drawn better. Aaron Lake isn't give a lot of space in the book but we feel as if we know him; Teddy also. I did read the closing chapters at one sitting though I didn't find them particularly exciting. Grisham knows how to command the reader's attention but he fails to deliver on interesting, memorable storylines or characters that would raise his novels to a higher plane.
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