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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Some
Moderate violence — political intrigue; threats; CIA involvement
Language
Some
Moderate profanity
Sexual Content
Barely any
Mild — the blackmail scheme involves gay men; handled without explicit content
Substance Use
None
No meaningful substance use
Emotional Intensity
Some
The political stakes — a presidential candidate's secret; the CIA's involvement; the judges' escalating audacity
What this book is about
Three federal judges — serving time in a minimum-security prison — have developed an elaborate blackmail scheme targeting closeted gay men through a personal ad correspondence. Their latest target turns out to be a front-runner in the presidential race. The Brethren is one of Grisham's more unusual novels — a political thriller with a darkly comic premise.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
The blackmail scheme — targeting closeted gay men through personals
CIA involvement — the presidential candidate's vulnerability
A darkly comic premise — three judges running a con from prison
One of Grisham's more unusual standalones
Reader Verification
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