The Cleaner

By: Brett Battles

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Meet Jonathan Quinn: a freelance operative with a take-no-prisoners style and the heart of a loner. His job? Professional "cleaner". Nothing too violent, just disposing of bodies. But in Brett Battles' electrifying debut novel, Quinn's latest assignment will change everything.

The job seemed simple enough: investigating a suspicious case of arson. But when a dead body turns up, and Quinn's handlers at "the Office" turn strangely silent, he knows he's in over his head. With only a handful of clues, Quinn struggles to find out why someone wants him dead...and if it's linked to a larger attempt to wipe out the Office.

Quinn's only hope may be Orlando, a woman from his past who may hold the key to solving the case. Suddenly, the two are prying into old crimes, crisscrossing continents, and struggling to stay alive. But as the hunt intensifies, Quinn is stunned by a chilling secret...and a brilliantly orchestrated conspiracy.

Furiously paced, filled with superbly drawn characters and pitch-perfect dialogue, The Cleaner confirms Battles' place as one of the most exciting new talents in suspense fiction.

©2007 Brett Battles (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

2008, Shamus Award

"Brett Battles makes a grand entrance into the thriller scene with this unputdownable spy novel. The Cleaner has it all: exotic locales, James Bondian derring-do, and ingenious plot twists that will keep you sweating all the way ’til the end.”—Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of The Bone Garden

“This book is a pure delight. Protagonist Jonathan Quinn is a unique and welcome addition to the world of crime fiction. The Cleaner is a brilliant and heart-pounding thriller; I’m on the edge of my seat, awaiting future installments of Quinn’s adventures.”—Jeffery Deaver, bestselling author of The Broken Window

“A page-turner that may remind some readers of the cult TV spy series Alias . . . .Quinn [is] a compelling protagonist. . . . Admirers of quality espionage fiction can look forward to a new series worth following.”—Publishers Weekly

Great

Fast pace, lots of action and an unexpected ending with a GREAT job by the narrator who relly brings the book to life.

Enjoyable

This book didn't get the ratings I would expect. I listen to Action/Mystery novels almost exclusively and almost to a book, you will need to suspend belief at times. I thought this book was an enjoyable, non-complicated action adventure book; I am not saying this book is Shakespeare but it's fun. Probably would make a decent screenplay. If your not a literary snob you will probably enjoy it.
Brick does a good job as well.

G ood story, fast moving, complex, believable

enjoyed the characters, story line, and pace of this book. Narrator did a good job of keeping my attention. A few moments lost on too much description of locations but overall interesting

Gripping

I have read the prequel to this series “Becoming Quinn”. In this story Quinn does not have a chance to be a cleaner. Someone tried to kill him just as he returns from vacation. He then finds out eight people in the “office” have been killed. He sets off to find out who and why. The story travels the world from Asia to Europe.

The book is well written and I liked the travel descriptions. The suspense builds continuously. I could hardly put the book down. I am looking forward to the next book.

The book is twelve hours and twenty-eight minutes. Scott Brick does a great job narrating the book. Brick is a longtime audio book narrator and has won all the various awards over the years. He is one of my favorite narrators.

Great Book

Too good..couldn't stop listening. Will listen again for sure Now on to the next in the series

Always Great 👍

😍 I loved Scott Brick he is Jonathan Quinn
everyone should read and reread these books...

OK

Luckily I read a another book in this series 1st or I wouldn't continue. The plot was just OK & wasn't helped by the narration. I'm a big fan of Scott Brick, but in this case his cadence was very similar to Bette Davis - it yanked me repeatedly out of this story & into "All About Eve."

Scott Brick is wonderful narrator!!

I know I am going to enjoy this series! The action is great and unexpected twists kept me wanting more.

Well worth the listening

What made the experience of listening to The Cleaner the most enjoyable?

He was a master at his trade

Who was your favorite character and why?

The cleaner himself

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first book I listened to by Scott Brick and will not be the last; enjoyed it

Excellent

This story was really good. Don't want to give any surprises away. But there was a lot of surprises. Had you sitting on the edge of your seat saying what's going to happen now.