The Jefferson Key

A Novel

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Four United States presidents have been assassinated - in 1865, 1881, 1901, and 1963 - each murder seemingly unrelated and separated by time.

But what if those presidents were all killed for the same reason: a clause in the United States Constitution - contained within Article 1, Section 8 - that would shock Americans?

This question is what faces former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone in his latest adventure. When a bold assassination attempt is made against President Danny Daniels in the heart of Manhattan, Malone risks his life to foil the killing—only to find himself at dangerous odds with the Commonwealth, a secret society of pirates first assembled during the American Revolution. In their most perilous exploit yet, Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt race across the nation and take to the high seas. Along the way they break a secret cipher originally possessed by Thomas Jefferson, unravel a mystery concocted by Andrew Jackson, and unearth a centuries-old document forged by the Founding Fathers themselves, one powerful enough - thanks to that clause in the Constitution - to make the Commonwealth unstoppable.

©2011 Steve Berry (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“One of the most spellbinding and ingenious openings in all of thrillerdom. The cast of characters is huge but every one of them is memorable. The action is intense and masterfully choreographed. As always with Steve Berry, you’re educated about significant things while your knuckles are turning white and the pages are flying. Easily Cotton Malone’s most epic, swashbuckling adventure.” (David Baldacci)

"The Constitution. . . secret codes . . . loads of history. . . AND pirates! What else does anyone need? The Jefferson Key won't just haunt your nights - it'll haunt your life. Cotton Malone is coming back to the scariest place of all: Home." (Brad Meltzer)

" The Jefferson Key starts with a bang and holds the reader in its grip until the last page. Fascinating American history, up-to-the-minute politics, pulse-pounding action. This is a story Mitch Rapp would love." (Vince Flynn)

loved it

I love Steve Berry's books, and Scott Brick is always a delight to listen to.

Enjoyed it greatly!

Good story with good interaction among the already-known characters. As always, like the historical ties and their incorporation into the plot.

My first Steve Berry book

This was my first Steve Berry book. Cotton Malone may be a little too good for me, but, story was great. He uses a great amount of historical facts, and then takes that one small piece of conspiracy, and turned it into so much more.

I was already a fan of Scott Brick as a narrator, so I felt right at home as soon as the story started.

I don't know if I am going to go back and listen to older stories by Steve Berry, but I will defiantly look for new stories from him.

Modern day piracy and personal entanglements!

What made the experience of listening to The Jefferson Key the most enjoyable?

The continuous evolution of personal relationships and the overall arch of the storyline across all the Malone novels. They all have fascinating historical backdrops and intriguing chases, but this one kind of flips things around a bit to put several main chars in unusual positions. FUN!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Now, answering this would be a complete spoiler - so I am going to keep that to myself ;)

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

This is the 7th audiobook narrated by Scott Brick that I've listened to. All in the same series. I have issues with his pronounciation of (in particular) Danish locations and names, and the various accents for different chars were a bit over the top... but as the series progress I think he is improving and doing a good job of maintaining a consistent voice for each recurring char. He's found his groove :)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not sure - definitely something with the word 'caper' in it. It seems fitting! That said... I so dislike when books are made into movies. The movies never live up to the books (though they can be good in their own way, as long as one hasn't read the book and expects the movie to stay true to that).

Any additional comments?

Probably one of my favourite Malone novels.

Good story, horrible narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Scott Brick?

Lou Diamond Phillips

Any additional comments?

I found the story very interesting and the plot was intriguing. unfortunately the narrator is Scott Brick who in my opinion is one of the worst narrators in the business with his over enunciated, breathy reading of every line. Makes the characters sound like pretentious arrogant yuppies. Listen to the sample first before purchasing. Never buying a book with Scott Brick as the narrator again

Cotton & Cassiopeia come to America

The Jefferson Key is the eleventh (I think) Steve berry novel that I have read, and despite its "Continental locale", it is one of his best efforts.
I normally enjoy Berry's superior research that will introduce me to a new and interesting place or "time & place". I especially appreciated the author's notes, read at the end of the audiobook. These notes serve to distinguish 'historical fact' from 'author's fiction'.
I was literally stuck to my seat, in anticipation of the finale-- as I was caught listening to the few chapters in my car, and I sat in my car (in my garage for the 30 minutes), rather than interrupt the rescue of Cassiopeia. The author does a n excellent job constructing a villain that was dastardly in thought & deed, though quite believable. Scott Brick provides an excellent narration-as always. (Brick is one of my two favorite narrators).
If you enjoy the Cotton Malone-Cassiopeia Vitt characters, you will enjoy this audiobook. You may even discover some interesting history concerning the 'Founding & Political History' of our country(USA), -I did. I enjoyed it. {4.25/5 stars}.
fpn

The Jefferson Key will unlock your imagination

Loved it. Interesting story, fast paced and good use of political history...but with a lot of liberty taken.

One of the best Cotton Malone series

Berry's ability to weave historical elements into his storyline is top-notch.The premise of Pirates sanctioned by the US government and authorized by George Washington is fascinating.

Good story, a bit jumpy

I very much enjoyed the Jefferson Key! I wad delightful surprised when Canada and particularly the province I live in were locations in the book. Being a member of the Royal Canadian Navy I enjoyed the many references to the Atlantic Ocean and the nautical references. I'm not a fan of Scott Bricks narration so I don't often listen to Steve Berrys books, I read them instead. I still think this book is an excellent mix of history and action, which is why Berrys books are top of my list!

Not the best story for a Cotton Malone novel

Very convoluted storyline with bizarre executions etc. Narrated well as always. The storyline just dissapointed.