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The Cleaner Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,313 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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’s 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 struggls 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’s place as one of the most exciting new talents in suspense fiction.
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"One of those "if you like this author, then try this author" pick-ups...Jonathan Quinn, a "cleaner" who is in a career that involves "sanitizing" crime scenes by disposing of bodies or removing trace evidence of criminal activity...after working a scene in Colorado, he and his apprentice find themselves the targets of another assassin and are embroiled in a "Ludlum-like" conspiracy...they end up traipsing the world, chasing clues of the chilling conspiracy they must stop...suspenseful, intriguing read like many other reads in this genre"
— Mark (4 out of 5 stars)
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“This book is a pure delight. Protagonist Jonathan Quinn is a unique and welcome addition to the world of crime fiction. Author Battles’ The Cleaner is a brilliant and heart-pounding thriller; I’m on the edge of my seat, awaiting future installment of Quinn’s adventures.”
— Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Collector -
“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 till the end.”
— Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Garden -
“Quinn [is] a compelling protagonist…Admirers of quality espionage fiction can look forward to a new series worth following.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“It’s always great to discover a new writer who can turn a genre on its ear. Brett Battles’s The Cleaner proves the case. Part Raymond Chandler, part Clive Cussler, part Robert Ludlum, here is an international thriller chocked full of action, taut with suspense, and laced with a fair amount of humor and romance. An exciting debut by a major new talent…I look forward to seeing what comes next!”
— James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Judas Strain -
“Battles spins a tense tale of betrayal and revenge in The Cleaner.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune -
“Battles hits for extra bases in his first novel…Tightly written…Filled with tradecraft and offering as much action as a James Bond film…A wild ride.”
— Booklist -
“Battles’ plot-twisting agility bodes well for future installments.”
— Charleston Post-Courier -
“Battles has a real gift for action and this is tremendously fun…This book is a winner.”
— Crimespree Magazine -
“An espionage thriller at an impressively high level of skill and polish…[Battles] is a very promising writer in this genre and I think all who read this first book will certainly look forward to more.”
— Sullivan County Democrat -
“The Cleaner is one of the most enjoyable thrillers I’ve read in a while. It has all the elements necessary—an unrelenting pace, likeable heroes, despicable bad guys with evil plots and mayhem aplenty. Can’t wait for the next one.”
— Wichita Falls Times Record News -
“Battles presents a complex plot and has a knack for mixing dialogue and action.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“An emotionally tense tale of espionage and betrayal from a new author who writes with assurance and sophistication, The Cleaner’s teeth-gritting action is an auspicious debut for the talented Brett Battles.”
— Perri O’Shaughnessy, New York Times bestselling author of Keeper of the Keys -
“Brett Battles is a compelling new voice in the thriller genre. The Cleaner combines the best elements of Lee Child, John le Carré, and Robert Ludlum. Deftly plotted, perfectly paced, and expertly executed, Battles takes his readers on a joyride from the U.S. to Vietnam to post-Cold War Berlin. Jonathan Quinn is a character worth rooting for. Brett Battles is a master storyteller…Plan to stay up late. You won’t be able to put it down. A stellar debut. Highly-recommended.”
— Sheldon Siegel, New York Times bestselling author of Judgement Day -
“Hypnotically gripping, The Cleaner moves with the speed of an assassin’s unerring bullet. From Colorado to Vietnam and Germany, this ripping-good read will leave anyone who loves suspense not only happily satisfied but eager for Battles’ next thriller.”
— Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Spymaster -
“The Cleaner is a terrific novel. It features a compelling plot, thrilling action, and an unforgettable cast of characters. This debut novel is a powerful read.”
— Robert K. Tanenbaum, New York Times bestselling author of Escape -
“Brett Battles is a master thriller writer. Jonathan Quinn is simply the most compelling protagonist to debut in a decade. No thriller fan can afford to miss this rip-roaring experience.”
— John Ramsey Miller, author of Too Far Gone and Upside Down -
“The Cleaner has it all: fast action, terrific characters, and exotic locations all combined in a roller-coaster plot…Brett Battles might be a newcomer, but he writes like an old hand. This is one terrific book!”
— John Gilstrap, author of Nathan’s Run
Awards
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A 2008 Shamus Award Nominee for Best First Novel
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A 2008 Barry Award Finalist for Best Thriller
The Cleaner Listener Reviews
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" I like my thrillers to be more that ok and this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't find Johnathon a compelling character and I just got tired of reading about him so I didn't finish the book. "
— Natalia, 2/20/2014 -
" An okay debut novel. Interesting characters and storyline, though somewhat predictable. There are better books in this genre. "
— Bob, 2/15/2014 -
" It is a good read with excellent detail. For some, this amount of detail, may at times seem to drag the story on. "
— Greg, 2/15/2014 -
" This is an ok thriller. "
— Pete, 2/9/2014 -
" Jonathan Quinn is a great new addition to the action genre. Fast paced and packed with adrenaline. I finished the last page and immediately picked up the sequel. "
— Bob, 2/8/2014 -
" Spy novels with a difference. The Jonathan Quinn novels are fabulous! They bring you into a world of intrigue that is fast paced and fascinating. Be prepared to stay up late into the night because you won't be able to put them down until you turn the last page. "
— Tina, 2/2/2014 -
" Was preparing myself for disappointment halfway thru this book as it all seemed a little too farfetched but definitely redeemded itself in the latter half when the pace picked up considerably with a number of twists and turns and the ultimate conspiracy / plot becoming revealed perhaps that reveal should have come sooner but I will follow the adventures of Jonathan Quinn for a while longer. "
— John, 1/31/2014 -
" Discovering new authors is one of the real joys about reading. this is a powerful first novel with rich characters and loads of exciting action. "
— Kelly, 1/20/2014 -
" New author; fast moving, hard to put down. "
— Thedufficys, 1/4/2014 -
" Jonathan Quinn, the main character in this book, is talented. And cold blooded. Actually an interesting character. I'd recommend the book. Get past the first chapter and it starts to get interesting. Action builds up rapidly. "
— B.R., 12/17/2013 -
" This was the first book I've read by Brett Battles. It was a great read as I really enjoy Quinn. "
— Leslie, 12/10/2013 -
" I can see this book as a movie. It takes you too Thailand, Vietnam, and Eastern Europe. I'm looking forward to reading this author's next novel. "
— Mary, 5/9/2013 -
" Great new series from Brett Battles. Jonathan Quinn is an ex-cop freelancing for the Office (a secret US intelligence agency). I'm looking forward to more of these -- kind of reminds me of Scott Horvath (Brad Thor) series. "
— Julie, 5/2/2013 -
" Listened to audio book. Read by Scott Brick. His tone was snide and slyly disparaging; continually insinuating. Plot and story were not believable. "
— Debra, 12/19/2012 -
" Good plot, good characters, solid first novel. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series. "
— Amber, 7/23/2012 -
" The Cleaner is one of the best action books I have ever read. Brett Battles should be commended for writing books that keep the reader in suspense and intrigue till the very end. Bravo! "
— Rosa, 4/21/2012 -
" Read my thoughts at: Thoughts of Joy... "
— Joy, 2/23/2012 -
" Listened to this on audio. Very enjoyable. I watched a brief episode of the TV show by the same name and for the life of me can't see any resemblance, but maybe that's just me. "
— Eric_W, 1/28/2012 -
" Good. Will read his next book. "
— Monica, 1/8/2012 -
" Potential here, but didn't hold my interest. "
— Jeanne, 10/22/2011 -
" Until the end of this book it was like watching paint dry. Quinn is not even close to Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher or even James Bond. I had such high hopes foes this book....being a Barry award winner and all. I already secured the next book in the series but I don't even know if I want to read it. "
— James, 6/30/2011 -
" Potential here, but didn't hold my interest. "
— Jeanne, 6/15/2011 -
" I like this book, story was a little week but overall a fun read. "
— Nathan, 4/21/2011 -
" A decent mystery: you know, bad guys doing bad stuff - the good guy enlists the help of friends. "
— Gary, 2/12/2011 -
" I can see why Jonathan Quinn spawned a series. He's an enjoyable character. "
— Cynthia, 2/1/2011 -
" An okay debut novel. Interesting characters and storyline, though somewhat predictable. There are better books in this genre. "
— Bob, 12/10/2010 -
" Jonathan Quinn is a great new addition to the action genre. Fast paced and packed with adrenaline. I finished the last page and immediately picked up the sequel. "
— Bob, 11/12/2010 -
" Battle's first book is an action packed thriller in which fans of Dan Brown and Matthew Reilly will enjoy. <br/> "
— Josh, 9/30/2010 -
" Spy novels with a difference. The Jonathan Quinn novels are fabulous! They bring you into a world of intrigue that is fast paced and fascinating. Be prepared to stay up late into the night because you won't be able to put them down until you turn the last page. "
— Tina, 8/18/2010 -
" Pretty solid for what it is: a ludicrous spy/criminal thriller ala Ludlum. "
— Jack, 8/6/2010 -
" I like my thrillers to be more that ok and this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't find Johnathon a compelling character and I just got tired of reading about him so I didn't finish the book. "
— Natalia, 4/19/2010
About Brett Battles
Brett Battles lives in Los Angeles and is the author of two acclaimed novels in the Jonathan Quinn series: The Cleaner, which was nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller and a Shamus Award for Best First Novel, and The Deceived. He is at work on the fourth book in the series.
About Scott Brick
Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.