A trio of federal judges--so-called the Brethren--are serving time in a minimum security federal prison. While writing briefs, handling cases for other inmates, practicing law without a license, and maintaining jailhouse justice has them comfortably occupied behind bars, a mail scam scheme that entails blackmailing rich, closeted gay men has them rolling in cash. But when the groups lucrative plan suddenly goes awry, involving a presidential candidate backed by the director of the CIA, the Brethren finds that its lack of freedom might be its only protection. While THE BRETHREN features Grishams usual stock of faulty lawyers and their questionable legal ethics, this book represents the authors first venture into the political thriller arena. Also, unlike Grishams previous novels, readers wont find an idealistic, heroic protagonist here. With a complete cast of shady characters, THE BRETHREN is not Grishams usual fictional public service announcement but instead a genuine page-turner, using black humor as its primary weapon.