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The Zero Game
The New York Times bestselling author of The Millionaires and The First Counsel returns to Wash-ington, D.C., with the story of an insider's game that turns deadly. Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are best friends who have plum jobs as senior staffers to well-respected congressmen. But after a decade in Washington, idealism has faded to disillusionment, and they're bored. Then one of them finds out about the clandestine Zero Game. It starts out as good fun-a simple wager between friends. But when someone close to them ends up dead, Harris and Matthew realize the game is far more sinister than they ever imagined-and that they're about to be the game's next victims. On the run, they turn to the only person they can a 16-year-old Senate page who can move around the Capitol undetected. As a ruthless killer creeps closer, this idealistic page not only holds the key to saving their lives, but is also determined to redeem them in the process. Come play The Zero Game-you can bet your life on it.
Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2004
About the author
Brad Meltzer
400 books7,556 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
August 7, 2017
Loved! a twisted beginning with an interesting,captivating storyline that kept readers guessing more times than not (paperback!)
April 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this fast-paced page-turner! A combination of mystery, sci-fi, and politics, you get to know the workings of Congress, from someone who served as a page there. Taking place in Washington, D.C., you actually learn about the making of legislation)! Fun and educational!
May 22, 2018
Political suspense-thriller set mostly in Washington D.C. in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Two Capitol Hill staffers are playing a game involving betting on Congressional voting outcomes for minor legislation. The game turns deadly, a teenage page becomes involved, and the protagonists search for explanations while evading a hired assassin. While thrillers are not my normal fare, I selected this audio book to pass the time while traveling. I enjoyed a portion of the book, but had some issues with other parts.
The positives:
• The beginning included some interesting information about how legislation gets passed.
• One of the protagonists was a young black female. She was written as a strong character, and it was easy to root for her. It was nice to see a young woman of color featured prominently in a book published in the early 2000s.
• The friendship between two protagonists was refreshing, as there are few novels that include friendships between a two people of the opposite sex without throwing in a romance.
• It did the job in terms of keeping my brain occupied during the trip, which made the drive seem shorter.
• Flashing back to the time of widespread use of Blackberries and pagers was amusing.
The negatives:
• The plot contained many holes, which were never adequately explained.
• There seemed to be lots of filler in the form of long stretches of narrative that didn’t lead anywhere or move the plot forward.
• The narrative shifted from one character to another unnecessarily.
• The ending proved unsatisfying.
The audio book was read by Scott Brick. He did a good job of giving different voices to the characters, both male and female. He was easy to understand and follow.
Contains graphic violence and profanity.
The positives:
• The beginning included some interesting information about how legislation gets passed.
• One of the protagonists was a young black female. She was written as a strong character, and it was easy to root for her. It was nice to see a young woman of color featured prominently in a book published in the early 2000s.
• The friendship between two protagonists was refreshing, as there are few novels that include friendships between a two people of the opposite sex without throwing in a romance.
• It did the job in terms of keeping my brain occupied during the trip, which made the drive seem shorter.
• Flashing back to the time of widespread use of Blackberries and pagers was amusing.
The negatives:
• The plot contained many holes, which were never adequately explained.
• There seemed to be lots of filler in the form of long stretches of narrative that didn’t lead anywhere or move the plot forward.
• The narrative shifted from one character to another unnecessarily.
• The ending proved unsatisfying.
The audio book was read by Scott Brick. He did a good job of giving different voices to the characters, both male and female. He was easy to understand and follow.
Contains graphic violence and profanity.
December 28, 2012
If you love thrillers, don't miss this one.
My husband and I "buddy" read this one together. We were both into it right away.
A pretty much harmless, albiet illegal, game is being played by a few workers on Capitol Hill. It's pretty low stakes stuff, but one bet in particular becomes very high stakes. Although confident, Matthew starts to feel a little nervous about this one. So, he keeps his eye on things this time. But, someone doesn't like that too much.
Matthew's sleuthing sets off a chain reaction.
Lobbyist, politics, interns, pages, big money and hidden agendas, and the inner workings of the Capitol give the book an authentic feel.
The action and suspense are non-stop. The dialogue is real and sharp.
The twist and turns keep you guessing all the way up to the very last page with the final shocking revelation.
Overall an A-
My husband and I "buddy" read this one together. We were both into it right away.
A pretty much harmless, albiet illegal, game is being played by a few workers on Capitol Hill. It's pretty low stakes stuff, but one bet in particular becomes very high stakes. Although confident, Matthew starts to feel a little nervous about this one. So, he keeps his eye on things this time. But, someone doesn't like that too much.
Matthew's sleuthing sets off a chain reaction.
Lobbyist, politics, interns, pages, big money and hidden agendas, and the inner workings of the Capitol give the book an authentic feel.
The action and suspense are non-stop. The dialogue is real and sharp.
The twist and turns keep you guessing all the way up to the very last page with the final shocking revelation.
Overall an A-
April 13, 2013
Good political thriller with a semi-realistic tone. Meltzer keeps the pace going although at times it's at the sacrifice of the writing. How many times can a character "smash" through the door way? Really? A nicely done cave sequence mid-story that adds the last needed reader momentum to get to the finale and tie up all the loose ends. Don't expect the book to stay with you after completed, nor to learn anything insightful about the inner workings of DC. Overall, exactly what the cover advertises; a cool sleek story loosely tied around an insiders experience in DC politics. Good short chapters make it easy reading for the beach or plane travel to boot.
May 26, 2013
TERRIFIC LEGAL THRILLER!
Read
January 31, 2015This was an interesting book and a little different than what I normally read. I am into spy thrillers etc. If you are looking for something that is intriguing this may just be the book for you.
April 20, 2022
3.5 stars
The Zero Game is a decent read for a political thriller. The story was interesting but not very realistic and there were many holes in the plot. In my opinion, this is not a bad book but there’s nothing to gush about either.
The Zero Game is a decent read for a political thriller. The story was interesting but not very realistic and there were many holes in the plot. In my opinion, this is not a bad book but there’s nothing to gush about either.
July 30, 2026
Η πολιτική ανέκαθεν θεωρείται παιχνίδι για ενηλίκους. Για ποιο λόγο λοιπόν ξαφνιάζεται κανείς όταν διαπιστώσει ότι γίνεται τζόγος;
Μέσα στο Καπιτώλιο ορισμένοι τύποι βαριούνται να κυβερνούν απλώς και αποφασίζουν να κάνουν το όλο πράγμα ενδιαφέρον και να παίζουν στοιχήματα με τους πιο απλούς νόμους που είναι να περάσουν. Δεν πληγώνουν κανέναν και μπορεί να βγάλουν και τίποτα. Το θέμα είναι πως κανείς δεν ξέρει ποιοι άλλοι εκέι μέσα παίζουν. Είναι όλα ένα μεγάλο καλοστημένο μυστικό. Ένα μυστικό όμως το οποίο παίζεται στα κεφάλια των απλών πολιτών.
Έτσι παίζουν και δύο φίλοι, ο Μάθιου Μέρσερ και ο Χάρις Σάντλερ. Όμως κάτι ξαφνικά στραβώνει, εκεί που έχουν ποντάρει πολλά λεφτά.. Κάτι γίνεται και η όλη κατάσταση εκτροχιάζεται.
Ανατρεπτικό, κινηματογραφική περιπάτεια, συνέχεια κάτι συμβαίνει. Κατά τη γνώμη μου έκανε μία μεγάλη κοιλιά εκεί στη μέση που κράτησε αρκετά κιόλας. Αλλά γενικώς διαβάζεται εύκολα και ευχάριστα.
Ήταν ένα παιχνίδι. Ένα χαζό παιχνίδι. Όπως συμβαίνει όμως, και με όλα τα άλλα παιχνίδια, αρκεί μία και μόνη ηλίθια κίνηση για να βγεις από το παιχνίδι και να συνειδητοποιήσεις πόσο εύκολο είναι να πάθει κανείς κακό.
3,5 αστεράκια
April 20, 2019
I'm calling this book a very unconventional look at DC politics. Who's to say every bit of this isn't true? It's creative, a little crazy, and a high-quality thriller. We even get some threads of the espionage genre tangled in for good measure. Who doesn't love that?
January 13, 2026
I’m not usually one to choose a political thriller,but this fit the bill for a reading challenge, for a book whose title started with Z. I am so glad I read it, because I really enjoyed it! Great story, excellent characters, so many twists and turns! I may have to pick up another book by this author or in this genre in the future…
August 14, 2016
CINE VREA SĂ JOACE CEL MAI PERICULOS JOC DIN LUME?
Matthew Mercer și Harris Sandler joacă un joc misterios, despre care nu știe aproape nimeni - nici prietenii, nici colegii și cu siguranță nici șefii lor, care sunt unii dintre cei mai puternici senatori și congresmeni de pe Capitol Hill. Este un joc care are toate ingredientele: riscuri, recompense, mister și fiorul de a ști că, doar prin simplul fapt că ai fost invitat să-l joci, ți s-a confirmat statutul de adevărat mediator al puterii din Washington. Dar așa cum vor descoperi rapid Matthew și Harris, „Jocul zero” ascunde un secret atât de exploziv încât poate zgudui din temelii Washingtonul. Iar când unul dintre apropiații lor moare, cei doi își dau seama că jocul este mult mai sinistru și miza este mult mai mare: chiar propria viață.
„A fost un joc. Un simplu joc stupid. Dar ca orice alt joc, a fost nevoie doar de o singură mişcare neinspirată pentru a opri jocul şi a aminti tuturor cât de uşor e să răneşti oameni.”
În lumea complicată a politicii americane, cei ce duc „greul” şi muncesc efectiv în furnicarul de pe Capitol Hill îşi permit indulgenţa de a se juca. Pariuri nevinovate asupra sorţii unor legi obscure se vor transforma rapid în ceva mult mai periculos şi categoric letal. Rămas ultimul pion pe tabla de şah, Harris Sandler încearcă să descopere ce se ascunde în spatele acestui joc aparent nesemnificativ, care l-a transformat într-o ţintă în mişcare. Ajutat de adolescenta Viv, vor goni nebuneşte în încercarea de a deslega „iţele” complicatei acţiuni. Şi cum „prima regulă a politicii era: Nu subestima nici cea mai neînsemnată persoană.”, se pare că Vic va reprezenta o parte extrem de importantă a acestei aventuri. Chiar dacă începutul ţi se va părea poate puţin greoi, mai ales dacă nu eşti familiarizat cu sistemul politic american, pe parcurs vei observa că „maşinaţiunile” şi „matrapazlâcurile” sunt de fapt legea universală a politicii, aşa că nu te vei mai împiedica de acest aspect ci vei savura pe deplin ritmul alert al acţiunii, bogat în răsturnări de situaţii şi cu scene extrem de tensionate. Suspansul va fi foarte bine dozat şi ţi se va oferi treptat, pentru a prelungi plăcerea lecturii. Vei face supoziţii până în final, când ţi se va dezvălui adevărul, iar personajele duplicitare îţi vor face efortul de a ghici deznodământul şi mai dificil, astfel încât vei „devora” cartea în acelaşi ritm nebun ca al desfăşurării evenimentelor. Dacă eşti fanul poveştilor gen „Dosarul Pelican”, „Jocul Zero” va fi alegerea perfectă pentru tine.
Matthew Mercer și Harris Sandler joacă un joc misterios, despre care nu știe aproape nimeni - nici prietenii, nici colegii și cu siguranță nici șefii lor, care sunt unii dintre cei mai puternici senatori și congresmeni de pe Capitol Hill. Este un joc care are toate ingredientele: riscuri, recompense, mister și fiorul de a ști că, doar prin simplul fapt că ai fost invitat să-l joci, ți s-a confirmat statutul de adevărat mediator al puterii din Washington. Dar așa cum vor descoperi rapid Matthew și Harris, „Jocul zero” ascunde un secret atât de exploziv încât poate zgudui din temelii Washingtonul. Iar când unul dintre apropiații lor moare, cei doi își dau seama că jocul este mult mai sinistru și miza este mult mai mare: chiar propria viață.
„A fost un joc. Un simplu joc stupid. Dar ca orice alt joc, a fost nevoie doar de o singură mişcare neinspirată pentru a opri jocul şi a aminti tuturor cât de uşor e să răneşti oameni.”
În lumea complicată a politicii americane, cei ce duc „greul” şi muncesc efectiv în furnicarul de pe Capitol Hill îşi permit indulgenţa de a se juca. Pariuri nevinovate asupra sorţii unor legi obscure se vor transforma rapid în ceva mult mai periculos şi categoric letal. Rămas ultimul pion pe tabla de şah, Harris Sandler încearcă să descopere ce se ascunde în spatele acestui joc aparent nesemnificativ, care l-a transformat într-o ţintă în mişcare. Ajutat de adolescenta Viv, vor goni nebuneşte în încercarea de a deslega „iţele” complicatei acţiuni. Şi cum „prima regulă a politicii era: Nu subestima nici cea mai neînsemnată persoană.”, se pare că Vic va reprezenta o parte extrem de importantă a acestei aventuri. Chiar dacă începutul ţi se va părea poate puţin greoi, mai ales dacă nu eşti familiarizat cu sistemul politic american, pe parcurs vei observa că „maşinaţiunile” şi „matrapazlâcurile” sunt de fapt legea universală a politicii, aşa că nu te vei mai împiedica de acest aspect ci vei savura pe deplin ritmul alert al acţiunii, bogat în răsturnări de situaţii şi cu scene extrem de tensionate. Suspansul va fi foarte bine dozat şi ţi se va oferi treptat, pentru a prelungi plăcerea lecturii. Vei face supoziţii până în final, când ţi se va dezvălui adevărul, iar personajele duplicitare îţi vor face efortul de a ghici deznodământul şi mai dificil, astfel încât vei „devora” cartea în acelaşi ritm nebun ca al desfăşurării evenimentelor. Dacă eşti fanul poveştilor gen „Dosarul Pelican”, „Jocul Zero” va fi alegerea perfectă pentru tine.
July 4, 2010
Some suspense, but uneven pace and preposterous chase scenes spoil indifference-breeding thriller.
This was our first Brad Meltzer, the author having been recommended by a friend. We're usually game for any kind of mystery or thriller, but this one fell short of expectations. The "Zero Game" in question turns out to be a silly betting scheme that consumes/wastes the first third of the novel. The incredulous exploits of protagonist Capital staffer Harris, with 17-year-old senate page Viv his somewhat unwilling accomplice, to discover the nature of the real plot which has killed off his best friends takes another 200 pages before the mystery of what's going on in the "Wendell" mine at least heats up some suspense. But the ever-present, hired-hand bad guy Janos gets old; and by the time he gets his, we barely care anymore. While another side character winding up villainous is quite a surprise, the book ends with almost the same anticlimactic feel of its stodgy beginning.
Obviously, we weren't that impressed. The uneven pace of the plot left us cold, and the somewhat preposterous nature of first the "game" and then the mining shenanigans, coupled with the many chase scenes that of course all went the right way, just left us wanting all this to get over. While the writing per se was adequate, we want a better story line, characters to really care about, more realistic action and drama, and a twist or two en route to a believable outcome, to entertain and amuse. Despite the success Meltzer enjoys, we found this one lacking. Should we try another?
This was our first Brad Meltzer, the author having been recommended by a friend. We're usually game for any kind of mystery or thriller, but this one fell short of expectations. The "Zero Game" in question turns out to be a silly betting scheme that consumes/wastes the first third of the novel. The incredulous exploits of protagonist Capital staffer Harris, with 17-year-old senate page Viv his somewhat unwilling accomplice, to discover the nature of the real plot which has killed off his best friends takes another 200 pages before the mystery of what's going on in the "Wendell" mine at least heats up some suspense. But the ever-present, hired-hand bad guy Janos gets old; and by the time he gets his, we barely care anymore. While another side character winding up villainous is quite a surprise, the book ends with almost the same anticlimactic feel of its stodgy beginning.
Obviously, we weren't that impressed. The uneven pace of the plot left us cold, and the somewhat preposterous nature of first the "game" and then the mining shenanigans, coupled with the many chase scenes that of course all went the right way, just left us wanting all this to get over. While the writing per se was adequate, we want a better story line, characters to really care about, more realistic action and drama, and a twist or two en route to a believable outcome, to entertain and amuse. Despite the success Meltzer enjoys, we found this one lacking. Should we try another?
August 7, 2018
I'm still getting into Brad Meltzer (this is the second book of this that I have read) and at first this one starts a bit slow. We meet Matthew Mercer and his friend Harris Sandler, two staffers in the White House who have been there for years and feel a bit jaded in their careers. So they get involved in a secret game in which they only know that they are both players -- but they don't know who runs it or for the most part care. They think they are on to a sure thing that will make them a lot of money but instead they find themselves wrapped up into a game that is quickly turning on its head. And the stakes are more than monetary; its become deadly.
Once the game is in play, this becomes a true thriller and its a wild ride through the White House and the city of Washington, D.C. Who is a friend and who is a foe and why? The clock is ticking and there are only so many places that they can run.
Once the game is in play, this becomes a true thriller and its a wild ride through the White House and the city of Washington, D.C. Who is a friend and who is a foe and why? The clock is ticking and there are only so many places that they can run.
October 6, 2017
This was my first Brad Meltzer read and it was fabulous! This book took off right out of the gate and held on thru the entire book.....it was almost "unputdownable!" This was about an apparent hidden game where Washington insiders (Representatives, Senators, lobbyists, pages, etc.) placed money bets on getting "things" included or excluded in legislation that was on the floor for votes. And how no one ever knew who was involved and who was not except the one person who invited you to play. When something goes terribly wrong and a "player" gets killed for his involvement in the game, no one knows who they can trust or what exactly happened to cause this killing. Very exciting and intriguing!! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great mystery!!
May 29, 2015
I have read a few of his books, but this is not one of his better ones. There was a lot of padding, particularly the middle part. It did gain momentum towards the end but I was glad to get it finished. It is still a reasonably good thriller based in and around the Washington political scene, but lacked an intricate plot of some of his earlier books.
February 15, 2018
I've been hearing this author's name for years and finally gave him a try. This was a great read - so much suspense that it kept me up reading, which seems to happen very rarely now as so many books in the espionage/suspense category seem to be the same story over and over again. Looking forward to reading more of Meltzer's work.
May 19, 2014
This was a very strong action-packed political thriller. Great story - I couldn't put it down. This was right up there with Vince Flynn when it comes to the political thriller genre.
January 24, 2016
Politics, murder, mystery, hush-hush, secrets in Washington D.C. Oh wait let me turn off CNN and write about the book. Or was I? Hmmm.
November 20, 2018
Entertaining page-turning thriller - I enjoyed!
March 9, 2025
It always takes about 40-50 pages for Brad to draw you into his plots and this was no different. Once one of the guys you think is going to be a lead character dies unexpectedly, the race is on, and the real story begins. Fasten your seatbelt for chasing and hiding and fighting, and Meltzer's usual detail of the workings of government, and you won't put this one down until the end!
December 8, 2019
Easily one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. The plot and pacing were tight, and overall I found it to be very well written. For whatever reason I really flew through this one, enjoying the entire trip.
March 22, 2026
Different. Good. Biggest flaw how can all that be going on in the Capital and no one notices?
September 1, 2025
Wasn’t terrible
April 8, 2018
Maybe it is because I was a bit disappointed by the last Brad Meltzer book I read but this one sure seems back on track for all the reasons I started reading his work.
It could be I am prejudiced nonetheless it is amazing that someone can take something so mundane as the operations of the 3 branches of the Federal Government as a great vehicle for first class thrillers. Possibly I don't give our politicians enough credit for anything more than sexual misconduct, corruption, narcissistic self-indulgence and a few that are so dedicated to unselfishly serving their constituents that it is hard to picture any really doing anything particularly thrilling. Well, Brad Meltzer over the course of his writing career has really created a very different opinion with the adventures he writes about.
This story is almost fitting of a James Bond adventure (my apologies to Ian Fleming) as we are taken from the storied halls of Congress to a mile below the ground and everything in between. There were a lot of twists and turns as we worked out way through an interesting and very dangerous journey to answer what seemed like the most bland of questions about a simple piece of uninteresting legislature asked to be included in a tax bill. Wow, really had some surprises even just starting out the story which switched around who we were traveling with during the course of the story.
For anyone who enjoys a good thriller would heartily recommend this book. Brad Meltzer writes a good story with generally well fleshed out characters and loves throwing out surprises that seemly develop before your eyes even when they were there all the time.
It could be I am prejudiced nonetheless it is amazing that someone can take something so mundane as the operations of the 3 branches of the Federal Government as a great vehicle for first class thrillers. Possibly I don't give our politicians enough credit for anything more than sexual misconduct, corruption, narcissistic self-indulgence and a few that are so dedicated to unselfishly serving their constituents that it is hard to picture any really doing anything particularly thrilling. Well, Brad Meltzer over the course of his writing career has really created a very different opinion with the adventures he writes about.
This story is almost fitting of a James Bond adventure (my apologies to Ian Fleming) as we are taken from the storied halls of Congress to a mile below the ground and everything in between. There were a lot of twists and turns as we worked out way through an interesting and very dangerous journey to answer what seemed like the most bland of questions about a simple piece of uninteresting legislature asked to be included in a tax bill. Wow, really had some surprises even just starting out the story which switched around who we were traveling with during the course of the story.
For anyone who enjoys a good thriller would heartily recommend this book. Brad Meltzer writes a good story with generally well fleshed out characters and loves throwing out surprises that seemly develop before your eyes even when they were there all the time.
April 16, 2011
ok read...liked other Meltzer books better...
The New York Times bestselling author of The Millionaires and The First Counsel returns to Wash-ington, D.C., with the story of an insider's game that turns deadly. Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are best friends who have plum jobs as senior staffers to well-respected congressmen. But after a decade in Washington, idealism has faded to disillusionment, and they're bored. Then one of them finds out about the clandestine Zero Game. It starts out as good fun-a simple wager between friends. But when someone close to them ends up dead, Harris and Matthew realize the game is far more sinister than they ever imagined-and that they're about to be the game's next victims. On the run, they turn to the only person they can trust: a 16-year-old Senate page who can move around the Capitol undetected. As a ruthless killer creeps closer, this idealistic page not only holds the key to saving their lives, but is also determined to redeem them in the process. Come play The Zero Game-you can bet your life on it.
The New York Times bestselling author of The Millionaires and The First Counsel returns to Wash-ington, D.C., with the story of an insider's game that turns deadly. Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are best friends who have plum jobs as senior staffers to well-respected congressmen. But after a decade in Washington, idealism has faded to disillusionment, and they're bored. Then one of them finds out about the clandestine Zero Game. It starts out as good fun-a simple wager between friends. But when someone close to them ends up dead, Harris and Matthew realize the game is far more sinister than they ever imagined-and that they're about to be the game's next victims. On the run, they turn to the only person they can trust: a 16-year-old Senate page who can move around the Capitol undetected. As a ruthless killer creeps closer, this idealistic page not only holds the key to saving their lives, but is also determined to redeem them in the process. Come play The Zero Game-you can bet your life on it.
January 23, 2012
I don't know, I wanted this to be so much better than it was. Two staffers, bored with their jobs join a game being played in Washington. No one truly knows who's playing the game, just the person who sponsored you and the one you sponsor. Bets placed on mundane or small matters definitly keep you more interested in the day to day of your job in Washington. Especially the curiosity about who else is playing. Could that sentor being playing, is he too involved in the outcome of this vote? That staffer is really pushing hard on this bill . . . could they be playing the game?
Turns out, this book really isn't about the game. The plot morphs away from the game and into conspiracy and running from an assasin and while this ought to have been a great book, something kept me from thinking that it was a great book. I can't quite put my finger on it though.
I will admit, it kept me intrigued and I didn't have any problem choosing to read rather than do something else - like say dishes or laundry - so it wasn't that bad. Can I actually say 2.5 cause 3 is too much but 2, too little.
Turns out, this book really isn't about the game. The plot morphs away from the game and into conspiracy and running from an assasin and while this ought to have been a great book, something kept me from thinking that it was a great book. I can't quite put my finger on it though.
I will admit, it kept me intrigued and I didn't have any problem choosing to read rather than do something else - like say dishes or laundry - so it wasn't that bad. Can I actually say 2.5 cause 3 is too much but 2, too little.
February 11, 2019
Brad Meltzer always keeps the pace going in his books. This is a tale of intrigue that is going on behind the scenes in Washington , D.C. Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are support staff of elected government officials who are playing a dangerous game. It is behind the wall of pending legislation that they set up an interesting betting game. Hand written notes go back and forth betting on whether certain bills will pass or fail. The stakes grow higher and higher !
Then all hell breaks loose when one of their colleagues is murdered. Now the game has taken on a whole new accent. There is a murderer loose in D.C. who will stop at nothing to help pass or squash a pending bill. You will enjoy the pace as more bodies pile up and Sandler must figure out who is the hired assassin and who is next on his 'hit' list ??...The answers to the mystery involve a complicated plot that will have your head spinning
Enjoy " The Zero Game ",,
Then all hell breaks loose when one of their colleagues is murdered. Now the game has taken on a whole new accent. There is a murderer loose in D.C. who will stop at nothing to help pass or squash a pending bill. You will enjoy the pace as more bodies pile up and Sandler must figure out who is the hired assassin and who is next on his 'hit' list ??...The answers to the mystery involve a complicated plot that will have your head spinning
Enjoy " The Zero Game ",,
August 6, 2017
In my review of "The First Counsel" I wrote: "I think Brad Meltzer definitely knows how to use the setting of Washington, D.C. to fullest advantage as a setting to his legal thrillers. His characters captivate your attention as each is introduced and as they begin to interact, the adrenaline starts pumping and doesn't stop until the riveting conclusion." Without a doubt, this description is even of higher intensity for "The Zero Game." WoW!
If you naively believe there are no games behind-the-scenes in Washington, D.C. perhaps this novel will open your mind to the possibilities of the many facets of "what if?" in the hallowed halls of government.
Any list of legal thrillers is not complete if Brad Meltzer's name is missing. He's definitely my #1 suggestion!
If you naively believe there are no games behind-the-scenes in Washington, D.C. perhaps this novel will open your mind to the possibilities of the many facets of "what if?" in the hallowed halls of government.
Any list of legal thrillers is not complete if Brad Meltzer's name is missing. He's definitely my #1 suggestion!
December 16, 2018
The Zero Game is the first Meltzer book I have read. After watching a recent interview of his, I was intrigued to read this political thriller.
Set in DC within the House and Senate, it’s a story that makes you wonder all along who’s playing the game and who’s not?
Well written and extremely descriptive, you feel like you are in the buildings being described, the premise of the story was enough to get me to read it.
The action starts early and lasts all the way until the end.
Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Who knows what’s going and and the truth behind it all? The story will keep you guessing until the final, satisfying conclusion at the end.
This won’t be the last Meltzer book that I read.
Set in DC within the House and Senate, it’s a story that makes you wonder all along who’s playing the game and who’s not?
Well written and extremely descriptive, you feel like you are in the buildings being described, the premise of the story was enough to get me to read it.
The action starts early and lasts all the way until the end.
Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Who knows what’s going and and the truth behind it all? The story will keep you guessing until the final, satisfying conclusion at the end.
This won’t be the last Meltzer book that I read.
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