The interesting thing about The Brethren is that none of the characters qualify as protagonists. The "brethren" of the title are obviously loathsome men. The three exjudges have their own habits, hobbies, and failings, but they are united in being unsympathetic criminals, greedy and uncaring for others. Their co-conspirator and lawyer, Trevor Carson, is equally despicable. He does not even have the level of dignity of the judges, being a small-time, small-town crook. The director of the CIA is no better.

Teddy Maynard is still working hard to serve his country even though he is in pain and confined to a wheelchair. He sees a great danger looming and wants to save the United States. However, he is also a power-happy manipulative tyrant with little regard for democracy or ordinary citizens' lives. Maynard is interesting as a Macchiavellian mastermind, but he is not a sympathetic character or a...