The Directive (Mike Ford, 2) - Hardcover

Matthew Quirk studied history and literature at Harvard College. After graduation, he joined The Atlantic and spent five years at the magazine reporting on a variety of subjects including crime, private military contractors, the opium trade, terrorism prosecutions, and international gangs. Quirk's first novel was The 500, which is currently in development as a major motion picture. He lives in Washington, D.C.

A roller coaster of a thriller...The Directive does for the Fed what Alan Drury did for Senate intrigue with his Pulitzer Prize winning Advise and Consent, what Aaron Sorkin did for the White House in The West Wing and, now, what Beau Willimon, is doing for the Congress with House of Cards...Quirk's writings drips with the kind of eye for the telling detail that only a canny reporter, detective, or spy possesses....If you like Ludlum you are certain to like Quirk."
―Ralph Benko, Forbes.com

"Thrilling. Fascinating details (how to pick which locks, how to con trusting people) combine with a relentlessly charged plot. Stellar."―Michele Ross, Cleveland Plain Dealer (Grade: A)

"An action-packed thriller that should end up in many beach bags."―Jane Henderson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Solidly researched, with elements of a technothriller, this is a nonstop, heart-pounding ride in which moral blacks and whites turn gray in 'the efficient alignment of power and interests' that is big-time politics. Quirk has another high-powered hit on his hands."
―Booklist (Starred Review)

"Sustained by Quirk's research, an engrossing plot, the ever-increasing tension of a deadly cat and mouse game, and high stakes, this page-turner will attract not only fans of such financial-thriller authors as Christopher Reich and Joseph Finder but all those looking for a fun, fast-flowing beach read."―Library Journal

"Another exciting page-turner. . . the mix of business-insider insight and deception propels this compelling story from Quirk."―Associated Press

Praise for THE 500:

"Gripping...the action never lets up for a second, and the pages cannot be turned fast enough."―Associated Press

"This ripping yarn springs and snaps along like a row of wolf traps."―Newsday