The Sounding Tree: Voices along the Razor Wire Book

I attended a continuing legal education event a week ago, at which the author of this book and one of the FBI agents from the book spoke about the case. I left the event determined to read the book straight away - and in any event, before the movie comes out next year.

I had known of this book for some time, and was generally aware it concerned the ADM antitrust price-fixing trial. But I had thought, wrongly as it turned out, that the book was about the trial. In fact, the trial is relegated to the epilogue.

The book starts with the FBI's investigation of allegations of potential corporate espionage at ADM in Decatur, Illinois. Early in the investigation, one of ADM's executives, Mark Whitacre, admits that the company has been involved in fixing prices with its competitors, and becomes a mole for the FBI.

But that is just the start. As the government builds its case, devastating new facts arise that could compromise the whole case. The government's informant, it seems, is hiding other secrets.

I couldn't put this book down, not even knowing (from the presentation) how it would end. I read all 500+ pages in a matter of days, staying up late. I would definitely recommend it.