Janus Wool - Shop now
$9.49

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by HarperCollins Publishers. Price set by seller.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Elie Honig
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department Kindle Edition

by Elie Honig (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 921 ratings

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

“Elie Honig has written much more than a compelling takedown of an unfit attorney general; he also offers a blueprint for how impartial and apolitical justice should be administered in America.”—Preet Bharara

“An essential analysis for anyone committed to understanding the abuses of the Trump administration so we can ensure they never happen again.”—Joyce White Vance

“Essential reading for all who cherish the rule of law in America.”—George Conway

"Written with all the color and pacing of a legal thriller."—Variety

CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig exposes William Barr as the most corrupt attorney general in modern U.S. history, with stunning new scandals bubbling to the surface even after Barr's departure from office.

In Hatchet Man, former federal prosecutor Elie Honig uncovers Barr’s unprecedented abuse of power as Attorney General and the lasting structural damage done to the Justice Department. Honig uses his own experience as a prosecutor at DOJ to show how, as America’s top law enforcement official, Barr repeatedly violated the Department’s written rules, and those vital, unwritten norms and principles that comprise the “prosecutor’s code.”

Barr was corrupt from the beginning. His first act as AG was to distort the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, earning a public rebuke for his dishonesty from Mueller himself and, later, from a federal judge. Then, Barr tried to manipulate the law to squash a whistleblower’s complaint about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine—the report that eventually led to Trump’s first impeachment. Barr later intervened in an unprecedented manner to undermine his own DOJ prosecutors on the cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone, both political allies of the President. And then Barr fired the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York under false pretenses. Finally, Barr amplified baseless theories about massive mail-in ballot fraud, pouring gasoline on the dumpster fire battle over the 2020 election results and contributing to the January 6 insurrection that led to Trump’s second impeachment.

In Hatchet Man, Honig proves that Barr trampled the two core virtues that have long defined the department and its mission: credibility and independence – ultimately in service of his own deeply-rooted, extremist legal and personal beliefs. Honig shows how Barr corrupted the Justice Department and explains what we must do to prevent this from ever happening again.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    289 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 6, 2021
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.

From the Publisher

Hatchet Man Elie Honig Kirkus

Hatchet Man Elie Honig Preet Bharara

Hatchet Man Elie Honig Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A sharp-edged account...this is a comprehensive indictment of one of the most controversial figures of the Trump administration."

-- "Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Elie Honig worked as a federal and state prosecutor for 14 years. He prosecuted and tried cases involving violent crime, human trafficking, public corruption, and organized crime, including successful prosecutions of over 100 members and associates of the mafia. Honig now is a CNN Legal Analyst, hosts podcasts and writes for Cafe, is a Rutgers University scholar, and is Special Counsel to the law firm Lowenstein Sandler.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08KY2LYJ4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 6, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 289 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063092372
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #319,311 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 921 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Elie Honig

Elie Honig

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Elie Honig is CNN's Senior Legal Analyst. He previously worked for 14 years as a federal and state prosecutor.

Honig provides on-air commentary and analysis for CNN on news relating to the U. S. Department of Justice, major criminal trials, the Supreme Court, Congressional and grand jury investigations, national security, policing, and other legal issues. In 2022, Honig was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the category "Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial & Opinion."

Honig is the national bestselling author of two prior books published by HarperCollins: "Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department" (2021) and "Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It" (2023). His third book, "When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, from Nixon to Trump," publishes in September 2025.

Honig writes a weekly column on legal news for New York magazine and CAFE. He hosts the popular true-crime podcast, "Up Against the Mob," and a weekly legal podcast, "The Counsel," both productions of Vox Media. Honig graduated from Rutgers College (where he now teaches) in 1997, and Harvard Law School in 2000.

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    True Crime Case Histories - (Books 1, 2 & 3): 32 Disturbing True Crime Stories (3 Book True Crime Collection)
    True Crime Case Histories - (Books 1, 2 & 3): 32 Disturbing True Crime Stories (3 Book True Crime Collection)
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars2,819
    $24.99
  2. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    The Asset (Lance Spector Thrillers Book 1)
    The Asset (Lance Spector Thrillers Book 1)
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars16,759
    $4.99
  3. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    COLLAPSE: A bold political and financial thriller with an espionage twist. (HENRY CROWNE PAYING THE PRICE series. Book 1)
    COLLAPSE: A bold political and financial thriller with an espionage twist. (HENRY CROWNE PAYING THE PRICE series. Book 1)
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars305
    $3.99
  4. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Fraud and Scams They Didn't Warn You About
    Fraud and Scams They Didn't Warn You About
    $3.99
Next page

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
921 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book highly informative and well-researched, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps them engaged. The writing style is concise, and one customer notes how it builds its case chapter-by-chapter. They appreciate the compelling stories, and one review highlights how it contrasts Barr's actions against Department of Justice norms.

Select to learn more

ReadabilityInformation qualityWriting qualityJusticePacingStory quality
31 customers mention "Readability"30 positive1 negative

Customers find the book very readable and interesting, with one customer noting it kept them riveted.

"...Read this in 2025 so much has happened since. Excellent book, so clear on the politics, details we get some of from the news, but Mr...." Read more

"...The book was well worth the wait. Elie filled it with interesting and enlightening stories of his many years of service as a federal and state..." Read more

"Great book expe ially the "inside baseball" stuff. I'd always thought Bill Barr was !..." Read more

"Good read. Fast and interesting" Read more

24 customers mention "Information quality"23 positive1 negative

Customers find the book highly informative and well-researched, providing a sourced recounting of facts.

"...Highly recommend. Very informative and very entertaining, as well." Read more

"...Well worth the read and well researched, this book was insightful and punchy...." Read more

"...Buy this book for the unvarnished truth." Read more

"...This book explains so many details. We have both read it twice already. My parents bought the book too...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and concise, with one customer noting how it builds its case chapter-by-chapter.

"...The book is informative and well written." Read more

"...In a digestible, concise manner, the author recounts Barr’s actions, lies and corruption of the longstanding ethics of the DOJ by becoming Trump’s..." Read more

"This well-written book builds its case chapter-by-chapter. It provides examples of what relevant law was ignored or broken by Barr..." Read more

"...Writing was brilliant and I read it quickly." Read more

7 customers mention "Justice"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to justice, with one review noting how it contrasts against Department of Justice norms, while another describes it as a dispassionate examination of Bill Barr.

"...Excellent book, so clear on the politics, details we get some of from the news, but Mr. Honig brought the complete story to light...." Read more

"...interested in the attacks on the Great American Experiment and equal justice for all." Read more

"This book provides an insiders look at the Justice Department and the corrupting influence of Bill Barr...." Read more

"...democracy: how to build and sustain a justice system that upholds the rule of law, even and perhaps especially when it's not politically expedient...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it fast and engaging, with one customer noting how well the author describes incidents of corruption.

"...A quick, and even funny read at times, this book moves right along, and provides a behind the scenes look at the legal system, and allows us the..." Read more

"...I highly recommend getting the audiobook because Elie's narration is fast paced and will put you in an almost courtroom-like setting as he describes..." Read more

"Kindle version has a bug. Can't move forward. Reverts to previously red section. First time I've encountered a problem." Read more

"...It is a fast-paced read with a great deal of information...." Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the compelling stories in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the prosecutor narratives and another highlighting the interesting account of Barr's operations.

"...A heavy story but easy to read. Highly recommend." Read more

"...Elie filled it with interesting and enlightening stories of his many years of service as a federal and state prosecutor...." Read more

"...I am not an attorney but loved the prosecutor stories about some of the investigation the author worked on...." Read more

"...Loved hearing the stories about his experiences as a prosecutor, and he does a brilliant job of exposing Bill Barr." Read more

Riveting debut holds mirror up to American democracy
5 out of 5 stars
Riveting debut holds mirror up to American democracy
In his new book, Elie Honig masterfully wrestles with an issue that is vital to the future of American democracy: how to build and sustain a justice system that upholds the rule of law, even and perhaps especially when it's not politically expedient. He gives us a window into what such a world would look like if our appointed leaders shared that same value -- and what we risk losing when they don't. Honig recognizes that to make his words connect with a larger audience, he has to give something more than his expert analysis, and so he carefully and methodically shares a bit of his own life as a federal prosecutor -- taking us on his journey of prosecuting some of New York's biggest crime families, as he delineates the code all federal prosecutors -- but especially the attorney general -- should live by. It's a rare work of non-fiction that grips you from the first page -- and keeps you hanging until the very last one.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • janet
    5.0 out of 5 stars hatchet man by Elie Honig
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I want to read Mr. Honig’s book again. Read this in 2025 so much has happened since.

    Excellent book, so clear on the politics, details we get some of from the news, but Mr. Honig brought the complete story to light. A heavy story but easy to read.

    Highly recommend.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Genie A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and immensely readable
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I was so anticipating reading this book , but was also hoping that it would not contain a lot of "legalise" that would be hard to grasp for a person like me, who isn't schooled in legal matters. Well, I was very happy to find that this book was an easy read for someone like me. I was reminded about the things I had seen and heard before, as well as so many other facts that were new to me. I was angry, distressed, disgusted and disheartened all at once that such an important government official could get away with what Barr has managed to get away with, at least up to this point. Thank you, Attorney Hoenig, for enlightening us in this very eye-opening read!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • VideoDemon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Inside baseball stuff, here. Very interesting, even to me, another former prosecutor. Highly recommend. Very informative and very entertaining, as well.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Avid Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars All you need to know...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    From the first sentence, I knew this was going to be a compelling read. In a digestible, concise manner, the author recounts Barr’s actions, lies and corruption of the longstanding ethics of the DOJ by becoming Trump’s Hatchet Man. Where this book really comes alive is when the author, in sharp contrast, shares personal stories from his own experiences when he worked at a well functioning DOJ.
    This is an important book, having all Barr’s misdeeds laid out like a picture puzzle after all the pieces have been put in place. Although my anger was reawakened, Honig’s strong and unfailing belief in the system at the end of the book does leave hope for the reader.
    45 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • David Aubrey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bill Barr's attack on the Department of Justice
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    There is a great deal being said today about the 'politicization' of the Department of Justice by certain factions of the far right, who are determined to undermine the rule of law, and equal Justice for All, as it pertains to their attacks on American Democracy. Acting as the prime defense attorney for then President Trump, Bill Barr set out to bring the DOJ squarely under the control of the executive branch of government.
    Elie Honig, who spent many, many years within the justice system, as a senior prosecutor, in clear language sets out the step by step actions taken by AG Barr to destroy this necessarily independent branch of government, based one his belief that the President should be above the law, and indeed specify what "law and justice" should be.
    A must read for anyone interested in the attacks on the Great American Experiment and equal justice for all.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • AuntieZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Withering portrait
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book provides an insiders look at the Justice Department and the corrupting influence of Bill Barr. While the Justice Department will recover in time with good people at the helm (I hope), this book clearly demonstrates how dangerous one person can be to a system that we take for granted. A quick, and even funny read at times, this book moves right along, and provides a behind the scenes look at the legal system, and allows us the opportunity to "be in the room." Well worth the read and well researched, this book was insightful and punchy. Looking forward to more opportunities to read future books from this author!
    87 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truth, Justice, and the American Way
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    My wife was late for work today because we lost track of time discussing Elie Honig's great new book HATCHET MAN. I had to wait my turn because my wife was reading the electronic copy and I had to wait for the hardcover to be delivered. The book was well worth the wait. Elie filled it with interesting and enlightening stories of his many years of service as a federal and state prosecutor. This supported his narrative of how poorly William Barr ran the DOJ and his sycophantic relationship with the former president. The book is easy to read and you do not have to be a lawyer to understand Elie's arguments. If I were on a jury and had these arguments presented to me the resulting guilty verdict would be rendered in record time. If you care about Truth, Justice, and the American Way (no, Elie is not Superman but he is a hero to me) read this book.
    23 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rejenia
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed kindle edition is not able to link with audible purchase
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Disappointed kindle edition is not able to link with audible purchase
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • pemuise
    5.0 out of 5 stars well written.
    Reviewed in Canada on July 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was an interesting read from start to finish. Mr. Honing’s professionalism comes across as one who has been there and done that.
    Report
  • Don
    5.0 out of 5 stars My wife is enjoying it.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It’s an insight into how the entitled manage to navigate life without being dealt with the way that the average person would.
    Report
  • Michel Richard
    4.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    reads well
    Report
  • Sylvia Poole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting read.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Good book (so far, I’m not finished yet).
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report