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The 20 best books by John Grisham, the bestselling author of legal thrillers like "A Time to Kill" and "The Pelican Brief"
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- John Grisham is the master of the courtroom thriller. He's written 28 number-one bestselling novels.
- You'll find his 20 best books below, according to their Goodreads ratings.
- Read more: The best new beach reads for 2022
If you think of a heart-pumping legal thriller, you probably picture John Grisham, one of the most successful authors in modern history.
Since his debut novel, " A Time to Kill ," earned him mainstream popularity, Grisham has written dozens of courtroom thrillers — including 28 consecutive number-one fiction bestsellers . " The Firm ," Grisham's second book, once spent 47 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list. And, for the next two decades, he was the author of one of the 10 bestselling novels of the year.
Below, you'll find Grisham's 20 most unmissable books, ranked by Goodreads readers. It's worth noting that this list is ranked by rating, so sequels may be out of chronological order. Beware of unwanted spoilers, and if you're looking for the most recent book, check out Grisham's 2022 novel, " Sparring Partners ."
The 20 best John Grisham books, ranked by their Goodreads ratings:
Descriptions provided by Amazon and lightly edited for clarity and length.
20. "The Reckoning"
"The Reckoning," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
October 1946, Clanton, Mississippi.
Pete Banning was Clanton, Mississippi's favorite son — a decorated World War II hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, and committed a shocking crime. Pete's only statement about it — to the sheriff, to his lawyers, to the judge, to the jury, and to his family — was: "I have nothing to say." He was not afraid of death and was willing to take his motive to the grave.
John Grisham takes us on an incredible journey, from the Jim Crow South to the jungles of the Philippines during World War II; from an insane asylum filled with secrets to the Clanton courtroom where Pete's defense attorney tries desperately to save him.
19. "A Painted House"
"A Painted House," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers — and two very dangerous men — came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke's world.
A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip and suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born... and someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives — and change his family and his town forever....
18. "The Brethren"
"The Brethren," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
They call themselves the Brethren: three disgraced former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison. One was sent up for tax evasion. Another, for skimming bingo profits. The third for a career-ending drunken joyride.
Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong. Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich — very fast.
And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scam — while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt. A bizarre presidential election is holding the nation in its grips, and a powerful government figure is pulling some very hidden strings. For the Brethren, the timing couldn't be better. Because they've just found the perfect victim.
17. "Rogue Lawyer"
"Rogue Lawyer," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
On the right side of the law — sort of — Sebastian Rudd is not your typical street lawyer. His office is a customized bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, and fine leather chairs. He has no firm, no partners, and only one employee: his heavily armed driver, who also so happens to be his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddie.
Sebastian drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun. He defends people other lawyers won't go near: a drug-addled, tattooed kid rumored to be in a satanic cult; a vicious crime lord on death row; a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team that mistakenly invaded his house. Why these clients? Because Sebastian believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial — even if he has to bend the law to secure one.
16. "Camino Island"
"Camino Island," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a vault deep below Princeton University's Firestone Library. Their loot is priceless, impossible to resist.
Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a prominent dealer in rare books. Very few people know that he occasionally dabbles in unsavory ventures.
Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer's block who has recently been laid off from her teaching position. She is approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous monetary offer convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Cable's circle of literary friends, to get close to the ringleader, to discover his secrets.
But soon Mercer learns far too much, and there's trouble in paradise.
15. "The Chamber"
"The Chamber," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.99
In the corridors of Chicago's top law firm: 26-year-old Adam Hall stands on the brink of a brilliant legal career. Now he is risking it all for a death-row killer and an impossible case.
Maximum Security Unit, Mississippi State Prison: Sam Cayhall is a former Klansman and unrepentant racist now facing the death penalty for a fatal bombing in 1967. He has run out of chances — except for one: the young, liberal Chicago lawyer who just happens to be his grandson.
While the executioners prepare the gas chamber, while the protesters gather and the TV cameras wait, Adam has only days, hours, minutes to save his client. For between the two men is a chasm of shame, family lies, and secrets — including the one secret that could save Sam Cayhall's life... or cost Adam his.
14. "The Racketeer"
"The Racketeer," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
In the history of the United States, only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.
His body is found in his remote lakeside cabin. There is no sign of forced entry or struggle. Just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe — opened and emptied.
Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge's untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.
On paper, Malcolm's situation isn't looking too good these days, but he's got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price — especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett's death. And the Racketeer wasn't born yesterday.
13. "The Street Lawyer"
"The Street Lawyer," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
Michael Brock is billing the hours, making the money, rushing relentlessly to the top of Drake & Sweeney, a giant DC law firm. One step away from partnership, Michael has it all. Then, in an instant, it all comes undone.
A homeless man takes nine lawyers hostage in the firm's plush offices. When it is all over, the man's blood is splattered on Michael's face — and suddenly Michael is willing to do the unthinkable. Rediscovering a conscience he lost long ago, Michael is leaving the big time for the streets where his attacker once lived — and where society's powerless need an advocate for justice.
But there's one break Michael can't make: from a secret that has floated up from the depths of Drake & Sweeney, from a confidential file that is now in Michael's hands, and from a conspiracy that has already taken lives. Now Michael's former partners are about to become his bitter enemies. Because to them, Michael Brock is the most dangerous man on the streets.
12. "The Confession"
"The Confession," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
An innocent man is about to be executed. Only a guilty man can save him.
In 1998, in the small East Texas city of Sloan, Travis Boyette abducted, raped, and strangled a popular high school cheerleader. He buried her body so that it would never be found, then watched in amazement as police and prosecutors arrested and convicted Donté Drumm, a local football star, and marched him off to death row.
Now nine years have passed. Travis has just been paroled in Kansas for a different crime; Donté is four days away from his execution. Travis suffers from an inoperable brain tumor. For the first time in his miserable life, he decides to do what's right and confess. But how can a guilty man convince lawyers, judges, and politicians that they're about to execute an innocent man?
11. "The Testament"
"The Testament," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions — a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives.
Because Troy Phelan's new will names a sole surprise heir to his 11-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil.
Enter the lawyers. Nate O'Riley is fresh out of rehab, a disgraced corporate attorney handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan's family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman — pursued by enemies and friends alike — holds a stunning surprise of her own.
10. "The Rainmaker"
"The Rainmaker," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $4
In a courtroom thriller, John Grisham tells the story of a young man barely out of law school who finds himself taking on one of the most powerful, corrupt, and ruthless companies in America — and exposing a complex, multibillion-dollar insurance scam. In his final semester of law school, Rudy Baylor is required to provide free legal advice to a group of senior citizens, and it is there that he meets his first "clients," Dot and Buddy Black.
Their son, Donny Ray, is dying of leukemia, and their insurance company has flatly refused to pay for his medical treatments. While Rudy is at first skeptical, he soon realizes that the Blacks really have been shockingly mistreated by the huge company, and he just may have stumbled upon one of the largest insurance frauds anyone's ever seen — and one of the most lucrative and important cases in the history of civil litigation. The problem is, Rudy's flat broke, has no job, hasn't even passed the bar, and is about to go head-to-head with one of the best defense attorneys — and powerful industries — in America.
9. "The Runaway Jury"
"The Runaway Jury," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.46
They are at the center of a multimillion-dollar legal hurricane: 12 men and women who have been investigated, watched, manipulated, and harassed by high-priced lawyers and consultants who will stop at nothing to secure a verdict. Now the jury must make a decision in the most explosive civil trial of the century, a precedent-setting lawsuit against a giant tobacco company. But only a handful of people know the truth: that this jury has a leader, and the verdict belongs to him.
He is known only as Juror #2. But he has a name, a past, and he has planned his every move with the help of a beautiful woman on the outside. Now, while a corporate empire hangs in the balance, while a grieving family waits, and while lawyers are plunged into a battle for their careers, the truth about Juror #2 is about to explode in a crossfire of greed and corruption — and with justice fighting for its life.
8. "The Pelican Brief"
"The Pelican Brief," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
To Darby Shaw, it was no more than a legal shot in the dark — a brilliant guess. To the Washington establishment, it was political dynamite. Suddenly Darby is witness to a murder — a murder intended for her. Going underground, she finds there is only one person she can trust — an ambitious reporter after a newsbreak hotter than Watergate — to help her piece together the deadly puzzle.
Somewhere between the bayous of Louisiana and the White House's inner sanctums, a violent cover-up is being engineered. For someone has read Darby's brief. Someone who will stop at nothing to destroy the evidence of an unthinkable crime.
7. "The Client"
"The Client," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
11-year-old Mark Sway and his younger brother were sharing a forbidden cigarette when a chance encounter with a suicidal lawyer left Mark with knowledge of a bloody and explosive secret: the whereabouts of the most sought-after dead body in America.
Now Mark is caught between a legal system gone mad and a mob killer desperate to cover up his crime. And his only ally is a woman named Reggie Love, who has been a lawyer for all of four years.
Prosecutors are willing to break all the rules to make Mark talk. The mob will stop at nothing to keep him quiet. And Reggie will do anything to protect her client — even take a last, desperate gamble that could win Mark his freedom... or cost them both their lives.
6. "Sycamore Row" (Jake Brigance, #2)
"Sycamore Row," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
" A Time to Kill " is one of the most popular novels of our time. Now we return to that famous courthouse in Clanton as Jake Brigance once again finds himself embroiled in a fiercely controversial trial — a trial that will expose old racial tensions and force Ford County to confront its tortured history.
Seth Hubbard is a wealthy man dying of lung cancer. He trusts no one. Before he hangs himself from a sycamore tree, Hubbard leaves a new, handwritten will. It is an act that drags his adult children, a Black maid, and Jake into a conflict as riveting and dramatic as the murder trial that made Brigance one of Ford County's most notorious citizens, just three years earlier.
The second will raises far more questions than it answers. Why would Hubbard leave nearly all of his fortune to his maid? Had chemotherapy and painkillers affected his ability to think clearly? And what does it all have to do with a piece of land once known as Sycamore Row?
5. "A Time to Kill" (Jake Brigance, #1)
"A Time to Kill," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.29
The life of a 10-year-old Black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless white men. The mostly white town of Clanton in Ford County, Mississippi, reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime — until the girl's father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own hands.
For 10 days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life — and then his own.
4. "The Guardians"
"The Guardians," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.27
In the small Florida town of Seabrook, a young lawyer named Keith Russo was shot dead at his desk as he worked late one night. The killer left no clues. There were no witnesses, no one with a motive. But the police soon came to suspect Quincy Miller, a young Black man who was once a client of Russo's.
Quincy was tried, convicted, and sent to prison for life. For 22 years he languished in prison, maintaining his innocence. But no one was listening. He had no lawyer, no advocate on the outside. In desperation, he writes a letter to Guardian Ministries, a small nonprofit run by Cullen Post, a lawyer who is also an Episcopal minister.
Guardian accepts only a few innocence cases at a time. Cullen Post travels the country fighting wrongful convictions and taking on clients forgotten by the system. With Quincy Miller, though, he gets far more than he bargained for. Powerful, ruthless people murdered Keith Russo, and they do not want Quincy Miller exonerated.
3. "The Firm"
"The Firm," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.45
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray — doing 15 years in a Tennessee jail — already knew. You never get anything for nothing.
Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice — if he wants to live.
2. "The Judge's List" (The Whistler #2)
"The Judge's List," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.80
In " The Whistler ," Lacy Stoltz investigated a corrupt judge who was taking millions in bribes from a crime syndicate. She put the criminals away, but only after being attacked and nearly killed. Three years later, and approaching forty, she is tired of her work for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct and ready for a change.
Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby's father was murdered 20 years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.
Suspicions are easy enough, but proof seems impossible. The man is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law.
He is a judge, in Florida — under Lacy's jurisdiction.
He has a list, with the names of his victims and targets, all unsuspecting people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. How can Lacy pursue him, without becoming the next name on his list?
1. "A Time for Mercy" (Jake Brigance, #3)
"A Time for Mercy," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9
Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him as the attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid 16-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance digs in and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Jake's fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security, and the safety of his family on the line.
In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham's storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many readers know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and — most of all — heart.
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Nonstop suspense from the #1 New York Times bestselling author: Investigator Lacy Stoltz follows the trail of a serial killer, and closes in on a shocking suspect—a sitting judge.
Discover More Books by John Grisham
- Camino Series
- Jake Brigance
- Theodore Boone
- Suspense & Thriller
The Boys from Biloxi
DISCOVER THE BOOK
Sparring Partners
The Judge’s List
A Time for Mercy
Camino Winds
The Guardians
Theodore Boone: The Accomplice
The Reckoning
The Rooster Bar
Camino Island
The Whistler
Theodore Boone: The Scandal
Rogue Lawyer
Theodore Boone: The Fugitive
Gray Mountain
Sycamore Row
Theodore Boone: The Activist
The Racketeer
Theodore Boone: The Accused
The Litigators
Theodore Boone: The Abduction
The Confession
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
Ford County: Stories
The Associate
Playing for Pizza
The Innocent Man
The Last Juror
The King of Torts
Skipping Christmas
The Summons
A Painted House
The Brethren
The Testament
The Street Lawyer
The Partner
The Runaway Jury
The Rainmaker
The Chamber
A Time to Kill
The Pelican Brief
JOHN GRISHAM
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20 Best John Grisham Books (2023)
John Ray Grisham Jr. was born on the 8 th of February, in the year of 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States of America. Grisham is a prominent American politician, activist, lawyer, but he is most famous for his legal thriller works , which have been translated into some forty-two languages.
Grisham was the second child to parents Wanda and John Ray Grisham. The family lived in Jonesboro, Arkansas, when the author was born. John worked as a cotton farmer and construction worker, while Wanda was employed as a homemaker. When Grisham was about four-years-old, the family relocated to Southaven, Mississippi.
Best John Grisham Books
While the father and mother of Grisham didn’t attend formal education, Wanda always spoke with encouraging words to Grisham and wanted him to read often and to be prepared to go to college.
John went to Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, before switching over to Delta State University in Cleveland. His Bachelor of Science was received in accounting, though he later acquired his J. D. degree. With that said, let’s see what the best John Grisham books are.
Jake Brigance Series
Grisham’s Jake Brigance series is a very good first choice to start on our Grisham novels list we’d recommend. There are three Grisham’s books with Jake Brigance and this particular John Grisham series in order goes like this:
- A Time to Kill
- Sycamore Row
- A Time for Mercy
Worth noting is that A Time to Kill is also the first novel that Grisham ever wrote. As such, it can also be viewed as one of Grisham’s best books. The story of A Time to Kill takes place in a southern town known as Clanton, Mississippi. Here, the life of a single ten-year-old girl has been changed forever by the wit, or lack thereof, of two merciless drunkards, leaving the town in the wake of such a monstrous event.
Satisfaction
Since it was a black child in a township with predominantly white inhabitants, everyone reacted with horror and nothing was done until the child’s father took an assault rifle in his own hand and demanded satisfaction.
For more than a week, crosses were burned in Clanton and rifle smoke charred the air. Jack Brigance, a young defense attorney, continually tries to save the life of his client, but also his own. A tale that is as heartrending as it is gripping.
Recommended
The Firm is one of the standalone John Grisham books, which was published in 1991. The Firm is looked upon as perhaps Grisham’s best book, but it is also one of the most popular Grisham books, period. Out of the list of Grisham books, The Firm would perhaps be the one with the John Grisham best novels rating.
All He’s Ever Wanted
Mitch McDeere is a man that has just managed to get himself a job with Bendini, Lambert, and Locke, a law firm. Mitch, a very ambitious young man, had just graduated from Harvard Law School.
With the grades that underpinned his talent, he was immediately recruited for a high-profile company. That is where Mitch works and receives a range of products as well as fantastic bonuses he never thought he would receive.
More Than He Can Endure
Even though the work for the company is supposed to be a permanent position, many of its former employees have lost their jobs under, to say the least, strange circumstances. As the story spins, Mitch realizes that he is constantly being followed wherever he goes, with all his interactions and conversations carefully recorded.
When Mitch meets an FBI agent named Wayne Tarrance, he learns the truth about the company but also about the fact that his life is in great danger.
The Client is one of the best-selling Grisham books ever. Ignoring that, The Client also stands as being one of the top John Grisham books. The Client was published in the year of 1993, with a page count nearing five hundred. A worthy contender for being the best John Grisham book, The Client is set in the outskirts of Memphis.
It is here, in a lot, that two young boys see a glinting Lincoln vehicle as it arrives upon the curb. Mark Sway, an eleven-year-old, and his little brother were just smoking a cigarette when it happened. A lawyer wrestling with the idea of suicide spilled his guts to Mark, who now knew the location of the most talked-about corpse in all of the United States.
What He Knows
As Mark tries to go on with his child’s life, he is pulled in the middle of a system of legal troubles that has gone insane, while a prowler working for the mob lurks in the shadows.
The only hope, it seems, that Mark has is a lawyer of four years, one Reggie Love. In a legal system that doesn’t seem to care at all about Mark’s age and with a mob that wants to keep them quiet by all means, Mark’s life is in greater perils than he could ever have expected.
The Guardians
Just procedure.
One of the best-rated John Grisham books is unquestionably The Guardians. The Guardians, with regards to Grisham’s books ranked, will always hold a higher spot for all its brilliant subtleties. It truly is one of the best books by Grisham, and it was published in 2019.
In Seabrook, a small town in northern Florida, lived a fairly young lawyer named Keith Russo. As Keith was working on his case that night, he was shot and killed on the spot on his desk. The perpetrator left no trace, and since there was no suspect, no witness, and no obvious motive, little could be done. So the police chose a young black man who had once been Russo’s client.
Keeping the Case Shut
The young man was Quincy Miller and Quincy was sent to prison for life. For nearly a quarter of a lifetime, Quincy endured life in the penitentiary, having no lawyer, no attorney, nothing to aid him. That is, until he wrote a letter to Guardian Ministries, an innocence group led by Cullen Post, a lawyer and a minister.
The Guardian only takes a couple of innocent cases at any single time, but they take an interest in Quincy. However, it soon becomes evident that Keith Russo wasn’t killed for no reason and very mighty men want it kept a secret. It counts as being one of the latest novels by John Grisham.
The Pelican Brief
Two assassinations.
The Pelican Brief is, while taking a look at Grisham book reviews, one of the best John Grisham novels. The Pelican Brief is one of those novels that we genuinely have to stand in awe of because it is so brilliantly and intriguingly written. The Pelican Brief was published in 1992, spanning about four hundred pages.
In Georgetown, in the suburbs to be exact, a man with the temperament and face of a murderer is creeping through the entrance hall of a wonderful family home. In a pornographic ‘establishment’ in Washington D.C., a man is strangled and killed. Just like that, two members of the Supreme Court were murdered, and the news comes the next day. In New Orleans, a young man, who is training to be a lawyer, is preparing his legal brief.
For Darby Shaw, it seemed to be no more than a stab in the dark, a veritable random luck that just so happened to be on his side. Darby is all of a sudden looked upon as a murder witness, as she was supposed to be the one murdered.
Taking to the shadows, Darby tries to keep out of the limelight, with only a reporter as her help, so that she can get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s a cover-up being made, but who is being covered? It is perhaps even the best John Grisham novel.
The Runaway Jury
So much money.
The Runaway Jury is one of the best John Grisham books of all time, without question. It was published in the year of 1996, spanning a bit over three hundred and fifty pages, all in all. The Runaway Jury maintains its position as one of the best books of John Grisham.
For anyone familiar with how juries work in any proper system of law and legality, it is surely common knowledge that each jury has a leader, with the verdict coming from their mouth when it is agreed upon and the time for it being read has come. In the small town of Biloxi, Mississippi, at present, a trial about tobacco is happening, with millions upon millions of dollars being embezzled by some means or other being the reason.
Something Very Fishy
However, throughout the trial, something very odd, even bizarre happens. The majority of the jury is acting in a fashion wholly unexplainable, with at least a single juror being sure that he’s watched continually and followed, as well.
Before long, they need to be isolated for the livelihood of them all, but that doesn’t change the fact that the jury is either being controlled, manipulated, or threatened in some way. But, why? Out of all Grisham’s novels, this is one of the best John Grisham books ever.
The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker is a standalone novel from Grisham. If one were to rank Grisham’s books best to worst, there would scarcely be a best category without The Rainmaker. It is very much one of the best John Grisham books and one of the best John Grisham novels.
The Rainmaker sees a fairly young man as he is fresh out of law school. Even though the young man is very much a novice with regards to his age and time on the so-called field, he still finds himself at odds with one of the most relentless, most powerful, and most morally corrupt companies in all of the States. He is making plain a very complicated insurance scheme that implicates some few billion dollars, in total.
Bit of Digging
Rudy Baylor, the young man, while finishing his last law school semester, needs to give out free legal advice to a certain group of senior citizens, which is where he meets Dot and Buddy Black. The son of Dot and Buddy, Donny Ray, is afflicted with leukemia, but their insurance company denied any of their pleas for paying the medical bills.
Rudy was initially reticent on the topic, but when he takes a deeper look, it becomes manifest that something very shady is going on here. One of John Grisham’s best novels.
Camino Island Series
Recent series.
The Camino Island series by Grisham is one of the best Grisham book series ever. Out of all Grisham’s books series, it is Camino Island that we seem to enjoy the most. The series is home to some of the latest John Grisham books, with the list of Grisham books in chronological order going as follows:
- Camino Island
- Camino Winds
Keeping the Books
A group of thieving personas make plans for a daunting heist to secure a vault located below the Firestone Library of Princeton University. What they acquire is invaluable, though Princeton has insured it for a quarter of a hundred million dollars.
Bruce Cable, a bookstore owner in Santa Rosa on Camino Island, Florida, looks to be an unsuspecting man. Most of the money that Bruce makes has to do with rare books, but the real money comes from the stolen books.
An Opportunity
Mercer Mann, on the other hand, is a fairly young writer having a tough time with the greatest enemy to all novelists – writer’s block. Mercer Mann only recently lost his job as a teacher, but when he has his acquaintance made by an attractive, yet ominous lady, he knows that something weird is going to happen.
He is made an offer that he can’t refuse to be their undercover informant and get inside of Cable’s close circle so that they can finally arrest him and them all. Some of the best novels by Grisham can be found right here. Some of Grisham’s upcoming books are sure to come here.
The Chamber
Allegiance and morality.
The Chamber is not just another one of the books written by John Grisham, nor is it just another entry on the list of John Grisham novels, but a very entertaining, fascinating tale that we love. The Chamber was published in the year of 1994, spanning north of six hundred pages, in total.
In one of the greatest law firms in all of Chicago, Illinois, a twenty-odd-year-old young man named Adam Hall has the chance to leap a fantastic career in the legal sphere. However, his moral compass will not let him just let go of a death-row inmate that has been sentenced and convicted for murder; it’s a case truly impossible, but he can’t let it go.
Keeping the Family Safe
Sam Cayhall is an ex-Ku Klux Klansman and a racist with a vigorous hatred, who is on death row for the fatal bombing that he perpetrated in the year of 1967. There is nothing left in his life to cling to, nothing except a young Chicago lawyer, his grandson.
Adam Hall has only a few days to make the case, bring the evidence, and have the death sentence overthrown before it is all too late, but does he have enough time to save his granddad’s life? A shining example of the kinds of novels that we love to have on our Grisham best book reviews.
The Partner
Even though The Partner is not one of the new John Grisham novels, it is one of his books ranked as the best. The Partner was published in the year of 1997, spanning a bit more than four hundred pages.
Danilo Silva had been followed continuously for several days before he was finally taken. Danilo lived a lonesome, quiet, even timid life on a street in Brazil. He was a plain man, living a plain life, with no evidence that he had anything to do with the sizable fortune he was supposed to have stolen.
In fact, he was even skinnier, with a changed face, with a different language that he spoke, too. This is a book that belongs in Grisham’s rogue lawyer series, though it isn’t a formal series.
Out of the Tomb
Four years in the past, Danilo Silva had been known as Patrick Lanigan, a partner in a notable Biloxi law firm. He had a great life with a beautiful wife, a young daughter, and a future that was more than just promising.
Then, he found himself trapped in a car ablaze and supposedly died a fiery death. The casket contained only his ashes. Not too far away, though, Patrick watched upon his funeral, just before he left. Not too long after, money was taken from the offshore account of the law firm.
The Testament
The Testament is one of the finest works of Grisham, without even a shadow of a doubt. A list of John Grisham’s books would be sorely incomplete without mentioning The Testament to some degree. The Testament is a book that we would perhaps even call one of the best Grisham young adult books. It was published in 1999.
In an office in Virginia, there is a wealthy, though furious old curmudgeon that is angrily making changes to his last will. Troy Phelan is aware that his time is almost over, just a couple of hours away, so he wants to send a final message to all of his children, all of his former spouses, and even all of his cronies, one that will make necessary a horrible legal fight and change many lives in the process.
Not So Simple
The heir of Troy Phelan’s multibillion-dollar fortune is none other than Rachel Lane, a missionary residing in the Brazilian jungles. Just as easily, the lawyers take the stage. Nate O’Riley is a man just out of rehabilitation, who was handpicked for the job – locate Rachel Lane in record time.
While the family and supposed friends of Troy battle out with themselves, Nate O’Riley makes his way towards Brazil to find Rachel and inform her of her inheritance, but can it be so simple? A perfect pick for Grisham’s books for young readers, though not excessively young, of course.
The Street Lawyer
Successful man.
The Street Lawyer is a fantastic book among our picks for the best John Grisham book reviews and one that we cannot recommend enough. The Street Lawyer is one of the best John Grisham books out there and it was published in the year of 1998, with a page count nearing four hundred. Michael was a man that needed to be at a certain place in the shortest amount of time.
He was going up the Drake & Sweeney ladder, a sizable law firm in Washington with some eight-hundred lawyers in total. Michael was enjoying the salary and he knew that becoming a partner was just a matter of time. There was just no time, no resource, nothing to waste because he was a man with a plan, a plan that couldn’t be changed in any way.
Ebb and Flow
However, having a violent interaction with a vagrant somehow changed something in Michael. He survived, though the attacker wasn’t so lucky. After the event had ended, Michael went and searched for the identity of the man, finding out that he’d been a war veteran with a mental illness, one that had frequented several different shelters.
In fact, he’d even been connected to Drake & Sweeney in a certain capacity. Just like that, Michael decided to do something big, though undeniably rash. Having John Grisham’s books listed in order from the greatest to the less so would be lacking without this title.
The Racketeer
The just get killed.
The Racketeer is one of the most recent Grisham books, having been published in the year of 2012. The Racketeer is a very satisfying novel and one that we enjoyed immensely. We believe that it firmly belongs to Grisham’s top novels. Being one of the new books by John Grisham, The Racketeer showcases a somewhat different side to the terrific author.
With how often judges are thought of as being the final nail in the coffin for certain criminals, it is odd to find out that they are viewed as the object of revenge quite seldom. In all of history, only some four judges have been killed in the US, but number five has just struck. The racketeer is none other than Malcolm Bannister, an ex-attorney.
A Little Secret
As far as people can tell, Bannister’s situation isn’t anything worthy of note, but he has a trick he’s been holding off on using. Bannister knows who exactly took Judge Fawcett’s life and why.
The judge had been found killed in a somewhat secluded lakeside cabin with his secretary by his side, and with no traces as to the killer. There was a safe, an allegedly exceptionally secure one, that was as void as the killer’s heart surely was. Belongs among John Grisham’s novels in order of best to worst, namely among the former.
Theodore Boone Series
Famous series.
Theodore Boone series is certainly one of the best John Grisham series of all time, so let’s take a look at Grisham’s Theodore Boone series in order:
- Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
- The Abduction
- The Accused
- The Activist
- The Fugitive
- The Scandal
- The Accomplice
With Grisham’s Theodore Boone series order duly noted, we feel it is imperative to mention that the series is also at times referred to as Grisham’s Kid Lawyer series, Grisham’s Youth series, and Grisham’s The Fugitive series because of the books’ titles.
Strattenburg, a small city, is a place where there are many lawyers and while Theodore Boone is merely thirteen, he thinks of himself as being a lawyer. His life’s dream is to be a brilliant trial lawyer.
A Little Too Soon
Theodore gets the trial part sooner than he anticipated as he is thrown in the midst of a murder trial, one upon which sensationalism has thrown its reins. There is a murderer set to be let onto the streets, but Theodore knows something no one else does. All of Grisham’s Theodore Boone books receive our nod of recommendation. The series also has some of the newest John Grisham books.
The Last Juror
The ford county times.
The Last Juror is by no means one of the recent John Grisham books, nor is it one of the oldest – it is right in the middle, which has been perhaps the most fruitful period of Grisham’s career. The Last Juror can also be viewed as one of Grisham’s teen books, though it is case sensitive. We view the 2004 novel as one of the best Grisham books. In the year of 1970, The Ford County Times – which is also present in Grisham’s Ford County series of shorter stories – sadly bankrupted.
Willie Traynor
The new owner of the newspaper was now a twenty-three-year-old dropout named Willie Traynor. The paper’s prospect was not looking good, but then a woman was gruesomely raped and killed by a Padgitt family member, which Willie Traynor reported in truly vivid and brutal details. The newspaper began growing from then on.
The Comeback
The killer, a man named Danny Padgitt, went to a trial in Clanton, Mississippi, with it coming to a frightening, dramatic end – the accused threatened all those that sentenced him away to a lifetime in prison.
Nonetheless, nine years later, Danny managed to get out on parole, and he has found his way back to Ford County. Any list of John Grisham’s novels ranked would be missing out on a lot if it didn’t have this title among its entries.
The Brethren
Worth a read.
The Brethren is a novel that if we were looking at Grisham’s books in order of publication, it’d be in the middle. The Brethren is a fantastic story that we find ourselves re-reading from time to time. The Brethren was published in the year of 2000.
Many Walks of Life
Trumble is a federal prison known for being minimum-security. It is a sort of home for the most common, most innocuous criminals that walk the streets, from dealers of drugs, to embezzlement and swindling enthusiasts, from tax fund evaders, to Wall Street sharks, an odd doctor, and a few attorneys.
All in all, what’s only missing from the Trumble structure are three judges that are known as the brethren. Each day, the three meet at the law library at Trumble, where they help out their coevals and fellow inmates.
A Little Mistake
Unbeknownst to the others, the Texas, California, and Mississippi judges are trying to work out the odds and ends of a mail scam, one that is finally starting to rake in the cash. However, all of a sudden, something goes wrong, with the wrong man being charged, a man that holds far more power than each of them, and just like that their time might be over.
If one were taking a look at Grisham’s books in chronological order, not just those of the individual series, but overall, one would surely see that The Broker is one of the most important books in the author’s oeuvre. The Broker was published in the year of 2005, spanning a bit over four-hundred pages.
In the last couple of hours that the leaving President spent in the Oval Office, he did something quite unbelievable – he granted Joel Blackman a pardon. Joel Blackman was an infamous Washington broker that had been in a federal penitentiary for the past six years. The president had been pressured by the Central Intelligence Agency for some time because they know that Blackman might have some information that they dearly need.
Just Wait and See
Thus, Joel Blackman gets let out from the penitentiary, out of the country. He gets on a military cargo airplane, is granted a brand-new name, a brand-new identity, and a brand-new home in Italy, of all places.
The CIA has a plan to let Blackman settle in his new home, then leak the information about his location, to see who it is that will try and kill him first – the Saudis, the Chinese, the Israelis, the Russians, or someone else, altogether?
A Painted House
Story close to the heart.
A Painted House is a terrific choice for being one of the best John Grisham novels for kids. Out of all Grisham’s children’s books, we are fond of this one the most. It is of course an acquired taste in regards to children, but A Painted House is a book we love. A Painted House was published in 2001.
The Mexican people and the hill people came on the very same day. It was a September day, back in 1952, namely a Wednesday. The Dodgers were five games ahead of the Cardinals, so with only a little while left to go in the season, it was looking bleak for the Cardinals. The cotton that was present on the waist of the protagonist’s father, a vivid picture that he could never forget about.
Autobiography
Just like that, started this tale of Grisham’s, a story about Luke Chandler, a seven-year-old living in the cotton fields with his father, mother, and grandpa, in a home that had never before been painted.
Being one of John Grisham’s kids’ books, this novel borders on the brink of being one of John Grisham’s non-fiction books as it is so autobiographical, though with a little leisure taken. This is a wonderful book that we cannot recommend enough, especially as one of Grisham’s books for kids.
Gray Mountain
Samantha kofer.
Gray Mountain is one of the best John Grisham books out there and there can be no debate about this, at all. Gray Mountain was published in the year of 2014, spanning a little under four hundred pages. Gray Mountain would find itself among the top few if we were putting Grisham’s books in order.
The events of the novel start in the year of 2008. Samantha Kofer has a career and a future at a large Wall Street law firm and everything is going fine and dandy. Then, the economic recession’s effects are felt and Kofer’s furloughed and escorted off of the premises. However, she is one of the so-called luckier associates, as she gets an offer to work for a legal aid clinic, unpaid for a year, with the slightest of chance of getting her former job once more.
Better Than Nothing
In a span of a few days, Samantha finds herself relocating from Manhattan to Brady, Virginia, a small town of 2,200. The Appalachian town is a part of the world she’d only read of. It’s here that she joins the legal aid clinic, led by Mattie Wyatt.
It’s here that Samantha prepares a lawsuit, has her first interaction with a judge, gets threats, sees the courtroom setting, and the like. All experience is good experience, but with how murky the Brady waters are, Samantha ought to be on her guard.
The Confession
Travis boyette.
The Confessions is a standalone novel, one that we would never be caught not mentioning on Grisham’s books in order written by yours truly. The Confession was published in the year of 2010, spanning around four hundred and twenty or so pages, in total.
In the year of 1998, in the Texas city of Sloan, Travis Boyette was a young man that kidnapped, sexually assaulted and abused, and killed by means of asphyxiation a very well-known and beloved cheerleader for the local high school. Travis buried the corpse in a place that it could never be found and enjoyed himself while the police force made an arrest of Donte Drumm, a football star, and put him on death row.
For a different crime, Travis was sent to a Kansas prison, but he was recently paroled, nine years after the gruesome events that took the young girl’s life. Donte Drumm is set to be killed in just a couple of days, while Travis has a brain tumor that cannot be taken out, so he decides to confess the crime that he committed so long ago.
However, who is going to believe him now, after so many years, after so much pain, after so much anguish? The Whistler is one novel we recommend picking up as soon as possible.
Robert Hazley
Robert is a science fiction and fantasy geek. (He is also the best looking Ereads writer!) Besides reading and writing, he enjoys sports, cosplay, and good food (don't we all?). Currently works as an accountant (would you believe that?)
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The Best John Grisham Books of All Time
List of the best John Grisham books, ranked by voracious readers in the Ranker community. A former lawyer turned author, Grisham sold over 60 million books in the 90's. This made him not only the bestselling author of that decade, but one of the most loved as well. With commercial success and critical acclaim, there's no doubt that Grisham is one of the most popular authors of the last 50 years. If you're a fan of his work, then vote on the best John Grisham books below and make your opinion count.
This poll is also a great resource for new fans who want to know which John Grisham novels they should start reading first. With memorable characters and excellent storytelling, there's no reason why you shouldn't check out this list of John Grisham books if you're a big reader. Grisham books here include everything from The Firm to A Time to Kill . What are the best John Grisham novels of all time? Vote on this list and help us definitively answer that question.
The Firm is a novel by John Grisham. It follows recent Harvard Law School graduate Mitch McDeere as he takes a job at a Memphis-based law firm that offers him a hefty salary. Soon enough, Mitch realized that his new collegues may be more interested in skirting the law rather than upholding it. This places him in a precarious situation where his career, and his life, are on the line.
- First Published : 1991
- Author : John Grisham
- Subjects : Espionage, Literature, Classics, Adventure, United States of America
- Genres (Book) : Suspense, Mystery, Fiction
- Original Language : English Language
A Time to Kill
A Time to Kill is a novel by John Grisham. When an African-American girl is raped and beaten by a pair of white supremacists, her father, Carl Lee, takes justice into his own hands. His young, Caucasian lawyer, Jake Brigance, does everything in his power to get Carl Lee out from behind bars despite threats being made to his own life, career, and family.
- First Published : 1989
- Subjects : Mississippi, Literature, Classics, Adventure, Murder
The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker is a novel by John Grisham. Rudy Baylor is a budding lawyer who takes a job with a ruthless ambulance chaser because he doesn't have any better options for employment. He is expected to sign his own clients and agrees to take the case of the Black Family who are suing an insurance company that would not approve their son's cancer treatment. The case becomes a true David versus Goliath story when it goes to trial.
- First Published : 1995
- Genres (Book) : Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Novel
The Pelican Brief
- First Published : 1992
- Genres (Book) : Fiction, Novel
The Partner
The Patner is a novel by John Grisham. Patrick Lanigan is back to face the consequences of his decision to fraud a fraudster. He vows to do what every it takes to protect the people he cares for, especially the woman he loves.
- First Published : 1997
- Subjects : Literature, Classics, Adventure, Brazil, Legal
The Runaway Jury
- First Published : 1996
- Subjects : Literary, Literature, Classics, Adventure, Trial
The Complete John Grisham Book List
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- B.A., English, Duke University
John Grisham is a master of legal thrillers. His novels have captured the attention of millions of readers, from adults to teens. Over three decades, he has written nearly one book per year, and a number of those have been adapted into popular movies.
From his debut novel " A Time to Kill " to the 2020 release of "A Time for Mercy," Grisham's books are nothing short of captivating. Over the years, he's branched out from legal stories as well. His complete list of published books includes stories about sports as well as non-fiction. It's a compelling body of literature.
Lawyer Turned Best-Selling Author
Grisham was working as a criminal defense attorney in Southaven, Mississippi when he wrote his first novel, "A Time to Kill." It is based on an actual court case that dealt with racial issues in the South. It enjoyed modest success.
He entered politics, serving in the state legislature on the Democratic ticket. Meanwhile, he began writing his second novel. It was not Grisham's intent to leave law and politics to become a published author, but the runaway success of his second endeavor, "The Firm," changed his mind.
Grisham quickly became a prolific, best-selling author. In addition to novels, he has published short stories, nonfiction, and young adult books.
Grisham Captures Mainstream Readers From 1989–2000
Few new writers have exploded onto the literary scene like John Grisham. " The Firm " became the top-selling book of 1991 and was on The New York Times Best Seller List for nearly 50 weeks. In 1993, it was made into a movie, the first of many to come based on Grisham's novels .
From "The Pelican Brief" through "The Brethren," Grisham continued to produce legal thrillers at the rate of about one per year. He tapped into his experience as a lawyer to create characters who faced moral dilemmas and dangerous situations.
During the first decade of his work, multiple novels were eventually made into major big-screen films. These include "Pelican Brief" in 1993, "The Client" in 1994, "A Time to Kill" in 1996, "The Chamber" in 1996, and "The Rainmaker" in 1997.
- 1989 - "A Time to Kill"
- 1991 - "The Firm"
- 1992 - "The Pelican Brief"
- 1993 - "The Client"
- 1994 - "The Chamber"
- 1995 - "The Rainmaker"
- 1996 - "The Runaway Jury"
- 1997 - "The Partner"
- 1998 - "The Street Lawyer"
- 1999 - "The Testament"
- 2000 - "The Brethren"
Grisham Branches Out From 2001–2010
As the best-selling author entered his second decade of writing, he stepped back from his legal thrillers to examine other genres.
"A Painted House" is a small-town mystery. "Skipping Christmas" is about a family that decides to skip Christmas. He also examined his interest in sports with "Bleachers," which tells the story of a high school football star returning to his hometown after his coach dies. The theme continued in "Playing for Pizza," a story about an American playing football in Italy.
In 2010, Grisham introduced himself to a younger audience with "Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer," written for middle school readers.
Also in this decade, Grisham released "Ford County," his first collection of short stories, and "The Innocent Man," his first nonfiction book; the latter is about an innocent man on death row. Not to turn his back on his dedicated fans, he rounded out this period with several legal thrillers as well.
- 2001 - "A Painted House"
- 2001 - "Skipping Christmas"
- 2002 - "The Summons"
- 2003 - "The King of Torts"
- 2003 - "Bleachers"
- 2004 - "The Last Juror"
- 2005 - "The Broker"
- 2006 - "The Innocent Man"
- 2007 - " Playing for Pizza"
- 2008 - "The Appeal"
- 2009 - "The Associate"
- 2009 - "Ford County" (short stories)
- 2010 - "Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer"
- 2010 - "The Confession"
2011 to Present: Grisham Revisits Past Successes
Following the success of the first "Theodore Boone" book, Grisham followed up with six more books, turning it into a popular series.
In "Sycamore Row," a sequel to "A Time to Kill," Grisham brought back protagonist Jake Brigance and key supporting characters Lucien Wilbanks and Harry Rex Vonner. He continued his policy of writing one legal thriller every year and threw in a couple of short stories and a baseball novel called "Calico Joe" for good measure.
Grisham's 30th book was released in 2017, titled "Camino Island." Another intriguing crime novel, the story centers around stolen F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts. Between a young, enthusiastic writer; the FBI; and a secret agency, the investigation tries to track down these handwritten documents on the black market.
Following this came "The Rooster Bar," which follows three law students who suspect that their school is not what it claims to be. "The Recoking" is the story of a war hero who commits a surprising crime. Finally, "A Time for Mercy" brings readers back to Mississippi for another sequel to the well-loved "A Time to Kill."
- 2011 - "Theodore Boone: The Abduction"
- 2011 - "The Litigators"
- 2012 - "Theodore Boone: The Accused"
- 2012 - "Calico Joe"
- 2012 - "The Racketeer"
- 2013 - "Theodore Boone: The Activist"
- 2013 - " Sycamore Row"
- 2014 - "Gray Mountain"
- 2015 - "Theodore Boone: The Fugitive"
- 2015 - "Rogue Lawyer"
- 2016 - "Partners" (a "Rogue Lawyer" short story)
- 2016 - "Theodore Boone: The Scandal"
- 2016 - "Witness to a Trial" (a digital short story)
- 2016 - "The Whistler"
- 2017 - "Camino Island"
- 2017 - "The Rooster Bar"
- 2018 - "The Reckoning"
- 2019 - "The Guardians"
- 2019 - "Theodore Boone: The Accomplice"
- 2020 - "Camino Winds"
- 2020 - "A Time for Mercy"
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10 Best John Grisham Books And Books In Order [2022]
Before he was known as the master of legal thrillers, John Grisham was working as a criminal defense attorney. He wrote his first book, “A Time to Kill,” inspired by an actual court case. His second novel , “The Firm,” propelled him into the spotlight and made Grisham consider a career as a writer.
John Grisham has written over 40 books, including short stories, fiction, thrillers, and young adult books. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find the best John Grisham books.
The guide below will make this task easier for you. Check it out!
Top 10 John Grisham Books Comparison Table
John grisham’s new book in 2021, sooley: a novel (2021).
* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sooley: A Novel is a heroic tale of the NBA-bound athlete, Samuel Sooleymon. This novel tells stories about his struggles with poverty and war as he strives for a better life. The story dives deep on hardships that most Americans will never experience, but each person can relate to being someone who seeks happiness and success in their own unique way.
People of all ages are encouraged to read John Grisham’s Sooley: A Novel!
The Judge’s List: A Novel (2021)
“The Judge’s List: A Novel” is Grisham’s the latest upcoming book in 2021, which is the third book of The Whistler Series.
As an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, Lacy Stoltz sees plenty of corruption among the men and women elected to the bench. In THE WHISTLER, she took on a crime syndicate that was paying millions to a crooked judge. Now, in THE JUDGE’S LIST, the crimes are even worse. The man hiding behind the black robe is not taking bribes—but he may be taking lives.
Things to Consider When Looking for John Grisham Books
John Grisham is one of the most prolific authors in American literature. Here’s what to keep in mind when looking for a book written by him:
- Decide What You Want to Read – Although John Grisham is best known for his legal thrillers, his work includes several different genres:
- Legal Thrillers – Inspired by real court cases, John Grisham began writing by tapping into what he knew. His characters are always in the middle of moral dilemmas and intriguing situations that will leave the reader wanting more.
- Mystery – After 2001, Grisham diversified his style and began taken an interest in mysteries. Fortunately, this change only intrigued his loyal readers and novels such as “A Painted House,” “Bleachers” or “Skipping Christmas” were received with enthusiasm.
- Series – If you like to delve into lengthy, complex stories, then you should check out the Theodore Boone series.
- Short Stories – If you don’t have that much time for reading, Grisham’s short stories allow you to get a taste of his style.
How to Find the Right John Grisham Book for You
We’ve talked about the different types of John Grisham books you can read. Here are other factors you should consider to ensure that you’ll purchase only the best John Grisham books.
- Find the Right Format – It might seem like a trivial matter, but the right format can make a world of difference. Sure, the price of the novel will differ, but consider the benefits of each format and choose one that will meet your needs best and enhance your reading experience. An eBook might be an excellent solution, especially since you’ll probably fall in love with Grisham’s books and you’d want to purchase more of them. Paperback or hardcover will be ideal if you enjoy the smell of printed paper and the feeling of the weight of your favorite novel in your hands.
- The Reading Order – Grisham’s writing style of pretty stable, so it doesn’t really matter if you begin with his first book or his last one. In fact, if you were to read one of his most successful novels, “The Firm” (1991) and his latest work, “The Whistler” (2016), the only major difference you will notice is the technology the characters are using.
Top 10 Best John Grisham Books Reviews
1. a time to kill: a novel.
“A Time to Kill” is the overall highest rated John Grisham book.
Written in 1989, A Time to Kill is John’s Grisham debut novel. This book combines taking justice into your hands and getting away with it, all in the name of defending a young girl’s honor by a grieving father.
It describes the tumult of emotions that a father goes through when he has to face his worst fears come true. After his daughter is raped and murdered, the man decides to take justice into his hands and shoot the criminals right on the stairs of the courthouse.
The case gets a lot of attention, especially when the defense attorney, Jake, gets caught up in the middle of events and ends up risking his and his family’s life to prove to a jury that the father is, in fact, innocent.
A captivating and emotional story that will keep you up at night, wondering what’s going to happen next, “A Time to Kill” is one of the best John Grisham books.
2. Sycamore Row: A Novel
Written many years after “A Time to Kill ,” “Sycamore Row” will take you back to a time where racial tension still existed. One of the most adored characters of John Grisham, Jake, the lawyer, makes a comeback in this riveting novel that will make you remember why you fell in love with him in the first place.
Jake finds himself caught up in a controversial trial that starts when Hubbard, a man with terminal lung cancer, ends his life by hanging himself from a tree. Although the investigators find a handwritten will, this document only manages to twist everything up and raise even more questions regarding the people left behind.
The fact that Hubbard left his fortune to his black maid makes everyone suspicious. Had the painkillers affected his ability to think clearly? Did the maid have anything to do with it? Once again, Jake has to solve this complicated case.
If you are looking for a powerful story with well-rounded characters and a plot twist at every turn of the page, then look no further than “Sycamore Row.”
3. The Litigators: A Novel
Few intrigues are more interesting than a chase for easy money. “The Litigators” doesn’t disappoint. When a desperate and unemployed man gets a chance to become rich through a lawsuit that could bring him potential tremendous financial benefits, he doesn’t think twice and jumps at the chance.
Just like the rest of John Grisham’s novels, “The Litigators” isn’t what it seems, and things get more complicated by the page. Millions of readers have devoured the story of David Zinc and the repercussions and thrills of getting in the middle of a $25 billion class-action suit.
Powerful, captivating, and full of suspense , this book is a must-read for every legal thriller fan.
4. The Partner: A Novel
The Partner is a story about one man’s extraordinary journey in pursuit of truth and justice. With his trademark suspense, intrigue, and narrative flair, author John Grisham delivers another entertaining masterpiece to keep readers guessing to the very end. In this new novel, the legendary author paints a portrait of a man too smart for his own good; too dedicated for success; someone who always sought the power that money can buy.
5. Skipping Christmas: A Novel
Welcome to Luther Krank and Nora’s home: they are two lovebirds who have decided that this Christmas season they will skip all of the presents, traditions, parties, but most importantly the holidays. Their neighbors are upset so in an attempt to make it up to them, or at least their Christmas Eve party he has invited his entire office building. Come join in a night with food and drinks as you sit next to co-workers waiting for Santa Claus!
John Grisham says he created this book to show how much we need the holidays. With its strong message of spending time with loved ones in light of what is really important, Skipping Christmas has been wonderfully received by readers from around the world.
6. The Racketeer: A Novel
It’s an epic tale of crime and punishment about a man gone rogue inside the halls of justice. Once lawman extraordinaire U.S. attorney Malcolm Bannister saw his own office turn on him for crimes he knew nothing about—but now the threatened ruin of this one-time hero seems more than personal: it’s blackmail from thugs who seem able to do anything they want anytime they want to anyone they please if they can get away with it. So there’s only one course left for Malcolm and that’s revenge…
Grisham weaves together an intricate story that is intriguing and riveting from beginning to end. Like any good mystery though, it takes more than just stellar writing to keep readers engaged in a book until the crescendo at the end–it has to be something they care about passionately as well. Nobody does passion better than Mr. Grisham! And while I can’t divulge too many details here without spoiling some of the twists and turns, you’ll experience reading this book for yourself.
7. The Whistler: A Novel
The Whistler is an incredibly witty and engaging book for people who love to read. John Grisham’s novel succeeds in maintaining suspense throughout its entire duration.
This compelling story introduces an absorbing character, a smart woman who finds herself in the middle of one of America’s greatest legal dramas through circumstances.
The corruption case that crosses Lacy’s desk soon becomes more fascinating than anticipated, where there’s deep, dark history of corruption linked to a Judge she once knew very well who escapes prosecution due to an expired statute of limitations. As if her own private world wasn’t complicated enough- with two kids, aging parents, and hearing voices from patients, law practice, among others- she has to balance it out with chasing a crook!
8. Calico Joe: A Novel
One of the most anticipated books of the summer, John Grisham’s “Calico Joe,” begins on Opening Day in 1973. There’s a rookie sensation who has captured baseball fans across America–a young man so talented that he could become one of the game’s all-time greats, and just maybe force America to reconsider its love affair with baseball: Calico Joe.
With unerring skill and a natural flair for storytelling, Grisham captures both time and place as no other writer ever has about an American pastime.
It will be a fantastic read for fans of baseball with struggles and characters with personalities.
9. Rogue Lawyer: A Novel
Rogue Lawyer: A Novel is a page-turner from John Grisham. Sebastian Rudd defends people who are unpopular in society such as drug addicts and criminals on death row but is not afraid to take on controversial cases that affect all of us.
The book also focuses on socioeconomics and politics in the U.S., discussing topics like immigration reform, prison overcrowding, charter schools, fracking for oil and gas extraction, healthcare legislation costs.
10. Gray Mountain: A Novel
John Grisham is back with another nail-biter set in the rural Appalachian terrain of West Virginia’s coal country. Samantha, a big-city lawyer, moves to Brady after being recruited as legal counsel for a mining company.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Appalachia coal country, where communities are bitterly divided, and laws are often broken, Samantha soon finds herself engulfed in litigation that turns deadly—brutally exposing local secrets while fighting her own personal demons. In this dramatic new novel from John Grisham, powerful forces collide, testing family ties and pulling you into an unforgettable story of betrayal and justice.
John Grisham Books In Order
1. jake brigance series (3 books), #1 a time to kill (1989, book 1).
A Time To Kill is a one-part legal mystery, one-part social commentary on racial violence against African-Americans. During Christmas break (1989), the book takes place when a black father’s daughter has been brutally raped and assaulted by two white men who have gone unpunished due to technicalities present in the court system. Therefore, the father takes matters into his own hands.
Jake Brigance is a white attorney who takes the case of this black farmer, Carl Lee Hailey, and tries to save his life from the electric chair when he kills these two white men. Brigance takes on this case to make him popular and death threaten too.
A riveting novel that discusses both racism within America’s culture and our judicial system through intersecting legal cases, John Grisham’s “A Time to Kill” will keep readers hooked thanks to the memorable and realistic characters.
John Grisham depicts this horrifically racist society brilliantly through descriptive words that make me feel as though I’m there with the characters. He tells a gripping, page-turning story that leaves you gripped and spellbound, never wanting to put this book down (and not even for food). You’ll be left emotional by the end of it and desperate for more brilliant stories from John Grisham!
#2 Sycamore Row (2013, book 2)
After reading Sycamore Row, I can say without hesitation that it is the best book John Grisham has ever written. In this sequel to his first legal thriller A Time To Kill (which was also fantastic), Grisham takes us back to Ford County where we meet up with old friends and are introduced to some new ones.
The characters in this story are so real they could be your next-door neighbors or co-workers! From Seth Hubbard, who left everything he owned in his will to his maid, Letitia, after being diagnosed with cancer, even though she had been with him for merely a short time. To the daughters of Hubbard who couldn’t wait to get their hands on everything that he had left them.
John Grisham does a wonderful job writing about the characters in this book. You feel like you know each and every one of them personally by the time you reach the end of the book!
I highly recommend Sycamore Row to anyone who enjoys reading books that make you think. If you are looking for something to do on your summer vacation, make sure to set aside some time and get yourself lost in John Grisham’s latest novel Sycamore Row. I promise that you will not be disappointed!
#3 A Time for Mercy (2020, book 3)
John Grisham is one of the most popular authors globally, and his book, A Time for Mercy, does not disappoint. It is full of intrigue and suspense, as well as a whole host of characters that you will find yourself invested in.
The main character is Jake Brigance, who finds himself representing a 14-year-old boy on trial for murder. Jake is not sure that Drew committed the crime, but he decides to defend him out of a sense of obligation.
Crucially, though, many other plots are going on at once, which means that you are never bored reading this book. The two other most important plots revolve around Drew’s family life and those concerning Jake’s wife. Again, it is hard to be bored because the tension in those areas of the book makes reading it a real page-turner.
Another reason this book is so good is that there are no lengthy or difficult descriptions. Grisham doesn’t like to drag things out and has perfected his writing style, which means you don’t have time to get tired while reading it. This novel moves along at a breakneck pace and never lets up until the last page.
John Grisham on his new sequel to 1989’s “A Time to Kill”: A Time for Mercy
2. Theodore Boone Series (7 books)
John Grisham is widely known for his legal thrillers, but he also writes children’s books. One of the most well-known among these is Theodore Boone. He is a 13-year-old boy who has found himself embroiled in the world of crime and mystery, thanks to having parents who are lawyers. We’re not sure what Theo’s future holds, but we know it will be exciting!
Some people have called Theodore Boone the “Junior Atticus Finch.” Find out more about this character by reading through the Theodore Boone article provided for further information.
#1 Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer (2010, book 1 of 7)
“Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer” is a story of a thirteen-year-old boy Theo who has always dreamed of being a trial lawyer. He knows every judge, policeman, court clerk, and a lot about the law.
But when he starts getting dragged into the middle of sensational murder trial which happens to be his first case, a trial is set up to see if the murderer gets off or not, he realizes that it is not as easy as it seems.
This book had me hooked on from the start. The tone was witty and suspenseful and made me want to keep turning the pages to see how Theo solved his case. John Grisham’s writing style is eloquent yet simple, making it so easy for readers to understand.
The first book in this series was written by John Grisham and it would be great for anybody who likes murder mysteries. I would recommend this book for people of all ages who is interested in murder mysteries, lawyers, and the courtroom. Because even though it’s about lawyers, it is also about a thirteen-year-old boy and I feel like kids would enjoy this book as much as adults.
#2 Theodore Boone: The Abduction (2011, book 2 of 7)
John Grisham is well known for his legal thrillers and Theodore Boone: The Abduction is no exception. If you’re a fan of John Grisham, this book will not disappoint you. With this book being a mystery story with an ongoing plot about April’s disappearance, it makes readers want to continue reading.
Theodore Boone is a thirteen-year-old boy who is passionate about law. He is the protagonist of this book. Theodore finds himself in the middle of an abduction case, when April, his classmate, and friend, disappears on their way to school.
At first, he believes it was just their crazy cousin Jack Leeper who kidnapped her. He is seen around town and eventually caught. Then a body emerged from the river, and there were no fingers or teeth marks on it.
Theo suspects that April might be with her dad touring fraternities for their new band. When Theo’s parents are away at a lawyers’ conference, he goes to stay with the Whipple family as his temporary guardian. Theo has to find out where April might be…
If you like John Grisham or are looking for a good read for a child or teen, you should read Theodore Boone: The Abduction. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and will keep you guessing until the very end.
#3 Theodore Boone: The Accused (2012, book 3 of 7)
#4 Theodore Boone: The Activist (2013, book 4 of 7)
#5 Theodore Boone: The Fugitive (2015, book 5 of 7)
#6 Theodore Boone: The Scandal (2016, book 6 of 7)
#7 Theodore Boone: The Accomplice (2019, book 7 of 7)
3. The Whistler Series (3 books)
The Whistler is a legal thriller by John Grisham that explores the intersection of Native American gaming, corruption, and murder.
The plot centers on the problems involved in building casinos for tribes while also highlighting how much exploitation they have experienced over time which makes them vulnerable to corrupt people looking to make money at any cost.
#1 Witness to a Trial (2016, 37 pages short story, book 1)
#2 The Whistler (2016, book 2)
#3 The Judge’s List (Coming soon: Oct 19, 2021, book3)
John Grisham on “The Whistler,” casinos and corruption
4. Camino Island Series (2 books)
The novel starts off on a small island in Florida, where Bruce Cable owns a bookstore. Bruce is not just an ordinary person, however; he also deals in rare books and other means of corruption. Mercer Mann was just recently laid off from her teaching position and agrees to infiltrate Cable’s circle of literary friends for an unknown company so she can get close enough to learn more about him and find out his secrets. As Mercer learns more, there becomes trouble in paradise and John Grisham delivers with the storyline for this novel.
John Grisham’s Camino Island is a suspenseful novel that will keep readers on their toes throughout the entire book. Anyone who is looking for an engaging read should give John Grisham’s Camino Island a shot!
John Grisham talks new book “Camino Island” and writing tips
#1 Camino Island (2017, book 1)
#2 Camino Winds (2020, book2)
5. Rogue Lawyer Series (2 books)
John Grisham’s Rogue Lawyer Series is about Sebastian Rudd who has no law firm and only one employee, his driver. His ex-wife left him for another woman while they were married; he gets to see his son 36 hours per month but the visits are going to end soon.
He defends people other lawyers won’t go near: drug-addled kids in satanic cults, vicious crime lords on death row who escape before their sentence can be carried out by Rudd himself after witnessing it firsthand, and an MMA fighter involved with human trafficking that killed a referee when losing a fight which led the police department looking into her missing daughter too
He also takes cases like defending homeowners arrested for shooting at SWAT teams mistakenly invading houses or standing up against corrupt police officers.
Sebastian Rudd will always defend those who are wrongly accused of crimes or can’t afford a good lawyer to help them in actual court but he is also willing to kill anyone that gets in his way even if it’s someone in law enforcement.
He continues to fight for the innocent and get what little justice they deserve from the courts despite the risks he takes doing so while trying to bring down all criminals and corrupt cops on both sides of the law.
#1 Rogue Lawyer (2015)
Sebastian Rudd deals with very dangerous cases which should be left up to only people willing to risk their own lives by defying gang members, breaking laws like illegally entering secured homes, fighting against corrupt police officials, while protecting the innocent from being wrongly convicted of crimes.
#2 Partners (2016, 120 pages, standalone prequel to Rogue Lawyer)
6. Standalone Novels (29 books)
The firm (1991).
The Pelican Brief (1992)
The Client (1993)
The Chamber (1994)
The Rainmaker (1995)
The Runaway Jury (1996)
The Partner (1997)
The Street Lawyer (1998)
The Testament (1999)
The Brethren (2000)
A Painted House (2001)
Skipping Christmas (2001)
The Summons (2002)
The King of Torts (2003)
Bleachers (2003)
The Last Juror (2004)
The Broker (2005)
Playing for Pizza (2007)
The Appeal (2008)
The Associate (2009)
The Confession (2010)
The Litigators (2011)
Calico Joe (2012)
The Racketeer (2012)
Gray Mountain (2014)
The Rooster Bar (2017)
The Reckoning (2018)
John Grisham on the story that inspired “The Reckoning”
The Guardians (2019)
Sooley (2021)
7. short stories and novellas (5 books), casino (2011, 41 pages).
Fish Files (2011, 51 pages)
Quiet Haven (2011, 60 pages)
Ford County (2009, 308 pages, short story collection)
The Tumor (2016, 74 pages)
8. Non-Fiction (1 book)
The innocent man: murder and injustice in a small town (2006).
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Top 23 Best John Grisham Books 2023: Fiction, Non-fiction, Thriller, Crime, Law
Have you ever read A Time to Kill and become a legal thriller fan and on the lookout for the Best John Grisham Books to start with ? With this page, you’ll discover a curated collection of the top rated John Grisham books. Enjoy!
About John Grisham
John Grisham regarded as the King of Legal Thrillers was born in 1955 and is 65 years old in this calendar year 2023. John received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981 after graduating from Mississippi State University.
After practicing law for approximately a decade, John Grisham proceeded to launch his first novel A Time to Kill, in 1989. Incidentally, this novel was turned into a film in 1996.
Many high profile celebrities starred in this film, such as Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, and Matthew McConaughey. Another breakthrough was The Business, which was adapted into a film in 1993. Tom cruise.
In John Grisham’s novels, there is a good deal of autobiographical elements. He proceeds to speak about a seven-year-old farmer boy with dreams of being a baseball player. This was reasonably comparable to what John Grisham desired to attain in life for a child.
John has made many best selling books through time who has written books in crime fiction , Southern Gothic, and most notably, the legal crime thriller genres both non-fiction books and short stories.
If you don’t have much time to read, John Grisham’s short stories are a good way to get a feel for his writing style.
Best John Grisham Books Reading Order Of Their Publishing Date
Here is a list of best John Grisham books, ranked that Penn Book recommended reading:
A Time to Kill
John Grisham was inspired to pen A Time to Kill when he was a young lawyer, and he overheard a young woman give testimony in court.
His imagination took off out there, and the consequence was his very first book, about a young Black woman whose life is permanently changed by an act of violence committed against her young white guys. A Time to Kill is one of the best John Grisham novels .
The Firm is the second one on John Grisham books list and his first novel to be a bestseller. It prompted a film adaptation starring Tom Cruise and is probably Grisham’s best known novel.
It tells the story of a young law school graduate who becomes involved with the mafia after accepting an offer that appears to be too good to be true.
The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief is the next on John Grisham books list also it was initially published in 1993. The narrative within its pages is a cross between a political thriller and a legal thriller, and it is a novel that starts fast and never lets up until the conclusion.
The narrative begins with the assassinations of two Supreme Court Justices with a consummate professional assassin. Justice Rosenberg is murdered in his house, and Justice Jensen is murdered in a D.C gay movie theatre. And Darby Shaw, a Tulane University young law student, ends up in the midst of it.
The Chamber
The Chamber is a legal thriller (L.T) written books in 1994 and has been the fifth publication of John Grisham’s books. Though there was a controversy surrounding the release, with attorney and writer Polly Nelson suing John Grisham since she believed that the narrative too closely shadowed for her nonfiction book Defending The Devil, the situation was finally dismissed in 1997.
Despite this circumstance, this story is still a narrative that John Grisham fans adore and one that strengthens the concept of salvation. Sam Cayhall, a former Klansman and unrepentant racist currently facing the death penalty for a deadly bombing in 1967, is being held in the Mississippi State Prison’s Maximum Security Unit.
The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker is the sixth novel of John Grisham, which integrates a tiny bit of comedy into the narrative. A young attorney barely out of law school takes an insurance company to court.
The Rainmaker is an exceptional work by the author, combining comedy, law, hope, love, despair, and post college angst into a straightforward tale. It follows the life of a legal graduate with little experience, his attempts to obtain work, and his attempts to win a case against merciless lawyers working for an evil corporation.
The Runaway Jury
The Runaway Jury is just another John Grisham book that many men and women are commonly aware of and had a very favorite film made from it.
This publication was composed in 1996, and the movie made from it premiered in 2003. A landmark tobacco trial in Biloxi, Mississippi, with hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, begins ordinarily, then veers suddenly off course.
The Partner
Although many of John Grisham’s novels are both in the legal fiction and nonfiction genre, The Partner is unquestionably one using all the best endings.
It follows a Mississippi lawyer who fakes his death, steals $90 million, and flees into Brazil. But he was discovered four decades later and brought home, but not with no secrets and strategies for his own.
This publication is regarded among the most excellent John Grisham books on the market. With an extremely sensational narrative, it also includes a great deal of suspense, leaving the reader guessing from the start to the ending. It had been John’s eighth book and premiered in 1997.
The Street Lawyer
The narrative of a young, wealthy attorney that gives up the huge firm to assist those in need is a recurring motif in John Grisham’s works.
However, it’s best delivered at The Street Lawyer . It’s a legal thriller that begins with six lawyers from Drake & Sweeney, a D.C. law firm, being held hostage by Mister, a homeless man.
This is the first novel of several John Grisham books where he attempts to educate a message. However, it has been done somewhat more subtly and does not deter the narrative.
The Testament
Before the onset of the new age, John Grisham published another legal thriller in 1999. With clever plot twists and a surprising ending, it offers a dual story of a lawyer searching for a missionary in Brazil as a group of heirs disputes a will back home. Hence, he goes on experience in Latin America to Locate a woman being chased by a Lot of People.
A Painted House
Not many of John Grisham books are lawful dramas occasionally he writes mysteries set in the South. A Painted House is placed in the 1950s. It is roughly a seven-year-old Luke, whose existence is turned upside down when two types of migrant workers come to his family’s cotton plantation.
Skipping Christmas
John Grisham also sometimes stretches outside the mystery and thriller genres to compose funny books . His best known work beyond the puzzle genre is that the book Skipping Christmas , about a few that are fed up with all the stress and chaos of all that comes with observing Christmas so that they decide they will bypass it and go on a cruise instead.
The Summons
The Summons includes a straightforward scheme, but it will still keep you alert and turning pages long after you must have clicked on-off the lights.
It is the story of two sons and their estranged dad, whom they discover dead in his Mississippi house. That is recognizable John Grisham land a significant amount of money and many attorneys but when the formulation is not broken, why fix it?
The Last Juror
The Last Juror blends courtroom drama and small town lawyers with typical Southern Living and one man’s maturation into manhood in the 1970s. Amidst the chaos and chaos happening in America,” Willie Traynor is in a universe of his own. He is the owner of the sole paper in Ford County.
The Last Juror is perfect for people who love a small amount of dread mixed in the legal thrillers. You will always be wondering who’s next and how it’s going to occur. It is a fantastic page turner.
The Whistler
The Whistler is an eye opening book with plenty of turns and twists. We are supposed to expect a quote and their conclusions fully. But, the depiction of John Grisham of this judge in this publication makes you wonder.
Though not an angel Greg Myers, maybe not his actual name, decides to deliver the down corrupt judge.
Myers was disbarred earlier, and today is back with a brand new identity and name. Despite its eye popping plot twists, The Whistler lacks climax and suspense since the tale is told in a simple and highly dull manner until the conclusion.
The Guardians
John Grisham, a part of the Innocence Project board of directors, has analyzed wrongful convictions a couple of times, but it has delivered most enjoyably from The Guardians.
It is a page turner using an ideology that stays interesting throughout, and Cullen Post is among the writer’s more enjoyable protagonists. This is the best of John Grisham on Amazon. Quincy Miller
Rogue Lawyer
Sebastian Rudd, who is on the right side of the law — sort of — is not your usual street lawyer. His office is a bulletproof van that has been modified with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, and expensive leather chairs. He doesn’t have a firm, no partners, and only one employee: his heavily armed driver, who also serves as his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddie.
Sebastian carries a gun and drinks small-batch bourbon. He defends people other lawyers won’t touch: a drug-addled, tattooed teen suspected of being a member of a satanic cult; a ruthless crime lord on death row; and a homeowner arrested for firing at a SWAT squad that erroneously invaded his home.
What is the significance of these clients? Because Sebastian thinks that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, even if it means breaking the law.
The King of Torts ( K.O.T )
When Clay Carter reluctantly takes the case of a young man charged with a random street killing, he assumes it is just another of the many senseless murders that hit D.C. law firms each week.
Gray Mountain
The year is 2008, and Samantha Kofer’s profession at a massive Wall Street law firm is on the fast track until the recession hits and she gets downsized, furloughed, escorted from the building.
The Confession
A fascinating truth about Grisham is that he draws most of his inspiration from actual events, and this 2010 novel, The Confession, is no exception. The novel explores the issues of wrongful convictions and the death penalty.
In 1998, Travis Boyette kidnapped, raped, and strangled a well-liked high school cheerleader in the little East Texas town of Sloan. He buried her body to prevent its discovery and then marveled as police and prosecutors apprehended and found guilty the local football star Donté Drumm, taking him to the death row.
Nine years have now elapsed. Donté is scheduled to be executed in four days, but Travis recently received parole in Kansas for a different offense. Travis has a brain tumor that cannot be removed.
He makes the decision to confess for the first time in his terrible existence. But how can a guilty person persuade prosecutors, judges, and decision-makers that they are about to put an innocent man to death?
The Broker is set in the Italian city of Bologna and revolves around the CIA, a presidential pardon, and a fair deal of international intrigue.
The Broker appears to be merely Bologna’s tour guide, with a detailed description of meals, sites, and a romantic subplot that goes nowhere, even though it has much of the maneuvering, tension, and intrigue seen in some of Grisham’s finest writings.
The Litigators
The Litigators isn’t what it looks, and things become more difficult by the page, much like the rest of John Grisham. The story of David Zinc and the ramifications and pleasures of becoming embroiled in a $25 billion class action lawsuit has captivated millions of readers.
FAQs About Books By Grisham
Why did hollywood stop making john grisham movies.
Grisham acknowledged that studios would rather spend big on “Superman” or “Spider-Man 5”, but he added, “As we all know, there are so many good adult dramas being produced, you can’t locate one.” It’s difficult to understand, given how well his adaptations did at the box office.
Does Grisham still practice law?
Grisham’s writing career exploded with The Firm’s success. He also stopped practicing law except for a brief stint in 1996 representing the family of a railroad worker who died on the job.
Does John Grisham have a team of writers?
John Grisham has published an entire book for the last 10 to 15 years. I assumed he was either superhuman or had a team with ghostwriters. It turns out it is not so complicated. He has a process to follow and the discipline to do so.
Thank you for your attention and Happy reading! Which John Grisham book is your favorite? Penn Book hopes this article best books by John Grisham will help you know the overview about this King of Legal Thrillers !
MatthewDuques
Penn Book Center, Founded by Matthew Duques and Diana Bellonby. #pennbookcenter #pbc
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Sep 30, 2014
Ranking Every John Grisham Book
From worst to best.
[Note: This list was originally published in 2014 but is constantly updated when a new book is released]
J ohn Grisham is one of the most successful authors in modern history. According to some estimates, five of his titles were in the top ten of the 1990s. His success continued into the new millennium, penning the best-selling book of 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011, and others that finished in the top five in eight other years, including taking spots two and three in 2001.
He almost had his own TV universe at Hulu, but I had a much better strategy for the Grishamverse .
Since I have loved his work (to varying degrees) for years, I decided to rank them — excluding the Theodore Boone series for children and a few Kindle singles.
Skipping Christmas (2001) – 2001 was the first time Grisham branched out and wrote something other than legal fiction. He published two books without any lawyers that year. The second, Skipping Christmas , is under 200 pages and still tortuous to finish. It begins with a unique premise – fed-up with the commercialization of Christmas, a couple decides to skip the holiday – but the attempts at humor are stale and the ending is overly sentimental.
The Whistler (2016) — The tale of a member of the Board on Judicial Conduct investigating a corrupt judge, The Whistler plods along without any real climax or suspense, explaining the story in a basic — and boring — manner with weak writing before it sputters to an end.
Imagining a Proper John Grisham Universe
The grishamverse project at hulu faltered, but let’s imagine the ultimate legal thriller crossover event.
The Confession (2010) – Much of the author’s inspiration comes from actual events and The Confession feels like a true news account. Didactic and joyless, it takes on the problem of wrongful convictions – and the death penalty – but it is at once plodding and implausible, with caricatures more than characters, painfully long, drawn-out scenes, and an ending that is both predictable and unsatisfying.
The Appeal (2008) — The start of a stretch in which Grisham really began railing against social injustices, it led to the dullest era of his career, resulting in four novels near the bottom of this list. Almost comical in its David versus Goliath battle between a small-town husband and wife legal team and a billionaire corporate executive (with commentary against political campaigning thrown into the mix), The Appeal is too focused on issues to be enjoyable.
The Litigators (2011) — The knock on Grisham is that he writes cardboard characters with little or no shades of grey to their personalities — someone is either good or bad. While I would normally argue against that point, it is entirely appropriate for The Litigators , which pounds home a message while also trying (and failing) to be funny. Also, like many of his later novels, it recycles elements from previous works (in this case The Rainmaker , The Testament , and especially The Street Lawyer).
Camino Winds (2020) — Nearly everything that made Camino Island such an enjoyable read is missing from its sequel, Camino Winds . The first time, Grisham introduced a new group of literary characters while performing a deep dive into the world of books and writing. The second visit to the island is not nearly as enjoyable. It feels like one thin book with a second, thinner one wrapped around it. The supporting star of the first novel becomes the main character here and, in the process, becomes more predictable and less entertaining. The other returning characters appear in cameo-level roles and the story could’ve taken place anywhere — all in the service of solving a mystery with no stakes.
Rogue Lawyer (2015) — As his career progressed, Grisham began playing around with style and format, deviating from the formula of his early works. This is the biggest departure, as he does things he hadn’t done before, like writing short chapters (some very short) and creating a book of multiple parts that don’t intersect as much as they slightly overlap and are strung together. Rogue Lawyer is Grisham channeling Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller, with a street lawyer whose office is his automobile and one that only plays dirty when the other side does. But when it comes to the street, Grisham is no Connelly and this comes off as generic and rote — even the setting is an unspecific city.
Sooley (2021) — Grisham’s first basketball novel takes a surprising approach: a raw kid from war-torn South Sudan is determined to make it as a basketball player while his family struggles to survive back home. We’re supposed to pull for the titular character, the underdog Sooley , but it’s a slog. The basketball part is both completely unrealistic — in a year, the kid goes from being unable to shoot or dribble to becoming a historically great sniper on the level of Steph Curry and Dame Lillard merged with the athleticism of Russell Westbrook and the skill of LeBron; average players perform several behind-the-back passes or incredible mid-air acrobatics each game — and the details, from the dimensions of the court, to the game’s terminology, to the history and specifics, are shockingly incorrect . Page after page is devoted to play-by-play narrative, making it feel like reading a game recap in the local paper. There is a shocking twist, on the level of The Partner and The Racketeer , that breathes life into the back half of the novel, but from the ridiculousness to the mistakes to the hyperbolic adjectives, it’s clear that John Grisham could still benefit from a strong editor.
Gray Mountain (2014) — Another criticism of Grisham is that he has never written women well. The main character of Gray Mountain doesn’t do much to discredit that. While it starts fairly strong, the book collapses in the second half, faltering under the didacticism regarding the strip mining in West Virginia and, especially the incredible naivety of the protagonist who spends most of the final 200 pages saying some variation of “I can’t believe this.”
The Associate (2009) — There are parts of The Associate , particularly in the first half of the book, that hearken back to The Firm , but it is a much less enjoyable read. The protagonist is fairly unlikable, the book’s climax is a dud, the dialogue is stilted, and the book doesn’t end so much as it just kind of stops.
The Broker (2005) — Grisham threw a dart at a map for the locale of his next novel and the dart landed on Italy. Although it includes much of the maneuvering and intrigue of his best works, most of The Broker feels like a travel guide of Bologna, complete with long descriptions of meals and landmarks and a romantic subplot that goes nowhere.
Playing for Pizza (2007) — After the work of penning his only non-fiction work, Grisham quickly went to work on something light and easy that had nothing to do with the law or death. Playing for Pizza follows an underachieving NFL quarterback to Parma, Italy, where he rediscovers his love for the game and learns something about himself in the process — and it’s based upon actual people Grisham met while researching The Broker . It’s a fluff book, but more enjoyable than some of his more moralizing ones.
The Summons (2002) – Considering he splits time living between Mississippi and Charlottesville, one would think that a novel that is set in those places would be great. It’s not. The weakest Grisham book that takes place in Clanton, The Summons tries to be a suspenseful whodunit but winds up just following the main character as he drives around with a bunch of money in his trunk. The only thing that saves it from being even worse is the welcome appearance of two of the best supporting characters in the Grisham catalog: Patton French and Harry Rex Vonner.
The Chamber (1994) — An author that outlines each chapter before writing, Grisham has admitted that he did not do so for The Chamber and it’s obvious. His first real stumble after becoming famous, it has one of the strongest openings of a Grisham novel (and that’s actually impressive because he has many), but it is a long, meandering work that plods over the last hundred pages, dragging out the inevitable ending. Plus, Adam Hall’s extremely naïve idealism becomes grating over 500 pages.
Calico Joe (2012) — Nearly all of Grisham’s non-legal works involve sports and most of them also deal with a mixture of nostalgia, regret, and, ultimately, forgiveness. Calico Joe is no different. Told in a series of flashbacks, it is the story of the son of a middling Major League pitcher who reveres another player instead of his father and the idea that one instant can change a life. Heartwarming and sad at the same time, it falls short of what it could be, but still has more emotion than most of his books.
The Rooster Bar (2017) – Grisham pulls much of his material from real life and, after reading “ The Law-School Scam ” in an issue of The Atlantic , another novel was born. The story of some friends about to graduate from a for-profit law school with no job prospects and predatory loan sharks circling, it has a unique hook and parts of it — particularly the ending — are really strong. The characters’ actions invoke memories of previous works by the author, hustling clients like in The Litigators or a reluctant attorney trolling for cases in a hospital cafeteria like The Rainmaker . It’s a fun ride, with the sermonizing kept in the background. Yet it does have flaws. Grisham still has trouble writing realistic female characters that aren’t either naïve idealists or heartless tacticians and the book includes some of the weakest dialogue of his oeuvre, expository and awkward to the point of being painful.
The King of Torts (2003) — Another Grisham sermon, this time on the dangers of excess and greed, The King of Torts takes the old trope of a struggling lawyer and endows him with instant riches only to watch him waste it in pursuit of more. Parts of it are very strong, but other parts are not, resulting in a good, but not great effort.
The Client (1993) — It’s amazing how successful The Client was considering how ridiculous it is. It’s like MadLibs for popular fiction: there’s a dead senator, the mafia, a power-hungry district attorney, a savvy female lawyer with a pure heart, and an 11 year-old from a trailer park that is smarter than everyone else in the book. The whole thing is contrived and the ending is predictable. Still, this was early Grisham when he could make the cleaning of a bathroom a page-turner and the book flies along, never worrying about how plausible it all is.
The Reckoning (2018) — There is a southern classic lurking within The Reckoning that Grisham can’t quite excavate. It begins with a murder in 1946 Mississippi, ends in 1950 New Orleans, and spends too much of the middle devoted to the Pacific theater in World War II. The tale is pretty great, one that slowly unravels with a surprise ending, but his lack of finesse is ultimately what holds it back. The dialogue is painfully stilted, with people repeating each other’s names multiple times per page, but the most egregious piece is how he tries to evoke deep emotion not through character, but by having nearly everyone cry numerous times throughout the novel. Those flaws prevent it from being one of his best.
Ford County (2009) — His first collection of short stories, Ford County finds Grisham in his element: telling stories that occur in and around his favorite fictional town of Clanton, Mississippi. Containing several references and characters from his novels, the stories are fun throwaways that give even more life to those in Ford County, though some (“Blood Drive,” “Quiet Haven,” “Fish Files” ) are a bit stronger than others (“Fetching Raymond,” “Funny Boy”).
Bleachers (2003) — The first Grisham book dealing with sports, Bleachers focuses on adults whose best years happened in high school and how it is possible to simultaneously love and hate a person at the same time while also analyzing the conflicted feelings a person has regarding the small town in which they grew up . Heavy with nostalgia and regret, it’s a short read but still does tug at the heartstrings more than most of the author’s work and seems to get better with age.
Sparring Partners (2022) — Touted as his first book of novellas, Sparring Partners , comprised of two stories of 125 pages with a 54-page tale sandwiched in the middle, is a spiritual successor to Ford County , and not only because they are Grisham’s only two collections of shorter works. “Homecoming” is a (slightly disappointing) sequel to “Fish Files” and “Strawberry Moon” has shades of “Fetching Raymond” and some other Grisham efforts. The final, titular yarn is completely original for the author and is certainly the best — it probably could have been stretched into a novel but Grisham wisely decided to keep it short and tight. All three stories race along, the short format preventing any dull spots or even a moment to breathe.
The Runaway Jury (1996) — Whether intentional or not, several Grisham books feature an antagonist that is much more interesting — and sometimes even more honest — than the protagonist. This is especially true with The Runaway Jury . The first Grisham novel in which story takes a backseat to message, it focuses on a landmark tobacco trial and the one juror that is manipulating it from the inside, to such a degree that it’s easy to root against him. Still, it’s a page-turner that has the reader guessing along with everyone else until the very end. This one may be better than you remember (as a reader pointed out to me).
Sycamore Row (2013) — Nearly thirty years later, Grisham finally returned to the character based on himself, Jake Brigance. Set three years after A Time to Kill , it was expected that Jake would be a rich, hotshot criminal defense attorney, so it was an admirable choice to have him still struggling to make ends meet in Sycamore Row . It’s obvious that Grisham loves not only this character but those with whom he interacts and it was brilliant how he incorporated characters from other books (Willie Traynor, Mack Stafford, Reuben Atlee), but it doesn’t have the same feel as the first book, with an ending that is supposed to be a shock, but what happens is not only predictable, but also a plot device that Grisham has used several times in the past (most notably in The Chamber and A Painted House).
Camino Island (2017) — The strong opening to Camino Island is like early Grisham, hooking the reader from the start with a heist before slowing down and changing the locale to a Florida island town inhabited by a group of writers and the owner of its bookstore, a gentleman that is in some ways similar to Willie Traynor from The Last Juror . This also allows Grisham to wax about books and authors and why some are successful and others are not. It’s a treat for bibliophiles. While he repeats certain words over and over and the woman’s perspective still eludes him at times, this is one of his better works that has a female protagonist and is a perfect beach read.
A Time for Mercy (2020) — From the title alone it was clear that Jake Brigance’s third appearance would mirror his first in that a seemingly cut-and-dried crime is actually much more nuanced than first thought (although I maintain A Time to Chill would’ve been a fantastic title). While known for his breathless pacing, Grisham once again takes his time to allow this story to unfurl and while the dialogue can sometimes feel forced and there are a few subplots that don’t really go anywhere, the climatic courtroom scene is riveting, proving that the author is still improving in some aspects and that his first novel still holds his heart.
A Podcast for Book Lovers with Some Time to Kill — John Grisham’s “Book Tour”
“i’ve never tried to be some kind of serious literary artist.”.
The Pelican Brief (1992) — Two Supreme Court justices are brutally murdered on the same night. Everyone is baffled, except a law school student that somehow outmaneuvers both the FBI and the world’s greatest hit man with the help of only a newspaperman. The plot is unrealistic, but drawing inspiration from Three Days of the Condor , The Pelican Brief ’s strength lies in its breathless pacing and the backroom dealings that occur in the halls of Washington, particularly those involving the president’s chief of staff and even though you know she’ll escape, it’s still a fun ride.
The Firm (1991) – The blockbuster that made Grisham a household name, The Firm is a story of a young lawyer that gets mixed up with the mob after taking a job offer that seems too good to be true. However, it is also an analysis of greed and how our upbringings can lead us to make choices that may affect our lives. The final eighty pages wander aimlessly at points and the ending fits together a bit too neatly, but Mitch McDeere is a fascinating character that keeps the pages turning.
The Guardians (2019) — Grisham, a member of the board of directors of the Innocence Project, has examined wrongful convictions a few times, but it’s delivered most enjoyably in The Guardians . A first-person account of a minster/lawyer (based on an real person) who crisscrosses the country investigating questionable convictions and hounding local law and order types, it’s a page-turner with a moral compass that remains fun throughout and Cullen Post is one of the author’s more entertaining protagonists.\
The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town (2006) — The only work of non-fiction in Grisham’s bibliography, The Innocent Man deals with one of Grisham’s passions: wrongful convictions. Though it is a true account, parts of the book, particularly the beginning, feel like a novel thanks to the author’s storytelling ability. It ultimately slows down and while he tries to remain objective, Grisham’s outrage comes across clearly on the page. It is a very well-done book, but the subject matter is so tough that reading it once is enough.
The Street Lawyer (1998) — The story of a young, affluent lawyer that gives up the big firm to help those in need is a recurring theme in Grisham’s works, but it is best delivered in The Street Lawyer . When a homeless man takes a group of lawyers hostage for seemingly no reason, the main character begins to ask why it happened and winds up questioning his entire life and career. This was the first of many Grisham novels in which he tries to teach a message, but it’s done a bit more subtly and doesn’t deter from the story.
The Judge’s List (2021) — Grisham took the protagonist of one of his worst, most boring books — Lacy Stoltz of The Whistler — and returned with a bang. While it starts a bit slowly, The Judge’s List is a corker — a taut thriller about an amateur online detective on the trail of a serial killer that is paced at breakneck speed and keeps the suspense high as it jumps around in time, revealing the backstory bit by bit, and wisely avoiding most of the obvious plot points. It would be in contention for the top spot except for a bad habit he’s developed late in his career of using hyperbolic adjectives in lieu of actual description in an effort to convey emotion, weighing down the proceedings and making characters feel (even more) unrealistic. Still, the story is superb.
The Racketeer (2012) — Following the dull period from 2008–2011 when he released four consecutive books that focused more on message than story, Grisham returned to form with The Racketeer , a taut yarn that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next as well as trying to piece together the backstory at the same time. Though it is like many later Grisham works in that it borrows from previous ones, The Racketeer is more nuanced and polished than his novels from the early ‘90s.
The Brethren (2000) — Focusing on three judges that scam married men that are in the closet looking for gay pen pals, as well as a presidential campaign, The Brethren has a smart premise. Though some of the characters come off as flat, it’s still clever and intriguing, with some truly hilarious moments sprinkled throughout. This is one that has gotten a bit better with age.
The Boys from Biloxi (2022) — The story of two boys, former teammates and friends, who wind up on opposite sides of the law, The Boys from Biloxi is vintage Grisham, spanning several generations and using its locale as another character. It’s his best book in decades.
The Testament (1999) — Another great Grisham opening. The Testament begins in the first-person of a dying billionaire, but switches to a third-person narrative beginning with chapter three. A dual plot of a lawyer searching for a missionary in Brazil while a group of heirs challenge a will back home with clever plot twists and a somewhat surprising ending, it is also a veiled personal commentary from Grisham on society’s view on wealth and how others perceive those with money (like himself).
A Painted House (2001) — For a writer known for plot and pacing, Grisham takes his time with A Painted House . His first non-legal book and inspired by his childhood, he paints a vivid portrait of a young boy growing up on an Arkansas farm in 1952 in rich detail, giving much more time to his characters than he usually does, resulting in a fine coming of age story.
The Rainmaker (1995) – While it once again features the favorite Grisham trope of the idealistic little guy fighting an evil corporation, The Rainmaker eschews the formula by following the exploits of a recent, non-exceptional graduate that struggles to find a job rather than an Ivy League overachiever at a big firm. Grisham seamlessly blends the law, humor, love, optimism, despair, and post-college angst into a single narrative that balances its idealism with just enough reality, resulting in my personal favorite Grisham work.
A Time to Kill (1989) – I originally had A Time to Kill ranked at number one, just because it was the one that started it all and tackles some difficult subject matter, but it has too many flaws to be worthy of the top spot. It begins with a chilling opening and doesn’t stop until the final page, but it rambles at times and gets in its own way once or twice. Still, the story of Jake Brigance and his ragtag group of allies taking on the KKK and the National Guard and the justice system is both inspired and inspiring and would be the book by which all other Grisham novels are measured. (The abundant use of the n-word becomes more startling with each passing year — and something he would avoid in later works.)
The Last Juror (2004) – The best of both Grishams, The Last Juror mixes courtroom drama and small town lawyers with typical Southern living and one man’s maturity into adulthood in the 1970s. A prequel of sorts that is told in the first-person, it is set several years before the events of A Time to Kill and features both Lucien Wilbanks and Harry Rex Vonner, the best characters from Kill , as well as my favorite Grisham protagonist, Willie Traynor.
The Partner (1997) – A Mississippi lawyer fakes his death, steals $90 million, and flees to Brazil, only to be found four years later and brought home, but not without secrets and plans of his own. The storytelling in The Partner is sensational, keeping the reader guessing from the first word to the last. The narrative jumps around in time like a Tarantino film, so pieces of the story emerge slowly from a variety of sources and out of order, so the full picture is not clear until the final few chapters and it’s hard to know what characters to trust. Moreover, it also has undoubtedly the greatest ending to a Grisham novel, at once satisfying and stunning, yet still ambiguous. There’s a reason that Grisham refers to this book often in interviews. Some of his works have been more socially conscious and most have featured more likeable characters, but The Partner remains Grisham’s best work to date.
Christopher Pierznik is the worst-selling author of nine books . His work has appeared on XXL, Cuepoint, Business Insider, The Cauldron, Fatherly, Hip Hop Golden Age, and many more. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter . Please feel free to get in touch at [email protected]
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A great book can literally change your life. here are four that changed mine., more from christopher pierznik.
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A List of John Grisham Books Rated From Best to Worst
John Grisham has become one of the most successful authors in the United States, all thanks to his experiences as an attorney. A graduate of Mississippi State University, John acquired his Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. In addition to practicing law for about a decade, he also served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representative from 1984 to 1990. He began his writing career in 1989, releasing his first novel, A Time to Kill. However, following the success of his second novel, The Firm, he ultimately ditched his law and political career to venture into writing full time. Today, John Grisham books are regarded as a must-read for everyone both in the US and beyond.
The author has written several bestsellers, some of which has been adapted into successful TV series and feature films. With a career spanning over three decades and counting, Grisham has made a name for himself as one of the bestselling authors in the United States and is currently regarded as the ‘King of Legal Thrillers,’ as most of his books revolve around Law. Here, we take a look at John Grisham books as they are ranked from best to worst including his other works.
List of John Grisham Books Rated From Best to Worst
1. The Firm (1991)
The Firm might not be John Grisham’s first book, but certainly, one that ushered the American writer into the limelight and made him a household name. Released in 1991, The Firm is Grisham’s second book. It entails the story of a young law school graduate who gets mixed up with the mob after taking a job offer that seems too good to be true. The storyline shows how our greed and upbringing can lead us to make choices that may affect our lives. Soon after it was released in 1991, this legal thriller quickly became a bestseller with over 1.5 million copies sold as of 1993. The novel was also adapted into a TV series and feature film of the same name starring the likes of Gene Hackman, Tom Cruise, and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
2. The Partner (1997)
Although he has written many books both in the fiction and non-fiction genre, The Partner is undoubtedly one with the best ending. It follows a Mississippi lawyer who fakes his own death, steals $90 million and flees to Brazil. However, he was found four years later and brought home, but not without secrets and plans of his own. This book is regarded as one of the best John Grisham books out there. With a very sensational storyline, it also comes with a lot of suspense, thereby leaving the reader guessing from the beginning to the end. It was John’s eighth novel and was released in 1997.
3. The Last Juror (2004)
Yet another legal thriller from John Grisham, The Last Juror combines both courtroom drama and small-town lawyers with typical Southern Living and one man’s maturity into adulthood in the 1970s. It revolves around people in a fictional Ford County including a gruesome murder, its trial, and the aftermath. Released in 2004, The Last Juror came about fifteen years after Grisham’s first novel, A Time to Kill, it is a prequel to the former. It was set several years before the events of A Time to Kill and also features some of the characters with the same occupation and characteristics.
4. The Rainmaker (1995)
An outstanding piece from the writer, The Rainmaker brings humor, law, optimism, love, despair and post-college angst into a simple narrative. Released in 1995, it is the sixth novel from Grisham and differs from most of his other works owing to the fact that it was written in the simple past tense. It chronicles the life of a law graduate with no experience, his struggles to find a job, and his travails trying to win a case against ruthless lawyers from an evil corporation. In this novel, John tries to balance idealism with enough reality and that places it among his best works so far. More so, the novel was adapted into a feature film of the same name starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, and Danny Glover in 1997.
5. The Testament (1999)
Another John Grisham novel that is filled with suspense, but yet a great storyline. The plot comes with a spin and explores different sides of peoples’ lives including materialism, greed, sin, and redemption. It has a dual plot of a lawyer searching for a missionary in Brazil while a group of heirs challenges a will back home, with clever plot twists and a surprising ending. The novel also unleashes the writer’s personal societal perception and how others perceive the crème de la crème of our society. Released in 1999, the 448-paged hardcover adventure novel is Graham’s tenth novel and undoubtedly one of his best works out there.
6. A Time To Kill (1989)
This happens to be John Grisham’s first novel. Even though it was not an instant success as the book was rejected by many publishers at first, nevertheless, the writer was undeterred. He kept on writing and following the success of his second book, The Firm, A Time to Kill later translated into a bestseller a few years later. According to the writer, A Time to Kill, which is a sequel to The Last Juror (released in 2004), was inspired by his experience in DeSoto County courthouse in Hernando in 1984. There, he witnessed the acutely distressing testimony of a 12-year old rape victim. Adding to its intrigue and suspense, the novel explores racial violence and retribution. More so, in 1996, it was adapted into a film of the same name, having the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey as its major cast.
7. The Broker (2005)
Set in the Bologna City of Italy, The Broker spins around the CIA, a presidential pardon, and a good bit of international intrigue. Even though the novel contains much of the maneuvering, suspense, and intrigue, as seen in some of Grisham’s best works, The Broker seems like just Bologna’s travel guide, with a long description of meals, landmarks, and a romantic subplot that leads to nowhere. Soon after it was released, the novel went atop the New York Bestsellers list; that notwithstanding, it garnered mixed reviews from fans and critics.
8. Skipping Christmas (2001)
While John Grisham is well-known for his legal fiction novels, hardly would anyone believe he writes on other aspects like comedy. Skipping Christmas is a comedy novel with its focus on how a couple who are fed up with the commercialization of Christmas decides to skip the holiday. Although it has a clever setup and was a New York Times Bestseller, the novel lacks humor and its ending is somewhat sentimental. The good part is that it was adapted into a movie titled Christmas with the Kranks in 2004 and an audiobook in 2006.
9. The Confession (2010)
An interesting fact about the Grisham is that his inspiration is drawn majorly from actual events and this 2010 novel, The Confession is indifferent. The novel delves into the problems of wrongful convictions and the death penalty. However, somewhere along the line, it becomes unexciting and unconvincing, with caricatures more than characters, painfully long, and drown-out scenes. The story ended in both predictable and unsatisfying way.
10. The Whistler (2016)
Another legal fiction thriller released in 2016, The Whistler centers on the legal and moral problems faced in Native American gaming – Casinos. It also chronicles the life of a corrupt judge (Claudia McDover) and the lawyer (Ramsey Mix) who would like to bring him down. However, Mix is no angel himself as he was previously disbarred. Despite having eye-popping plot twists, The Whistler doesn’t have any climax or suspense as the story is explained in a basic and very boring manner until it gets to the end.
Also Read: 5 Robert Rosenthal Books and Stories on Psychology and Human Behaviour
Other Books by John Grisham
The American author has shown his deft writing ability and has released over 40 novels since the inception of his career. He has also written non-fiction and other short stories. During the ‘90s, John Grisham authored several books including The Pelican Brief (1992), The Client (1993), The Chamber (1994), The Runaway Jury (1996), and The Street Lawyer (1998). At the dawn of the millennium, he published The Brethren in the year 2000. In the years that follow, he released A Painted House (2001), The Summons (2002), The King of Torts and Bleachers in 2003; Playing for Pizza (2007), The Appeal (2008), and The Associate (2009).
From 2010 to date, John has published works including Theodore Bone: Kid Lawyer (2010), The Litigators and Theodore Boone: The Abduction in 2011; Calico Joe, The Racketeer, and Theodore Boone: The Accused in 2012; Sycamore Row and Theodore Boone: The Activist (2013); Gray Mountain (2014), Theodore Boone: The Fugitive and Rogue Lawyer (2015); Theodore Boone: The Scandal (2016), The Rooster Bar and Camino Island in 2017; The Reckoning (2018), and Theodore Boone: The Accomplice and The Guardians in 2019.
John Grisham Book List (1989 – 2000)
- 1989 – “A Time to Kill”
- 1991 – “The Firm”
- 1992 – “The Pelican Brief”
- 1993 – “The Client”
- 1994 – “The Chamber”
- 1995 – “The Rainmaker”
- 1996 – “The Runaway Jury”
- 1997 – “The Partner”
- 1998 – “The Street Lawyer”
- 1999 – “The Testament”
- 2000 – “The Brethren”
John Grisham Book List (2001 – 2010)
- 2001 – “A Painted House”
- 2001 – “Skipping Christmas”
- 2002 – “The Summons”
- 2003 – “The King of Torts”
- 2003 – “Bleachers”
- 2004 – “The Last Juror”
- 2005 – “The Broker”
- 2006 – “The Innocent Man”
- 2007 – ” Playing for Pizza”
- 2008 – “The Appeal”
- 2009 – “The Associate”
- 2009 – “Ford County” (short stories)
- 2010 – “Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer”
- 2010 – “The Confession”
John Grisham Book List (2011 – 2020)
- 2011 – “Theodore Boone: The Abduction”
- 2011 – “The Litigators”
- 2012 – “Theodore Boone: The Accused”
- 2012 – “Calico Joe”
- 2012 – “The Racketeer”
- 2013 – “Theodore Boone: The Activist”
- 2013 – ” Sycamore Row”
- 2014 – “Gray Mountain”
- 2015 – “Theodore Boone: The Fugitive”
- 2015 – “Rogue Lawyer”
- 2016 – “Partners” (a “Rogue Lawyer” short story)
- 2016 – “Theodore Boone: The Scandal”
- 2016 – “Witness to a Trial” (a digital short story)
- 2016 – “The Whistler”
- 2017 – “Camino Island”
- 2017 – “The Rooster Bar”
- 2018 – “The Reckoning”
- 2019 – “The Guardians”
- 2019 – “Theodore Boone: The Accomplice”
- 2020 – “Camino Winds”
- 2020 – “A Time for Mercy”
John Grisham Book List (2021 Till Date)
- Sooley (2021)
- The Judge’s List
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Order in the court: John Grisham’s 10 best novels, ranked
Martin chilton names the author’s 10 greatest novels, from ‘the firm’ to ‘the client’, article bookmarked.
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I was bored with the law and had the dream of writing,” John Grisham recalled of his time as a young criminal defence attorney in Mississippi. His debut novel, 1989’s A Time to Kill , was followed by the global bestseller The Firm . After becoming a full-time writer, he became the king of the legal thriller, selling more than 300 million books.
Grisham, who was born in Arkansas on 8 February 1955, has also written sports books, novels for young adults, a short story collection and a non-fiction book about a baseball player wrongly convicted of murder.
His books have been translated into 40 languages and 10 of his publications, including The Client and The Pelican Brief , have been adapted into films. Here, we pick the 10 best novels from an author who says his goal is always to “satisfy the audience, deliver and entertain”.
10. A Time to Kill (1989)
John Grisham said his first novel, A Time to Kill , about a black father who seeks revenge after white supremacists rape his 10-year daughter, was inspired by an actual court case. It took three years to complete. Grisham, who based the youthful Mississippi lawyer Jake Brigance on himself, described the book as “a very accurate portrayal of racial relations in the Deep South”. Only 5,000 hardback copies were printed and are now highly collectable.
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9. The Street Lawyer (1998)
When Grisham was awarded the prestigious Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction, the organisers hailed “a true American original”. As a writer, Grisham blends compelling characterisation with the skilful delivery of fresh and thrilling plots. These skills were evident in The Street Lawyer , a novel about a rising star at a giant Washington law firm who risks everything to investigate violations of the rights of the homeless.
8. The Chamber (1994)
In 2021, Grisham said he was most interested in writing about issues of “social justice” and all the things “wrong with our legal and penal systems”. He said that penning The Chamber nearly four decades earlier helped him realise that he “could weave a novel round things such as the death penalty”. The novel, set in Chicago’s top law firm, is a powerful tale of a liberal lawyer who takes on the seemingly impossible case of a former Klansman on death row for a fatal bombing in 1967.
John Grisham (centre) watches Samuel L Jackson and director Joel Schumacher on the set of ‘A Time to Kill'
7. The Pelican Brief (1992)
Grisham reportedly wrote the character of New Orleans law student Darby Shaw with Julia Roberts in mind – and she went on to play the part in the film adaptation a year after it was first published. It’s a gripping thriller about a conspiracy to conceal the truth behind the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. In the pacy story, Shaw goes into hiding and has to rely on the help of an ambitious young reporter (played onscreen by Denzel Washington).
6. The Client (1993)
Grisham admitted that he once got “really mad” when a “windbag at a party” told him loudly that he “just wrote screenplays”. Although The Client was made into a blockbuster film (starring Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones), it’s fair to say that Grisham’s original story, about an 11-year-old boy from Memphis who discovers the secret behind a Mafia murder of a senator, is packed with tension. In addition, the atmospheric descriptions recall the work of Grisham’s literary hero, Mark Twain.
5. The Testament (1999)
Tom Cruise is on the run in the film adaptation of John Grisham’s ‘The Firm'
Grisham said that his legal background gave him the capacity to handle language and “not be fearful” in his writing. One of his boldest stories is The Testament , a sweeping suspense adventure set in Washington DC and in the isolated Brazilian wetlands. The novel centres on a lawyer’s search for a missionary physician who has inherited an $11 billion (£8.7 billion) fortune. The plot thickens upon the devious machinations of the doctor’s greedy family.
4. The Guardians (2019)
Even in his sixties, Grisham was proving his storytelling skills with The Guardians , a compelling 21st century tale of wrongful conviction and small-town conspiracy, set in Florida. The novel, based on a real case of miscarriage of justice and drawing on Grisham’s own religious upbringing, is about a workaholic attorney-and-Episcopal-priest named Cullen Post, who is what is known as an “innocence lawyer”.
3. The Partner (1997)
In the tautly plotted thriller The Partner , young attorney Patrick Lanigan, from Biloxi, Mississippi, fakes his own death and runs off to Brazil with $90m (£71m) purloined from his company. The novel shows how Grisham excels in his aim of writing “high quality popular fiction”, which is also underpinned by the “authenticity” of someone who really knows about courtroom procedures.
2. The Firm (1991)
Incredibly, for a book that ended up selling seven million copies, Grisham admitted that for six months after finishing The Firm “no publisher wanted to buy it”. Grisham said that during 10 years of legal work his clients were normally “little people fighting big corporations” and he used those memories for the book’s plot. The novel, made into a hit film starring Tom Cruise as Harvard law graduate Mitch McDeere, tells the story of a lawyer who discovers he is working for a firm run by the Chicago mob. The novel propelled Grisham into the global spotlight.
1. The Rainmaker (1995)
The Rainmaker , Grisham’s sixth novel, is a searing indictment of the American legal system. Grisham said that the protagonist, a novice Memphis lawyer called Rudy Baylor who is fighting injustice in his first case, was perhaps his favourite of his own characters. “He got out of the legal profession, found a girl, packed up his car and said, ‘I am out of here.’ That is what I always wanted to do when I was a lawyer. I never wanted to go back to the office,” he’s admitted. Baylor was portrayed by Matt Damon in the acclaimed film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
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Top 15 Best John Grisham Books Updated 03 /2023
Dennis lehane mar 6, 2023 1:11 am.
Here we ranked and reviewed the top 15 Best John Grisham Books that are highly rated by 383,691 customers.
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A Time for Mercy: A Jake Brigance Novel
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Sycamore Row (The Jake Brigance)
The Litigators
The Guardians: A Novel
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The Judge's List: The phenomenal new novel from international bestseller John Grisham
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The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town
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Camino Island: A Novel
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The Reckoning: A Novel
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Best John Grisham Books
Top best john grisham books reviews, a time to kill: a novel.
"A Time to Kill" is the most popular John Grisham book.
John Grisham's first book, A Time to Kill, was written in 1989. If you take justice into your own hands and get away with it, all in the name of protecting a young girl's honor by her grieving father, this book is for you.
It talks about how a father feels when he has to face his worst fears come true. Afterward, the man decides to do what he thinks is right. He shoots the people who raped and killed his daughter right on the stairs of the courthouse.
Jake, the lawyer for the defense, gets caught up in the middle of things and has to risk his and his family's lives to prove that the father is not guilty.
When John Grisham wrote "A Time to Kill," it was one of his best books. It's a heartfelt and captivating story that will keep you up at night, wondering what will happen next.
Sycamore Row: A Novel
"Sycamore Row" was written a long time after "A Time to Kill." It will take you back to a time when there was still racial tension. In this gripping book by John Grisham, one of his best-loved characters, Jake, the lawyer, comes back. You'll remember why you fell in love with him in the first place.
It all started when Hubbard, a man who had lung cancer and was dying, hanged himself. Jake is now in the middle of a very controversial court case. A handwritten will was found, but it only complicates things and raises even more questions about the people who were left behind.
All of us are suspicious of Hubbard because he left all of his money to his black maid The painkillers did not help him think clearly. It was not the maid's fault. Once again, Jake has to figure out how to solve this very difficult case.
If you want a powerful story with well-rounded characters and a twist at every turn of the page, then "Sycamore Row" is the book for you.
The Litigators: A Novel
It's hard to think of a story that's more interesting than a person trying to get rich quickly. "The Litigators" doesn't let us down. An unemployed and desperate man sees a lawsuit that could make him very wealthy and decides to take the chance to become rich. He does not hesitate and takes the opportunity.
"The Litigators," like all of John Grisham's other books, isn't what it appears to be. Things get more complicated by the page, and things get more complicated as the book goes on. People have read about David Zinc and how he got into a $25 billion class-action lawsuit and what it was like to be in the middle of it.
If you're a fan of legal thrillers, you need to read this book. It's powerful, captivating, and full of suspense.
The Partner: A Novel
As you read The Partner, you will learn about one man's journey to find the truth and do the right thing. As always, author John Grisham brings his trademark suspense, intrigue, and narrative flair to this new book that will keep readers guessing until the very end. He paints a picture of a man who is too smart for his own good; who is always looking for the power money can buy.
Skipping Christmas: A Novel
Welcome to Luther Krank and Nora’s home: they are two lovebirds who have decided that this Christmas season they will skip all of the presents, traditions, parties, but most importantly the holidays. As a way to make things right with their neighbors, or at least with their Christmas Eve party, he has invited the whole office building. As you wait for Santa Claus to arrive, come over for a night of food and drinks with your coworkers.
He says he wrote this book to show how important the holidays are to us. Because of its strong message that spending time with your family is important, Skipping Christmas has been a big hit all over the world.
It's a story about a man who goes against the rules in the courts of law. Lawman Malcolm Bannister saw his own office turn on him for crimes that he didn't know about. But now, the threat to this one-time hero is more than personal: It's blackmail from thugs who seem to be able to do anything they want at any time to anyone they want if they can get away with it. So there's only one thing left for Malcolm to do, and that's to get back at them.
From the beginning to the end, Grisham tells a complicated story that is both interesting and riveting. This is how it works: It takes more than great writing to keep readers interested in a book until the end, though. It has to be something they care about very much as well. Grisham is the only person who does passion better than any other person. And even though I can't give you too many details here without giving away some of the book's twists and turns, you'll be able to enjoy this book for yourself.
The Whistler: A Novel
The Whistler is a great book for people who love to read. It is very funny and interesting. John Grisham's novel keeps the suspense going the whole time.
By chance, she finds herself in the middle of one of America's most famous legal dramas. This is an interesting story that introduces a smart woman who happens to be in the middle of it.
Lacy's corruption case soon turns out to be more interesting than she thought, because there is a long, dark history of corruption linked to a judge Lacy used to know very well who isn't prosecuted because the statute of limitations has passed. As if having two kids, aging parents, hearing voices from patients, and running a law practice wasn't enough, she also has to chase down a crook!
Calico Joe: A Novel
John Grisham's "Calico Joe" is one of the most talked about books of the summer. It starts on Opening Day in 1973. As a young player, Calico Joe is becoming a hit with baseball fans across America, and some think he could become one of the game's all-time greats.
When it comes to a favorite American pastime, no one has written about it like Grisham has.
It will be a great book for people who like baseball stories about people who have problems and people who have personalities.
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Top 13 Best Books John Grisham In 2023
Gretchen rubin mar 6, 2023 1:11 am.
The Best Books John Grisham can be difficult to locate among the different manufacturers and versions. The majority of them, on the other hand, may not meet the product's primary needs or application criteria.
However, in our Best Books John Grisham review, we kept and focused on a few issues and quality, such as user-friendly features, great quality, notable performance, all-around features, increased lifespan and value for money.
In order to ensure your satisfaction, we conducted a thorough evaluation of each product's performance-to-price ratio. You can see many famous brand like N/A, Dell, Doubleday Books, Bantam.
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A Time for Mercy: A Jake Brigance Novel
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The Boys from Biloxi: A Legal Thriller
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Two families. One courtroom showdown. � John Grisham�s most gripping thriller yet. � �A legal literary legend.� �USA Today
The #1 New York Times bestselling author returns to Mississippi�with the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham�s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.
For most of the last hundred years, Biloxi was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. But it had a darker side. It was also notorious for corruption and vice, everything from gambling, prostitution, bootleg liquor, and drugs to contract killings. The vice was controlled by small cabal of mobsters, many of them rumored to be members of the Dixie Mafia.
Life itself hangs in the balance�in The Boys from Biloxi, a sweeping saga rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters.
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The Broker: A Novel
The Whistler: A Novel
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Camino Winds: A Novel
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- SCORE 8.4 AI Score
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Sparring Partners: Novellas
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by Yen Cabag | 0 comments
If you love legal thrillers, or stories about crime and investigation, John Grisham is one author you may enjoy. Many of his books focus on legal fiction, with fast-paced action and satisfying resolutions. Readers can attest to his storytelling skills and ability to make something as mundane as cleaning a bathroom an entertaining read!
He also likes to develop moral themes, such as the issues of greed and generosity, and correcting mistaken verdicts. For example, one of the ideas that recurs most in his books is that of a lawyer giving up an affluent career in a big firm in order to fight for the poor.
14 Best John Grisham Books Stay Up All Night With
We’ve compiled the best of John Grisham’s books, including thrillers you won’t be able to put down.
1. The Firm
This was only John Grisham’s second book, but it instantly made the bestseller lists and inspired a major movie starring Gene Hackman and Tom Cruise. The story follows a top law school student recruited by a large firm, who ends up discovering something crooked was going on behind the scenes.
2. A Time to Kill
This book, inspired by a 12-year-old rape victim’s courtroom testimony, was initially rejected by several publishers and received a conservative print run. When The Firm hit the bestseller list, Doubleday republished this book as a “second” release. The book explores issues like retribution and racial violence.
3. The Rainmaker
This courtroom drama is fast-paced and enjoys a tinge of humor, featuring an underdog lawyer who challenges a large insurance company. This is one of Grisham’s most enjoyable reads, thanks to the quick pacing of the story.
4. The Testament
Still a legal thriller like his other books, The Testament adds an integral element: the protagonist has to go on a dangerous trip through the outskirts of Latin America. Grisham continues to explore serious themes with this book, focusing on sin and redemption and greed and materialism.
5. The Street Lawyer
Michael Brock has it all: a prestigious career with giant D.C. law firm Drake & Sweeney, and enough money to live as comfortably as he wishes. But then a homeless man rushes into his office, brandishing a gun and holding nine of the attorneys hostage.
6. The Summons
Don’t let this book’s simple plot fool you: chances are, you’ll be reading this all night to keep moving forward in the story of a father discovered dead by his two estranged two sons.
7. The Broker
Set in Italy, this book starts off a bit slower than usual, partly because of the details he puts into describing the setting. This story focuses on a presidential pardon alongside a significant amount of international intrigue, bringing in the CIA in the process.
8. Camino Island
This book is testament to the fact that Grisham can write genres other than legal thrillers. The main character is a woman who sets out to solve a mystery involving manuscripts by F. Scott Fitzgerald that have gone missing.
9. The Guardians
The story opens with Quincy Miller having been accused of killing his lawyer. More than 20 years later, he appeals his case with a group called Guardian Ministries to overturn his sentence. When the lawyer looks into Quincy’s case, he finds a dangerous group that is actually responsible for that murder—and they wouldn’t think twice about killing again.
10. Rogue Lawyer
Sebastian Rudd is not a typical lawyer, and this book tells of his encounters with his clients in the criminal world. Readers describe it as gritty but fun first foray into Grisham books.
11. The Innocent Man
This book is Grisham’s foray into true crime stories, inspiring the Netflix documentary of the same title. Roy Williamson is a baseball hero from a small town who almost got into the Big Leagues, if not for his drinking and drug abuse. When a woman is murdered in Williamson’s hometown, a link to Williamson turns up, and although innocent, he ends up receiving the death sentence.
12. A Painted House
Set in the South in the 1950s, this book is a mystery novel about a 7-year-old boy named Luke. When two sets of migrant workers arrive at his family’s cotton farm, a dangerous series of events follows suit, including a murder, which turns Luke’s life upside down.
13. Skipping Christmas
This is John Grisham’s best-known book to stray from the mystery genre, taking a crack at a humorous novel following a couple tired with the chaos of celebrating Christmas. They decide to skip it this year by going on a cruise, with opposition from their neighbors and friends. This book inspired the movie Christmas with the Kranks , starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen.
14. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
If you want to share your love of John Grisham to a younger reader, this is the book for you. Theo Boone is a 13-year-old whose sole life dream is to become a laywer. In fact, he can now pretty much act like one! What happens when, following a real murder case, he comes across secret information that draws him right into the case?
The good news is that there are several books in the series, so you can easily add more books to give your younger friend or family member.
What Was John Grisham’s First Number One Bestseller?
John Grisham’s The Firm , published in 1991, was his first bestseller, selling over seven million copies. Many of his other books have become bestsellers too, although some of his books have also received scathing reviews.
Reading John Grisham Books
Although John Grisham’s legal thrillers are a great page-turner to keep you awake all night, he has proven his prowess as a storyteller by diversifying into many other genres. This means that, whatever your taste, there may just be a John Grisham book for you!
If it’s your first time to read his works, we recommend starting with one of the books in this list, as these are the ones that have received the most rave reviews. Take it as a chance to explore genres you may not have tried before.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
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John Grisham Books
John Grisham is an American writer and former attorney and politician, best known for his popular legal thrillers. Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill l, was written and published in 1989 while he served in the House of Representatives in Mississippi. Many of his books have been adapted into films and television shows, including his first best seller, The Firm . In 2010, he started a book series for children, Theodore Boone, in which the main character provides legal advice to his classmates.
Learn more about John Grisham on the B&N Podcast .
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Best John Grisham Books
A master of the craft, the name John Grisham is synonymous with the legal thriller, being a household name for quite some time now. Translated into over 42 different languages and published all across the world, he’s highly regarded as being at the forefront of his genre. With a background in politics and law too, he writes from a place of authority, having had first-hand experience within the American legal system. Looking at crime fiction as well, he’s gifted in the art of suspense, building tension to boiling point as he holds the reader on the edge-of-their-seat not letting go.
Working as a lawyer prior to becoming a full time writer, it would be this line of work that would come to inspire Grisham’s first novel. Overhearing the case of a young twelve year old girl who, in 1984, had been brutally raped and beaten, Grisham studied the trial, using it as the basis for his debut. Releasing A Time To Kill in 1989, the book would study the attack upon a young girl, and the lengths her black father goes to for revenge, and the racial tensions this brings up in the deep south of America. Courtroom dramas would make up the majority of Grisham’s output, these being something he has excelled at over the years. Quickly following his first novel up with his second book titled The Firm in 1991, his fate as a highly successful legal thriller writer was sealed.
This would also lead to a series of equally successful Hollywood adaptations of his novels too, with Joel Schumacher directing ‘A Time To Kill’ in 1996, and Sydney Pollack directing ‘The Firm’ in 1993. Both would be met with success, reaching large numbers of the public and securing John Grisham’s status as a bestselling author for years to come. Over the course of his career he’s had many highlights, along with plenty of awards, with some standing out from the rest.
In my own personal opinion, these are the top five books that stand out for me:
Taking over ‘The Ford County Times’, young college dropout Willie Traynor assumes control of a bankrupt local newspaper at just 23 years of age. Then, following the brutal rape and murder of a local mother, Traynor reports on the case after it’s revealed that the perpetrator is a member of the notorious Padgitt family. Tried for life in a court of law, Danny Padgitt promises revenge against the juror, which he then gets a shot at when, just nine years later, he’s let out on parole.
Combining big action courtroom with small-town lawyers, this loose prequel to ‘A Time to Kill’ is a great document of its era. Acting as not only an evolution in the story itself, it’s also an evolution in Grisham’s outlook as an author, this being written twenty years after the first. Fascinating in how it analyses issues of racism, it manages to look at the problem through fresh eyes, giving a new perspective to what came before.
Back in 1998 Travis Boyette would abduct and rape the local high-school cheerleader, burying her body never to be found again. Following this Donte Drumm, the local top football star, is convicted for the crime, whilst Travis sits back and watches from the sidelines. Nine years later Travis has been paroled for a different crime, now with an inoperable brain tumour, whilst Drumm is just days away from execution on death row. Finally letting his conscience speak for him, Boyette decides to do the right thing for once in his life, and speak up about what he did, but will he be able to convince anybody of his guilt?
Dealing with some tougher issues once again, John Grisham definitely doesn’t shy away from certain subject matter. Asking some of the bigger questions, it manages to break down these ideas of truth and justice through its tensely paced narrative. With strong character arcs too, its a confident and intelligent story that really makes the most of its premise and format.
After being watched for days by certain people, Danilo Silva is taken in after residing quietly in Brazil, looking much thinner and speaking a different language. Many years prior he was believed to have stolen a great fortune, despite him now living a life of modest and humble means in a back street alley. Watching his own burial as Patrick many years ago, that person died after the ashes of what they believed to be him were pulled from a burnt car.
The mystery surrounding the life of Patrick Lanigan and his time at the Biloxi law firm is well represented here on the page. Asking plenty of questions, it really keeps the reader guessing as to what actually went on with him all those years ago. Filled with suspense and intrigue, this is a tense thriller, expertly crafted by Grisham, doing what he does best.
This looks at the case of a young ten year old girl who is brutally attacked by two drunken men, shocking the town of Clanton, Mississippi. Taking matters into his own hands though, the father decides to wreak vengeance upon the two men, killing them both. With this being the deep south racial tensions are raised, as the father is brought to trial, with defence attorney Jack Brigance attempting to save the father’s life and his own.
Tackling a number of serious issues, this really does have everything, as Grisham isn’t afraid of dealing with more difficult themes. This makes it especially powerful given that it’s a debut based on a real case, giving it all the more impact upon its release. It would also become a film starring Matthew McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson in the lead roles, released in 1996.
Mitch McDeere seems to have it all after signing on at ‘Bendini, Lambert and Locke of Memphis, with him and his beautiful wife Abby well on their way to success. The words of his brother Ray, who’s now in jail, ring in his memory, reminding him that nobody gets something for nothing. This warning becomes all the more important as the law firm shower him with bonuses, including paying off his student loan, his mortgage, and hiring a decorator, leading to the FBI coming round asking questions.
This would be the book that really established the definitive John Grisham brand of legal thriller, set in a murky world of conspiracies and lies. Facing corruption and power, the protagonist of Mitch McDeere is really pushed to the limit in a nail-biting suspense fuelled novel. In 1993 this would see Tom Cruise portraying him in the lead-role, in what was also an extremely exciting classic drama.
Best Authors To Read If You Like John Grisham:
Scott Turow: Having written eleven fictional novels over the course of his life, Scott Turow has been writing legal thrillers successfully since the 1970s. Prior to this he would also study in law, attending Harvard, which he would later write about, documenting his time spent there. With films adapted from his novels too, with four made so far, he’s definitely a writer with plenty to say on the American justice system.
Lisa Scottoline : A number one bestselling author, Lisa Sottoline is highly regarded thanks to her tense and exciting legal thrillers. Prior to working in literature she would work in law, giving her the insight she needed to write authentically on the profession. This experience clearly shows, as she has successfully produced a number of well received suspense filled books over the years.
Stephen L. Carter: Writing on many social issues, Carter has a lot to say about the American justice system, something which he does effectively through his many legal thrillers. Working as a columnist too, he’s written extensively on social policies, talking about various important topics, as well as being a bestselling author. Putting a lot of his own ideas into his fiction, he’s got a strong voice that really sets him apart from the rest in his field.
Harper Lee: Winning the Pulitzer Prize during her lifetime, ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’ published in 1960 has been heralded as a classic over the years. With Atticus Finch being the moral guiding light of the novel, it looks at issues of race and racism, whilst not shying away from some of the more difficult issues. Similar to Grisham as well, she has also had her work turned into a classic film starring Gregory Peck in the lead-role, which was released in 1962.
Allison Leotta: Publishing legal thrillers with an edge of domestic suspense, Allison Leotta is a gifted author with a background in law. Looking to both entertain and educate her readers on the ways in which the American legal system works, she has become bestselling author worldwide. Creating series such as the ‘Anna Curtis’ novels, she has been building a loyal following of fans for quite some time now.
Best Podcasts If You Like John Grisham:
The B&N Podcast – John Grisham: Looking at his first book, this is a brief but illuminating look into how and why he became a writer. Detailing the lead-up through his career in law, it’s an interesting analysis of his work.
Bill Moyers Journal – John Grisham: This provides a more in-depth interview with the author, going over his life and work in detail. Talking about his beliefs and ideas, it’s perfect for any fans wanting to find more.
Longform – John Grisham: Talking in detail about his work and influences, Grisham has a lot to say here. In a laid-back interview, this really covers a lot of ground.
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Hey there! My name is Janise and I am a bookaholic! I read at least one book per day no matter the size as my job has a lot of downtime and I am a speed reader. This article and all articles on the site are written by me and these are just my opinions :)
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A Time for Mercy: John Grisham's No. 1 Bestseller Hardcover – 13 October 2020
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Jake Brigance, lawyer hero of A Time to Kill and Sycamore Row, is back, in his toughest case ever. 'A new Grisham legal thriller is always an event, but this one is exceptional as the author is returning to Jake Brigance, the hero of his very first book, A Time To Kill . . . There is a lot of Grisham in Brigance - they were both street lawyers on the side of the people, not big corporations. It gives the book an emotional core that burns with a white heat' - Daily Mail 'A master of plotting and pacing . . . suspenseful' - New York Times CAN A KILLER EVER BE ABOVE THE LAW? Deputy Stuart Kofer is a protected man. Though he's turned his drunken rages on his girlfriend, Josie, and her children many times before, the police code of silence has always shielded him. But one night he goes too far, leaving Josie for dead on the floor before passing out. Her son, sixteen-year-old Drew, knows he only has this one chance to save them. He picks up a gun and takes the law into his own hands. In Clanton, Mississippi, there is no one more hated than a cop killer - but a cop killer's defence lawyer comes close. Jake Brigance doesn't want this impossible case but he's the only one with enough experience to defend the boy. As the trial begins, it seems there is only one outcome: the gas chamber for Drew. But, as the town of Clanton discovers once again, when Jake Brigance takes on an impossible case, anything is possible ... Starring the same hero and setting that featured in John Grisham's multi-million-selling bestsellers A Time to Kill (adapted as a film starring Samuel L. Jackson and Matthew McConaughey ) and Sycamore Row , A Time for Mercy is an unforgettable thriller you won't be able to put down. 'When Grisham gets in the courtroom he lets rip, drawing scenes so real they're not just alive, they're pulsating' Mirror 'A superb, instinctive storyteller' The Times 'Storytelling genius ... he is in a league of his own' Daily Record 350+ million copies, 45 languages, 10 blockbuster films: NO ONE WRITES DRAMA LIKE JOHN GRISHAM
- Print length 480 pages
- Language English
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Publication date 13 October 2020
- Dimensions 16.2 x 4.4 x 23.6 cm
- ISBN-10 1529342325
- ISBN-13 978-1529342321
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About the author.
Beginning with The Firm in 1991, John Grisham has published at least one #1 bestseller every year. His books have been translated into 45 languages and have sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Ten have been adapted to film, including The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and A Time To Kill. His Theodore Boone series for young readers is now in development at Netflix. An avid sports fan, he has written two novels about football, one about baseball, and in 2021 he published Sooley, a story set in the world of college basketball. His lone work of non-fiction, The Innocent Man, was adapted into a six-part Netflix docuseries. He is the two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize For Legal Fiction and was distinguished with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award For Fiction. When he's not writing, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his recent fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice systems. A graduate of Mississippi State University and Ole Miss Law School, he lives on a farm in central Virginia, around the corner from the youth baseball complex he built in 1996. He still serves as its Commissioner.
Product details
- Publisher : Hodder & Stoughton (13 October 2020)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 480 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1529342325
- ISBN-13 : 978-1529342321
- Dimensions : 16.2 x 4.4 x 23.6 cm
- #28 in Legal Thrillers
- #2,484 in Genre Fiction
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John Grisham
You're getting a free audiobook., interview : john grisham proves yet again that he is the king of legal thrillers.
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- By: John Grisham
- Narrated by: Jeff Daniels , Ethan Hawke , January LaVoy , and others
- 'Every lawyer in a small town takes cases that he wishes a million times he had never taken.'
Featured Article: Take an Unforgettable Journey with These Exciting Action and Adventure Listens
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For most of the last hundred years, Biloxi was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. But it had a darker side. It was also notorious for corruption and vice, everything from gambling, prostitution, bootleg liquor, and drugs to contract killings....
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Long and boring
- By ATM on 10-20-22
- Release date: 10-18-22
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The Judge's List
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In The Whistler , Lacy Stoltz investigated a corrupt judge who was taking millions in bribes from a crime syndicate. She put the criminals away, but only after being attacked and nearly killed. Three years later, and approaching forty, she is tired of her work....
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THE NARRATION IS FINE!
- By JTH on 10-20-21
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The Summons & The Brethren
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Two from the master of the legal thriller....
A Double Pack of Edge of Your Seat Suspense
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John Grisham is the acknowledged master of the legal thriller. In his first collection of novellas, law is a common thread, but America’s favorite storyteller has several surprises in store....
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Poor Jeff Daniels
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The Litigators
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The incomparable master of the legal thriller takes us deeper into the labyrinth that is the American justice system....
Not Totally Grisham
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The Racketeer
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Nothing is as it seems and everything’s fair game in this wickedly clever new novel from John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller....
- 1 out of 5 stars
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A Time to Kill & The King of Torts
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The life of a 10-year-old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men....
Lively voices tell gripping plot
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A Time for Mercy
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Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid sixteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy....
Good but not great
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The Guardians
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In the small Florida town of Seabrook, a young lawyer named Keith Russo was shot dead at his desk as he worked late one night. The killer left no clues. There were no witnesses, no one with a motive....
Is Grisham getting serious about writing again?
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The Testament
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Troy Phelan is a self-made billionaire, one of the richest men in the United States. He is also eccentric, reclusive, confined to a wheelchair, and looking for a way to die. His heirs, to no one's surprise - especially Troy's - are circling like vultures....
Best Grisham Ever
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Sycamore Row
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- Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 28,551
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John Grisham's A Time to Kill is one of the most popular novels of our time. Now we return to that famous courthouse in Clanton as Jake Brigance once again finds himself embroiled in a fiercely controversial trial....
The Grisham we all loved from the 90's!
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The Whistler
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Lacy Stoltz is an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. She is a lawyer, not a cop, and it is her job to respond to complaints dealing with judicial misconduct....
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It's John Grisham, right?
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At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. But he made a deadly mistake....
It Is A Great Story, But Not A Great Undertaking
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Witness to a Trial
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A judge's first murder trial. A defense attorney in over his head. A prosecutor out for blood. The accused, who is possibly innocent. And the killer, who may have committed the perfect crime....
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The Rooster Bar
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Mark, Todd, and Zola came to law school to change the world, to make it a better place. But now, as third-year students, these close friends realize they have been duped....
Story=Terrible
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The Partner
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They watched Danilo Silva for days before they finally grabbed him. He was living alone, a quiet life...
A minor peeve...
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A Time to Kill
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Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a 10-year-old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her father acquires an assault rifle - and takes justice into his own outraged hands....
Nobody will read this review
- By Alicia on 08-18-16
- Release date: 03-01-11
- 4.5 out of 5 stars 5,257 ratings
- Narrated by: Dion Graham
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In the summer of his 17th year, Samuel Sooleymon gets the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the United States with his South Sudanese teammates to play in a showcase basketball tournament. He has never been away from home, nor has he ever been on an airplane....
Wow! Just wow!
- By Amazon Customer on 04-28-21
- Release date: 04-27-21
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In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town's water supply....
And the ending?
- By RJT on 01-31-08
- Release date: 01-29-08
- 4 out of 5 stars 3,927 ratings
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In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker....
Grisham wins a bet.
- By Bull on 01-18-05
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The indisputable king of legal thrillers, he has published 39 more books in the intervening decades, including "Camino Island" and "The Rooster Bar," both of which came out in 2017, and "The Reckoning," which came out in 2018. His books have appeared in 42 languages and have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide.
1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. 14. The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town. by. John Grisham (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 73,231 ratings. score: 3,109 , and 33 people voted.
The 20 best books by John Grisham, the bestselling author of legal thrillers like "A Time to Kill" and "The Pelican Brief" By Mara Leighton From the Jake Brigance books to "The Firm,"...
Books - John Grisham Nonstop suspense from the #1 New York Times bestselling author: Investigator Lacy Stoltz follows the trail of a serial killer, and closes in on a shocking suspect—a sitting judge. BUY NOW Discover More Books by John Grisham All Camino Series Jake Brigance Theodore Boone Fiction Nonfiction Sports Suspense & Thriller
The Runaway Jury is one of the best John Grisham books of all time, without question. It was published in the year of 1996, spanning a bit over three hundred and fifty pages, all in all. The Runaway Jury maintains its position as one of the best books of John Grisham.
The Runaway Jury. The Runaway Jury is a legal thriller novel written by American author John Grisham. It was Grisham's seventh novel. The hardcover first edition was published by Doubleday Books in 1996. Pearson Longman released the graded reader edition in 2001. The novel was published again in 2003 to coincide with the release of Runaway Jury ...
1989 - "A Time to Kill" 1991 - "The Firm" 1992 - "The Pelican Brief" 1993 - "The Client" 1994 - "The Chamber" 1995 - "The Rainmaker" 1996 - "The Runaway Jury" 1997 - "The Partner" 1998 - "The Street Lawyer" 1999 - "The Testament" 2000 - "The Brethren" Grisham Branches Out From 2001-2010
Top 10 Best John Grisham Books Reviews 1. A Time to Kill: A Novel A Time to Kill: A Jake Brigance Novel More info * As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "A Time to Kill" is the overall highest rated John Grisham book. Written in 1989, A Time to Kill is John's Grisham debut novel.
Best John Grisham Books Reading Order Of Their Publishing Date Bestseller No. 1 39,037 Reviews The Boys from Biloxi: A Legal... $14.99 View on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Sale Bestseller No. 2 75,787 Reviews The Judge's List: A Novel (The... $9.99 −$2.16 $7.83 View on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Bestseller No. 3 52,264 Reviews
Worst-selling author of 9 books • XXL/Cuepoint/The Cauldron/Business Insider/Hip Hop Golden Age • Wu-Tang disciple • NBA savant • Bibliophile Follow More from Medium Bryan Ye in Better Humans How...
John Grisham Book List (1989 - 2000) 1989 - "A Time to Kill" 1991 - "The Firm" 1992 - "The Pelican Brief" 1993 - "The Client" 1994 - "The Chamber" 1995 - "The Rainmaker" 1996 - "The Runaway Jury" 1997 - "The Partner" 1998 - "The Street Lawyer" 1999 - "The Testament" 2000 - "The Brethren" John Grisham Book List (2001 - 2010) 2001 - "A Painted House"
Here, we pick the 10 best novels from an author who says his goal is always to "satisfy the audience, deliver and entertain". 10. A Time to Kill (1989) John Grisham said his first novel, A...
Here we ranked and reviewed the top 15 Best John Grisham Books that are highly rated by 383,691 customers. Compare Products Best John Grisham Books Related reviews Compare Products RANKING LIST | SORT BY SCORES 1 A Time for Mercy: A Jake Brigance Novel View on Amazon SCORE 9.2 AI Score AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts.
1 A Time for Mercy: A Jake Brigance Novel View on Amazon SCORE 9.2 AI Score Brand N/A Prime 2 Sycamore Row (The Jake Brigance) View on Amazon SCORE 9.2 AI Score Brand Dell Prime 3 The Judge's List: A Novel (The Whistler) View on Amazon SCORE 9.0 AI Score Brand N/A Prime 4 The Guardians: A Novel View on Amazon SCORE 9.0 AI Score Brand Dell Prime 5
We've compiled the best of John Grisham's books, including thrillers you won't be able to put down. 1. The Firm This was only John Grisham's second book, but it instantly made the bestseller lists and inspired a major movie starring Gene Hackman and Tom Cruise.
John Grisham is an American writer and former attorney and politician, best known for his popular legal thrillers. Grisham's first novel, A Time to Killl, was written and published in 1989 while he served in the House of Representatives in Mississippi.Many of his books have been adapted into films and television shows, including his first best seller, The Firm.
Rate this book. Clear rating. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. The Judge's List (The Whistler, #2) by. John Grisham (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 86,650 ratings — published 2021 — 43 editions. Want to Read.
Best John Grisham Books. In my own personal opinion, these are the top five books that stand out for me: See at Amazon#5: The Last Juror (2004) Taking over 'The Ford County Times', young college dropout Willie Traynor assumes control of a bankrupt local newspaper at just 23 years of age. Then, following the brutal rape and murder of a local ...
The Biography of John Grisham offers a captivating look at the life and career of one of the world's most beloved authors. From his humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to his rise to fame as a bestselling novelist, this book showcases the hard work, determination, and talent that have made Grisham a household name.
Beginning with The Firm in 1991, John Grisham has published at least one #1 bestseller every year. His books have been translated into 45 languages and have sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Ten have been adapted to film, including The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and A Time To Kill. His Theodore Boone series for young readers is now in development at Netflix.
The Reckoning: the electrifying new novel from bestseller John Grisham. by John Grisham. 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (29,655) Paperback. $14.77 $ 14. 77. ... Amazon Book Clubs Children's Books Textbooks Textbook Rentals Best Books of the Month 1-24 of over 5,000 results for "john grisham" RESULTS. Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller ...
John Grisham is the author of forty-seven consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include The Boys From Biloxi, The Judge's List, Sooley, and his third Jake Brigance novel, A Time for Mercy, which is being developed by HBO as a limited series.
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