20 Best John Grisham Books
20 Best John Grisham Books
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John Grisham is a prolific American author known for his gripping legal thrillers. Born on February 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Grisham originally pursued a career in law and politics before turning to writing. His experience as a lawyer heavily influenced his novels, which often revolve around legal drama, courtroom intrigue, and the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers.
Grisham is famous for his ability to craft suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His debut novel, "A Time to Kill," published in 1989, was inspired by a case he witnessed as a young lawyer. However, it was his second book, "The Firm" (1991), that catapulted him to fame, becoming a bestseller and later adapted into a successful film starring Tom Cruise. This set the stage for a long and successful career in writing.
Readers of John Grisham's novels can expect well-researched legal contexts, intricate plotlines, and a deep dive into the complexities of the legal system. His books often explore themes of justice, corruption, morality, and the human spirit. Grisham's storytelling is characterized by fast-paced action, detailed character development, and a knack for creating realistic, immersive settings.
As of now, John Grisham has published 48 books, including novels, short story collections, and non-fiction works. Many of these books have become bestsellers, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful authors in the legal thriller genre. His notable works include "The Pelican Brief," "The Client," "The Runaway Jury," "The Rainmaker," "A Time for Mercy," and "Camino Island."
With over 30 best-selling novels, John Grisham has captivated millions of readers worldwide. His books have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into several films and television series, further expanding his influence and popularity. Reading a John Grisham novel is an invitation to explore the thrilling and often perilous world of the law, with stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
Today I am sharing a round-up of the best John Grisham books that readers should add to their collection. You may also be interested in my list of 25 Thriller Authors You Should Know or my list of Best Psychological Thrillers Books.
20 Best John Grisham Books
The Firm (1991)
Overview: This breakthrough novel follows Mitch McDeere, a young lawyer entangled in a deadly web of corruption and deceit within a prestigious law firm.
What Readers Like: Fast-paced narrative, suspenseful plot, and intricate legal drama.
Copies Sold: Over 7 million.
Expectations: High-stakes legal battles, moral dilemmas, and relentless action.
Unique Aspect: Introduced Grisham's knack for exposing the dark side of the legal world.
A Time to Kill (1989)
Overview: Set in a racially charged Southern town, this novel follows lawyer Jake Brigance defending a black man accused of killing two white men who raped his daughter.
What Readers Like: Emotional depth, powerful courtroom scenes, and social commentary.
Copies Sold: Over 3 million.
Expectations: Intense courtroom drama, moral questions, and social justice themes.
Unique Aspect: Inspired by real-life events witnessed by Grisham, bringing authenticity to the story.
The Pelican Brief (1992)
Overview: Law student Darby Shaw discovers a conspiracy after the assassination of two Supreme Court justices.
What Readers Like: Intricate conspiracy plot, strong female protagonist, and relentless tension.
Copies Sold: Over 6 million.
Expectations: Political intrigue, chase sequences, and clever legal maneuvering.
Unique Aspect: Combines legal thriller elements with political conspiracy.
The Client (1993)
Overview: A young boy becomes the target of both the FBI and the mafia after witnessing a lawyer's suicide.
What Readers Like: Gripping suspense, empathetic characters, and intricate plot twists.
Copies Sold: Over 5 million.
Expectations: High-stakes chases, legal intrigue, and emotional drama.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on a young protagonist, adding a fresh perspective to the legal thriller genre.
The Rainmaker (1995)
Overview: Rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor takes on a powerful insurance company in a case of corporate malfeasance.
What Readers Like: Underdog story, courtroom drama, and social justice themes.
Copies Sold: Over 3 million.
Expectations: Legal battles, moral questions, and a David vs. Goliath narrative.
Unique Aspect: Highlights the struggle of a novice lawyer against a corrupt corporation.
The Runaway Jury (1996)
Overview: A juror in a high-stakes tobacco trial manipulates the outcome with the help of an outside accomplice.
What Readers Like: Intricate plotting, psychological manipulation, and courtroom suspense.
Copies Sold: Over 4 million.
Expectations: Jury tampering, legal strategy, and ethical questions.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on the manipulation of the jury system, offering a unique take on legal thrillers.
The Partner (1997)
Overview: A lawyer who fakes his death and steals millions from his firm is caught and must navigate legal and personal fallout.
What Readers Like: Twists and turns, complex characters, and legal machinations.
Copies Sold: Over 3 million.
Expectations: Deception, legal intrigue, and moral ambiguity.
Unique Aspect: Explores themes of betrayal and redemption in the legal world.
The Street Lawyer (1998)
Overview: A successful attorney leaves his firm to help the homeless after a life-changing event.
What Readers Like: Emotional depth, social justice themes, and character transformation.
Copies Sold: Over 2 million.
Expectations: Personal growth, social issues, and legal battles.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on homelessness and the ethical responsibilities of lawyers.
The Testament (1999)
Overview: A dying billionaire's will sends a lawyer on a journey to find an illegitimate heir in the Brazilian jungle.
What Readers Like: Adventure, moral questions, and legal intrigue.
Copies Sold: Over 3 million.
Expectations: Exotic locales, inheritance battles, and personal transformation.
Unique Aspect: Combines legal drama with a survival adventure.
The Brethren (2000)
Overview: Three ex-judges run a scam from prison, which spirals out of control when they target a presidential candidate.
What Readers Like: Clever plotting, dark humor, and political intrigue.
Copies Sold: Over 2 million.
Expectations: Political manipulation, legal machinations, and suspense.
Unique Aspect: Unusual setting with corrupt protagonists adds a unique twist.
The Summons (2002)
Overview: A law professor uncovers his late father's hidden fortune, leading to danger and mystery.
What Readers Like: Family secrets, suspenseful narrative, and legal intrigue.
Copies Sold: Over 2 million.
Expectations: Mystery, family drama, and ethical dilemmas.
Unique Aspect: Explores the complexities of family and inheritance.
The King of Torts (2003)
Overview: A public defender becomes a wealthy tort lawyer but faces ethical and legal challenges.
What Readers Like: Rise and fall narrative, legal ethics, and courtroom drama.
Copies Sold: Over 1.5 million.
Expectations: Legal battles, ethical questions, and personal transformation.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on the dark side of mass tort litigation.
The Last Juror (2004)
Overview: A young journalist covers a sensational murder trial in a small town.
What Readers Like: Small-town dynamics, courtroom drama, and character development.
Copies Sold: Over 2 million.
Expectations: Legal intrigue, community insights, and moral questions.
Unique Aspect: Combines legal thriller with a deep dive into small-town life.
The Broker (2005)
Overview: A former power broker is released from prison and becomes the target of international assassins.
What Readers Like: Espionage, suspense, and political intrigue.
Copies Sold: Over 2 million.
Expectations: High-stakes chases, international settings, and suspense.
Unique Aspect: Blends legal thriller with international espionage.
The Appeal (2008)
Overview: A chemical company tries to manipulate a state supreme court election to overturn a damaging verdict.
What Readers Like: Political intrigue, courtroom drama, and ethical questions.
Copies Sold: Over 1.5 million.
Expectations: Legal manipulation, political corruption, and moral dilemmas.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on the impact of money and politics on the judicial system.
The Associate (2009)
Overview: A young lawyer is blackmailed into working for a shady firm involved in a major lawsuit.
What Readers Like: Suspense, legal intrigue, and moral questions.
Copies Sold: Over 1.5 million.
Expectations: High-stakes legal battles, blackmail, and suspense.
Unique Aspect: Explores the pressures faced by young lawyers in high-stakes situations.
The Confession (2010)
Overview: A convicted felon claims to have evidence that could exonerate a man on death row.
What Readers Like: Moral complexity, suspenseful narrative, and social justice themes.
Copies Sold: Over 1.5 million.
Expectations: Legal battles, ethical dilemmas, and suspense.
Unique Aspect: Tackles the controversial issue of the death penalty.
The Litigators (2011)
Overview: Two down-and-out lawyers take on a major pharmaceutical company in a class-action lawsuit.
What Readers Like: Underdog story, humor, and legal intrigue.
Copies Sold: Over 1 million.
Expectations: Legal battles, corporate corruption, and humor.
Unique Aspect: Combines legal thriller with elements of comedy.
Sycamore Row (2013)
Overview: Sequel to "A Time to Kill," focusing on a contentious will dispute in a racially divided town.
What Readers Like: Rich character development, courtroom drama, and social commentary.
Copies Sold: Over 1 million.
Expectations: Legal battles, racial tensions, and moral questions.
Unique Aspect: Revisits characters and themes from "A Time to Kill."
Gray Mountain (2014)
Overview: A young lawyer moves to a small town and uncovers corruption in the coal industry.
What Readers Like: Environmental themes, legal intrigue, and character development.
Copies Sold: Over 1 million.
Expectations: Corporate corruption, environmental issues, and suspense.
Unique Aspect: Focuses on environmental law and the coal industry.
John Grisham's novels are beloved for their compelling plots, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Each book offers a unique perspective on the legal world, ensuring that readers are both entertained and enlightened.
