20+ Books by John Grisham (2024)

John Grisham is a name synonymous with legal thrillers. Over the past three decades, he has captivated readers with his intense courtroom dramas, intricate plots, and richly drawn characters.

With more than 40 novels to his name, Grisham has become one of the best-selling authors of all time, selling over 300 million copies worldwide. But while Grisham is best known for his legal thrillers, his repertoire also includes sports novels, short stories, and non-fiction works. In this blog, we’ll delve into 17 of John Grisham’s most notable books, exploring the themes and narratives that have made him a household name.

A Time to Kill (1989)

Grisham’s debut novel, “A Time to Kill,” tells the story of a young attorney, Jake Brigance, who takes on the case of Carl Lee Hailey, a black man who murders the white men who brutally assaulted his daughter. Set in the racially charged atmosphere, the novel explores themes of justice, racism, and morality. It’s a gripping tale that laid the foundation for Grisham’s career as a master of the legal thriller.

The Firm (1991)

“The Firm” is the book that catapulted John Grisham to fame. The story follows Mitch McDeere, a recent Harvard Law graduate, who accepts a lucrative job at a prestigious law firm, only to discover that the firm is involved in money laundering for the mob. As Mitch digs deeper, he finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The Pelican Brief (1992)

In “The Pelican Brief,” Grisham introduces us to Darby Shaw, a law student who uncovers a conspiracy involving the murders of two Supreme Court justices. As she becomes the target of powerful enemies, Darby must use her wits to stay alive and expose the truth. The novel is a fast-paced legal thriller that showcases Grisham’s skill in weaving complex plots.

The Client (1993)

“The Client” tells the story of an eleven-year-old boy named Mark Sway, who becomes entangled in a legal battle after witnessing the suicide of a lawyer who knows the whereabouts of a murdered senator’s body. Mark hires a feisty attorney, Reggie Love, to protect him from both the law and the mafia. The novel is a tense, character-driven story that highlights Grisham’s ability to create compelling and relatable protagonists.

The Chamber (1994)

“The Chamber” dives deep into the controversial subject of capital punishment. The novel follows Adam Hall, a young lawyer who takes on the case of his grandfather, Sam Cayhall, a former Klansman on death row for a 1967 bombing. As Adam struggles with his family’s dark past, the novel explores themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of hate. “The Chamber” is a powerful, thought-provoking read that challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths.

The Rainmaker (1995)

In “The Rainmaker,” Grisham tells the story of Rudy Baylor, a new attorney who takes on a massive insurance company in a David-and-Goliath battle. The novel is a gripping legal drama that highlights the corruption and greed within the insurance industry. Rudy’s journey from underdog to hero is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, making “The Rainmaker” one of Grisham’s most memorable works.

The Runaway Jury (1996)

“The Runaway Jury” is yet another legal thriller that delves into the world of jury tampering and manipulation. The story revolves around a major tobacco company on trial and the lengths to which they will go to secure a favourable verdict. Grisham’s exploration of the moral complexities of the legal system and the power dynamics at play makes this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read.

The Partner (1997)

Another legal thriller, “The Partner” follows Patrick Lanigan, a lawyer who fakes his death and steals $90 million from his firm. After years on the run, he’s finally captured, but the story is far from over. Grisham expertly weaves a tale of betrayal, greed, and revenge, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the truth behind Patrick’s actions slowly unravels.

The Street Lawyer (1998)

“The Street Lawyer” marks a departure from Grisham’s usual courtroom dramas, focusing instead on the life of Michael Brock, a high-powered attorney who becomes a street lawyer after a traumatic experience. As Michael fights for the rights of the homeless, the novel explores themes of social justice and the personal cost of doing what’s right. It’s a powerful and moving story that showcases Grisham’s versatility as a writer.

The Testament (1999)

In “The Testament,” Grisham tells the story of a billionaire who leaves his fortune to an illegitimate daughter living as a missionary in the Brazilian jungle. The novel follows Nate O’Riley, a lawyer sent to find her, as he embarks on a journey of redemption and self-discovery. “The Testament” is a deeply emotional and spiritual novel that explores the themes of faith, forgiveness, and the true meaning of wealth.

The Brethren (2000)

“The Brethren” is a legal thriller with a twist. The story centres on three disgraced former judges serving time in a minimum-security prison, who run a mail scam from behind bars. Their scheme takes a dangerous turn when they accidentally ensnare a powerful and dangerous man. Grisham’s exploration of corruption and the abuse of power makes “The Brethren” a darkly humorous and intriguing read.

The Summons (2002)

In “The Summons,” Grisham introduces us to Ray Atlee, a law professor who returns to his childhood home in Mississippi after his father’s death. There, he discovers a hidden fortune, setting off a suspenseful and dangerous chain of events. The novel is a character-driven thriller that explores themes of family, and the power of money.

The King of Torts (2003)

“The King of Torts” follows Clay Carter, a public defender who stumbles into a lucrative career as a mass tort lawyer. As Clay becomes entangled in the world of high-stakes litigation, he grapples with the ethical dilemmas and personal costs of his newfound wealth. The novel is a biting critique of the legal industry and the dangers of greed, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

The Last Juror (2004)

Set in the 1970s, “The Last Juror” is yet another gripping tale of crime, justice, and community. The story follows Willie Traynor, a young journalist who takes over a small-town newspaper, and his involvement in the trial of a notorious criminal. As the trial unfolds, the novel explores themes of redemption, vengeance, and the changing social landscape of the South.

The Broker (2005)

“The Broker” tells the story of Joel Backman, a former power broker who is released from prison by a mysterious deal involving the CIA. He’s sent to Italy under a new identity, but his life remains in danger as various international forces close in on him. Grisham’s intricate plotting and rich descriptions of Italian life make “The Broker” a thrilling and immersive read.

The Appeal (2008)

In “The Appeal,” Grisham tackles the issue of judicial corruption head-on. The novel follows the aftermath of a massive verdict against a chemical company and the lengths the company goes to manipulate the court. It’s a lucid look at the influence of money in the legal system and a powerful indictment of corporate greed.

The Litigators (2011)

“The Litigators” is a humorous and fast-paced novel that follows two ambulance-chasing lawyers and their unexpected success in a class-action lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company. The novel is a satirical take on the legal profession, full of colourful characters and sharp wit. It’s lighter, yet still engaging.

John Grisham’s books explore complex themes of justice, morality, and the human condition. From his early courtroom dramas to his more recent works, Grisham has proven himself to be a master storyteller who can keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.

His novels not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion, making them essential reading for anyone interested in the law, justice, and the intricacies of the human experience.

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