The Best Books by John Grisham

A Time for Mercy by John Grisham

We are placing “A Time for Mercy” by John Grisham at the top of our list of the best books by the author. This legal thriller is a return to the beloved characters and setting of his earlier bestsellers, “A Time to Kill” and “Sycamore Row.” The book follows Jake Brigance, the lawyer hero of the previous two novels, as he takes on his toughest case yet. The story revolves around Drew, a sixteen-year-old boy who has taken the law into his own hands and killed a police officer in self-defense, after the officer had abused his mother.

The book is a gripping and intense read, as it delves into the complex issue of police misconduct, and the moral and legal implications of taking the law into one’s own hands. Grisham’s writing is as sharp and compelling as ever, and he masterfully creates an emotional core that burns with a white heat. The characters are well-developed and easy to connect with, and the story is expertly plotted and paced, creating a suspenseful and thrilling experience for the reader.

With its powerful themes, thought-provoking subject matter, and Grisham’s signature writing style, “A Time for Mercy” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers. Its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, its strong social commentary, and its return to beloved characters and setting, make it a deserving number one on our list of John Grisham’s best books.

The King of Torts by John Grisham

We are placing “The King of Torts” by John Grisham at number two on our list of the best books by John Grisham. This legal thriller tells the story of Clay Carter, a public defender who takes on a case that leads him to uncover a conspiracy involving one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The novel is a gripping and fast-paced read that explores the darker side of the legal profession, as well as the impact of corporate greed on individuals and society.

The book is well-written, with Grisham’s signature style of creating complex characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story delves into the themes of power, corruption, and the quest for justice, and it raises important questions about the role of the legal system in protecting the rights of individuals. Clay Carter is a well-written protagonist, whose personal and professional journey keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

“The King of Torts” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and it is a deserving second on our list of John Grisham’s best books. The novel’s exploration of the darker side of the legal profession, its fast-paced plot, and its well-written characters make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The fact that it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, solidifies its popularity and quality among readers and experts.

The Firm by John Grisham

We are placing “The Firm” by John Grisham at number three on our list of the best books by the author. This legal thriller tells the story of a young lawyer, Mitch McDeere, who takes a job at a prestigious law firm, only to find himself caught in a web of deception and corruption. The novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that delves into the darker side of the legal profession and corporate greed.

The book is well-written, with Grisham’s signature style of creating complex characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is expertly plotted and paced, and it raises important questions about the role of ethics in the legal profession. The protagonist, Mitch McDeere, is a relatable and well-written character, whose personal and professional journey keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

“The Firm” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and it is a deserving third on our list of John Grisham’s best books. The novel’s exploration of the darker side of the legal profession, its fast-paced plot, and its well-written characters make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The fact that it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, solidifies its popularity and quality among readers and experts. It’s place on the list is also due to the fact that it is one of Grisham’s early works, and has set the standard for legal thrillers that followed.

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

We are placing “The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham at number four on our list of the best books by the author. This legal thriller returns to Grisham’s hometown of Mississippi and tells the story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. The novel showcases Grisham’s signature twists and turns and is sure to keep readers engaged until the stunning conclusion.

The novel takes place in the city of Biloxi, Mississippi, where for most of the last hundred years, it was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. However, the city also 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 a small cabal of mobsters, many of them rumored to be members of the Dixie Mafia.

The story follows the lives of two childhood friends, Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco, who grew up in Biloxi in the sixties. Keith’s father became a legendary prosecutor determined to “clean up the Coast,” while Hugh’s father became the “Boss” of Biloxi’s criminal underground. Keith went to law school and followed in his father’s footsteps, while Hugh preferred the nightlife and worked in his father’s clubs. The two families were headed for a showdown, one that would happen in a courtroom. The story is a sweeping saga rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters, that showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling plots and characters.

The Judge’s List by John Grisham

We are placing “The Judge’s List” by John Grisham at number five on our list of the best books by the author. This legal thriller is a follow-up to “The Whistler” and continues the story of investigator Lacy Stoltz as she investigates a corrupt judge and a serial killer. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read that showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling plots and characters.

The story follows investigator Lacy Stoltz who is approached by a mysterious woman named Jeri Crosby. Jeri’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown 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. Lacy takes the case and begins to suspect that the killer is a sitting judge in Florida, who is taking justice into his own hands.

The novel is fast-paced and suspenseful, with Grisham’s signature style of creating complex characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story delves into the themes of corruption, justice, and the law, and raises important questions about the role of the legal system in protecting the rights of individuals. Lacy Stoltz is a well-written protagonist, whose personal and professional journey keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

“The Judge’s List” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and it is a deserving fifth on our list of John Grisham’s best books. The novel’s exploration of the darker side of the legal profession, its fast-paced plot, and its well-written characters make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The fact that it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, solidifies its popularity and quality among readers and experts.

The Guardians by John Grisham

We are placing “The Guardians” by John Grisham at number six on our list of the best books by the author. This legal thriller tells the story of a wrongful conviction and the fight to clear an innocent man’s name. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read that showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling plots and characters.

The story takes place in the small Florida town of Seabrook, where a young lawyer named Keith Russo was shot dead at his desk as he worked late one night. The killer left no clues and there were no witnesses. 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 twenty-two years he maintained his innocence, but no one was listening.

In desperation, Quincy 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 and 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.

“The Guardians” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and it is a deserving sixth on our list of John Grisham’s best books. The novel’s exploration of the wrongful convictions and the fight to clear an innocent man’s name, its fast-paced plot, and its well-written characters make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The fact that it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, solidifies its popularity and quality among readers and experts. The novel also touches on themes like racism and prejudices that exist in the legal system, making it an important book to read.

A Time to Kill by John Grisham

We are placing “A Time to Kill” by John Grisham at number seven on our list of the best books by John Grisham. This legal thriller is Grisham’s debut novel and it is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores the themes of racial violence and justice. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read that showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling plots and characters.

The story takes place in the mostly white town of Clanton, Mississippi, where the life of a ten-year-old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless white men. The town 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 ten 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.

“A Time to Kill” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of racial violence and justice. The novel’s fast-paced plot, its well-written characters, and its exploration of the complexities of race relations make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The fact that it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, solidifies its popularity and quality among readers and experts. The novel also features Jake Brigance, a character that would appear in many of Grisham’s future novels, making it an important book to read for fans of the series.

The Fugitive by John Grisham

We are placing “The Fugitive” by John Grisham at number eight on our list of the best books by the author. This book is part of the Theodore Boone series, a spin-off of John Grisham’s legal thrillers, that is written for a young adult audience. This series is known for its fast-paced plot, compelling characters, and its exploration of the legal system.

The story follows Theodore Boone, a young lawyer who is passionate about justice. In this particular book, he thought the danger had passed, but he’s about to face off against an old adversary: accused murderer and fugitive Pete Duffy. On a field trip to Washington, DC, Theo spots a familiar face on the Metro: Duffy, who jumped bail and was never seen again. Theo’s quick thinking helps bring Duffy back to Strattenburg to stand trial. But now that Duffy knows who he is, Theo is in greater danger than he’s ever been in before. Even when everything is on the line, Theodore Boone will stop at nothing to make sure a killer is brought to justice.

“The Fugitive” is the fifth book in the Theodore Boone series and it is a perfect read for young adults who love legal thrillers. The book is a gripping and suspenseful read that showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling plots and characters. The book is praised for its “edge-of-your-seat drama, sophisticated plotting, and plenty of spunk” by Chicago Sun-Times.

The Client by John Grisham

We are placing “The Client” by John Grisham at number nine on our list of the best books by the author. This book is one of Grisham’s early works and it is considered as a classic legal thriller that showcases the author’s ability to create compelling plots and characters.

The story follows eleven-year-old Mark Sway and his younger brother who are sharing a forbidden cigarette in a weedy lot on the outskirts of Memphis, when a chance encounter with a suicidal lawyer leaves Mark knowing a bloody and explosive secret: the whereabouts of the most sought-after dead body in America. Mark is now caught between a legal system gone mad and a mob killer desperate to cover up his crime.

Mark’s 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.

“The Client” is a gripping, suspenseful and thought-provoking read that explores the themes of justice, morality and the legal system. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, compelling characters, and its exploration of the legal system. Grisham’s writing style is simple and easy to read, making the book a great read for those who are new to legal thrillers. It is widely considered as one of Grisham’s most popular and successful books.

The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

In our list of the best books by John Grisham, we are placing The Pelican Brief at the tenth spot for its thrilling and suspenseful plot, masterful storytelling and its ability to keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

The Pelican Brief is a legal thriller that tells the story of Darby Shaw, a young law student who prepares a legal brief on a hunch, which later becomes a political dynamite and leads to the assassination of two of the Supreme Court justices. The brief also makes her a target of the killers, who will stop at nothing to destroy the evidence of the crime.

Darby is forced to go underground and with the help of an ambitious reporter, they piece together the deadly puzzle and uncover a violent cover-up that leads all the way to the White House’s inner sanctums. The Pelican Brief is a perfect example of Grisham’s mastery in weaving together a complex plot, with a touch of political intrigue and a hint of romance. It’s a novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Sycamore Row by John Grisham

In our list of the best books by John Grisham, we are placing Sycamore Row at eleventh place. This #1 New York Times best seller is a powerful legal thriller that returns to the iconic setting of his first novel, A Time to Kill, as Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a controversial trial that exposes a tortured history of racial tension.

“Welcome back, Jake. . . . [Brigance] is one of the most fully developed and engaging characters in all of Grisham’s novels.”—USA Today

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, his 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?

Although it may not rank as high as some of Grisham’s other novels, Sycamore Row is still a compelling read that showcases the author’s skill in weaving a legal thriller. With its complex characters and intense courtroom drama, it’s no surprise that it made it onto our list of the best books by John Grisham.

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham is a gripping legal thriller that explores the inner workings of a high-stakes jury trial. It is placed twelfth in our list of the best books by John Grisham due to its well-crafted plot and dynamic characters.

The story follows a group of twelve men and women who are selected to serve on a jury in a landmark lawsuit against a powerful tobacco company. As the trial progresses, the jurors find themselves embroiled in a complex web of manipulation and deception as high-powered lawyers and consultants stop at nothing to secure a verdict in their favor.

The story is masterfully told by Grisham, with a particular focus on the character of Juror #2, who serves as the leader of the jury. The story unfolds as the truth about this mysterious figure is slowly revealed, leading to a dramatic conclusion that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The Runaway Jury is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and those who enjoy stories of power, corruption and redemption.

The Rainmaker by John Grisham

The Rainmaker by John Grisham is a #1 New York Times Bestseller that delves into the world of legal intrigue and corporate greed. We are placing this book at number thirteen on our list of the best books by John Grisham, as it is a compelling and engaging read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

It’s summer in Memphis and Rudy Baylor is struggling to make ends meet. Once he had aspirations of breezing through law school and punching his ticket to the good life, but now he doesn’t have a job or a prayer, except for one case – an insurance dispute that leaves a family devastated and opens the door for a lawsuit, if Rudy can find a way to file it.

When Rudy takes the case to court, he finds himself up against a powerful corporate defense team. The case that started small is now exploding into a million-dollar war of nerves, skill and outright violence. Rudy’s determination to see justice served will put him in the middle of a dangerous and deadly game, as he fights to turn himself into the biggest “rainmaker” in the land.

The Partner by John Grisham

The Partner by John Grisham is a gripping thriller that delves into the story of a young lawyer who steals 90 million dollars from his own firm. Placing it at number 14 on our list of the best books by John Grisham, this novel is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and suspense.

The story follows Patrick Lanigan, a well-liked and well-paid young partner in a thriving Mississippi law firm. But when he steals 90 million dollars and runs for his life, he sets off a chain of events that leads to a four-year manhunt. Eventually, he is tracked down on the edge of the Brazilian jungle and brought back home to face trial.

As the trial begins, the prosecutors circle like sharks and Patrick’s lawyer prepares his defense. But as the trial unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to the story than meets the eye. With a tense and suspenseful plot, The Partner is a gripping read from start to finish.

The Whistler by John Grisham

The final book in our list of the best books by John Grisham, and at number 15 is The Whistler. We expect our judges to be honest and wise. Their integrity is the bedrock of the entire judicial system. We trust them to ensure fair trials, to protect the rights of all litigants, to punish those who do wrong, and to oversee the flow of justice. But what happens when a judge bends the law or takes a bribe? This is the question at the heart of John Grisham’s latest novel, The Whistler.

Lacy Stoltz is an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. It is her job to respond to complaints dealing with judicial misconduct. After nine years with the Board, she knows that most problems are caused by incompetence, not corruption. But a corruption case eventually crosses her desk. A previously disbarred lawyer is back in business, and he claims to know of a Florida judge who has stolen more money than all other crooked judges combined. And not just crooked judges in Florida. All judges, from all states, and throughout United States history.

As Lacy delves deeper into the case, she realizes that this could be one of the most dangerous and high-stakes cases she has ever handled. The judge in question is not just corrupt, but also cunning and ruthless. He will stop at nothing to protect his ill-gotten gains, and Lacy must tread carefully to avoid becoming the next victim. The Whistler is a gripping legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.