The Reckoning
By John Grisham
- Release Date: 2018-10-23
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • John Grisham's most powerful, surprising, and suspenseful thriller yet • “A murder mystery, a courtroom drama, a family saga.” —USA Today
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.
In a major novel unlike anything he has written before, 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.
Reminiscent of the finest tradition of Southern Gothic storytelling, The Reckoning would not be complete without Grisham’s signature layers of legal suspense, and he delivers on every page.
Reviews
Tedious
1By Katie1561Not his bestThe Reckoning
1By Steven A SegalEndless legal drivel. Enough to put a Supreme Court justice to sleep.Very boring
1By Jp4866Don’t bother. Boring, slow, depressing. Very predictable ending.The Reckoning
5By M'AngieThis story is vividly presented. The details capture the reader to the point that it cannot be put aside for meals or for sleeping. I felt compelled to continue reading in order to find out what would happen next. Each character took on an identity that will live with you for many months after the book is finished. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in solving plot twists and reading a story based on real historical events. Mary MuirThe Reckoning
1By Carlos RossIt is too gruesome and drags you through pages of grief without a satisfying endingDisappointed
1By JAGBOMI have always been a Grisham fan. This is the first review I’ve ever written and it is only because I don’t want anyone wasting time reading this book. This is the worst book I’ve read in my lifeThe Rekoning
4By olddue1This was an absorbing novel. Lots of unexpected twists. The writing is a bit uneven but thought provoking and different than the usual books by Mr. Grisham.Boring - run away from this book
1By J.R. ParkerQuite possibly Grisham’s worst book. Really, I wish I hadn’t started it.Solid
4By Jam's I-phoneA solid read.Not the usual edge of your seat
3By Wolfhead9There was way too much dead air in this story. I was bored stiff for very long periods. Sorry but I can barely give this one 3 star.Meh
2By kswift821This book had potential...started strong, lots of mystery. But it quickly became redundant and left me wondering where it was going. Then the middle took a totally different tone, which I didn’t hate, but again was wondering how it would tie in. Only to get to the very end of the book and still wondering what the middle had to do with anything. The end result was like, wow I just wasted three days of my life lol the “big reveal” at the VERY end turned out to be super predictable and I just put the book down and shook my head, thinking “that was it??” Not his best, and I love John Grisham.The reckoning
3By boots saddleTwisted yarn. Sad, tragic, depressing, and somewhat predictable ending. Not an enjoyable read.Excellent
5By Hundo757Excellent read. Although very sad and misfortune for the kids.So conflicted...
3By StylishGuy11Imagine this: bottom of the 9th inning, the teams are tied. The game has had everything, from masterful pitching to heroic and timely home runs. It all comes down to this...the star closer stares down the opposing hitter, a grizzled veteran at the plate for his last at bat. The pitcher winds up, and then pulls a Colt .45 out of his pants and shoots the batter in the forehead. Prepare yourself for a masterclass in storytelling, although quite slow, and anticipation that you have rarely experienced. Just go ahead and quit reading before you get to the last 25 pages. Story: A- Finale: FI Could Not Finish It
2By hwy21I am a huge Grisham fan. I have read every novel he ever published...save this one. I had to lay it down midway through the book. He does a great job as usual with character development, but it was just too graphic for my taste. I get it that the author is making a statement against capital punishment and the horrors war, which I too am against. But I don’t need to see it in something that I want to read for leisure. I didn’t expect it, and I was disappointed. But, that’s just me, and I look forward to reading his next one, The Guardian.Semi good
2By Junem1The story of the murder was completely under-developed and didn’t come to a conclusion. Many, many plot lines left hanging. I would rate that part of the novel a negative 3 stars. It could have been great. Sadly it wasn’t. The middle of the novel describing the Japanese/American conflict was extremely well written and held my attention. Stirred many emotions: fear, anger, sorrow, anticipation, etc. I could easily rate the Bataan death march narration 5 stars. The difference in the different sections is why over-all I rated this book at only two stars. It felt like Mr. Grisham reach the minimum number of required words for this book, so he ended it. Right then. Right there. No tying up loose ends. Lazy, sloppy writing, in my opinion. Could have been the beginning of a trilogy, one of the great American novels. What a shame it wasn’t developed.Worst Grisham book
1By mglpeSooo slow and boring.The Reckoning by John Grisham
1By Glenview readerFor those of you who loved Grisham and The Firm, The Pelican Brief and The Client, forget THIS. Over the years, his books have become much less thrilling and much more maudlin and even gory. This book was the worst yet. I am finished - won’t read another Grisham again.The reckoning
2By BoomerbassNot one of my favorites by This author. It seems as it the ending, which contained an explanation for the entire plot was an afterthought put together in an effort to provide a justification. Disappointing for sure.
