#1 bestselling author John Grisham’s The Reckoning is his most powerful, surprising, and suspenseful thriller yet. “A murder mystery, a courtroom drama, a family saga… 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.
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Interesting how the primary story is woven in with the past events.
great
Not Grishams usual style but I think one of his best and you are on the hook until the very end.
You’ve done it again Mr Grisham…. wow what a read… did it in one sitting 8-10 hrs flat… enjoyed it thoroughly
Good
This is typical Grisham: a well-thought-out story with interesting legal ramifications. His plots are always nicely complicated, and in this case the reader can know all the way through that a plot twist will pop loose right at the close. Sure enough. No spoiler alert here, but I will confess that there’s really no one at all to admire in this story.
The one negative to this book is that the Bataan Death March part of the story is rather longish, without much payoff to it. There have been other relentlessly grim accounts of this part of WWII; Grisham’s is also descriptive and bleak, but there’s really no redemptive purpose to a whole lot of pages given to that extended detour.
All in all, another fine effort.
A great story teller, I’ve enjoyed all his books.
I am a huge fan of John Grisham, especially his early work. The Reckoning is almost as good as A Time to Kill. I was very impressed with how the author was able to create a lively work of fiction with an interesting plot line and weave history – a tragic World War II battle that resulted in an inhumane death march for American soldiers captured by the Japanese – accurately into the storyline. The Reckoning is also another great example of the author’s Southern storytelling. His casual, but sharp narrative keeps the story flowing and the reader engaged. Really good stuff.
I loved this book. Leaves you to the very end to find out the reason. Also learn a lot about the Battan death march. Also McArthur was not the hero everyone thought he was. Once again Grisham writes a great book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was really engrossed in the history of WWII. My father was on Corregidor so I found it very interesting. I felt the end left me hanging. I’m hoping that someday I get to know what happens to Stella & Joel.
Gripping. Grisham has outdone himself.
Long, drawn out story that was a waste of my time. I usually really enjoy John Grisham’s books but this one was a loser. Don’t waste your time.
Disappointed in the ending
a great and original Grisham story. Another good one from him!
When Grisham goes out of his usual genre, he is remarkable
Not his best. To much time devoted to the war. I wasn’t looking to read a history book. Despite that, the mail character outstanding.
Good quick page-turner…the ideal airport lounge companion:/
Not your typical John Grisham.
Very detailed account of war.
Sad and at times gruesome.
Of all his books that I read I felt it was a complete waste of my time to read it especially the 2 nd chapter.I have to wonder what compelled Mr.Grishman to write this Book.
John does it again. alway enjoy his books. I keep wanting to skip to the last 5 chapters to see where he’s taking me, but haven’t done it yet.