#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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I think this is the most disjointed book that Grisham has ever written. I agree that the hero general of the Philippines was the one left behind, not Douglas McArthur, but this book did not work as a war story/courtroom drama combo and it was a disappointment.
Absolutely awesome and historical and you just cannot put this one down. It is outstanding. I highly recommend it.
It has stayed in my mind for weeks now – very tragic story and haunting.
This was not up to the standards of his other books. I was very disappointed.
C
Excellent read. Grisham at his best. Had me on edge until the last page to answer the question….WHY!
This is a sweeping saga recalling the finest Southern Gothic tradition. “The Reckoning” is a captivating story penned in gorgeous prose with full-bodied characters and a vivid sense of place.
A tale to take pleasure from and in which to lose yourself.
Part One – The Killing:
On October 9, 1946 in Clanton, Ford County, Mississippi Pete Banning, a decorated war hero and prominent citizen, awakens early and calmly goes about his morning routine. He then drives into town, walks into the Methodist and shoots and kills Reverend Dexter Bell.
All he says to anyone, including his lawyer, is, “I have nothing to say.”
With Pete’s motivation unknown and no defense, the case goes to jury trial, as per Pete’s wishes.
The county prosecutor loves it.
We are shown how Pete’s family, his children Joel and Stella along with his sister, Florry, struggle in the aftermath of the trial.
Now with their Mom, Liza, already committed to a mental hospital for reasons they do not know, Joel and Stella are left to wonder at what’s happened to their family.
Part Two – The Boneyard:
This section is a war story recounting Pete’s harrowing experiences in the Philippine jungles. The Battle of Bataan. The death march. The death camp. Guerrilla warfare.
We get a feel for how these experiences will shape and affect him upon his return home.
It’s full of danger, horror and action. Gripping.
Part 3 – The Betrayal:
We continue to follow the Banning family’s turmoil in the wake of Pete’s trial.
There are mounting legal troubles and some fine courtroom drama. (C’mon, it’s Grisham!).
There’s Joel and Stella’s quest to find out why their Mom is at Whitfield Asylum.
When they discover this, it will lead them to their father’s motivations for doing what he did.
Killing Dexter Bell.
Pete Banning’s reasons for his actions and the real story might not be the same thing.
A narrative of tragedy and scandal beautifully told.
This is fiction at its best. A suspenseful tale of family to become engrossed in and to savor. Enjoy!
I always enjoy John Grisham books. What a wonderful story teller he has been over the years. The Reckoning did not disappoint, as he wove his story between WWII and what a man/ woman does to avoid the craziness, if possible.
Least favorite of his books
This can be a very disturbing book. It goes into graphic details that not everyone can stomach. I had to read the book a little at a time.
I haven’t finished it yet but so far so good. A reminder of how things were just a few years back & a lesson not to forget.
Best Grisham book yet.
I like the intrigue that John Grisham’s books have.
Friends, A farmer a veteran of WWII, shoots the Methodist Minister and stoically sits in his home town in Mississippi.
Another page turner from John Grisham.
Kudos for moving in a new directions, but (spoiler) no happy ending here. Not ready for Grisham’s 1st “slice-of-life” theme attempt. It’s a surprising change of pace and perspective, so not as effective as it might be. He still has the usual cast of unusual southern characters, but in the end even the kids are left mid-stride with not much inkle of future success. Not a “happily ever after” story. Still anxious to read the next offering
Set in 1946, this book starts with a murder and goes from there. Why did Pete, a decorated war hero kill the Methodist preacher? Pete’s not talking and it drives everyone crazy, including the reader. But you have to keep going. Part two jumps back to the war and the horrific American loss in the Philippines. Pete is captured and it’s becoming clear that he really is a hero. Still no clues as to why he killed the preacher, but I found this section riveting. By the time we get to the surprise ending, I am in awe of Grisham’s ability to bring us into that time period in the deep south of Mississippi so well. And I learned so much about World War II. This is a must read for anyone who had a relative who served then.
Good characters and keeps you interested and nice twist at the end.
Disappointing book. I have to admit that I have high expectations for a John Grisham books. Maybe too unrealistic. But this book just did not stand up to the expectations. The intrigue at the beginning was fun. Wondering why he did it and what would happen next. Loved it. Then, filler. And more chapters that made me think, 1. Why is this in here? And 2. What does this have to do with the storyline? And the answer eluded me. You find out why he did it but not till the very end. And i felt didn’t really fit the build up. It left me feeling like I wasted my time. Was very, very disappointed.
The last two novels from Mr. Grisham has disappointed. I have been a fan since the beginning, but it may be time to be one no longer.
The story was well developed with strong characters and the telling of two narratives at the same time. The ending was not evident and I appreciated his adapting a legend into a fine novel.
Loved this book. Grisham is THE MASTER of the lawyer stories. Characters were well developed and story kept my attention.