When it comes to legal thrillers, one name that stands out is John Grisham. With over 40 books to his name, Grisham has become one of the most popular and successful authors in the genre. His novels are known for their gripping plots, well-developed characters, and insightful commentary on the justice system.
To help you navigate through his extensive bibliography, here’s a list of John Grisham books in order:
1. “A Time to Kill” (1989) – Grisham’s debut novel introduces us to attorney Jake Brigance, who defends a black man accused of killing his daughter’s rapists. Set in Mississippi, this thought-provoking courtroom drama tackles themes of racial injustice.
2. “The Firm” (1991) – This blockbuster novel follows young attorney Mitch McDeere, who joins a prestigious law firm only to discover its dark secrets. Gripping and fast-paced, “The Firm” propelled Grisham to international fame.
3. “The Pelican Brief” (1992) – A law student uncovers a conspiracy behind the assassinations of two Supreme Court justices and shares her findings in a secret brief. As she becomes the target of relentless pursuers, she seeks the help of investigative journalist Gray Grantham.
4. “The Client” (1993) – Mark Sway, an 11-year-old boy, inadvertently becomes the witness to a Mob lawyer’s suicide and becomes entangled in a high-profile legal battle. This heart-stopping thriller highlights Grisham’s ability to craft compelling protagonists.
5. “The Chamber” (1994) – In this emotionally charged novel, Grisham delves into the complex issues of race, capital punishment, and family. The story revolves around a young lawyer representing his grandfather, a Ku Klux Klan member, on death row.
6. “The Rainmaker” (1995) – Rudy Baylor, a broke and inexperienced lawyer, takes on a powerful insurance company on behalf of a leukemia patient. This legal drama combines intense courtroom scenes with a bittersweet love story.
7. “The Runaway Jury” (1996) – Grisham explores the manipulative tactics of jury consultants in this gripping legal thriller. As they try to influence a high-stakes trial, the unexpected actions of one juror put everyone’s plans at risk.
8. “The Partner” (1997) – Patrick Lanigan, a successful lawyer, fakes his own death and steals millions from his firm. However, after successfully escaping to Brazil, his past catches up with him in a suspenseful tale of deceit and betrayal.
9. “The Street Lawyer” (1998) – When a high-powered lawyer has a life-altering experience with a homeless man, he leaves his prestigious firm to advocate for the rights of the less fortunate. This novel sheds light on the disparities in society and the importance of social justice.
10. “The Testament” (1999) – Billionaire Troy Phelan leaves behind a surprising will that sets off a legal battle between his six children and an illegitimate daughter. Set in the remote Pantanal region of Brazil, “The Testament” is a thrilling adventure and a story of redemption.
11. “The Brethren” (2000) – Grisham takes readers inside the federal minimum-security prison Trumble, where three former judges run a mail scam. However, their operation takes an unexpected turn when they try to extort a powerful politician.
12. “A Painted House” (2001) – Departing from his legal thrillers, Grisham delves into the world of coming-of-age fiction with this semi-autobiographical novel set in rural Arkansas during the 1950s. Told through the eyes of a young boy, it explores themes of family, poverty, and the cotton-picking culture.
13. “Skipping Christmas” (2001) – In this lighthearted holiday novel, Luther Krank decides to skip Christmas and go on a Caribbean cruise with his wife instead. However, their plans face numerous challenges in a heartwarming tale of love and community.
14. “The Summons” (2002) – Law professor Ray Atlee receives a summons from his estranged father, a well-respected judge, only to discover a large sum of money and a secret that changes his life forever. Filled with suspense and family drama, “The Summons” keeps readers captivated until the last page.
15. “The King of Torts” (2003) – This legal thriller introduces us to aspiring attorney Clay Carter, who stumbles upon a mass tort case that could make him unimaginably wealthy. However, his decision to represent hundreds of claimants in a dangerous drug lawsuit could cost him everything.
16. “The Last Juror” (2004) – After purchasing the local newspaper, young college dropout Willie Traynor finds himself covering the trial of a brutal rapist and murderer. This engaging novel explores the power of community, forgiveness, and justice.
17. “The Broker” (2005) – Joel Backman, a former lawyer and lobbyist, is unexpectedly released from prison into the hands of the CIA. Sent into hiding in Italy, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy while trying to rebuild his life.
18. “Playing for Pizza” (2007) – Grisham’s love for football shines through in this heartwarming novel. When a third-string quarterback gets cut from the NFL, he seizes the opportunity to play for the Parma Panthers in Italy, where he rediscovers his passion for the game.
19. “The Appeal” (2008) – In a small Mississippi town, a chemical company’s negligence leads to the poisoning of water sources. The battle between the victims and the company escalates into a high-stakes legal showdown with political consequences.
20. “The Associate” (2009) – Kyle McAvoy, a promising law student, is blackmailed into working for the world’s largest law firm. Caught in a web of deceit and corruption, he must navigate a dangerous game where his choices have dire consequences.
This list represents just a portion of John Grisham’s thrilling and diverse body of work. As you explore his novels, you’ll find legal dramas, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narratives that have captivated readers for decades. With each new release, Grisham continues to solidify his reputation as the master of legal suspense.