John Grisham is one of the most well-known and influential figures in modern literature.
With over 30 bestselling books, he has captivated readers around the world with his intricate legal thrillers and courtroom dramas.
But when it comes to choosing your favorite Grisham book, that can be an almost impossible task.
We’ve narrowed down a list of the very best John Grisham books for you to choose from
The Pelican Brief (1992)
This novel follows two law students as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the murders of two Supreme Court justices.
Law student Darby Shaw investigates the murders of two Supreme Court justices while trying to stay alive herself.
It was made into a movie starring Julia Roberts in 1993 and is considered one of Grisham’s best works.
This story includes plenty of suspense, action, and intricate plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end!
The Pelican Brief follows law student Darby Shaw as she investigates the murders of two Supreme Court justices while trying to stay alive herself.
The Firm (1991)
This is one of Grisham’s earliest works and remains one of his most popular novels.
Grisham’s breakout novel, The Firm, follows young lawyer Mitch McDeere as he navigates the dangerous waters of a law firm with ties to organized crime
The book was widely praised for its intricate plot and suspenseful narrative, and it remains one of Grisham’s most beloved works.
This book was adapted into a movie starring Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman in 1993.
A Time To Kill (1989)
A Time To Kill is another classic novel by Grisham that tells the story of a father seeking justice for his daughter who was raped by two white supremacists.
This gripping tale follows his journey as he seeks justice against powerful forces trying to keep him quiet.
This novel was adapted into a film starring Matthew McConaughey in 1996 and remains one of the author’s most beloved works.
This novel is set in Clanton, Mississippi and tells the story of a father who takes justice into his own hands after his daughter is raped by two white men.
A Time To Kill is considered one of Grisham’s most important works due to its exploration of racial tensions in the South at the time.
The Rainmaker (1995)
John Grisham’s novel The Rainmaker tells the story of Rudy Baylor, a young law school graduate fighting to help his elderly clients.
After being hired by an insurance company to defend them against a lawsuit by his clients, Rudy quickly learns the power of big business and how they can easily manipulate the legal system.
With the help of a flamboyant lawyer named Deck Shifflet, Rudy sets out to fight for justice and prove that big business is not above the law. Along the way, he must battle an array of obstacles such as an uncooperative judge, an intimidating jury, and a powerful insurance company.
As Rudy navigates through these hurdles and starts to make a difference, he learns the importance of justice and how to use the law to stand up for those who need it most.
In the end, Rudy proves that anyone can be a rainmaker if they have the courage and determination to make a difference.
Grisham’s novel not only sheds light on corporate corruption, but also emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting to make a change.
Through Rudy’s inspiring journey, readers are reminded that even the most unlikely person can become a “rainmaker” and have an impact on the world. By taking chances and believing in yourself, anyone can be the hero their community needs.
The Rainmaker is a story that will leave readers inspired and determined to make their own mark in the world.
Grisham’s signature writing style keeps The Rainmaker an exciting read from start to finish.
By intertwining elements of courtroom drama with Rudy’s personal struggles, Grisham gives readers a unique perspective on corporate greed.
The Testament (1999)
The Testament is a gripping legal thriller that follows the story of Troy Phelen, a billionaire philanthropist who decides to rewrite his will. Despite objections from his family, he leaves all of his wealth to an unknown woman living in a remote part of Brazil.
His lawyer tries desperately to find this mysterious woman before Troy ‘s family can challenge the will. Along his journey, he discovers a secret that could have devastating consequences for Troy’s entire legacy.
The Testament is an exploration of power and its implications in the legal system, as well as a riveting suspense story with many twists and turns that make it hard to put down.
Even after reaching its conclusion, readers are still left with questions and an eagerness to learn more.
The novel dives into the inner workings of the legal system, delving into issues such as property rights, inheritance laws, and family dynamics.
Grisham’s expert use of vivid details helps readers understand the complexity of the situation and how each character’s actions have a ripple effect throughout the story.
With strong characters, clever plotting, and thrilling suspense, The Testament is sure to keep readers on their toes as they unravel its secrets.
The Testament offers readers a unique perspective on power and wealth, showing how even those with immense privilege are subject to the same laws as everyone else. It is also a story about justice, and how justice can sometimes come from unexpected places.
Grisham’s keen attention to detail allows readers to gain an insight into the motivations of every character, both good and bad. His writing maintains an intense pace throughout the novel that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Want To Read All Books In Order? Here’s The Complete List Of All John Grisham Books In Order
1. A Time to Kill (1989) – Grisham’s debut novel, A Time to Kill is an intense courtroom drama set in a small Mississippi town. It follows the trial of a black man accused of murdering two white men who assaulted his daughter.
2. The Firm (1991) – The Firm was Grisham’s breakout novel and remains one of his most popular works. It tells the story of a young lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm only to discover it is involved in criminal activities.
4. The Client (1993) – The Client stars 11-year-old Mark Sway, who’s trying to protect himself and his family after he learns a secret while talking with a dying lawyer.
5. The Chamber (1994) – In The Chamber, Grisham centers the story on a man convicted of bombing a Jewish civil rights center in 1967 and sentenced to life in prison.
6. The Rainmaker (1995) – The Rainmaker follows the story of an idealistic young lawyer tasked with taking on a powerful insurance company.
7. The Runaway Jury (1996) – This novel focuses on jury tampering in a high-profile trial involving a tobacco company accused of causing serious health problems for its consumers.
8. The Partner (1997) – In The Partner, a lawyer fakes his own death in order to escape from a powerful criminal organization and take their money.
9. The Street Lawyer (1998) – This novel follows the story of a successful corporate lawyer who decides to change his life and become a homeless advocate.
10. The Testament (1999) – This novel revolves around an eccentric billionaire who changes his will just days before his death, leaving behind a mystery that only a young lawyer can solve.
11. The Brethren (2000) – This novel follows the story of three former judges in a federal prison who devise an extortion scheme involving some of the most powerful people in Washington DC.
12. A Painted House (2001) – Grisham’s first work of non-legal fiction, A Painted House is a coming-of-age story set in the rural South. It follows a seven-year old boy as he faces difficult decisions and learns valuable lessons about life.
13. The Summons (2002) – The Summons follows the story of a law professor who finds $2.4 million in his recently deceased father’s account and is soon drawn into a criminal conspiracy.
14. The King of Torts (2003) – In this novel, an idealistic young attorney takes on a massive lawsuit against one of America’s biggest corporations with disastrous consequences.
15. Bleachers (2003) – This novel follows the story of a high school football coach who returns to his hometown to confront his past and seek redemption.
16. The Last Juror (2004) – The Last Juror is a courtroom drama set in the late 1970s. It follows the story of a young small-town newspaper reporter covering the trial of a major drug distributor.
17. The Broker (2005) – This book follows the story of a disgraced ex-CIA agent trying to outrun a powerful and shadowy organization.
18. Playing for Pizza (2007) – This novel follows the story of an unemployed quarterback who takes a job with an Italian football team in order to pay his bills.
19. The Appeal (2008) – The Appeal is a political thriller set in the world of Supreme Court politics. It follows the story of an underdog lawyer who enlists the help of a powerful lobbyist to try and overturn a corporate-friendly decision made by the court.
20. The Associate (2009) – The Associate follows the story of a young lawyer who is blackmailed into working for an unscrupulous law firm.
21. Ford County (2009) – Ford County Stories is a collection of short stories set in Grisham’s fictional hometown of Clanton, Mississippi. The stories range from comedic to tragic and cover themes such as love, death, faith and redemption.
22. The Confession (2010) – The Confession is a legal thriller that follows the story of an innocent man who confesses to a crime he didn’t commit in order to save someone else.
23. The Litigators (2011) – The Litigators tells the story of a small law firm taking on a big case against a powerful pharmaceutical company.
24. Calico Joe (2012) – Calico Joe is a departure from Grisham’s typical legal thrillers. It tells the story of a young baseball player whose career and life are changed after an incident on the field.
25. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer (2013) – Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who loves the law and embarks on a brave mission to bring justice to his small town. The novel is full of suspense and humor as it explores the juvenile legal system through the eyes of a young protagonist.
26. Sycamore Row (2013) – Sycamore Row is a sequel to Grisham’s classic novel A Time to Kill. It continues the story of the characters from the original novel, now 20 years later.
27. Gray Mountain (2014) – Gray Mountain follows the story of a young lawyer who leaves her prestigious job at a law firm in New York to take on a case in rural Appalachia.
28. Rogue Lawyer (2015) – Rogue Lawyer is an action-packed thriller that follows the exploits of unorthodox street lawyer, Sebastian Rudd.
29. The Whistler (2016) – The Whistler is a legal thriller set in the world of judicial corruption. It follows an investigative reporter as she uncovers secrets that could bring down some of Florida’s most powerful politicians.
30. Camino Island (2017) – Camino Island is a mystery novel that follows a group of thieves who break into an elite bookstore in search of an ancient volume of stories.
31. The Rooster Bar (2017) – The Rooster Bar tells the story of three law students who discover their school is a scam and set out to take it down.
32. A Time for Mercy (2020) – A Time for Mercy is the story of a young lawyer who takes on the case of a 16-year-old boy accused of murder.
33. The Guardians (2021) – Grisham’s latest novel, The Guardians tells the story of a young lawyer who is tasked with defending a small town against a powerful corporation.
34. The Judge’s List: A Novel (2022)
John Grisham’s Net Worth
John Grisham’s net worth is estimated to be at $350 million dollars and he has been one of the most successful novelists in recent years.
He is a New York Times bestseller for dozens of his books with some being made into films. Grisham has earned numerous accolades for his work, including being inducted into the Hall of Fame by International Thriller Writers in 2011.
He continues to write some of the most popular legal thrillers and nonfiction books in the world today.
John Grisham Resources
- John Grisham’s website
- John Grisham’s Instagram
- John Grisham YouTube Page
- John Grisham’s Author Page on Amazon
- John Grisham Author Page on Goodreads
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