The Reckoning
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Book Overview
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER - 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.
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.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0385544154
ISBN13:9780385544153
Release Date:October 2018
Publisher:Doubleday Books
Length:432 Pages
Weight:1.69 lbs.
Dimensions:1.7" x 6.4" x 9.4"
Customer Reviews
9 ratings
Binge worthy book
Published by Jeff , 1 year ago
Based on reviews, this is a love or hate book. For me, absolutely loved it. In my quest to read every book he has written, this one has been the best. If you are looking for the same courtroom and chase books where only the names have changed, this isn’t it. First, I have never read a book layer out in this format, but got my head around it from movies written the same way. Great character development and felt like I knew them. Have never binged read like this until this book. Could not put it down.
depressing read
Published by KGH , 1 year ago
Grisham must have felt he wanted to tell the story of the Bataan Death March in detail, and came up with this way of incorporating it into a book. It felt tedious in parts, horrifying in other parts, very sad overall. Don't read this to feel uplifted.
Good all around book!
Published by Kathie Duncan , 3 years ago
Never read a book quite like this one! Had me up till 2 in the morning! I couldn't read fast enough! One of Grisham's best!!!
Captivating story, unique layout
Published by CBH , 3 years ago
Could barely put this book down. It’s written in quite a different format - almost reads like three books with connected characters. I loved it.
The Reckoning
Published by Cynthia A Luzon , 3 years ago
Having read almost all of John Grisham’s books, I would put this one up there ad one of my favorites. It is thrilling and riveting
what happened?
Published by Dan White , 4 years ago
If I wanted a book about WWII I would buy one. Not his best effort !!
Excellent read!
Published by Holly Riley , 4 years ago
I thought this book was fantastic! I stayed up until 4am reading it. The POW scenes were hard to read but that added to the story - the true story! The trial was very suspense filled and I learned a lot about capital crime and punishment. I highly recommend this book. I would have given it 5 stars but I was able to figure out part of the ending.
This Book is Sick
Published by Dave , 4 years ago
Ths book is so disjointed and pointless. Wasted chapters on WW2 and Batann. Nothing connects. I have read other Grisham books and enjoyed them. I literally had to force myself through it, suspecting the ending. And the ending is totally sick without any point or merit. Don't buy it!!!!
Good not great.
Published by A , 5 years ago
A good Grisham book, but not his best.
The Reckoning Mentions in Our Blog
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Published by William Shelton • October 10, 2023
The first and last time I devoured a book cover to cover in one sitting was The Firm. The pace of the book, the nail-biting drama, the lush description of the setting, the satisfactory, wholly unexpected denouement of the story combined to make me appreciate a book as never before. Soon we will be graced with another opportunity to revisit the world of Mitch McDeere in the new novel by Grisham, The Exchange. I almost feel like I am back in High School again.
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