Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by BiblioLifestyle
John Grisham is a celebrated author of legal thrillers and non-fiction works. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and many of them have been adapted into films and TV shows. From courtroom dramas to stories about small towns in the American South, John Grisham has crafted an impressive body of work that continues to captivate readers worldwide. So I’m really excited to talk about some of the best John Grisham books!
My first introduction to John Grisham books was through my husband, who is a big fan of his work. Knowing my taste, he recommended that I start with his second book, “The Firm,” and since then, I haven’t looked back as I couldn’t get enough. So if you’re new to John Grisham books and looking for a place to start reading, I’ll give you a starting point. Plus, I’ll share my seven best John Grisham books that will give you a taste of his best writing.
About John Grisham
Who is John Grisham?
Born in Arkansas, Grisham moved to Mississippi after graduating from law school. He practiced law before turning his attention to writing full-time. His first book, A Time to Kill, was inspired by a real-life case he had worked on as a lawyer. It was not an immediate success, but it became an international bestseller and was adapted into a 1996 film. Since then, Grisham has continued to write books and screenplays and earned numerous awards for his work.
What kind of lawyer was John Grisham?
John Grisham practiced as a criminal and personal injury lawyer for about a decade before becoming an author. During this time, he worked on cases ranging from murder to personal injury law. In his early career, he spent much of his time representing clients in small towns across Mississippi.
About John Grisham Books
What is John Grisham’s best-selling novel?
John Grisham’s best-selling novel is The Firm. The legal thriller follows the story of a young lawyer who discovers that his new law firm is involved in criminal activities. It was adapted into a movie starring Tom Cruise and has sold more than seven million copies worldwide.
How many bestsellers has Grisham written?
John Grisham is the author of forty-eight consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. He is also a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
What is the best John Grisham book to start with?
If you are new to reading John Grisham, an excellent place to start is with his second book, “The Firm.” Admittedly, it was the first book I read and my official starting point. But “The Firm” is a classic legal thriller that I believe will introduce you to Grisham’s signature style of blending suspense and legal drama. Now, if you’ve already read “The Firm,” my other suggested starting points can be “A Time to Kill” or my husband’s favorite, “The Pelican Brief.”
7 Must-Read John Grisham Books
If you are new to reading John Grisham, these are my top seven picks for his must-read books:
- The Firm
- A Time to Kill
- The Pelican Brief
- The Rainmaker
- The Partner
- The Guardians
- Camino Island
The Firm by John Grisham
The best John Grisham book to start with is The Firm, this is Grisham’s most popular novel, and it’s the one that made him a household name. This novel tells the story of a young attorney who gets an offer from a prestigious law firm in Memphis. The job is too good to be true and he soon discovers that his new law firm is involved in criminal activities. The novel was adapted into a movie in 1993 starring Tom Cruise.
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
The second must-read John Grisham book is A Time to Kill. A Time to Kill is Grisham’s debut novel, and it was inspired by a real-life case he had worked on as a lawyer. This legal thriller tells the story of a father who takes justice into his own hands when his daughter is attacked. The novel was adapted into a 1996 film starring Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock.
The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
The Pelican Brief is the third must-read John Grisham book. This novel is a political thriller and follows two students who try to unravel a conspiracy involving the US Supreme Court. The novel was adapted into a movie in 1993, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.
The Rainmaker by John Grisham
The Rainmaker is Grisham’s tale of legal intrigue and corporate greed. This legal drama follows the story of a young man barely out of law school who takes on a powerful insurance company in court. The novel was adapted into a movie in 1997, starring Matt Damon and Claire Danes.
The Partner by John Grisham
The Partner is a story of legal suspense packed with lots of surprises. This novel follows the story of a lawyer who goes on the run after stealing $90 million from his law firm. He attempts to cover up his crime, fakes his own death and starts a new life in Brazil.
The Guardians by John Grisham
The Guardians is a classic legal thriller set in Florida. This novel tells the story about a lawyer taking on a wrongful conviction case who gets far more than he bargained for. Because there are powerful people who don’t want his client exonerated and they will kill another lawyer without a second thought.
Camino Island by John Grisham
Camino Island is Grisham’s riveting heist novel where a gang of thieves stages a daring heist from a secure vault deep below Princeton University’s Firestone Library. This novel follows a struggling young novelist who is approached by a mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. She is offered a generous amount of money to infiltrate a circle of literary friends to learn the secrets of the black market of stolen books and manuscripts.
More About John Grisham Books
Are any John Grisham books based on true stories?
While John Grisham’s novels are primarily fiction, they are often inspired by true events and real legal cases. For example, “A Time To Kill,” was based on a real-life case that Grisham had encountered during his time as a practicing lawyer. However, it is important to note that while Grisham may take inspiration from real events, the stories he tells and the characters he creates are largely the product of his own imagination. They provide his readers with a fascinating and often thrilling insight into the world of legal intrigue.
What is considered the best John Grisham book?
While I think deciding “the best book” is a matter of personal preference, “The Firm” will forever be my absolute favorite and what I consider to be Grisham’s favorite. But don’t just take my word for it, “The Firm” is widely regarded as one of John Grisham’s best books, thanks to its sales and popularity. This legal thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters, propelling Grisham to international acclaim. It also sets the stage for his subsequent works, blending legal intrigue with captivating storytelling. Nevertheless, I truly believe that each of Grisham’s books delivers a unique story and experience, making all of them must-reads for fans of legal thrillers.
What is the new book by John Grisham 2023?
The highly anticipated book of 2023 by John Grisham is titled “The Exchange: After The Firm.” In this gripping sequel to the bestseller “The Firm,” we find ourselves immersed in the lives of Mitch McDeere and Abby McDeere, who have now settled in the vibrant city of Manhattan fifteen years after the events that unfolded in the first book.
Mitch, a brilliant lawyer and now a partner at a prestigious law firm, believes that he has put the dangers of his past behind him. However, his tranquil life takes an unexpected turn when a trusted mentor from Rome reaches out to him for a favor. Little does Mitch know that this seemingly innocent request will thrust him into a treacherous web of deceit and danger with global implications.
As Mitch races against time to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of his adversaries, he soon realizes that there is nowhere to hide. With each twist and turn, the stakes become higher, and the lines between ally and enemy blur. This thrilling tale of suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the shocking secrets that lie beneath the surface.
What is the new book by John Grisham 2024?
The highly anticipated book “Camino Ghosts” by John Grisham, set to be released on May 28, 2024, takes readers on a captivating journey to the enchanting Camino Island. In this suspenseful tale, we follow the intriguing lives of bookseller Bruce Cable and novelist Mercer Mann as they navigate a treacherous path filled with mystery and danger.
Amidst the breathtaking beauty of the island, a relentless resort developer sets out to claim ownership of a cursed deserted island. However, the fate of this idyllic paradise rests on the shoulders of Lovely Jackson, the island’s last living inhabitant. With an extraordinary history and long-buried secrets waiting to be unraveled, this gripping narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning each page to uncover the island’s deepest mysteries.
What do you think about these John Grisham books?
Have you read any John Grisham books? Are any of these books or his other works on your TBR? What John Grisham books are your favorite? What John Grisham books would you add to this list? Let us talk all about John Grisham books in the comments below.
MORE READING:
I think that so far of the books that I have
read, “The Confession” moved me the most
and I think it is his best so far.
Hi Ida, Thanks for sharing! I loved The Confession too! I’ve just started his new book, The Exchange, which is a follow up to a favorite of mine, The Firm.