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The Reckoning

The unmissable crime thriller from the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling author

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The Reckoning

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Michael Beck
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About this listen

 The electrifying new thriller from internationally bestselling author John Grisham.

John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that followed it, and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford County.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favourite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbour, and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Then one cool October morning in 1946. he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell.

As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it - to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends, and to the people of Clanton - was 'I have nothing to say'.

And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known.

Praise for Grisham's latest book, The Rooster Bar

'Scintillating storytelling' - The Sunday Times

'A buoyant, mischievous thriller . . . This reliable best-selling author is feeling real pleasure, and not just obligation, in delivering his work' - New York Times


(P)2018 Random House Audio©2018 Belfry Holdings, Inc Crime Fiction Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction Murder Mississippi

Critic Reviews

I couldn't help thinking of Harper Lee's great American novel To Kill a Mockingbird while reading The Reckoning . . . [Grisham] knows how to spin a yarn
Beautifully constructed, [The Reckoning] captures the racial tensions of the Deep South and weaves a truly magical spell
In this saga of love and war, John Grisham has given us a sprawling and engrossing story about a southern family, a global conflict, and the kinds of secrets that can shape all of us. From the courtrooms and jails of rural Mississippi to the war-torn Pacific, Grisham spins a tale that is at once entertaining and illuminating
John Grisham is the master of legal fiction, and his latest starts with a literal bang - and then travels backward through the horrors of war to explore what makes a hero, what makes a villain, and how thin the line between the two might be
When a master of storytelling and suspense takes on one of the most wrenching stories in history, the result is a book that will break your heart, set your blood pumping and your mind racing, and leave you gasping for breath by the final page. I'm still trying to recover from The Reckoning
A murder mystery, a courtroom drama, a family saga, a coming-of-age story, a war narrative, a period piece: The Reckoning is Grisham's argument that he's not just a boilerplate thriller writer. Most jurors will think he has made his case
All stars
Most relevant
Excellent story. John Grisham always delivers. A master story teller. Will listen again at a later date.

The reckoning

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This is one of the best written books I have listened to/read. The narrator does an amazing job. I loved it that much I am purchasing the paperback version

Just WOW

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awesome story, captures you from start to finish. also lots of great historical references of the war

Enthralling

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Firstly let me say the narration by Michael Beck is brilliant. His performance especially adding in the southern accent for most of the characters lifted this book from a 1 star to a 3 star.

With the book being John Grisham I was anticipating some court room drama along with the characteristic twists and turns but was disappointed that there are none. This book is a straight forward drama start to finish and a depressing one to add to that. There is a brief respite in the middle of the story but it is short lived and you are back to feeling sad. The answer to the main question that you are listening the book for is answered in the last 10 minutes of the book and makes you further depressed (if that is even possible).

It is an ok listen and hence 3 stars.

Should be called 'The Depressing'

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Very long book. Interesting story and keeps you interested. Unfortunately the ending was a fizzier though. Such a build up then nothing.

Great book, ordinary ending.

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