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The Reckoning

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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.


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

Critic Reviews

"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)

"A wild, hard-to-put-down romp." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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 also lots of great historical references of the war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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If you are looking for a legal/courtroom book, this isn't it. The narrator was great but I should have listened to other reviews. The legal parts were few and far between and generally glossed over. Huge part in the middle about WW2 in the Philippines was well written but not of any interest to me and not why I would buy a John Grisham. And the ending was very disappointing.

Not a courtroom drama

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A great and captivating story with an extremely underwhelming ending. So much detail turns out to be irrelevant and the ending ultimately obvious. The destination is nowhere near as good as the drive.

Terrible Ending

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Good story line, well written and researched but if I knew how graphic it would be would never have chosen it. I’m not naive about this topic or what actually happened, but there was way too much detail given for every act of violence or torture. Probably great for people who don’t mind reading this type of thing.

Good story but not for the faint of heart.

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While harrowing to listen to I found the descriptions of the war in the Philippines very educational and emotional. I also enjoyed the complete story. John Grisham as usual keeps me fully engaged.

Educational

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A good read which was perhaps let down by a somewhat predictable end. Nevertheless I enjoyed the book and found it easily held my attention.

Best Grisham book in years.

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