In 'The Reckoning' by John Grisham, a World War II veteran named Pete Banning returns to his hometown, where he becomes an enigma after committing a shocking murder. As the community grapples with the aftermath, deep secrets about honor, vengeance, and betrayal unfold. The gripping courtroom drama explores the boundaries of justice and morality in a post-war society. Grisham deftly weaves past and present, making readers question the true nature of guilt and redemption. A masterful tale of suspense, it will leave you questioning what you'd be willing to do for those you love.
By John Grisham
Published: 2018
"Justice is never as simple as it seems; it often wears a mask that conceals the truths beneath."
#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.
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“Justice is never as simple as it seems; it often wears a mask that conceals the truths beneath.”
The Reckoning
By John Grisham
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
John Grisham is an acclaimed American author, best known for his legal thrillers that have captivated millions of readers worldwide. He has written numerous bestsellers, including 'A Time to Kill', 'The Firm', and 'The Pelican Brief', which have been adapted into successful films. Grisham’s writing is characterized by fast-paced narratives, intricate plots, and a deep understanding of legal intricacies, often drawing from his own experiences as a lawyer. He has received multiple awards for his work and is recognized as one of the most successful authors in contemporary fiction.
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