Sycamore Row

Jake Brigance, Book 2

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 20 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Fight them, Mr Brigance. To the bitter end. We must prevail.

In the long-awaited successor to the novel that launched his phenomenal career, John Grisham brings us the powerful sequel to A Time to Kill. As filled with twists as it is with legal mastery, Sycamore Row proves beyond doubt that John Grisham is in a league of his own.

Jake Brigance has never met Seth Hubbard, or even heard of him, until the old man's suicide note names him attorney for his estate. The will is dynamite. Seth has left 90 per cent of his vast, secret fortune to his housemaid.

The vultures are circling even before the body is cold: the only subject more incendiary than money in Ford County is race, and this case has both.

As the relatives contest the will, and unscrupulous lawyers hasten to benefit, Jake searches for answers to the many questions left by Seth Hubbard's death.

What made him write that last-minute will leaving everything to a poor black woman named Lettie Lang?

Why did he choose to kill himself on the desolate piece of land known as Sycamore Row?

And what was it that Seth and his brother witnessed as children that, in his words, 'no human should ever see'?

©2013 John Grisham (P)2013 Random House Audio

Good stand alone story

What did you love best about Sycamore Row?

I loved the mystery, the secrets and trying to work them out. I love Grishams twists

Any additional comments?

The fact that it is a "sequel' Is fairly irrelevant. Grisham has used some of the same lead characters, but the story stands alone.

Brilliant!

If you could sum up Sycamore Row in three words, what would they be?

A brilliant ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sycamore Row?

John Grisham's masterful writing style.

What does Michael Beck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Clear diction, easy to understand every word.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I happily enjoyed it over several days.

Any additional comments?

I am ready for another John Grisham, he never disappoints.

Another masterful piece by a remarkable writer!!!

Michael Beck has got be my favourite narrator. Thank you, sir, and we'll done! Looking forward to hearing you soon....

started promising... dull middle... dramatic end

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

When I pay money for a book I hope that I will find a gem that will keep drawing me back to the story..if not...minimally I hope for a story engaging enough for me to listen to while I get the house work done. If I hadn't paid money for this one, I would have left it go way before the end. The first chapter or so was very promising but after that it was hours and hours and hours of a slow story line that just didn't take off. Finally , just as it became interesting it was over. Was this time well spent? ........my house is cleaner............

Has Sycamore Row turned you off from other books in this genre?

Almost...will be a while before I dip my toe in that water again.....

Which scene was your favorite?

Don't want to say because it is a spoiler

Did Sycamore Row inspire you to do anything?

clean the house so I could get my money's worth and move onto the next book

Any additional comments?

Maybe it's just me..looking back I don't know how the writer filled up so much time with words that didn't seem to say too much except the end.Perhaps I missed the point- if the book is boring it makes the dramatic ending more dramatic

ok for effort

Have you listened to any of Michael Beck’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

A decent job. Not a big range of voices, but you could tell it was different people. I guess there's only so many southern accents.

Was Sycamore Row worth the listening time?

bit too long for the ending.

Any additional comments?

Been a while since i Grishamed. Not as good as i remembered him.