The Racketeer

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: JD Jackson

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.

Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.

On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied.

What was in the safe? The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price—especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett’s death. And the Racketeer wasn’t born yesterday....

Nothing is as it seems and everything’s fair game in this wickedly clever new novel from John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller.

©2012 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)2012 Random House Audio

Incredible

What did you love best about The Racketeer?

I listened to this book on my way to and from work ... a 40-minute drive each way. I couldn't get enough! A fascinating tale. Gripping. Very believable. The interplay of the characters was fascinating. Thank you.

What does J.D. Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

J.D. Jackson did an OUTSTANDING job narrating. Very believable.

worth the money

Would you consider the audio edition of The Racketeer to be better than the print version?

not sure

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

yes, the start was a little slow but as the story progressed I really enjoyed

Have you listened to any of J.D. Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

all

Any additional comments?

no

TWIStS AND TURNS

Any additional comments?

I had stopped reading Grisham some years ago as for me he had become too formulaic. Lawyers, crime, just change the sex, age or colour of the lead and there's your story. I decided to end that moratorium and give him another go. Overall the novel was gripping with plenty of twists and turns making you turn on your latent 'Sherlock Holmes' to solve the who, what, where and why of The Racketeer. I found, however, that at the conclusion I was left wanting one more twist or turn. Good but not great! I also found that the narrator was a little monotone to my hearing. All said and done I will read Grishams' next novel but I won't be twisting and turning in my sleep waiting for it!

A Different Grisham

Where does The Racketeer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A little above average

What did you like best about this story?

A different concept from his usual

What three words best describe J.D. Jackson’s voice?

Didn't distinguish characters

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

No

Any additional comments?

All the characters sounded the same. Got lost several times and had to back up.

riveting book!

This is a really great book!!
I love all of John Grisham's works but this is now in my top 5. Because there are twists I didn't expect I will be listening to this one again. also, the person who read it did a great job.

BEST OF THE GENRE!!

Of the thousands of mystery/suspense books I've read or listened to, this is the absolute best! Won't spoil it for you but this is definitely my favorite!

Somewhat predictable but worth the listen!

What did you love best about The Racketeer?

The twists in the plot were interesting. While the story was mostly predictable, it allowed me to draw conclusions. Although my conclusions would sometimes be thrown right back at me with a great twist. Fun to listen to as I drive.

What did you like best about this story?

The main character seemed to be innocent and a forthright upstanding person. It was interesting to see the hardness of his resolve come to surface as his plan came to life. He was cold-blooded in a way. Something I could see myself becoming after being incarcerated for a crime I didn't commit.

Which character – as performed by J.D. Jackson – was your favorite?

All of them. He played them all very well and very believable.

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

yes

Any additional comments?

Good book with very nice narration. Don't expect it to be more than a typical Grisham novel. But his typical novels are always worth the read.

Not too shabby

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not really, but it did keep me guessing.

Any additional comments?

I like the story and there were pretty good story twists. definitely an enjoyable listen.

Great Writer as always, not a believeable story

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It was disapointing. His work is usually very believable. This was not. At the end he states that he did no research and this book was pure fiction.

Solid Characters but only an "Okay" Story

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

Yes.. Grisham always has solid characters who are very believeable. Story was a littale far fetched and ended kind of abruptly.

If you’ve listened to books by John Grisham before, how does this one compare?

Well. Performance was good.