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

Intriguing

Intriguing story line. Keeps the reader engaged and guessing what's to come. Look forward to other Grisham books.

Another Solid Grisham Novel

Any additional comments?

Many of Grisham's novels have seemed to be "auto-penned" of late. I thought this one was the real deal.

good

good book not one of his best but good I recommend reading it or listening if you prefer

Classic Grisham

If you could sum up The Racketeer in three words, what would they be?

This was a good story and reminded of his very first book, The Firm. I did not figure it out and it kept me guessing.

What about J.D. Jackson’s performance did you like?

I liked his voice. He did a good job of portraying this character--sounded strong and smart which is what

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to Grisham fans and those who like the legal issues often raised in his books.

When Will The Next Shoe Drop?

Following the story of Malcolm/Max was intriguing. At times I thought I had figured it all out only to see a new twist.

Highly recommended!

Great Scheme!

If you want a complicated heist this is it! What a great way to tell a story.

Not bad.

The story gets a little rambly at times. Going on and on about details that seem like they have nothing to do with the plot at all. In the beginning he goes on about how his dad is the only one who visits him and everyone else has forgotten him. But suddenly he is acting like "young lovers" with a girl that just pops up in one chapter. Spun my head around a little.

liked it

maybe I'll read this before or heard it before still a good
story will probably read again.

Another top-notch thriller from Grisham

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

Never read print version

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Racketeer?

The plot twist with the main character as he skillfully went from victim to the person in control.

What about J.D. Jackson’s performance did you like?

Skillful presentation.

Good story but performance detracted.

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

Maybe. It wasn't a "page-turner" for me, but it's not a bad book. Just others I would recommend first. Kind of a "back-burner" type of book.

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

Not as good as previous books I've read by Grisham.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of J.D. Jackson?

Someone who uses character voices so you don't hear, "he/she said". That's okay when you are reading a book, but not when listening. Voice was too monotone. I enjoy narrators like Dick Hill and Susan Ericksen.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Would make a good "made for TV" movie in my opinion.