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

ridiculous but enjoyable plot

This is a breezy and enjoyable listen. The plot is absurd and intricate but fun.

Long and a Little Confusing

I felt like this story could have been told in about half the 12 hrs. and 46 minutes it took to listen. It was a good story, but a drawn out plot that didn't keep my attention. I do believe if the author would have cut out some of the fat in the story, it would have been a better use of my time. Not a huge fan of this one, although John Grisham has always been one of my favorites.

Typical Grisham

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

This was a wonderfully done audiobook. Having read and enjoyed all of John Grisham's previous works, I was not disappointed by his latest legal thriller. The narration was almost as good as the writing itself. J.D. Jackson did a remarkable job.

A four or five star ???

What made the experience of listening to The Racketeer the most enjoyable?

I love the work of John Grisham

What did you like best about this story?

Chapter 1 to 27 is a perfect Grisham..but then ....

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

Mr. jackson did a overall very good job, his up there among the best

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me annoyed, because after chap 27 i just did not know what way the storry
took,, it seemed like a whole new story until it opened up round chap 40 something
maybe its just me, but i like to know where the story goes. its most irritating to wonder..
What is this..where does this fit in the story..
But at the end it all falls into place ,,and its a good story..

I loved it, but the problem with this book is....

Any additional comments?

I really like John Grisham, but the problem with this book is everything had to be so dang perfect to work out the way it does in the book. There is an old saying that man plans and God laughs. I've certainly found this to be true in my life. The book, without spoiling it, involves plans laid down and conspired to over five years. The book is predicated on predicitng the behavior of so many people (and so many moving parts) that the book becomes susceptable the the reality police.

But, with that said, this is classic Grisham, the book is well developed, I could relate to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. I think any fan of this author will not be disapointed in the entertainment value of the book.

Good listen

What did you love best about The Racketeer?

It wasn't completely predictable and kept me engaged in the story.

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

At times. It was interesting trying to figure out what the main character was doing.

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

No

The Racketeer

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

one of the best

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

not knowing the end ahead of time.

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

Great narrator

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Just very pleasing and satisfying.

Any additional comments?

The John Grisham I fell in love with years ago. I have not always enjoyed ALL of his books mostly because of his choice of subjects this one was up to par.

You Must Be Kidding--And Thanks For Admitting It!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Maybe if I had been warned that this was a silly little (albeit amusing) fantasy I would be more tolerant. Yes, of course, all fiction is fantasy, but you still have to pass the "giggle test".

Would you be willing to try another book from John Grisham? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Why do you think I was foolish enough to buy this one! Great writer. But nobody can win them all.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending. I was glad it was over.

Do you think The Racketeer needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nobody could possibly think this book needs a follow-up!

Any additional comments?

Very adequate for a way to make the time at the gym on the exercise machine more pleasant.

Outstanding!!!

Love Grisham anyway. The reader of this audiobook was the best I’ve heard. I’d give it 10 stars if there were such a thing!!!

Great Book

What did you love best about The Racketeer?

I liked the twist at the end

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loved Malcoum and Vanessa

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

not sure

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Keeps you guessing till the end