The Racketeer

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one best-seller John Grisham returns with his most suspenseful thriller yet.

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 the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five.

His body was found in the small basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies - Judge Fawcett and his young secretary.

I did not know Judge Fawcett, but I know who killed him, and why.

I am a lawyer, and I am in prison.

It's a long story.

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

Critic reviews

"Grisham is brilliantly comic in a novel that is full of zest and brimming with memorable characters and rich storylines." (The Sunday Times)

"Superbly plotted legal thriller." (Sunday Express)

"The best thriller writer alive" (Ken Follett, Evening Standard)

Hung Jury

I could not reach a unanimous decision on this book.

The Racketeer kept me engaged throughout, yet as I listened I found myself waiting for drama that did not eventuate. Not that there wasn't drama in this book, it just wasn't as dramatic as I expected. I enjoyed the characters and the story, but found the surprise ending a bit unrewarding.

J.D. Jackson was excellent, keeping the characters nicely separated within a predominantly first-person narrative.

Absolutely brilliant

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had it been a hardcover, I wouldn't have been able to put it down. I highly recommend it - Grisham is a great storyteller. The story is excellent, plenty of twists in the tale. The narration was very good, so overall I'm going to give this 5/5

Brilliant

I totally enjoyed this Grisham. Couldn’t stop listening. There were so many twists and turns in this plot. 💯. Let this be your next listen!

Not your usual legal thriller.

This is not actually a 'legal thriller', more like "one man against the system". Our Hero tells the story of he schemed to get out of jail and this plot line climaxes about halfway though the book, so you know that there will be more twists in the tale. Without spoiling things too much, the second half of the book sees the tables turned as Our Hero goes on the offensive to try to get some satisfaction.
I enjoyed the pacing, which made me want to listen just a little bit longer to see where the cunning plan was going. The narrator was good and I can recommend this as something in the genre that is also a little bit different.

Held my interest right to the very last word

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, a great story, so many twists and turns that you wouldn't expect. Easy to follow and a great thriller

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

The unexpected story line held you captivated right to the end

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

Jackson was easy to listen to, believable, his voice fitting the Characters and the pace of the book.

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

It was all good

Any additional comments?

Well written, kept you interested and captivated to the very end. My only regret was that the book finished. Loved it!!!

WORTH THE CREDIT

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven't listened to a John Grisham for a while so had forgotten what a good storyteller he is. It had enough twists and turns to keep it really interesting . Definitely recommend.

Quite good.

I do enjoy a good plot and this story has one I liked. The narration is good, so thanks.

Very clever plot

I enjoyed this title. It starts off well and ends off well.

Another great from a great author.

His best so far

A compelling listen as the tension builds and the plot unfolds. One of his best.

Narrator is amazing

I enjoyed the narrators tone and characters. Great job. The story was really good and I loved the plot. Great humour and something different from Grisham