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The Racketeer  By  cover art

The Racketeer

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: J. D. Jackson
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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)

What listeners say about The Racketeer

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent and not just court room

Fine story and nice surprises. The twists are not entirely predictable yet there is a level of detail in the narrative, which leaves very few options for the final revelation. Massively entertaining; a perfect summer holiday listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!!

Although the author claims that very little research was done and sort of hinted that the story is far fetched, it was very believable. Could not stop listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Little Differnt But A great Book

As with most of the Grisham books I've listened too, I loved this book. I didn't guess the ending, and didn't try to - I just enjoyed where the story took me. I always find John Grisham's books easy to read, and while they are always on a law based theme, I like the variety amongst them. With many books I find I am reading waiting for the big twist or revelation at the end. Rarely do I do this with these books as they're enjoyable throughout. This was no exception. Thumbs up from me.

J. D. Jackson was outstanding with the delivery of the story

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

Would you listen to The Racketeer again? Why?

Yes! Great story..some courtroom drama would have been good but overall, fantastic.

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

He accurately captured each mood and the essence of the characters

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

There were moments of surprise and quite a few smiles

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

His Best Book Ever

You'll love it. Lots's of twists, turns and a fabulous storyline I was enthralled from start to finish.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A slightly faster pace needed but a good story..

I enjoyed the listen but the pace of events was a little slow at times and this detracted from the enjoyment.

An interesting twist of events in the story that I hadn't seen coming from afar and the reading was very well done. I will need to check out other Grisham books before I know whether this pace is typical.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

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

Yes. Great story as usual

What other book might you compare The Racketeer to and why?

The Rain Maker. First person narrative

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

Phonetics

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

Quinn's interrogation

Any additional comments?

It's a must read! Oh, is it a must listen instead?

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

One of Grisham's best

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

Great Unique Plot

What other book might you compare The Racketeer to and why?

Grisham's "Testament" as it keeps you guessing until the end

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

He is one of the best. Read with enthusiasm.

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

Many moments of intrigue

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great, easy to listen to, intriguing story

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

Very clear audio recording, very clear story. Kept me intrigued to the very end.

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

All of it.

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

Clear, well spoken. No annoying bits.

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

Yes

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Twists and Turns All the way

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

Very enjoyable story with Grishams own way of delving into the ironies of the law.

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

No boring bits in this one.

Any additional comments?

Loved this book, entertaining to the end.

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