The Reckoning

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 17 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The electrifying new thriller from internationally best-selling author John Grisham.

John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that followed it and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford County.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favourite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbour and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Then one cool October morning in 1946, he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell.

As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it - to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends and to the people of Clanton - was 'I have nothing to say'.

And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known.

©2018 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Scintillating storytelling." (The Sunday Times)

"A buoyant, mischievous thriller... This reliable best-selling author is feeling real pleasure, and not just obligation, in delivering his work." (New York Times)

"A wild, hard-to-put-down romp." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

This book frustrates me right to the end.

Just get it out and say it you stupid people. Then when the truth finally come out... and I mean finally... it was so disappointing and screwed up I just wanted to stop the book. I feel sad and hurt for going through this and having that ending. I’ve read every other book John has and this I would have gladly gone without this one. I wanted to scream at these stupid stubborn people Just fkn say it god damn it.. yet no... I need a drink I’m not ok... I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.

A family in crisis.

A tale filled with action, family lies, reactions & legal twists. Not easy to remain uninvolved without having an opinion. Not just a story, it's epic.

Another Grisham Triumph!!

Excellent story. I was hooked form the beginning. The descriptions of war, capture, the human nature's ability to survive is excellent.
But the heartbreak is real too. The characters are easy to fall in love with and hard to say goodbye to.
Thoroughly enjoyed story and its narration 👏👏

My first Audible book

The Reckoning was very different to what I am used to by Mr Grisham. It was original. However, I did find the book bit long winded and I got bored by it often.

That said it is marginally better than 3 stars but worse than 4 stars. 67% would be fair in my view.

Mr Beck did a good job narrating.

Different from the other Grisham books

I was entranced by this epic and the incredible detail of the Philippines War and the guerilla warfare. Well done Mr Grisham

Captivating

This is a beautifully well written story of how one lustful woman brought pain and distress to so many with lies and secrets.

please! please! don't listen to this story!

listening to this, i felt myself age! literally! it's time i will never get back? the narrator is not to blame. the story is just not worth the time, sorry

Overly drawn out

Really didn’t enjoy this one and wish I had stopped listening halfway through book 2 which felt overly indulgent on the horrors of the war and ultimately unnecessary to the story. Overall, it felt like the whole book was leading to a big ending to deal with the various characters and tie everything together but it just ended with a very predictable and underwhelming finale.

Never again

I had previously said I wouldn't buy another Grisham novel as I thought he was just going through the motions. I was right. Bear in mind I enjoyed most of his earlier books.

This would be one of the worst books I have listened to in a long long time.

The story is extremely slow moving and laboured. I wasn't a huge fan of the reader but they probably did their best.

Do not buy. I won't buy another Grisham. Ever.

Doubting the authorship of this work

My least favorite John Grisham book by far.
Felt like part of the book were filler.