The Reckoning

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “An original, gripping, penetrating novel . . . Grisham is not only the master of suspense but also an acute observer of the human condition.”—David Grann, author of Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager

October 1946, Clanton, Mississippi

Pete Banning was Clanton, Mississippi’s favorite son—a decorated World War II hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, and committed a shocking crime. Pete’s only statement about it—to the sheriff, to his lawyers, to the judge, to the jury, and to his family—was: “I have nothing to say.” He was not afraid of death and was willing to take his motive to the grave.

In The Reckoning, John Grisham takes us on an incredible journey, from the Jim Crow South to the jungles of the Philippines during World War II, from an insane asylum filled with secrets to the Clanton courtroom where Pete’s defense attorney tries desperately to save him.

Reminiscent of the finest Southern Gothic storytelling and layered with Grisham’s signature legal suspense, The Reckoning delivers on every page.

Critic reviews

“A murder mystery, a courtroom drama, a family saga. . . . The Reckoning is Grisham’s argument that he’s not just a boilerplate thriller writer. Most jurors will think the counselor has made his case.”—USA Today

“Cleverly subversive . . . Grisham continues the rich literary tradition of Southern authors confronting a culture of white supremacy.”—The Washington Post

“The quest for justice is only the beginning in this Southern-family saga . . . Grisham does so much more this time around.”—Associated Press

“John Grisham is not only the master of suspense but also an acute observer of the human condition. And these remarkable skills converge in The Reckoning—an original, gripping, penetrating novel that may be his greatest work yet.”—David Grann, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager

“John Grisham is the master of legal fiction, and his latest starts with a literal bang—and then travels backward through the horrors of war to explore what makes a hero, what makes a villain, and how thin the line between the two might be.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and By Any Other Name

“In this saga of love and war, John Grisham has given us a sprawling and engrossing story about a Southern family, a global conflict, and the kinds of secrets that can shape all of us. From the courtrooms and jails of rural Mississippi to the war-torn Pacific, Grisham spins a tale that is at once entertaining and illuminating.”—Jon Meacham, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of America

“When a master of storytelling and suspense takes on one of the most wrenching stories in history, the result is a book that will break your heart, set your blood pumping and your mind racing, and leave you gasping for breath by the final page. I’m still trying to recover from The Reckoning.”—Candice Millard, New York Times bestselling author of The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic

Unexpected Ending

Ignore the short sighted reviews. This has it all. Historically facts, well developed characters, legal corruption. Well written and worth the read.

Intriguing novel.

John Grisham never disappoints with his novels. This is a very good example of that statement. This story is very believable with the time setting of the story. I am looking forward to getting the ebook of this novel so I can find the more subtle clues that I missed. That is one of the things that I love about John Grisham, second readings reveal clues that you never catch during first readings. I always read his novels at least 2 and sometimes more times.

This is a must read for his fans.

Please don't believe negative reviews

I am saddened by the reviews that stated this book 'just reiterated history' which is generally what 3/4 of the major reviewers said. The 'history' portion of this book is a part of WW2 history that rewrote hundreds of thousands of lives world wide. These reviewers assume everyone has knowledge of the first hand atrocities of the Bataan March, the first few days of Japans attack on Pearl Harbor? And many more historic names, battles and heroes I found myself researching history to learn more as I read. I found many military characters & their personal history historically correct. The family land story symbolizes a mindset of greed that began after WW2. Why shouldn't Grisham grow as a writer and write beyond his normal 'genre'?Didn't Ken Follett crossed genres from Eye of the Needle to Pillars of the Earth series. I'm disappointed but not surprised at the narrow attitudes of the reviewers. I loved this book and believe it's the best work to date of Grisham. Those of us that are baby boomers are the last generation that lived with the survivors of 2 world wars, a economic depression people would not survive in present day and the first hand accounts of people that lived in the 19th century. Congratulations Mr. Grisham you have finally written a book Faulkner, Welty, and the many talented Mississippi citizens. I think this book is a classic.

great story

Very eye opening. Not an easy read, but well worth the time to read, study and re-read.

Wow!!!! Nobody can tell a story like Grisham.

Whomever said the truth will set you free had obviously never been through what Pete Banning went through.

This book had me captivated from the very first words until the last. Despite Pete Bannings crime and his motive you cannot help but love him and sympathize with him. He is an outstanding character. At times I forgot this was fiction and wanted to wring people’s neck.
Michael Beck once again did a phenomenal job narrating. This book is definitely one of his better ones if not the BEST ever. Definitely worth the money or credit. You will not be sorry.

Never disappoints

i read all Grisham books and love them. The narrator brings the characters to life.

Wonderful

Best book I have read in ages. I smugly thought I had the secret long before the end. Not even close. Narration was perfect.

Extremely graphic details of the horrors of war

This long story accurately details how the Japanese treated their prisoners of war. Every last gory detail. It can be a lot for the faint hearted. There are a few historical inaccuracies such as the possibility of women serving on a Mississippi jury in the 1940’s. Overall riveting story though that is hard to put down. Michael Beck gave his usual wonderful performance. I’d listen to him read a grocery list.

A real surprise read

In my opinion, this is the best of all . And I have read them all. Book takes you on unexpected journeys . Extremely interesting . Couldn't wait to return to book.

Engrossing Story

This was a different Grisham than usual, but I enjoyed the pace of the story and how it moved between time and events, including the vivid war scenes.
Michael Beck’s narration was superb!