What order should you read John Grisham books?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

When it comes to reading John Grisham books, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some readers prefer to read his books in the order they were published, while others prefer to read them in chronological order based on the legal stories they feature. In this answer, I will provide a suggested order for reading John Grisham’s legal stories, starting with his debut novel, “The Firm,” and continuing through his subsequent legal thrillers.

1. “The Firm” (1991): This gripping novel follows young attorney Mitch McDeere as he joins a prestigious law firm that turns out to be involved in criminal activities. It’s a fast-paced and suspenseful story that launched Grisham’s career.

2. “The Pelican Brief” (1992): In this legal thriller, law student Darby Shaw uncovers a conspiracy that puts her life in danger. She teams up with investigative journalist Gray Grantham to expose the truth. This novel is filled with intrigue and suspense.

3. “The Client” (1993): Mark Sway, an eleven-year-old boy, witnesses a suicide and becomes entangled in a high-stakes legal battle when he learns the secret the deceased man was trying to protect. This novel showcases Grisham’s ability to create compelling characters and maintain tension throughout the story.

4. “The Chamber” (1994): This thought-provoking novel explores the death penalty through the story of Sam Cayhall, a Klansman awaiting execution for a bombing decades earlier. His grandson, Adam Hall, a young lawyer, takes on the task of trying to save him. This book delves into moral dilemmas and legal ethics.

5. “The Rainmaker” (1995): Rudy Baylor, a young lawyer struggling to make ends meet, takes on a powerful insurance company in a case involving a young man denied treatment for leukemia. This novel highlights corporate greed and the fight for justice.

6. “The Runaway Jury” (1996): In this courtroom drama, Grisham delves into the world of jury manipulation. A massive tort lawsuit against a tobacco company becomes a battle for control of the jury. This novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.

7. “The Partner” (1997): Patrick Lanigan, a lawyer who faked his own death and stole millions from his law firm, finds himself pursued by a relentless investigator. As Lanigan tries to stay one step ahead, the truth about his motives and plans is revealed. This book is full of twists and turns.

8. “The Street Lawyer” (1998): In a departure from Grisham’s usual courtroom-centered stories, this novel follows Michael Brock, a successful lawyer who has a life-altering encounter with a homeless man. This book explores themes of social justice and the pursuit of a meaningful career.

Following this order will allow readers to experience the evolution of Grisham’s writing style and the development of his legal thrillers. However, it’s important to note that each of these books can be read as standalone novels, so you can also choose to read them in any order that piques your interest.