Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Racketeer

The Racketeer
The Racketeer
Author: John Grisham
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 this country only four active federal judges have been murdered. — Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five. — Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to d...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780385535144
ISBN-10: 0385535147
Publication Date: 10/23/2012
Pages: 340
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 120

4.1 stars, based on 120 ratings
Publisher: Doubleday
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

debs avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 638 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Grisham grips you from page one and takes you on a wild ride that has so many twists that you will lose count. The protagonist, Malcolm, narrates his account of the facts and activities, and with each piece of the puzzle the reader understands more and more of what Malcolm's motivations really are. I'm trying hard not to give away any spoilers, while still conveying how fascinating this book was to read. Grisham is a true story-teller and not once does he fail to make me want to turn the next page to see what's next. The story has a satisfying, non-rushed ending, too.
rebeccam avatar reviewed The Racketeer on
Helpful Score: 5
I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't the traditional legal thriller Grisham is known for. This book is fiction not really based on facts. Still the book held my interest and I kept reading to find out what else was going to happen. The story comes about piece by piece as I tried to figure out what was going on. I'd recommend this book to other Grisham fans.
rahiemb avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
All I can say is this: Having been to federal prison twice, Grisham got this one right. Grisham weaved an excellent tail starring an attorney possibly jailed for a crime that he didn't commit. The grand conspiracy just had him caught up. But when the news broadcasts show a prominent federal judge found dead, the attorney takes action to solve the crime from behind the walls in exchange for his freedom. Oh, man I liked this one. The lawyer threw it all at the prison warden and FBI agents to do the ultimate... Read it and find out what. I had the luxury to listen to this over a few days in Audible, and it was excellent storytelling.
hardtack avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 2541 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Here is another good one from Grisham. Maybe it is because I haven't read any of his books in a couple of years, but the middle of the book had me wondering 'why?', and the ending caught me completely by surprise.
sfc95 avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 686 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this page turner. It is not a traditional Grisham as it is not in the court room, but certainly filled with legal lingo. This book posed the question...is it ok to root for the bad guy?! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it took but two sittings to get through it.
Read All 25 Book Reviews of "The Racketeer"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

sharalsbooks avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 259 more book reviews
When I want a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat guessing what is coming next before having the rug ripped out from under me, I know choosing a John Grisham novel will fit the bill.

What begins as a story about a man who has spent the last several years in prison turns into a novel of intrigue and suspense as the main character, Malcolm Bannister, finds himself in the center of a high profile case involving the murder of a federal judge. In exchange for his freedom and federal protection, Malcolm agrees to provide the identity of the murderer in addition to why the judge was killed.

The most interesting thing about this story for me is how the story takes on a life of its own with the numerous plot twists and turns. As each layer of this intricate and complicated plot is peeled back, I found myself more and more surprised.

I highly recommend this story if you are a fan of mysteries or thrillers that surprise you throughout the story.
reviewed The Racketeer on + 10 more book reviews
I loved this book - it kept my interest from beginning to end and never lost it. It surprised me which few books do; I usually rate a book on how quickly I figure out what's coming as I read. I truly didn't see this one coming at all until it was almost over. Highly recommend.
Linda avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 770 more book reviews
Wow! Where do you even start when the author is John Grisham. Such a legal mind that can produce some of the story-telling ever! During some of the scenes where the story has now made a 90degree turn and I'm sitting in my chair asking him where in the world are you going with this? Like all his other books, he takes a lot of shortcuts and twisty paths to get to the final action, which will leave you shaking your head. John Grisham is absolutely one of my favorites and I think about his books long after I've read the last page.
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Racketeer on + 937 more book reviews
Interesting read, moves quickly. Enjoyed the ending.
reviewed The Racketeer on + 141 more book reviews
Loved this book! Couldn't put it down. This is one of Grisham's better books. As always, he is easy to read and easy to follow even in his convoluted plots. I think you will enjoy this book as well! This is his new paperback.
Genny


Genres: