The Reckoning Audiobook By John Grisham cover art

The Reckoning

A Novel

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The Reckoning

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Michael Beck
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#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. Crime Thrillers Legal Thriller & Suspense Suspense Exciting

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
Rich Historical Detail • Complex Character Development • Compelling Mystery Setup • Unexpected Plot Twists

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This book is stellar! The writing is some of John Grisham’s best and the story line is well woven. I highly recommend the book for excellent writing and excellence in narration. Hats off to Michael Beck for his beautiful reading of a magnificent story.

Mr. Grisham wrote an amazing story!

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This tale is expertly written and riveting. I think it’s the best he’s done but all of his stories are fabulous and beautifully told. He is the quintessential author of our age. It is a great love story and an historical account of our brave soldiers in a most difficult and horrible situation during WWII. A MUST READ!!!!!

The best from Grisham

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ONCE I STARTED LISTENING, I HAD TO KNOW ?????? I LISTENED UNTIL I GOT A HEADACHE. IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!

LIFE IS WEIRD.

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Well written and at times very interesting. However, such a sad and depressing story. I stuck with it thinking someone would save the day or something would turn out right, but it never did.

If you want to read a story about how one family could screw up everything, this is the book for you. I prefer happy endings.

So much unhappiness.

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Listen to every word ! Human mysteries unfold , secrets never told . Historically accurate , something for everyone. Narrator delightful.

True Grisham style

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