The Judge's List: A Novel: 2 (The Whistler)

The king of legal thrillers is back with the second book in the Whistler series and this one has been an engrossing read and left me speechless. After the protagonist Lacy Stoltz was introduced in 'The Whistler' in 2016, she has taken up an investigative role at the Board of Judicial Conduct (BJC) for Florida after facing a near-death row during her previous assignment. Her job involves investigating complaints received against judiciary lawyers and judges involved in corrupt practices through whistleblower communication. This time, the complaint begins with an anonymous call from one Margie (an alias), who has gathered circumstantial evidence over a period of 20 years on several murders committed by a sitting circuit judge in Pensacola. The complainant is petrified about any harm coming her way and therefore wants Lacy to keep her identity hidden for as long as possible. Being a circuit judge, Margie firmly believes that he would have enough clout and influence over the state and county police that her name would be divulged putting her life at risk and this is also the reason why she wants Lacy to discreetly investigate for more evidences before the law enforcement agencies can be called upon. Margie's motive behind this grievance is to seek justice for her father's death 20 years back at the hands of judge Ross Bannick. Lacy reluctantly accepts the case, although murders investigations are outside the purview of BJC with an agreement that if their investigation can find merit to Margie's claims within 45 days, the case would be handed over to the police and FBI or it would be dismissed. The first twist in the plot is when a couple of more killings are reported and the modus operandi is found to be similar to the ones Margie had claimed in her dossier. The second ugly turn in the plot is when Judge Ross Banick is tipped off by someone that BJC is secretly investigating him for murders. This jolts Judge Ross's confidence that his acts of gruesome killings over two decades would never come into the light. However, he is smart, manipulative and with technologically advanced resources at his behest, he traces back the origin of the complaint to Margie (real name Jeri Crosby). He is determined to punish all those who have wronged him in his yesteryear's and there would be no stopping even though he might be on the watchlist of BJC's investigative team and FBI. Although what happens next would be anyone's guess, brace yourself for some pacy twists and turns along the way with an ending that was not expected and one that pulled the rugs off my feet. This book can be read as a stand-alone and is downright entertaining. Hoping to see more of Lacy Stoltz in the future works by John Grisham.

John Grisham’s one more thrilling book. This time the author has modernised the fiction by introducing use of dark-net for spying the data and information. Enjoyed the book though at times the grip over the story weakens.

Very good gripping storyline

The story is good and convincing but what it lacks is a compelling plot. Otherwise it is a good read. I would say it is a better one compared to John Grisham's recent novels. It has everything for a real thriller case yet the plot is not that great.A brilliant lady who worked hard and spent 20 years to track a serial killer (killer was not even a suspect and was never caught by police or anyone btw) contacts him by writing poems/letters to him once she files a complaint with authorities thinking that she is safe. Then, the killer tracks the lady down using those letters as a clue. That sounds so stupid of her and the author could have chosen a different approach/idea. That's when the plot looses the grip.

Expected thrills from Grisham. Racy reading, although the inhuman cruelty of the protagonist seems somewhat exaggerated.

Typical Grisham style narrative. Gripping. Great storyline. A judge with grudge! And the method to kill without a trace! Enjoyed this!

The book was razy and vintage Grisham.The suspense was there till the climax and Grisham as usual charms us with his legal thriller.

JOHN GRISHAM HAS CURVED OUT A LARGE SPACE FOR HIMSELF AS ONE OF THE FINEST PRESENT DAY AMERICAN WRITERS, SPECIALLY ON THRILLERS AND RELATED LEGAL MATTERS. HE IS ABLE TO CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF THE READER NOT JUST BY TAKING HIM THROUGH UNEEXPECTED TWISTS AND TURNS OF EVENTS BUT ALSO GETTING HIM ABSORBED AS A PARTICIPANT. BUT OCCASIONALLY, HIS STYLE SLACKENS AND THE PLOT BECOMES PREDICTABLE, AS IN THIS CASE .

Very good read and intriguing! It was hard to put down book. I will recommend it to my family & friends.

buen "plot"

Is it possible for John Grisham to actually be getting better than ever? I asked myself that question the last two times I read one of his most recent books. The answer is a resounding yes. This is my favourite book since his first "A Time to Kill". This is a fresh story, with only a tacit relationship to a legal trial as one of the characters is a judge. Otherwise this is a rousing good thriller, which kept me on the edge of my chair until I closed the book after a very satisfying ending. You never see John Grisham's writing. You hear it. It sounds like someone speaking, normally and in the same language you use every day. That is his genius. This is a great story, well told and I'd like to read more about his main protaganist Lucy in a future book.

One of Grisham’s finest stories. Really enjoyed this book.

The Judge's List: A Novel is a gripping continuation of John Grisham's The Whistler series.Engaging Plot: The novel’s suspenseful plot and twists keep readers hooked throughout.Complex Characters: Grisham’s well-developed characters add depth and realism to the story.Thrilling Pace: The balanced pacing combines intense legal drama with personal intrigue, maintaining reader interest.Insightful and Relevant: The Judge's List offers a thought-provoking look at the justice system and its moral complexities.Personal Favorite: This book ranks among my top five Grisham novels. I've read it multiple times, discovering new details each time. I particularly enjoy stories where a man operates secretly, meticulously planning and executing his plans.Overall, The Judge's List is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers and character-driven stories. It builds on the strengths of its predecessor and delivers a satisfying and engaging narrative.