The Reckoning Audiobook By John Grisham cover art

The Reckoning

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The Reckoning

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Michael Beck
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About this listen

The electrifying new thriller from internationally bestselling author John Grisham.

John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that followed it, and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford County.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favourite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbour, and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Then one cool October morning in 1946. he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell.

As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it - to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends, and to the people of Clanton - was 'I have nothing to say'.

And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known.


©2018 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2018 Random House Audio Crime Thrillers Legal Mystery Police Procedurals Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense

Critic reviews

"Scintillating storytelling." (The Sunday Times)

"A buoyant, mischievous thriller... This reliable best-selling author is feeling real pleasure, and not just obligation, in delivering his work." (New York Times)

"A wild, hard-to-put-down romp." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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Just get it out and say it you stupid people. Then when the truth finally come out... and I mean finally... it was so disappointing and screwed up I just wanted to stop the book. I feel sad and hurt for going through this and having that ending. I’ve read every other book John has and this I would have gladly gone without this one. I wanted to scream at these stupid stubborn people Just fkn say it god damn it.. yet no... I need a drink I’m not ok... I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.

This book frustrates me right to the end.

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A tale filled with action, family lies, reactions & legal twists. Not easy to remain uninvolved without having an opinion. Not just a story, it's epic.

A family in crisis.

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Excellent story. I was hooked form the beginning. The descriptions of war, capture, the human nature's ability to survive is excellent.
But the heartbreak is real too. The characters are easy to fall in love with and hard to say goodbye to.
Thoroughly enjoyed story and its narration 👏👏

Another Grisham Triumph!!

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The Reckoning was very different to what I am used to by Mr Grisham. It was original. However, I did find the book bit long winded and I got bored by it often.

That said it is marginally better than 3 stars but worse than 4 stars. 67% would be fair in my view.

Mr Beck did a good job narrating.

My first Audible book

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I was entranced by this epic and the incredible detail of the Philippines War and the guerilla warfare. Well done Mr Grisham

Different from the other Grisham books

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This is a beautifully well written story of how one lustful woman brought pain and distress to so many with lies and secrets.

Captivating

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listening to this, i felt myself age! literally! it's time i will never get back? the narrator is not to blame. the story is just not worth the time, sorry

please! please! don't listen to this story!

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Really didn’t enjoy this one and wish I had stopped listening halfway through book 2 which felt overly indulgent on the horrors of the war and ultimately unnecessary to the story. Overall, it felt like the whole book was leading to a big ending to deal with the various characters and tie everything together but it just ended with a very predictable and underwhelming finale.

Overly drawn out

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I had previously said I wouldn't buy another Grisham novel as I thought he was just going through the motions. I was right. Bear in mind I enjoyed most of his earlier books.

This would be one of the worst books I have listened to in a long long time.

The story is extremely slow moving and laboured. I wasn't a huge fan of the reader but they probably did their best.

Do not buy. I won't buy another Grisham. Ever.

Never again

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My least favorite John Grisham book by far.
Felt like part of the book were filler.

Doubting the authorship of this work

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