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John Grisham Books In Order

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Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books

Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books

Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer / Young Lawyer (2010)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Abduction (2010)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Accused (2012)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Activist (2013)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Fugitive (2015)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Scandal (2016)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Accomplice (2019)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Camino Island Books

Publication Order of Rogue Lawyer Books

Publication Order of The Whistler Books

Witness to a Trial (2016)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Whistler (2016)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Judge's List (2021)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Ford County (2008)Description / Buy at Amazon
Sparring Partners (2022)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town (2006)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Anthologies

Legal Briefs(1998)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Wavedancer Benefit: A Tribute to Frank Muller(2002)Description / Buy at Amazon
Their World is Law(2002)Description / Buy at Amazon
Delta Blues(2009)Description / Buy at Amazon
Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit(2010)Description / Buy at Amazon
Fourteen Days: An Unauthorized Gathering(2024)Description / Buy at Amazon

John Grisham Biography:

The American south has long been a point of interest to historians as it was the place where slavery once boomed and racisim ran rampant. Although the land has been a place of much turmoil, some positive things have arisen for it, as it was in Jonesboro, Arkansas that John Grisham was born. He arrived in the world on February 8, 1955, when cotton was still a major product of the south. His father happened to be a cotton farmer at the time.

However, the family began to move around to different areas, still south of the Mason-Dixon Line, while Grisham was in his youth. They settled down again in Southaven, Mississippi and that is where the young John Grisham became determined to be a baseball player for his profession. However, his mother had different aspirations for her son and began grooming him for college, although she herself had never received a formal education.

Her efforts did prove fruitful, as John Grisham successfully attended and graduated from Mississippi State University and later law school, graduating from Ole Miss. After having childhood desire to become a MLB player, settling on a legal career was not a simple thing for John Grisham. He had changed majors three times while in college and switched jobs several times during his teenage and young adult years.

As a lawyer, Grisham also made changes, switching from being a tax lawyer to trial lawyer, stating a dislike for the burdensome “complexity and lunacy” tax lawyers often face. His career as a trial lawyer was never fated to last long as well. Having graduated from law school in 1983, Grisham was elected to his state’s House of Representatives that same year, serving the Democratic Party until 1990. His legal practice lasted a decade.

While hanging around the courts in 1984, Grisham met a young girl with an intriguing story to tell about a case in which she was involved. The things she told him about her life touched him so much that he began to write his first novel based on her story. It was published in 1989 and is called Time to Kill. As a new author, Grisham had difficulty finding a publisher for his first book. He finally found one that was willing to let him have a printing of 5,000 copies.

The day after his first novel was released, Grisham went straight back to writing, working on his second novel, without waiting to find out if he would be a success. His confidence apparently was well-founded because his second novel, The Firm, stayed on the Best Seller List for New York Times an impressive 47 weeks after its release and was the top selling novel for 1991. It was at that time that Grisham decided to leave legal practice and become a full time writer.

Throughout his writing career, John Grisham has seen many successes, starting with his very first book and continuing through each subsequent novel. He is the author behind many well-recognized titles, including The Pelican Brief, as well as The Rainmaker, The Racketeer, A Painted House, amongst several others.

For his great writing, Grisham has been honored with several awards, including the Distinguished Author Award named after Peggy V. Helmerich, the Galaxy British Book lifetime achievement award, the legal fiction award from Harper Lee, and the USC Scripter award. Nevertheless, Grisham’s writing has not solely focused on crafting novels for adult audiences. He has also written a series of legal thrillers geared at children and pre-teens.

Inside John Grisham Novels:

Two of the books Grisham is most well-known for also happen to be the very first two novels he ever released; The Firm and Time to Kill. The Firm, released in 1991, has sold more than seven million copies. It is the second novel that he wrote and is the gripping tale about a young man named Mitchell V. McDeere who, fresh out of law school, decides to work at a Memphis law firm, appeased by their generous offer of a high salary, new BMW, and nice house with low interest mortgage.

Soon after he arrives, two of his collogues at the firm die in a mysterious accident. During their memorial service, Mitch learns that there have been others who worked at the firm and mysteriously died. The information causes him to be very suspicious. His intuition is later validated when he gets approached by the FBI who wants his help in gathering evidence against those at the law firm, revealing the fact that they are actually involved in organized crime.

Grisham’s first novel, Time to Kill was the one based off his chance meeting with a young girl as he hung around the courts one day. The story is about a ten-year-old girl in the south who happens to be African American and gets raped by two racist white men. The girl’s father finds out the story of the attack on his daughter and realizes that a similar incident happened a while back.

In an effort to protect others from the same harm, he kills the two white men and is later arrested. He then calls his friend Jake to help, but the case is made more complicated by the KKK seeking revenge for the death of the two men. They start riots outside the courtroom, kill the frail husband of Jake’s assistant, wire Jake’s car with a bomb, and eventually burn his house down.

The Transformation of John Grisham Books Into Movies:

Grisham has experienced much success with the silver screen. More than eight of the novels he has written have been adapted into films and performed well at the box office. This includes The Firm, which became a film in 1993, and was later made into a TV series.

The movie starred Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Holly Hunter, and Jeanne Tripplehorn. Time to Kill hit box offices in 1996 and starred Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, Ashley Judd, and several other stars. Other novels written by Grisham that have become movies include, The Client in 1994, The Chamber in 1996, The Rainmaker in 1997, Mickey in 2004, and several others.

Book Series In Order » Authors » John Grisham

46 Responses to “John Grisham”

  1. David Bariola: 7 days ago

    Love all of Grisham’s books, I’mfrom the South, LelandMs & Greenville Ms:and just moved to Cleveland Al, I love the way he talked about the South.
    Sports books are my favorite. The Chamber, is really close to where I did lived in Mississippi. Looking forward to reading his new book, can’t wait.
    i was a coach and teacher, now retired, only had time to read in the summer.
    Thank you for bringing back so many memories.

    Reply
  2. Jane and Ron Huber: 6 months ago

    We absolutely love reading John Grisham’s books. We currently own 38 of them and find ourselves reading them over and over. John Grisham got us through COVID because we were unable to check out library books at that time.Reading them has also changed our opinion of the death penalty. We no longer believe in it. Thanks, John, for helping us see the light.

    Reply
    • David: 2 months ago

      “The only problem with the death penalty, Ro-ark, is that we don’t use it enough” -Jake Brigance

      Reply
      • Rich: 2 weeks ago

        If we used the death penalty more then the many accused, who were released after years in jail due to new DNA test proof of their innocence, would now be dead. Imagine if that was one of your family members Jake.

        Reply
  3. Michael Brown: 8 months ago

    Read most of Mr Grisham’s books. My absolute favorite is the Painted White House. Love all of them.

    Reply
  4. Michael Simkin: 9 months ago

    The first book in John Grisham’s Theodore Boone Series appears to have at least three titles. 1. Theodore Boone, 2. Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer, 3. Theodore Boone Young Lawyer.

    Reply
    • Graeme: 9 months ago

      Thanks I’ll update it to reflect the Young Lawyer title.

      Reply
  5. A Williams: 9 months ago

    Just finished The Boys from Biloxi excellent read would make a good TV series

    Reply
  6. Gene: 1 year ago

    You list Homecoming, but it is nowhere to be found.
    Please explain.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Graeme: 1 year ago

      It’s found in the collection Sparring Partners. The Amazon link should lead to that.

      Reply
    • Atu: 5 months ago

      Hey there. It says 2024. Be patient for it. Its coming home soon. lol

      Reply
  7. Jane Sloan: 1 year ago

    I have been reading Mr. Grisham for a long time….got us thru the COVID situation…kept my sanity. However, I have lost my list of books by ‘group’ and cannot seem to find any way to reprint it! What an amazing talent you have…don’t ever stop writing!

    Reply
    • Audrei Robertson: 11 months ago

      would be very helpful! Thank you

      Reply
  8. Jeff: 1 year ago

    Have 48 hardbacks so not missing many !
    Somehow have lost 2/3 dust covers and would like
    to buy them…plan to leave all the books to a chosen
    family member (children or grandchildren)!

    Reply
    • L Sewall: 1 year ago

      Jeff, I have several dust covers that I can send you, mostly newer titles. Reply to my email and I will send a list of the covers I have. We can arrange transfer. No charge, just happy someone can use them.

      Reply
      • Randy: 2 months ago

        I also need a few dust covers. Do you still have them ??

        Reply
  9. Dorothy Berdellans: 1 year ago

    One of my favorite authors of all time. I look forward to each book that you write. I haven’t yet found one that I was disappointed in. He’s an amazing with them. Thank you, Mr.Grisham, for your books.

    Reply
  10. Wanda Kay Smith: 1 year ago

    I have read all your books. I lived in Tupelo MS for 6 years. I’m ready to read the latest 2 books very soon. Since I lived in the South a total of 18 year’s I could see the problems that we don’t have in the area I live in OH. We are considered a small town.

    Reply
  11. Ronda Bacon: 2 years ago

    I have tried to keep up with all Mr. Grisham’s books but think I may be a few behind. I’ve never read one of your books that I didn’t love. I am 78, a retired Corrections Officer and I relate to your writings so much! You are blessed with a talent that seems like it was meant for me. I have lived in MO most of my life and it thrills me to see Nixa, Springfield, Joplin, etc. mentioned in your books. You are my favorite author of all times and I hope I live to read everything you write. I love Jake Brigance. I can’t imagine A Time To Kill didn’t grab everyone’s heart. I’m so thankful you kept writing. More!! More!

    Reply
  12. Faye Parker: 2 years ago

    I love all his books. The Jake Brigance books are my favorite. I would like to read some more Old South Crime books.

    Reply
  13. Norma Johnson: 2 years ago

    John Grisham is my favorite author. I have all his books (hardcover) with the exception of all of the Theordore Boone books (only 3). I wait every year patiently for their release. My favorite is The Partner (read it 3 times looking for a clue to its surprise ending and did not find it). Most of the time I read them twice as that is how much I enjoy your work. I was born and raised in Arkansas and now live in Florida, my sister lives in Southaven, Mississippi. I recognize a lot of the landmarks in the descriptions. All of your books are 5 star quality. Thank you Mr. Grisham for sharing your talent.

    Reply
  14. Melody: 2 years ago

    Will there be a sequel to Reckoning – what happened to the family???

    Reply
    • Graeme: 2 years ago

      Nothing appears to be planned at this time.

      Reply
  15. Tom Kassis: 2 years ago

    Will there be a sequel to Gray Mountain, so we can see what happens with Samantha??

    Reply
    • Allie R: 1 day ago

      I’m glad that I’m not the only one who felt that the ending was the perfect set up for a sequel. These characters felt so real – I want to spend more time with them, and to know what happened next. If Grisham doesn’t want to lay out those cases, what about revising Samantha 10-15 years later (ie 2018-2023), so we can see where she ended up, and get flashback summaries to what happened after Gray Mountain ended.

      Reply
  16. Rich Peterson: 2 years ago

    I don’t have a favorite book by John Grisham. All of his writings are excellent. His character development and plot lines keep the reader enticed.

    Reply
  17. John Bolt: 2 years ago

    I have enjoyed the movies based on the books. However, I always read the book first and often find that the movie is never as good as the book. I love to all of John Grisham books. He is my al time favorite author.

    Reply
  18. Patsy Harris: 2 years ago

    Do you need to read them in order of publication ? Are His books ,like a series that follow the characters

    Reply
    • Graeme: 2 years ago

      If they are part of a series I would read them in order. The majority are standalone and don’t follow the characters.

      Reply
  19. Helen Criticos: 2 years ago

    A Time to Kill is my favourite book and film.

    Reply
  20. JUDITH MACHEN: 2 years ago

    The Pelican Brief is my favorite movie of all time. Excellent actors and a great story. Can’t believe this one was not mentioned in the list of books to movies.

    Reply
  21. Richard Phelps: 3 years ago

    I have all his books in my library. Each is gripping and the new books are eagerly awaited. John , in Grey Mountain, strongly opposes the destructive Mountain Top Removal coal mining practice. His philanthropy is also extensive !!

    Reply
  22. Beti Noel-Jones: 3 years ago

    I should like to read again, John Grisham’s book about the death of a young man from lung cancer brought on by smoking and the resultant lawyer’s battle against the Tobacco firms, but annoyingly, I cannot remember the title. Please can you help. I have read so many of John Grisham’s books and am a total admirer of all his work.

    Reply
    • Graeme: 3 years ago

      The Runaway Jury.

      Reply
      • Richard Thomas: 2 months ago

        Wasn’t the runaway jury about guns ?

        Reply
        • Graeme: 2 months ago

          The movie was. The book was about tobacco.

          Reply
  23. Janet Osborne: 3 years ago

    So far Reading any Grisham book I learn so much about the J. system. And LAWYERS. I started reading these books only a few years ago and I actually think I’m addicted! I have to have one at all times. I hope he never stops writing. So far The King of Torts, the Chamber, the Partner and the Racketeer have been very educational–JO

    Reply
  24. KAREN DOYLW: 3 years ago

    I have been enjoying your newest book “A Time For Mercy”. Getting closer to the end of the book there were pages missing and a chapter repeated also pages missing. I am quite disappointed. Wondering what you can do for me.

    Reply
    • Maryanne Krug: 3 years ago

      I too have pages missing, 7 in all and repeated pages and out of order pages just at the most exciting part of the Trial. I too want to know how to get a replacement without purchasing new. I bought mine at Sam’s Club in Hobart Indiana in November 2020 and just started reading it last month. Good luck getting a replacement.

      Reply
      • G: 2 years ago

        Any reputable book store should offer to replace your copy so long as your copy does not appear to have pages torn out. If the binding is intact, there shouldn’t be a problem.

        Reply
  25. Salvatore Condoluci: 3 years ago

    Dear Mr. Grishman,
    I watched “The Innocent Man” on Netflix, I was so involved, I love your books, I’ll never go to Ada, OK!
    How I hate corrupt law, thank God you chose to be a writer, no, you are more than a writer, you paint your canvas in words, He, up above, wanted your words, to pour out like sweat, you were CHOSEN!
    Thank You,
    Sal Condoluci

    Reply
  26. Jim Kear: 3 years ago

    My all-time favorite author. Ahead of Connelly, Baldacci, and Lescroart. Recognized Amelia (Camino) Island about ten pages in….where I grew up. My son is a current resident and says Grisham has a place there. Good taste! Can’t wait for the next book.

    Reply
  27. Denise Foehl: 3 years ago

    Love this author! Am now reading “ A Time to Kill”—his first book. Can not put it down!

    Reply
  28. judy goates: 3 years ago

    Love all Grisham books-Finished A Time for Mercy Is now my # 1 favorite with A Time to Kill,hope to see on the big screen someday

    Reply
  29. James Thompson: 3 years ago

    I love this author.He and I graduated from Mississippi State University. Also, I have written a beautiful children’s book entitled Roscoe: A Respectable Dog With Good Moral Principles. This book is on domestic violence, and it was self-published. I need Mr. Grisham’s help in getting my book published by a real publisher.The movie of A Time To Kill was filmed in my hometown of Canton,Mississippi.Also, I would love Mr. Grisham’s email address. Respectively, James Lester Thompson

    Reply
  30. Peter G Kallan: 4 years ago

    I’m looking forward to future Rogue Lawyer books

    Reply

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