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The Whistler #2
The Judge's List
In The Whistler, Lacy Stoltz investigated a corrupt judge who was taking millions in bribes from a crime syndicate. She put the criminals away, but only after being attacked and nearly killed. Three years later, and approaching forty, she is tired of her work for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct and ready for a change.
Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.
The man Jeri holds responsible for all these deaths is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law.
He is a judge, in Florida—under Lacy’s jurisdiction.
But the man keeps a record of all his victims and targets, people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. Lacy must work to take him down, while somehow keeping her name off his list.
Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.
The man Jeri holds responsible for all these deaths is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law.
He is a judge, in Florida—under Lacy’s jurisdiction.
But the man keeps a record of all his victims and targets, people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. Lacy must work to take him down, while somehow keeping her name off his list.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2021
10856 people are currently reading
45018 people want to read
About the author
John Grisham
461 books87.8k followersJohn Grisham is the author of more than fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts and The Exchange: After the Firm.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,103 reviews
November 16, 2021
3.5⭐
The Judge's List is a mystery/thriller with a female lead, Lacy Stoltz of Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. In this second installment, Lacy investigates a claim by Jeri that a judge may be a serial killer. A judge?! Jeri whose father was murdered twenty years ago has been obsessed with the case that went cold. No evidence was ever found. The judge is smart and meticulous. He never left any evidence.
Readers will know who the judge is. This isn't a whodunit, and I like the cat and mouse game. However, the pace doesn't quite work for me. The beginning is slooow with Lacy not wanting the case, and time after time tells Jeri to take it to the police or the FBI.
When things start to happen in the second half, they're wrapped up too quickly. A couple of parts made me scratch my head and I couldn't believe how simple things went down, not convincing at all. I don't find this to be one of Grisham's stronger works, but it's still entertaining.
Mary-Louise Parker did the narration. Let me tell you, I was overjoyed. Then I found out as I go that every, and I mean EVERY character sounds the same, male or female. It's too bad, I do like watching her on screen, but not a fan of this audiobook.
**FL
The Judge's List is a mystery/thriller with a female lead, Lacy Stoltz of Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. In this second installment, Lacy investigates a claim by Jeri that a judge may be a serial killer. A judge?! Jeri whose father was murdered twenty years ago has been obsessed with the case that went cold. No evidence was ever found. The judge is smart and meticulous. He never left any evidence.
Readers will know who the judge is. This isn't a whodunit, and I like the cat and mouse game. However, the pace doesn't quite work for me. The beginning is slooow with Lacy not wanting the case, and time after time tells Jeri to take it to the police or the FBI.
When things start to happen in the second half, they're wrapped up too quickly. A couple of parts made me scratch my head and I couldn't believe how simple things went down, not convincing at all. I don't find this to be one of Grisham's stronger works, but it's still entertaining.
Mary-Louise Parker did the narration. Let me tell you, I was overjoyed. Then I found out as I go that every, and I mean EVERY character sounds the same, male or female. It's too bad, I do like watching her on screen, but not a fan of this audiobook.
**FL
February 2, 2022
I had forgotten how much I enjoy a straight up legal thriller/investigation with a linear timeline, only a few characters to keep straight, and no crazy twists. I flew through this book in 24 hours without a single eye roll or picking up my phone out of boredom.
Lacy, an investigator with the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct investigates complaints of judicial corruption. Murder has never been one of the complaints, until now. She has a clandestine meeting with Jeri, a woman who is so frightened she uses multiple aliases to avoid detection. Twenty years ago, her father was killed and the case went cold. For twenty years she has conducted her own investigation and discovered a string of murders all using the same method. The commonality among the victims? Judge Ross Bannick. She knows the motives and she knows the method. But the judge is highly intelligent, patient, knows the law, and knows how to avoid detection. He is the pillar of the community, both personally and professionally.
Lacy is skeptical and initially refuses the case on the ground that her department does not investigate murder. Eventually she relents and with her most trusted investigators, the cat and mouse games begin. We know from the start who the murderer is, so the thrill is not who, but how. I also loved the information about serial murderers and the dark web sprinkled throughout. There was a character who does something incredibly stupid, putting herself at risk, but people do tend to do stupid things and I understood her why, so I just went with it.
I loved both of these women, especially Jeri, and I hope one day she gets her own book. The woman has skills! This is the second book in a series, with The Whistler being the first, (a book I forgot I read and from my GR rating, not one I enjoyed) but I’m glad I gave this one a chance. No need to read book #1 first, as this one works perfectly as a standalone. After a string of disappointments and dnf’s my reading buddy Marialyce and I found this one a joy from start to finish. I rate according to enjoyment level and for that alone it would get 5 stars! Grisham is at his best, with excellent writing and characterizations, and I can’t wait to read his next one!
Lacy, an investigator with the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct investigates complaints of judicial corruption. Murder has never been one of the complaints, until now. She has a clandestine meeting with Jeri, a woman who is so frightened she uses multiple aliases to avoid detection. Twenty years ago, her father was killed and the case went cold. For twenty years she has conducted her own investigation and discovered a string of murders all using the same method. The commonality among the victims? Judge Ross Bannick. She knows the motives and she knows the method. But the judge is highly intelligent, patient, knows the law, and knows how to avoid detection. He is the pillar of the community, both personally and professionally.
Lacy is skeptical and initially refuses the case on the ground that her department does not investigate murder. Eventually she relents and with her most trusted investigators, the cat and mouse games begin. We know from the start who the murderer is, so the thrill is not who, but how. I also loved the information about serial murderers and the dark web sprinkled throughout. There was a character who does something incredibly stupid, putting herself at risk, but people do tend to do stupid things and I understood her why, so I just went with it.
I loved both of these women, especially Jeri, and I hope one day she gets her own book. The woman has skills! This is the second book in a series, with The Whistler being the first, (a book I forgot I read and from my GR rating, not one I enjoyed) but I’m glad I gave this one a chance. No need to read book #1 first, as this one works perfectly as a standalone. After a string of disappointments and dnf’s my reading buddy Marialyce and I found this one a joy from start to finish. I rate according to enjoyment level and for that alone it would get 5 stars! Grisham is at his best, with excellent writing and characterizations, and I can’t wait to read his next one!
February 20, 2022
Legal suspense at its best!
We have a corrupt judge that gets tangled in a game of cat and rat. Could he have been found out? After all this time? He is arrogant and worried (with good reason). "For the first time in his life, he felt like he was on the run".
Murder here, murder there, seems like everywhere? What is the connection? Someone knows....... a lot!
I really enjoyed this one and was reading it simultaneously with Bone Deep, the true crime novel that highlights massive corruption in the legal system which made it seem even more credible.
The investigators are on his trail, trying to stay off his deadly list. There are some suspenseful moments and a few nail-biting scenes as they closed in, this made for a fantastic legal thriller!
I read the first in this series, but this could be a standalone. If he writes a third, I'll be in line for it.
If you enjoy strong female leads, brilliant characterization, twisty "gotcha" moments and the behind the scenes hunt for a creepy psychopath, you may enjoy it as much as I did.
Own a copy/ Feb 2022
We have a corrupt judge that gets tangled in a game of cat and rat. Could he have been found out? After all this time? He is arrogant and worried (with good reason). "For the first time in his life, he felt like he was on the run".
Murder here, murder there, seems like everywhere? What is the connection? Someone knows....... a lot!
I really enjoyed this one and was reading it simultaneously with Bone Deep, the true crime novel that highlights massive corruption in the legal system which made it seem even more credible.
The investigators are on his trail, trying to stay off his deadly list. There are some suspenseful moments and a few nail-biting scenes as they closed in, this made for a fantastic legal thriller!
I read the first in this series, but this could be a standalone. If he writes a third, I'll be in line for it.
If you enjoy strong female leads, brilliant characterization, twisty "gotcha" moments and the behind the scenes hunt for a creepy psychopath, you may enjoy it as much as I did.
Own a copy/ Feb 2022
November 5, 2021
There is no question that Grisham knows how to write a legal thriller.
This book is not a legal thriller nor is it a suspense or even a mystery. There is no mystery.
From the book description we already know the ‘suspect’ is a sitting judge.
Uninteresting characters, no drama, legal or otherwise and a very unsatisfying ending.
I have always found that the movies made from Grisham’s books are way more exciting.
A movie made from this book would be as dull as the book.
This book is not a legal thriller nor is it a suspense or even a mystery. There is no mystery.
From the book description we already know the ‘suspect’ is a sitting judge.
Uninteresting characters, no drama, legal or otherwise and a very unsatisfying ending.
I have always found that the movies made from Grisham’s books are way more exciting.
A movie made from this book would be as dull as the book.
December 18, 2021
3.5 stars— I have always considered myself a John Grisham fan beginning with “A Time to Kill”. After going back and counting I believe this makes the 28th John Grisham book I have read. I have rated his books everything between 1 and 5 stars and this book ranks somewhere in the middle in my opinion. “The Judge’s List” starts strong with a cloak and dagger type opening where a mysterious, anonymous lady reports very serious allegations about a sitting judge to the Florida Judicial Inquiry Commission. The back and forth between the Investigator, Lacy Stoltz and Jeri Crosby, the complainant, is very entertaining for the first half of the book. The more you learn about the Judge the more you understand why Jeri would be terrified to report this and give her identity to traditional law enforcement. That is why when Lacy finally agrees to open an investigation into the judge’s actions, it seemed absolutely absurd that Jeri would tip the Judge off that he was exposed with taunting letters letting him know he was under investigation and the extent of his crimes. Once the Judge was tipped off, Grisham does an admirable job of keeping the suspense ramped up until the end but uses a few “shortcuts” that make the book a lot less believable. This includes a “super spyware” program that would make Julian Assange salivate and the Judge’s super deduction skills that allow him to easily guess the person who has figured out he is a serial killer. Even with the inconsistencies, I enjoyed the book and would give it a thumbs up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
The John Grisham I love is back with a thriller that certainly got my attention. I so enjoyed how a true storyteller can weave a tale without the benefit of "tons" of characters, eye rolling circumstances, and things that have you shaking your head with their absurdities.
In this tale, we met two strong women, Lacy Stoltz, a lawyer who investigates "dirty" lawyers on the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, and Jeri Crosby, who has a plethora of many pseudo names for an excellent reason. Jeri comes to Lacey after exhausting all other avenues in a search for the killer of her beloved father. She has been on the trial of the killer for twenty years and over that time has discovered many "interesting" things about a particular judge, Judge Ross Bannick. Lacy initially is reluctant to take on what seems to be a murder investigation, she insists it's really a police matter, but Jeri is persistent and wears her down.
What these ladies find with the help of some others make up the story that is filled with all the things we who have read Grisham love, a tight story, a page turning thriller, and a desire to see justice prevail. Jan and I so enjoyed our foray into this Florida Pan Handle environment and were very so pleased with seeing once again Grisham at his best.
Of course, there's a lot more to the story, but revealing more just might spoil the path this one takes. Interestingly, my eldest daughter is an attorney, who does this job on a federal level so she, of course, put this book at the top of her reading list.
Overall, a very strong recommendation for this story comes from this reader. It has all the elements that make a thriller exciting, motivating, and so believable and a wonderful story to read with my reading companion, Jan. We deserved a five star read and got it with this story.
In this tale, we met two strong women, Lacy Stoltz, a lawyer who investigates "dirty" lawyers on the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, and Jeri Crosby, who has a plethora of many pseudo names for an excellent reason. Jeri comes to Lacey after exhausting all other avenues in a search for the killer of her beloved father. She has been on the trial of the killer for twenty years and over that time has discovered many "interesting" things about a particular judge, Judge Ross Bannick. Lacy initially is reluctant to take on what seems to be a murder investigation, she insists it's really a police matter, but Jeri is persistent and wears her down.
What these ladies find with the help of some others make up the story that is filled with all the things we who have read Grisham love, a tight story, a page turning thriller, and a desire to see justice prevail. Jan and I so enjoyed our foray into this Florida Pan Handle environment and were very so pleased with seeing once again Grisham at his best.
Of course, there's a lot more to the story, but revealing more just might spoil the path this one takes. Interestingly, my eldest daughter is an attorney, who does this job on a federal level so she, of course, put this book at the top of her reading list.
Overall, a very strong recommendation for this story comes from this reader. It has all the elements that make a thriller exciting, motivating, and so believable and a wonderful story to read with my reading companion, Jan. We deserved a five star read and got it with this story.
December 24, 2021
Winding down the year with the Big Guy.......John Grisham.
The Judge's List is the second in The Whistler Series. To be flat-out honest, it was a 3.5 kicked up to a 4 Stars for me. Ya can't kick the Big Guy to the curb when he's the King of the Legal Thrillers all these years. Ya just can't.
We're in the presence of Lacy Stoltz, once again, as an FBI agent involved with the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. The Board investigates illicit conduct on the part of judges who cross the line in their duties. Lacy had a row with a female judge in the last go-round. But Lacy is becoming disenchanted with her job and eyes the door for an exit. It's now or never. She's stirring around her present relationship with current boyfriend, Allie Pacheco. And where's that heading in her life?
Lacy gets a phone call from a mysterious woman. It's here that we begin to experience just how lacklustre Lacy's attitude has become. It's like watching a tennis match, chapter after chapter, as Lacy mulls over this woman's information. We can actually feel the grass growing under Lacy's feet in the interim. Lordy, make a decision already, woman.
I actually became more involved with Jeri Crosby than Lacy herself. Jeri should have her own book series. The woman is brilliant and relentless in her pursuit....unlike Lazy Lacy at this time. Jeri has created a ton of aliases out of fear of being revealed and her life then endangered. Jeri's father was killed over 20 years ago. And then BOOM, we known a heinous judge is involved in his death and a multitude of others. Every few years a body is found and this psychopath judge expertly cleans up his trail with absolutely no connections. Grisham starts with the already known and then leads us on the pursuit of justice.
You can't fault John Grisham even though there are dry periods of repetition. Grisham flows as a stellar story teller. He always has. He's settled his last few novels within the state of Florida. Perhaps it's time to delve again into the unexpected like his earlier novels. The suspence nearly killed us.....in a good way. The Judge's List is still a worthy Grisham read. Can't miss it if you're a fan.
The Judge's List is the second in The Whistler Series. To be flat-out honest, it was a 3.5 kicked up to a 4 Stars for me. Ya can't kick the Big Guy to the curb when he's the King of the Legal Thrillers all these years. Ya just can't.
We're in the presence of Lacy Stoltz, once again, as an FBI agent involved with the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. The Board investigates illicit conduct on the part of judges who cross the line in their duties. Lacy had a row with a female judge in the last go-round. But Lacy is becoming disenchanted with her job and eyes the door for an exit. It's now or never. She's stirring around her present relationship with current boyfriend, Allie Pacheco. And where's that heading in her life?
Lacy gets a phone call from a mysterious woman. It's here that we begin to experience just how lacklustre Lacy's attitude has become. It's like watching a tennis match, chapter after chapter, as Lacy mulls over this woman's information. We can actually feel the grass growing under Lacy's feet in the interim. Lordy, make a decision already, woman.
I actually became more involved with Jeri Crosby than Lacy herself. Jeri should have her own book series. The woman is brilliant and relentless in her pursuit....unlike Lazy Lacy at this time. Jeri has created a ton of aliases out of fear of being revealed and her life then endangered. Jeri's father was killed over 20 years ago. And then BOOM, we known a heinous judge is involved in his death and a multitude of others. Every few years a body is found and this psychopath judge expertly cleans up his trail with absolutely no connections. Grisham starts with the already known and then leads us on the pursuit of justice.
You can't fault John Grisham even though there are dry periods of repetition. Grisham flows as a stellar story teller. He always has. He's settled his last few novels within the state of Florida. Perhaps it's time to delve again into the unexpected like his earlier novels. The suspence nearly killed us.....in a good way. The Judge's List is still a worthy Grisham read. Can't miss it if you're a fan.
November 3, 2021
The latest release by Grisham is the second book with Lacy Stoltz, who was introduced to us in “The Whistler”. As like that book, the storyline is about an investigation. It’s a chase between cat and mouse.
There is a serial killer and we know who he is, so there is no mystery. The thrill is the discovery, is how to proof.
The development of the story is quite slow. The first 18% was very boring.
The protagonist, who is very intelligent, is far from thrilling.
We get to know the whistleblower, a woman who lives in fear and whose father was killed over or about 20 years ago, and who had a remarkable resource to investigate the case on her own, during all that time. She sounds crazy, is totally obsessed and is very persistent to the point of being annoying. She knows how to keep her identity unknown. She sounds so remarkable that I found hard to believe in this character. She hires a private detective. They both were able to connect all the dots but the police or even the FBI were totally clueless.
Then we have the murderer. I confess that I found his POV the most thrilling part of the book.
But for a great part, I was completely bored. But there are some exciting moments (or gruesome moments).
I just couldn’t (and I can’t) believe that Grisham wrote this book.
It’s so different from his style.
The dialogues are very repetitive, very uninteresting.
And that ending? Such an easy way out.
Will I read another book with Lacy as the protagonist? Yes, as long as it is written by Grisham.
Edited for correction on Nov 11, 2021.
There is a serial killer and we know who he is, so there is no mystery. The thrill is the discovery, is how to proof.
The development of the story is quite slow. The first 18% was very boring.
The protagonist, who is very intelligent, is far from thrilling.
We get to know the whistleblower, a woman who lives in fear and whose father was killed over or about 20 years ago, and who had a remarkable resource to investigate the case on her own, during all that time. She sounds crazy, is totally obsessed and is very persistent to the point of being annoying. She knows how to keep her identity unknown. She sounds so remarkable that I found hard to believe in this character. She hires a private detective. They both were able to connect all the dots but the police or even the FBI were totally clueless.
Then we have the murderer. I confess that I found his POV the most thrilling part of the book.
But for a great part, I was completely bored. But there are some exciting moments (or gruesome moments).
I just couldn’t (and I can’t) believe that Grisham wrote this book.
It’s so different from his style.
The dialogues are very repetitive, very uninteresting.
And that ending? Such an easy way out.
Will I read another book with Lacy as the protagonist? Yes, as long as it is written by Grisham.
Edited for correction on Nov 11, 2021.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2021
What can I say about John Grisham that hasn't already been said a hundred times over. He really is the master of the legal thriller and The Judge's List is just more evidence of that. His books always draw me in from the first few pages and leave me needing to read more. I binged this book in one lazy Saturday at home during lockdown and I am not sorry about it. I will read anything this man writes and have been doing so for many many years now.
The Judge's List sees us reunited with Lacey Stolz from The Whistler. It is 3 years later and she is almost 40 and trying to work out what she wants from life. Her job at the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct is not exciting her anymore and she is contemplating a change. That is until a mysterious phone call leads to case like no other she has ever worked on. The FBJC does not do murder cases, but there has never been an allegation that a sitting judge was a serial killer before. We know from early on who the killer is, a very clever and cunning judge who has a list of people who have wronged him in his life. He is patient and doesn't leave any evidence behind. But somebody has figured him out now.
It is a page turner, and you will not see the ending coming. I certainly didn't. It was a WHAT moment at midnight that made me applaud the brain of John Grisham. Never a dull moment as we watch Lacey and her team try to get the evidence to take the judge down.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read. Out on October 19th.
The Judge's List sees us reunited with Lacey Stolz from The Whistler. It is 3 years later and she is almost 40 and trying to work out what she wants from life. Her job at the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct is not exciting her anymore and she is contemplating a change. That is until a mysterious phone call leads to case like no other she has ever worked on. The FBJC does not do murder cases, but there has never been an allegation that a sitting judge was a serial killer before. We know from early on who the killer is, a very clever and cunning judge who has a list of people who have wronged him in his life. He is patient and doesn't leave any evidence behind. But somebody has figured him out now.
It is a page turner, and you will not see the ending coming. I certainly didn't. It was a WHAT moment at midnight that made me applaud the brain of John Grisham. Never a dull moment as we watch Lacey and her team try to get the evidence to take the judge down.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read. Out on October 19th.
March 23, 2022
The Judge’s List by John Grisham was a pleasant surprise. I listened to the audio CD that was performed very well by Mary-Louise Parker. There had been several positive reviews for this book and I hadn’t read a Grisham book in a very long time so I decided to take the plunge and listen to it. The Judge’s List was the second book in The Whistler series. I hadn’t read the first book in this series but it did not take away from my enjoyment of this one. It can definitely be read as a stand alone book. The Judge’s List was an intriguing, twisty and suspenseful legal thriller with a well developed plot and great character development. John Grisham’s talent as a masterful storyteller was evident throughout this book.
Lacy Stoltz was known as the Whistler. She was employed by the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct where she investigated corrupt judges. Lacy was good at what she did but she might have overstayed her time in this position. She was getting bored and yearned to do something where she could earn recognition for herself. Then a woman named Jeri Crosby entered her life. She was secretive and appeared to be very nervous and frightened. Jeri believed that one of the sitting judges in Lacy’s jurisdiction was a serial killer. In the history of the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct there had never been a judge suspected of committing murder. Jeri believed her father had been murdered by this judge. Could Jeri convince Lacy to help her prove that this sitting judge committed several murders while acting as a judge in the state of Florida?
The Judge’s List by John Grisham was fast paced and kept me guessing throughout the book. The characters were colorful and complex. I was quite satisfied with the ending as it pulled everything together. Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this book and recommend it highly if you enjoy legal thrillers.
Lacy Stoltz was known as the Whistler. She was employed by the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct where she investigated corrupt judges. Lacy was good at what she did but she might have overstayed her time in this position. She was getting bored and yearned to do something where she could earn recognition for herself. Then a woman named Jeri Crosby entered her life. She was secretive and appeared to be very nervous and frightened. Jeri believed that one of the sitting judges in Lacy’s jurisdiction was a serial killer. In the history of the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct there had never been a judge suspected of committing murder. Jeri believed her father had been murdered by this judge. Could Jeri convince Lacy to help her prove that this sitting judge committed several murders while acting as a judge in the state of Florida?
The Judge’s List by John Grisham was fast paced and kept me guessing throughout the book. The characters were colorful and complex. I was quite satisfied with the ending as it pulled everything together. Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this book and recommend it highly if you enjoy legal thrillers.
November 15, 2021
Do they pay for 5 star reviews?
July 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved reading The Judges List, the characters, the story line and learning so much in regards to court procedures. I am always in awe with John Grisham his extreme knowledge and incredible research.
I absolutely loved reading The Judges List, the characters, the story line and learning so much in regards to court procedures. I am always in awe with John Grisham his extreme knowledge and incredible research.
October 9, 2021
More Lacy Stoltz. More Lacy Stoltz. More Lacy Stoltz. This second book in the Whistler series gives Lacy a tricky dilemma to untangle. A woman wants to remain anonymous while reporting a sitting judge guilty of multiple murders. A serial killer is on the loose and this sociopath has on-line skills that keep him ahead of law enforcement while highly capable of tracking down his victims. Who will be next? Jeri Crosby, the woman who has been tracking him since her father's death twenty years ago? Lacy Stoltz, the interim director for the Board on Judicial Conduct? This rises to the top of the pack for me in the field of Grisham's novels. I enjoy a woman protagonist and in this one we get two. There is plenty of cloak and dagger as well as a thrilling game of cat and mouse in multiple contexts. Finally, this is a legal thriller without any political strings attached. It is just downright entertaining. Mr. Grisham, please give us another Lacy Stoltz book soon. With the future she has planned, there would be many ways for her to stumble upon another legal dilemma to untangle.
A big thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2021
As a person who has read Mr Grishams books from the early days. I must admit I was very disappointed with this book.
There were moments that I actually wondered if he really wrote this. Is it possible his schedule did not allow him to proceed and a Ghost writer filled in for him?
Normally his books don't drag out so much, But in this book the pacing was so uneven. At times it was boring and I almost "did not finish." I continued mainly because he has always been one of my favorite authors.
This is book two in a series, whether or not there's a third book in the series is left up in the air. There is an open ending to the story.
The premise sounds interesting, a judge may be a serial killer, someone has tracked him down and connected the dots and presented their findings to the judicial review board in Florida.
One reason why I wondered if Mr Grisham wrote the book: there was a small anecdote in the story about a person who inherited money and had to pay off the debts of their parents. The anecdote went that they had to sell the house and car to pay off the loans.
(Having worked in and run law firms, especially those dealing with credit issues. Had there not been credit life insurance or insurance covering death for the car and house, The lenders would have just taken possession and sold the property. The family would not have had to pay off the credit card debt as stated in the story. Your debt dies with you and No one else is liable for your dad's unless they are co-borrowers.)
Another issue I had with the story. Is the fact that they were so positive no one would connect the dots that all these different murders were the same. Despite the fact that the crime scenes were identical. They tried to insinuate that the police are FBI would not connect the dots. In reality the FBI would have been all over that. Multiple crime scenes exactly the same.
It took a long time to get to the point.
When they switch to the point of view of the murderer. It had its interesting moments but often you found yourself scratching your head thinking "what"?
Overall the story was slow, fast, slow, fast, slow, slow, slow, fast, even slower and When it ends you're still scratching your head wondering if it really ended.
The story ended leaving more questions than answers.
As I stated before, It just did not feel like he wrote the book. Felt like a poor imitation of Mr Grisham. He normally turns in a much better performance.
There were moments that I actually wondered if he really wrote this. Is it possible his schedule did not allow him to proceed and a Ghost writer filled in for him?
Normally his books don't drag out so much, But in this book the pacing was so uneven. At times it was boring and I almost "did not finish." I continued mainly because he has always been one of my favorite authors.
This is book two in a series, whether or not there's a third book in the series is left up in the air. There is an open ending to the story.
The premise sounds interesting, a judge may be a serial killer, someone has tracked him down and connected the dots and presented their findings to the judicial review board in Florida.
One reason why I wondered if Mr Grisham wrote the book: there was a small anecdote in the story about a person who inherited money and had to pay off the debts of their parents. The anecdote went that they had to sell the house and car to pay off the loans.
(Having worked in and run law firms, especially those dealing with credit issues. Had there not been credit life insurance or insurance covering death for the car and house, The lenders would have just taken possession and sold the property. The family would not have had to pay off the credit card debt as stated in the story. Your debt dies with you and No one else is liable for your dad's unless they are co-borrowers.)
Another issue I had with the story. Is the fact that they were so positive no one would connect the dots that all these different murders were the same. Despite the fact that the crime scenes were identical. They tried to insinuate that the police are FBI would not connect the dots. In reality the FBI would have been all over that. Multiple crime scenes exactly the same.
It took a long time to get to the point.
When they switch to the point of view of the murderer. It had its interesting moments but often you found yourself scratching your head thinking "what"?
Overall the story was slow, fast, slow, fast, slow, slow, slow, fast, even slower and When it ends you're still scratching your head wondering if it really ended.
The story ended leaving more questions than answers.
As I stated before, It just did not feel like he wrote the book. Felt like a poor imitation of Mr Grisham. He normally turns in a much better performance.
May 18, 2025
Ca toate cărțile lui și aceasta se desfășoară în mediul juridica, dar de această dată avem un judecător a cărui "carieră" este mai puțin obișnuită, aceea de criminal în serie. Cartea ar fi putut fi mai credibilă, dar au fost câteva scene cam pripite care m-au dezamăgit, dar totuși o lectură bună.
October 12, 2024
This book is filled with all the things that I love from Grisham…
A tight story, a page turning legal thriller, a desire to see justice prevail…
Especially...When, well, I can’t say...
Because...Then I would be spoiling it –
But...Then again, maybe the title does in a way. No, don’t try and guess it – just read it!
By the way, you need not have read The Whistler to read this one. It can be a stand-alone.
A tight story, a page turning legal thriller, a desire to see justice prevail…
Especially...When, well, I can’t say...
Because...Then I would be spoiling it –
But...Then again, maybe the title does in a way. No, don’t try and guess it – just read it!
By the way, you need not have read The Whistler to read this one. It can be a stand-alone.
April 4, 2022
“Some rather compelling coincidental proof. The murders took place over a twenty-year period and in several different states. All are unsolved and quite cold. At some point during the judge's life, he crossed paths with each of his victims. And, he has his own method of murder. All of the killings are virtually the same.”Three years after her heroics in The Whistler, Lacy Stoltz is nearly forty years old, unsure of whether her boyfriend is the one, and is bored by her job as an Investigator with the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. And then Jeri Crosby enters her life, wanting to file a complaint against Ross Bannick, a sitting judge who Jeri claims is a serial killer with a half dozen victims—including her father—over the past twenty years. It’s not the type of complaint her office typically handles, which are usually ethics violations and the like, but Lacy can’t stop the complaint from being filed and must investigate it if it is.
That’s the setup for The Judge’s List. In recent years, John Grisham has varied his subjects more often beyond just straight legal thrillers, and it seems that this novel scratched his itch to write a novel about a serial killer. The three main characters are all interesting. I enjoyed Lacy’s disenchanted attitude, her resistance to championing Jeri’s complaint and theory. Judge Bannick is a clever killer who seems like he’ll always be too smart to get caught. And as the obsessed daughter of a murder victim, Jeri is the picture of someone who can’t let go. Knowingly or unknowingly, she seems unaware that she’s patiently stalking the judge just like he patiently waits to strike at his victims.
Now, if I were going to quibble, I’d point out that at the heart of The Judge’s List is an impossible contradiction. Jeri claims that she has come to Lacy because she cannot get the traditional police to treat her father’s murder and these other cold cases as linked crimes. The problem is that there is such an obvious similarity in the killings—and enough documented evidence linking Judge Bannick to his serious grudge against each one victim—that the police absolutely would have treated these as related killings. But if you’re willing to suspend disbelief over those types of details (I mean, there’s no novel if the cops just believed Jeri years ago), then The Judge’s List is a fast, entertaining read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 21, 2022
Always a fan of John Grisham’s work, I eagerly reached for this book. Grisham dazzles as usual when using the law as his background, and keeps the reader focussed on the case of a corrupt and criminally responsible judge, without revealing too much all at once. Grisham’s work remains top notch and I am eager to see if there is more to this series, as the ending left things slightly open for interpretation.
Lacy Stoltz has a history of staring down the truth and making tough choices, never more so than when investigating members of the judicial branch. Almost dying for her efforts during a recent case, Lacy has never stood down from bringing justice into the light while keeping her role on the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct on track.
It is during her work that Lacy meets Jeri Crosby, a woman so scared that she tries to mask her identity however she can. The murder of Jeri’’s father remains a cold case two decades after it occurred, having lost anyone advocating for the victim. Jeri is sure that there is something others missed, particularly when two other victims emerge, even as a killer has yet to be found.
Jeri points the finger not at a known criminal, but rather a sitting Florida judge. As Lacy listens, she learns that Jeri has been accumulating evidence for years and thinks that she has connected some random pieces of evidence. However, this is not a simple case of warrant and arrest, but rather one in which one of the most powerful legal authorities in the state has to be called out for his apparent actions. Lacy is ready to act, but must do so carefully, or fear blowback like no other.
On the other side of the coin is the judge, whose sly actions are that of a conniving serial killer, remaining one step ahead of those in authority. He has a list of victims and motive to fuel his actions, though much of it is unknown to the general public. While the killings pile up, Lacy must not only catch him, but prove that he, a judicial hero, could have done all those horrible crimes. It will take cunning and patience, but if she does not stand down, Lacy is sure to add herself to that list and die trying to stop its fulfillment. Grisham at his best with an eerie twist, sure to impress many who enjoy these type of stories.
I have long enjoyed the stories of John Grisham, mixing the law with some form of moral cause. His novels usually pull the reader from their comfort zone and leave an indelible mark on their psyche, such that there is no turning back. In this piece, Grisham mixes legal matters with a criminal game of cat and mouse, in which there can only be one winner. All this while allowing the reader a front row seat to all the action.
As with some of his best novels, Grisham uses a strong narrative to build on the themes laid out early in the story. The roadmap for the piece may not be as straightforward as some would like, but it is paced and shows promise from the outset. Strong characters, both likeable and despised, appear throughout the pages of the story, offering glue to keep things together. Grisham injects plot twists throughout to keep the reader, who knows the killer from the early pages, from getting too comfortable. In a sequel that begs for more to come, Grisham leaves readers wondering if there is more to say about Lacy Stoltz, whose personal life is on full display as well. Less a legal thriller than criminal one, Grisham shows versatility and strong writing that will impress many who take the time to explore this book, as well as the two pieces of writing that add to the series.
Kudos, Mr. Grisham, on a winning publication, sure to keep your fans appeased. I am eager to see what else you have been working on lately.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Lacy Stoltz has a history of staring down the truth and making tough choices, never more so than when investigating members of the judicial branch. Almost dying for her efforts during a recent case, Lacy has never stood down from bringing justice into the light while keeping her role on the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct on track.
It is during her work that Lacy meets Jeri Crosby, a woman so scared that she tries to mask her identity however she can. The murder of Jeri’’s father remains a cold case two decades after it occurred, having lost anyone advocating for the victim. Jeri is sure that there is something others missed, particularly when two other victims emerge, even as a killer has yet to be found.
Jeri points the finger not at a known criminal, but rather a sitting Florida judge. As Lacy listens, she learns that Jeri has been accumulating evidence for years and thinks that she has connected some random pieces of evidence. However, this is not a simple case of warrant and arrest, but rather one in which one of the most powerful legal authorities in the state has to be called out for his apparent actions. Lacy is ready to act, but must do so carefully, or fear blowback like no other.
On the other side of the coin is the judge, whose sly actions are that of a conniving serial killer, remaining one step ahead of those in authority. He has a list of victims and motive to fuel his actions, though much of it is unknown to the general public. While the killings pile up, Lacy must not only catch him, but prove that he, a judicial hero, could have done all those horrible crimes. It will take cunning and patience, but if she does not stand down, Lacy is sure to add herself to that list and die trying to stop its fulfillment. Grisham at his best with an eerie twist, sure to impress many who enjoy these type of stories.
I have long enjoyed the stories of John Grisham, mixing the law with some form of moral cause. His novels usually pull the reader from their comfort zone and leave an indelible mark on their psyche, such that there is no turning back. In this piece, Grisham mixes legal matters with a criminal game of cat and mouse, in which there can only be one winner. All this while allowing the reader a front row seat to all the action.
As with some of his best novels, Grisham uses a strong narrative to build on the themes laid out early in the story. The roadmap for the piece may not be as straightforward as some would like, but it is paced and shows promise from the outset. Strong characters, both likeable and despised, appear throughout the pages of the story, offering glue to keep things together. Grisham injects plot twists throughout to keep the reader, who knows the killer from the early pages, from getting too comfortable. In a sequel that begs for more to come, Grisham leaves readers wondering if there is more to say about Lacy Stoltz, whose personal life is on full display as well. Less a legal thriller than criminal one, Grisham shows versatility and strong writing that will impress many who take the time to explore this book, as well as the two pieces of writing that add to the series.
Kudos, Mr. Grisham, on a winning publication, sure to keep your fans appeased. I am eager to see what else you have been working on lately.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 8, 2023
Turnover was ridiculous and morale was somewhere between low and non-existent at Florida’s Board on Judicial Conduct.
Well, you’ve got to admit that if Aileen Cannon is a real-life example of the judiciary shenanigans which the BJC would be required to examine, low morale ought not to come as a great shock! But I digress … kinda!
THE JUDGE’S LIST is the story of Jeri Crosby’s obsessive hunt for a serial killer spanning more than twenty years. With intuition and detective skills that would rightfully embarrass the FBI and any number of municipal police departments, Crosby has accumulated a barrel full of circumstantial evidence suggesting that a well-respected, practicing Florida judge is a relentlessly patient, ruthless, sociopathic, and very skilled serial murderer with over 10 kill notches on his gavel. His knowledge of police procedure, forensics and, of course, the law has been a shield that kept even his existence as a serial killer off police radar. Knowing that her information would be summarily dismissed by police agencies as unfounded and meaningless, Crosby has lodged an official complaint against the erstwhile judge killer with the BJC. Lacy Stoltz, in her position as interim Executive Director of the board, has 45 days to assess the complaint and determine how to proceed. The clock is ticking and Stoltz and Crosby are only too aware that their names have been added to the killer’s target list of future victims.
In past novels, John Grisham has had the ability to make his thrillers pertinent to the real world and to current affairs dealing with issues ranging from elections to racism or capital punishment, for example. THE JUDGE’S LIST does not achieve membership on that elite list. But, you can be assured that it is a high-speed, compelling and completely gripping legal and suspense thriller that will entertain you from first page to last. Like so many other thrillers of this nature, the story details aren’t likely to stick with you for very long but it will be an easy and assured pleasure to recall how much you enjoyed the reading while it lasted.
Paul Weiss
Well, you’ve got to admit that if Aileen Cannon is a real-life example of the judiciary shenanigans which the BJC would be required to examine, low morale ought not to come as a great shock! But I digress … kinda!
THE JUDGE’S LIST is the story of Jeri Crosby’s obsessive hunt for a serial killer spanning more than twenty years. With intuition and detective skills that would rightfully embarrass the FBI and any number of municipal police departments, Crosby has accumulated a barrel full of circumstantial evidence suggesting that a well-respected, practicing Florida judge is a relentlessly patient, ruthless, sociopathic, and very skilled serial murderer with over 10 kill notches on his gavel. His knowledge of police procedure, forensics and, of course, the law has been a shield that kept even his existence as a serial killer off police radar. Knowing that her information would be summarily dismissed by police agencies as unfounded and meaningless, Crosby has lodged an official complaint against the erstwhile judge killer with the BJC. Lacy Stoltz, in her position as interim Executive Director of the board, has 45 days to assess the complaint and determine how to proceed. The clock is ticking and Stoltz and Crosby are only too aware that their names have been added to the killer’s target list of future victims.
In past novels, John Grisham has had the ability to make his thrillers pertinent to the real world and to current affairs dealing with issues ranging from elections to racism or capital punishment, for example. THE JUDGE’S LIST does not achieve membership on that elite list. But, you can be assured that it is a high-speed, compelling and completely gripping legal and suspense thriller that will entertain you from first page to last. Like so many other thrillers of this nature, the story details aren’t likely to stick with you for very long but it will be an easy and assured pleasure to recall how much you enjoyed the reading while it lasted.
Paul Weiss
November 2, 2021
4 Stars
March 22, 2022
"He reached and grabbed one strand of rope and quickly looped it around her neck. He held both ends with his hands and applied a little pressure. Jeri recoiled but couldn't get away. He was practically on top of her, his face two feet from hers." (PG. 292)
So the library wants this back ASAP. I am overdue by a few days and had to read this, like quick, especially if I am going to get a quote out of it... But it turned out not to be a problem because it was so good. This political thriller was very thrilling. I am a John Grisham fan. The only thing I didn't realize was that this was a second in a series starring Lacy Stoltz. I found the diversity in the book refreshing, natural.
The idea of having a judge be a serial killer is a damn good one. I mean, what a great premise, that if anyone COULD actually get away with murder it would be a judge. And not just any regular old judge, a judge that remembers slights and is patiently stalking his victims for 20+ years leaving no trail, no forensic evidence, not even fingerprints. But like all serial killers comes the one mistake that becomes their downfall.... And all because he himself is being stalked...
Grisham did a great job of making lead female characters. I could actually believe they were women talking. He didn't make them into desperate horny beer guzzling Bees. They were normal and professional. Cringy stereotypes seem to be the modern typecast.
So the library wants this back ASAP. I am overdue by a few days and had to read this, like quick, especially if I am going to get a quote out of it... But it turned out not to be a problem because it was so good. This political thriller was very thrilling. I am a John Grisham fan. The only thing I didn't realize was that this was a second in a series starring Lacy Stoltz. I found the diversity in the book refreshing, natural.
The idea of having a judge be a serial killer is a damn good one. I mean, what a great premise, that if anyone COULD actually get away with murder it would be a judge. And not just any regular old judge, a judge that remembers slights and is patiently stalking his victims for 20+ years leaving no trail, no forensic evidence, not even fingerprints. But like all serial killers comes the one mistake that becomes their downfall.... And all because he himself is being stalked...
Grisham did a great job of making lead female characters. I could actually believe they were women talking. He didn't make them into desperate horny beer guzzling Bees. They were normal and professional. Cringy stereotypes seem to be the modern typecast.
August 3, 2025
This is a second book of a series but it can be read as a stand alone novel. In this one Lacy receives a complaint against a judge. This person is stating that the judge is a serial killer. The person is a family member of one of the victims. She has proof that the judge has committed these murders even though not one agency has put two and two together.
I might be a little generous with my rating here but I did love the concept of the story. I also was invested in how it would all play out. That being said there are some major flaws with this book. Like I said I was invested in the story as I can get behind a story about a well respected person of authority being a killer. They would have opportunity and the knowledge to get away with it and who in their right mind would suspect a judge. I also enjoy the idea of following Lacy who works for an agency who keeps an eye on judges. I also liked the motive of the judge too. So where did this novel have flaws? There were some major plot holes in this book. Sometimes characters seemed to act differently to move the plot along so we can get to the thrill of it. I also thought Lacy was relegated to a role of intermediary in this book. She really did not do much to move the investigative plot forward. I would argue if we took her out of this book it would basically happen the same way. Lacy's role was to get the FBI involved. That was it.
I believe Grisham is the king of courtroom dramas and really cannot do no wrong. This is a little out of his area of expertise even though it is in the same realm. It is more of a thriller about a serial killer. It shows that this is not Grisham's area. There are plot holes that made me think that does not seem right. One of them is Lacy and her involvement. I liked the book but these plot holes stopped me for loving it. It definitely needed some polishing. There are better Grisham books and better serial killer books out there.
I might be a little generous with my rating here but I did love the concept of the story. I also was invested in how it would all play out. That being said there are some major flaws with this book. Like I said I was invested in the story as I can get behind a story about a well respected person of authority being a killer. They would have opportunity and the knowledge to get away with it and who in their right mind would suspect a judge. I also enjoy the idea of following Lacy who works for an agency who keeps an eye on judges. I also liked the motive of the judge too. So where did this novel have flaws? There were some major plot holes in this book. Sometimes characters seemed to act differently to move the plot along so we can get to the thrill of it. I also thought Lacy was relegated to a role of intermediary in this book. She really did not do much to move the investigative plot forward. I would argue if we took her out of this book it would basically happen the same way. Lacy's role was to get the FBI involved. That was it.
I believe Grisham is the king of courtroom dramas and really cannot do no wrong. This is a little out of his area of expertise even though it is in the same realm. It is more of a thriller about a serial killer. It shows that this is not Grisham's area. There are plot holes that made me think that does not seem right. One of them is Lacy and her involvement. I liked the book but these plot holes stopped me for loving it. It definitely needed some polishing. There are better Grisham books and better serial killer books out there.
March 25, 2025
Сам не знам, защо ли ги чета тъпотиите на стоящия зад името на Гришам колектив от бездарни драскачи?
Повърхностно предадена история, 1D герои, неспособни да ви развълнуват дории за минутка и уникално смотан край - единствено това ни предлага "Списъкът на съдията".
Толкова ги е домързяло, та част от авторите на този пасквил дори не са си направили труда да прочетат предния, та в книгите има дори несъответствия.
Мъка...
Повърхностно предадена история, 1D герои, неспособни да ви развълнуват дории за минутка и уникално смотан край - единствено това ни предлага "Списъкът на съдията".
Толкова ги е домързяло, та част от авторите на този пасквил дори не са си направили труда да прочетат предния, та в книгите има дори несъответствия.
Мъка...
October 26, 2021
No one ever has or ever will do legal thrillers the way Grisham does, and as I have read every Grisham release to-date, for me this one was somewhere in the middle. In my opinion, his courtroom dramas are the best, and this book never sees the inside of a courthouse, so that lowered my overall rating a tad bit.
This book follows Lacy Stoltz, who readers met in "The Whistler" (although it is definitely not necessary to have read that one first). Lacy is an investigator for the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct, and when she is secretly approached by a woman who wants to file a complaint against a sitting judge for murdering upwards of eight people, her father included, Lacy is intrigued. The evidence is scant though, as the clues are all circumstantial, but the same method has been employed in every killing. Lacy somewhat reluctantly begins an investigation into the judge, who has a spotless record. The investigation changes abruptly when the judge is tipped off and starts an investigation of his own, and from there, a tricky cat-and-mouse game ensues.
This one is different in that there is never any question as to the killer, only as to how it would all end. I wouldn't call this a particularly fast-paced read, as it borderline bogged down in spots, i.e. the chapters about Lacey and her brother, Jeri and her daughter, etc., but it still held my interest all the way through. In true Grisham fashion, he provides much intriguing, and honestly frightening, facts about serial killers that I won't soon forget. I loved the fact that there are two strong female characters (it always surprises me how well Grisham writes women characters!). I have enjoyed Lacy's character in both books and hope she makes a return in a future Grisham book. The multiple POVs - the killer's included - worked well to explain the motives behind the killings and how he covered his tracks. The ending was not entirely surprising but not entirely predictable either - it was good but didn't blow me away.
Overall, I wish it had a few more courtroom scenes, but it is still a solid 4-star read!
This book follows Lacy Stoltz, who readers met in "The Whistler" (although it is definitely not necessary to have read that one first). Lacy is an investigator for the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct, and when she is secretly approached by a woman who wants to file a complaint against a sitting judge for murdering upwards of eight people, her father included, Lacy is intrigued. The evidence is scant though, as the clues are all circumstantial, but the same method has been employed in every killing. Lacy somewhat reluctantly begins an investigation into the judge, who has a spotless record. The investigation changes abruptly when the judge is tipped off and starts an investigation of his own, and from there, a tricky cat-and-mouse game ensues.
This one is different in that there is never any question as to the killer, only as to how it would all end. I wouldn't call this a particularly fast-paced read, as it borderline bogged down in spots, i.e. the chapters about Lacey and her brother, Jeri and her daughter, etc., but it still held my interest all the way through. In true Grisham fashion, he provides much intriguing, and honestly frightening, facts about serial killers that I won't soon forget. I loved the fact that there are two strong female characters (it always surprises me how well Grisham writes women characters!). I have enjoyed Lacy's character in both books and hope she makes a return in a future Grisham book. The multiple POVs - the killer's included - worked well to explain the motives behind the killings and how he covered his tracks. The ending was not entirely surprising but not entirely predictable either - it was good but didn't blow me away.
Overall, I wish it had a few more courtroom scenes, but it is still a solid 4-star read!
November 2, 2021
I have read many books from Grisham but not all some I was just not interested in. I still think his second book the Firm is his best book and he is Mitch lol. This book started very strong and was his darkest book and had a good edge to it and for a bit I thought wow this night be his best book and it had that potential. I would say after the first 30 percent it just unraveled. The two main good charatcers never really clicked, amd it semed to bog down at times. The one main good character never really did that much just made excuses for no investigation. It lost steam and the dark side to it and it could have been a very original story ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. As the story went on I lost more interest in it. I just think he had a good idea but did not know where to go with it. The last quarter of the book was a struggle and the ending was bad -can't sugar coat that lol and did not make sense-it was blown. The first 30 percent or so was good and the rest was what would could have been . This book barely got by the 2 star barrier land on 3.0 on the dot but could have been a high 4 star book. I guess give it a spin if you are a die hard big fan.
November 12, 2021
I have read everything that John Grisham has written. Have been reading him for decades and eagerly look forward to each of his new books. This one was a total disappointment. When you get to the last 10 pages of a mystery/thriller and keep falling asleep, that is not a good sign. Mediocre at best.
February 8, 2022
I have read a few books by this author (The Firm, The Partner, The Broker, and The King of Torts) but that was way before I have a blog so I don’t have links to my reviews. I believe I loved them all including this one. I was hooked to this story. I haven’t read a book where a judge was accused of murder before. The characters were well developed and well liked. The main character somewhat worried about herself being unmarried with no kids approaching 40 but at the same time enjoyed her freedom and her own space. I have a friend in that situation and I know the struggle. The other character, Margie lead an exciting and lonely life of collecting information from her father’s killer. I liked that the killer’s view appeared as Lacy investigated Kronke, a victim. It explained how the event happened without speculation.
This book followed Lacy, 39 years old lawyer as she received an anonymous phone call from a woman who referred to herself as Margie, 46. She wanted a private meeting with Lacy to ask for her professional opinions. Lacy, for 12 years, has been specializing in investigating judges who are accused of wrongdoing. Margie said an active judge killed her dad among many others and hoping if Lacy will take on her complaint. Lacy was bored with her current job and thought that this new accusation sounded intriguing. Accusing a judge of murder is rare. Lacy decided to hear her out. Lacy has an older brother Gunther and an FBI boyfriend named Allie. There’s a surprise view of the killer. There were many views after that including Margie, which was not her real name because she feared for her safety. She had been stalking her father’s killer for 20 years and knew that the killer had been killing up to 8 victims. She hoped that Lacy can send the killer to jail.
The Judge’s List was well written and a fast paced read. A little too many point of views than I care for but I do liked the detailed view of the killer and the persons chasing the killer. I liked that the killer was created as a smart person, one who stayed a couple of steps ahead of the police. It was thrilling to read when the stalking was reversed, the killer knew he was being stalked. Definitely interesting also to see how technology was utilized for good and for bad. The ending was good and I didn’t guess the course of action. This book has good diversity. Although it’s a book 2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read a legal thriller in awhile but sure won’t be my last. I recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Doubleday Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book followed Lacy, 39 years old lawyer as she received an anonymous phone call from a woman who referred to herself as Margie, 46. She wanted a private meeting with Lacy to ask for her professional opinions. Lacy, for 12 years, has been specializing in investigating judges who are accused of wrongdoing. Margie said an active judge killed her dad among many others and hoping if Lacy will take on her complaint. Lacy was bored with her current job and thought that this new accusation sounded intriguing. Accusing a judge of murder is rare. Lacy decided to hear her out. Lacy has an older brother Gunther and an FBI boyfriend named Allie. There’s a surprise view of the killer. There were many views after that including Margie, which was not her real name because she feared for her safety. She had been stalking her father’s killer for 20 years and knew that the killer had been killing up to 8 victims. She hoped that Lacy can send the killer to jail.
The Judge’s List was well written and a fast paced read. A little too many point of views than I care for but I do liked the detailed view of the killer and the persons chasing the killer. I liked that the killer was created as a smart person, one who stayed a couple of steps ahead of the police. It was thrilling to read when the stalking was reversed, the killer knew he was being stalked. Definitely interesting also to see how technology was utilized for good and for bad. The ending was good and I didn’t guess the course of action. This book has good diversity. Although it’s a book 2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read a legal thriller in awhile but sure won’t be my last. I recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Doubleday Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
February 22, 2022
This is a smooth, straightforward read set in the southeast US: mainly Alabama and Florida, especially the Florida Panhandle.
Great characters, great conflict, good use of current technology references. Love the setting. I'm a fan of this new series. Without giving away too much, Grisham does employ his standard ending.
Highly recommended.
Great characters, great conflict, good use of current technology references. Love the setting. I'm a fan of this new series. Without giving away too much, Grisham does employ his standard ending.
Highly recommended.
July 28, 2025
Voltei a ler John Grisham e correu muito bem. Uma história interessante quanto baste, com uma dose de suspense que prende o suficiente para querer saber como termina. Gostei deste regresso ao mundo das leis e dos crimes.
October 26, 2021
I don’t believe for a minute that John Grisham wrote this book. It has none of the depth or character development of his other books. The plot is padded with unnecessary prattling and descriptions, and the plot is ponderous. If he continues to turn his novels over to others to write, I will lose interest quickly in reading any more of his books.
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