Eight stars
A long-time fan of all things John Grisham, I was happy to see a return to one of his most exciting novels of his early writing career. Returning to explore the updated lives of Mitch and Abby McDeere, Grisham tells another captivating story that is full of action, legal suspense, and great adventure across the globe. As Mitch has a career that has expanded after a scary time earlier in his life, he is thrust into the middle of a crisis like no other, in which he puts himself in significant danger. Grisham does a stunning job at spinning this thriller and keeps the reader guessing until the last moment.
After years of hiatus, Mitch and Abby McDeere return. They still remember exposing the crimes taking place at Bendini, Lambert & Locke, the Memphis law firm that gave Mitch his start. Now, fifteen years on, they are settled in New York, with Mitch at a well-established firm in a partner position and Abby happy to be working in the book publishing industry.
After receiving a call from his mentor, Mitch agrees to help as best he can, but is worried that things could take a significant turn if he is not careful. His mentor's daughter has been working for the firm's Rome office and is kidnapped while in Libya. Her return is tied not only to a ransom, but a larger and more troubling demand, at a time when the country is still led by a crazed dictator.
Travelling to the region, Mitch must try to ensure the young lawyer's safety, as well as protect himself. Abby receives calls back in Manhattan and tries to help as best she can, but feels the same worry she did when they were uncovering everything in Tennessee all those years ago. Mitch McDeere has the wherewithal to do whatever it takes, but this is one case that will prove more daunting than a day in court. Grisham dazzles in a less than legal-focussed book that will have fans of the author rushing to learn more.
Being a longtime fan of John Grisham and his work, I have read a number of his thrillers and stories. Most are legal-based, but there are some whose focus moves away fro the law and into the 'everyday world'. This is one that straddles both and keeps the reader engaged until the very end. A strong narrative and great development as things gain momentum. Grisham dazzles and provides just enough intel to have the reader demand more and have to read further.
As it has been years since the McDeeres were a part of the Grisham world, character development is key to better understand all those who play a role in the story. Grisham does well to update the reader and provide new insights that are key to the larger story. The reader can see more faces and learn a little about them, though it is the struggle to get Mitch in and out of Libya that proves the most important. There are some questions left and one can only hope that Grisham will return with another in the series, given time and interest.
The number of twists and turns throughout this book reminded me while I liked things the first time around with Mitch McDeere. While it has been years since i read the book, I was fully committed at the time and remain so now. I am eager to see if there will be more about how things will progress for Mitch, as well as what role Abby will have when next they return to the Grisham world. I suppose I will have to be patent to see if there is third instalment.
Kudos, Mr. Grisham, for remaining me of some early classics that put you on my radar.
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