Helpful Score: 7
In "The Last Juror" Grisham returns to Clanton Mississippi, the setting for "A Time To Kill." When a young widow is brutally raped and murdered, she names her assailant with her last dying breath: Danny Padgitt, a son of the dangerous and powerful crime family that seems to own Clanton. Willie Traynor, the young reporter who buys the local newspaper when it falls into bankruptcy, covers the case in the paper and befriends Miss Callie, the matriarch of the amazing Ruffin family and the first black woman juror in Ford County. Danny is tried and found guilty, but he receives life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. When he is released on parole after only nine years and returns to Clanton, the jurors who convicted him begin to die one by one, and the remaining jurors fear for their lives... This novel features not only the setting of Grisham's earliest novel, but also the reappearance of its lawyers Lucien Wilbanks and Harry Rex Vonner. It covers some of the same issues of race and criminal justice. But if you are expecting this story to be similar to its predecessor, you might be disappointed. For one thing, the protagonist here is Willie Traynor rather than a lawyer. The story does contain some tense courtroom drama, but that comprises only part of the novel. Instead we see the gentler and softer-hearted Grisham as represented in some of his latest works such as "Bleachers" and "Skipping Christmas." After the fast-paced trial and while Danny is in prison, the story changes direction to indulge in some good old-fashioned Southern storytelling.
Through the voice of newspaper owner Traynor, a northerner who views the town with the eyes of an outsider but who comes to care for its inhabitants, Grisham shows his affection for Southern small town life. Grisham's descriptions and characterizations are so lovingly crafted that I felt I had attended a goat barbecue, sampled some powerful moonshine, sat on the balcony above the town square gossiping with and about the locals, played poker in the backwoods, visited every church in the county, and had lunch on Miss Callie's porch. The story is peppered with humor and folk wisdom. The ending, although sad, is satisfying. I strongly recommend this novel for readers who appreciate both the vintage and newer Grisham works.
Through the voice of newspaper owner Traynor, a northerner who views the town with the eyes of an outsider but who comes to care for its inhabitants, Grisham shows his affection for Southern small town life. Grisham's descriptions and characterizations are so lovingly crafted that I felt I had attended a goat barbecue, sampled some powerful moonshine, sat on the balcony above the town square gossiping with and about the locals, played poker in the backwoods, visited every church in the county, and had lunch on Miss Callie's porch. The story is peppered with humor and folk wisdom. The ending, although sad, is satisfying. I strongly recommend this novel for readers who appreciate both the vintage and newer Grisham works.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoy John Grisham's books, despite the fact they tend to be a little predictable. I thought this was a great story with a weak ending. I couldn't help but feeling a little disappointed with the way this one ended. I did think Grisham did a great job with this one bringing the characters to life. I really felt like I knew them and developed emotional attachments to some. Overall, I did enjoy this one quite a bit and would recommend it to others.
Helpful Score: 2
I read some heinous reviews of this book on Amazon, prior to my reading it- so I didn't expect much. I found this to be one of my favorite John Grisham novels- ranking with The Rainmaker and The Pelican Brief. The characters are written so that you actually care about them- and the "mystery" portion of the book is interesting as well. The killer is a tad obvious- and in truth this book is really the Grisham version of To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite novel, so if you enjoyed that, you will enjoy the Last Juror.
Helpful Score: 2
I have read all of John Grisham's books. This is easily one of the best. The title is a little misleading, not a legal thriller. We get to know Clanton's colorful characters. They might seem a little too colorful, but as someone who lives in a small southern town, they are very realistic. I was so sad when the book was over, I wanted it to go on forever.
Helpful Score: 2
Suspenseful tale about a small Mississippi town which is tormented by a murderer in the 1970's. A little predictable, but entertaining and filled with interesting characters. This is the second novel by Grisham that I have read and I am eager to read more.
Helpful Score: 2
This was my second John Grisham book and I could hardly put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the outsiders insight on a small southern town. The mystery was a little too slick in the end, but I still thought it was a great read. I do have one bone to pick though - the book is set in Mississippi, but Grisham says that one of the characters grows vidalia onions in her garden. Well, that is impossible. Vidalia onions ONLY grow in and around Vidalia, Georgia. It is the soil that gives the onions their unique and wonderful flavor. You can't grow Vidalia onions in Miss.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book so much better then the last couple I've read by him, Playing for Pizza, Bleachers and The Appeal. This one reminded me why I loved to read his books, with their interesting cast of characters and the small towns of the South with descriptions so vivid you can feel the humidity! He has redeemed himself in my eyes with this book.
Helpful Score: 1
My favorite Grisham novels have been his earlier ones, where he dealt with the legal problems of "the little guy." For some time since those earlier novels his writing has focused on crimes and law that involved big corporations, big money, big law firms. Now, finally, he once again returns to his small town southern roots and the common everyday folk of those earlier stories. "The Last Juror" might be the best of such stories he's written since "A Time to Kill."
Helpful Score: 1
I read some heinous reviews of this book on Amazon, prior to my reading it- so I didn't expect much. I found this to be one of my favorite John Grisham novels- ranking with The Rainmaker and The Pelican Brief. The characters are written so that you actually care about them- and the "mystery" portion of the book is interesting as well. The killer is a tad obvious- and in truth this book is really the Grisham version of To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite novel, so if you enjoyed that, you will enjoy the Last Juror.
Helpful Score: 1
Really good Grisham fare. It's about a small southern town newspaper publisher trying to cope with a brutal local murder. Now, nine years later the jurors are starting to die one by one. It's the publisher's goal to figure things out.
Helpful Score: 1
A good, representative John Grisham novel. Entertaining. Good choice for a plane ride or a lazy vacation.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! A really wonderful story, one of my favorite Grisham books.
Helpful Score: 1
Another Grisham page turner -This tense thriller starts out with a brutal crime in a small town. The local newspaper editor makes it his mission to make sure the victim is never forgotten,and the killer is punished. Along the way the placid facade of his little town is peeled away layer by layer exposing its volatile underpinnings.
Helpful Score: 1
A very interesting book written in the '70's; locale Mississippi! Lots human interest, suspense and "folksy" characters. Hard to put down.
Melanie A Wardlow (Mel) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good story. John Grisham keeps you gessing as to what happens in this novel about a small town-which has the feel of a big town murder trial. You wonder if the jurors and this town can survive the aftermath.
Helpful Score: 1
John Grisham provides another classic tale of crime, evil, death and revenge. A must read for Grisham fans.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! I haven't read a Grisham book in years, but picked up an audio version free so figured I'd give it a try. This is not the typical attorney-thriller, but a languid tale about the life of the young publisher of a weekly newspaper in small-town Mississippi during the 1970's. There is no mystery per se, but the book centers on the trial of a member of a controlling, reclusive, ne'er-do-well family, and its aftermath. The publisher also befriends the mother of a large family of African-Americans, all of whom have become professors in different universities throughout the country, and his tales of the food and love shared are delectable on their own. I highly recommend "reading" this in the audio version, as the reader adds immeasurably to the experience. I believe Grisham has written two other books set in this town, and I'll definitely be seeking them out.
Helpful Score: 1
I was very disappointed, but I might be jaded. I was expecting more of a typical Grisham courtroom novel, but this is more a la A Painted House--more descriptive than action-oriented.
But, please, read it and judge it for yourself. Take it, because I'll probably never read it again.
But, please, read it and judge it for yourself. Take it, because I'll probably never read it again.
Helpful Score: 1
The plot was interesting and the writing good. Several of the characters are mentioned in A Time To Kill also.
Helpful Score: 1
This held my rapt attention throughout, with characters who soon feel as though you have met them. The community portrayed is so similar to ones we all know. There are continual little twists and turns and these kept me reading, trying to figure out the next move. Good book for a trip as you won't notice the airplane bumps or any noise around you. Very enjoyable read!
Grisham's #1 "New York Times" bestseller returns readers to Ford County, Mississippi, the locale for "A Time to Kill." A young journalist becomes caught up in the sensational trial of a savage killer whose vengeful vow has a devastating effect on the small town.
Great Grisham read. No one writes legal thrillers like Grisham. Setting is small town in Mississippi where Willie Traynor buys the town's only newspaper. I was rivited to the edge of my seat through the entire story.
A good read and what life in a small town in the south is like if you aren't the third generation to have lived there. Especially when you go up against one of the founding families!
One of Grisham's best.
another good Grisham
A great Grisham novel - reporter Willie Traynor moves to Clanton MI and within a year becomes the owner of the only county newspaper. Fast forward a couple decades, and Traynor learns that the jurors who served in a local murder trial nine years ago are suddenly dying one by one...and now there's just one left.
Another great thriller from Grisham. Hard to put down!
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three year old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil. Clanton lived on the edge of another age- until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Not as good as some of Grisham's earlier works but still a good read.
Very typical of Grisham's other writings.
Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed The Last Juror (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 320 more book reviews
another thriller by Grisham
I thought it was a really good read. It's different than his usual books and I liked it a lot.
A wonderful read.
A brutal murder in the 70's, ofa young mother rocked the town of Clanton, Mississippi. The murder threw Willie Traynor, owner of the newspaper, into the center of a storm. He made many friends and many enemies with his reporting of the horrors of the crime. Now, nine years later, men and women who served on a jury back then are being murdered one by one, as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.
I enjoyed this book very much.
as with all Grisham books this is a great read
I found this book interesting and different than his usual fare. It focused more on the town and people than the court case. I really liked that change of pace.
A small-town girl is raped and murdered by a member of a boot-legging outlaw family. The man is convicted, but when he is released on parole ten years later, members of the jury are starting to die. Told from the perspective of the small town newspaper owner.
Got this in the airport, read half of it by the time the plane ride was over. Solid Grisham with a mix of law & disorder, a fresh young newspaperman, an unexpected ally, & a surprise ending. It reminded me of early Grisham in the way he expressed his love for the South (parts of it anyway).
very good. if your J.G lover this will not dissapoint.
"Genuinely moving.." -People
"Grisham deserves a winning verdict for his..literary thriller."- Boston Globe
"Grisham deserves a winning verdict for his..literary thriller."- Boston Globe
One of Grisham's best
As usual,GREAT
My favorite Grisham book so far.
Moved too slow for me.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford county's largest newspaper. Clanton lived on the edge of another age-until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
i loved this book it was great and kept me intrested the entire time. I think it is one of the authors best work!
Classic Grisham
This was my favorite Grisham book since The Pelican Brief, Grisham seems to come back to life with this one. Classic Grisham.
Grisham, one of his best. Bestseller.
Typical Grisham thriller with lots of twists. Good read, but don't expect to be able to put it down.
A black woman is placed upon an interracial murder jury in the South
as usual Grisham is great and this is one of his best
Cristina M. (cristinamoore) reviewed The Last Juror (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 24 more book reviews
Grabs you and keeps you until the end!
Barbara M. (LadyExplicate) reviewed The Last Juror (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 111 more book reviews
Another Grisham whodunnit that grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go till the end. Charm and humor temper the first-person narrative of a newspaperman in the South during days of the Civil Rights movement, and the one awful premeditated murder that takes place in the county.
If it is Grisham what else must be said?
Great book! :)
Joyce B. (tripletmom) -
This story line was great. Kept me interested the entire way through. Unabridged.
The Last Juror by John Grisham
ISBN: 0739309005 Unabridged 8 cassettes 12 hours
Read by: Michael Beck
In 1970, one of Mississippis more colorful weekly newspapers, The Ford County Times, went bankrupt. To the surprise and dismay of many, the ownership was assumed by a twenty-three-year-old college dropout named Willie Traynor. The future of the paper looked grim until a young mother was brutally raped and murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family. While Traynor reported all the gruesome details, his newspaper began to prosper.
The murderer, Danny Padgitt, was tried before a packed courthouse in Clanton, Mississippi. The trial came to a startling and dramatic end when the defendant threatened revenge against the jurors if they convicted him. Nevertheless, they found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
But in Mississippi in 1970, life didnt necessarily mean life, and nine years later Danny Padgitt managed to get himself paroled. He returned to Ford County, and the retribution began ..
ISBN: 0739309005 Unabridged 8 cassettes 12 hours
Read by: Michael Beck
In 1970, one of Mississippis more colorful weekly newspapers, The Ford County Times, went bankrupt. To the surprise and dismay of many, the ownership was assumed by a twenty-three-year-old college dropout named Willie Traynor. The future of the paper looked grim until a young mother was brutally raped and murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family. While Traynor reported all the gruesome details, his newspaper began to prosper.
The murderer, Danny Padgitt, was tried before a packed courthouse in Clanton, Mississippi. The trial came to a startling and dramatic end when the defendant threatened revenge against the jurors if they convicted him. Nevertheless, they found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
But in Mississippi in 1970, life didnt necessarily mean life, and nine years later Danny Padgitt managed to get himself paroled. He returned to Ford County, and the retribution began ..
A Listening Pleasure
Unabridged -- 8 cassettes -- beautiful story -- very descriptive -- unexpectedly sentimental at times -- not to be missed.
An abridged version. This is an enjoyable story with characters who are better developed than in many Grisham books. Great to listen to on a car trip.
Great listening as with many Grisham novels.
This is as good as Gresham's earlier novels in my opinion. It really captured me from page one and the pace kept going. Strong central character and believable secondary characters, great locale descriptions (rural Mississippi)
Grisham always delivers!
enjoyed the book
John Grisham always provides a story that I have a hard time putting down!
one of his better books
Interesting title given the story. Story follows in the life of a newspaper editor for the span of about 10 years. A good read by Grisham, even though I think the title is a bit deceiving. Story is violent at times.
Absolutely great book that doesn't focus just on the practice of law. Outstanding story about the impact of an important case in a small community. I definitely learned more about the paper business then I ever thought! What I especially like about this book is the richness of several characters and how once again Grisham shows his in depth familiarity with the south and the specific behaviors/customs of its people.
A great Grisham!
Typical John Grisham..
I couldn't put this one down. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the end of the book.
A newspaper owner writes a weekly paper about the horrors of crime and justice in a Mississippi town. good book.
This was an exciting read! Enjoyed it greatly.
well written-one of his best
This is one of John Grisham's best books. Its a must read for any of his fans.
A great Grisham story!
Angelique R. (drunkenmimes) reviewed The Last Juror (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent novel from Grisham, as usual. A good history lesson to boot.
Typical fast-paced Grisham. Good.
A mild break (but not too much) form Grisham format of lawyer based, suspense books.
I like reading John Grisham books when i get tried of the other author's I read. His books are goods reads.
Classic Grisham with well developed, eccentric Southern characters who draw you into the plot.
It takes awhile for the real meat of the story to get going-The first part is dedicated to the trial of Danny Padgitt. The second part is how life goes on in Clanton, Mississippi. You almost forget there are going to be killings, as forecast on the back cover.
Mr. Grisham has a unique ability to paint a picture of life in small town Mississippi, back in the 1970's. The atmosphere is perfectly painted, the characters drawn to perfection. He puts enough twists to make you pay attention, Willie Traynor is an immensely likable character, full of self doubt and concerns for the truth, and his friends. Recommended reading for all, not just Grisham fans.
Mr. Grisham has a unique ability to paint a picture of life in small town Mississippi, back in the 1970's. The atmosphere is perfectly painted, the characters drawn to perfection. He puts enough twists to make you pay attention, Willie Traynor is an immensely likable character, full of self doubt and concerns for the truth, and his friends. Recommended reading for all, not just Grisham fans.
This is a good read!! It kept my interest!!
Full of excitment & colorful characters
You can't put it down.
A good page turner, although not my favorite of the Grisham books. It was interesting to see characters from "A Time to Kill" in this book, but it almost distracted me as I tried to remember what I knew about those characters from that book.
Grisham provides another thriller, this time from a small town setting. Complete with murder, dishonesty, and racial injustice, this book will keep you flipping pages till the very end!
This is a good enough book. I was not as impressed with it as other John Grisham books I have read. It is a good plot but it seems to fizzle out and be rushed at the end. He's still a wonderful writer though, with very compelling characters.
Gripping, as only John Grisham can write. Great read!
I liked this book. However I am puzzeled about how it got its name. The trial etc, was a small part of the book. Mostly it was about the man who bought a small town newspaper and about the people of the town that he wrote about. It was a good story but I kept wondering about the last juror. Maybe I missed something but I don't think that I did. Not quite up to parr with the other John Grisham books that I have read. But if you are a fan of John Grisham you will probably like this book also.
one of his best
a very good read. worth your time. enjoy.
good book
Wow! This one is a Favorite of mine!
A really good read.J
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it to be more of Southern fiction story than a mystery, although there was mystery certainly involved. Nice read.
In 1970, Danny Padgitt was tried for a brutal rape and murder and nine years later managed to get himself paroled. Returning home, the retribution to the jury begins.
If you are a Grisham fan, then this is the book for you - or even if you are not! Very good story line.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age--until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the south's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge....
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the south's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge....
Typical Grisham: good plot, fast page-turning read.
Another good John Grisham novel
I loved this book! I had a hard time putting it down. I fell in love with the characters and the town of Clanton. I can't imagine why this book would have received bad reviews from anyone.
John Grisham---what more can you say?
John Grisham to me is the master of courtroom drama, he paints the picture nobody els can, as always the book is better than the movie
Solid Grisham effort... as usual.
Grisham's The Last Juror follows brutal crime from beginning to end to end (not a typo)
As usual for a Grisham story, the novel is set in Mississippi, but this time in the 1970s.
This one is also set in three parts, rather than in one week or month such as The Runaway Jury which covers the course of a trial.
In 1970, a college dropout (Willie Traynor) decides to buy the newspaper he is interning at he just happens to also have a wealthy grandma. (Nice to be able to buy your own job security, hey?)
Traynor covers the story of the brutal murder of a young widow by Danny Padgitt, the trial and aftermath. A death penalty is proposed for Mr. Padgitt but instead he is sentenced to prison.
What he does when he gets out forms the last third of the novel and I will let you find out how it comes out.
As usual for a Grisham story, the novel is set in Mississippi, but this time in the 1970s.
This one is also set in three parts, rather than in one week or month such as The Runaway Jury which covers the course of a trial.
In 1970, a college dropout (Willie Traynor) decides to buy the newspaper he is interning at he just happens to also have a wealthy grandma. (Nice to be able to buy your own job security, hey?)
Traynor covers the story of the brutal murder of a young widow by Danny Padgitt, the trial and aftermath. A death penalty is proposed for Mr. Padgitt but instead he is sentenced to prison.
What he does when he gets out forms the last third of the novel and I will let you find out how it comes out.
Another page-turner from John Grisham, I wish I could have been in the actual court room!
A wonderful courtroom drama, where suspense builds throughout the entire book.
Absolutely wonderful...one of the best books I've read!
Good suspense, great writing.
of course it's good it's john grisham ..lol
Loved it!
I loved this book..another John Grisham favorite.
A must read for Grisham fans!! I am always amazed at how he can draw me in and keep me hooked from start to finish.
One of John Grisham's best! A thoughtful and atmospheric thriller!
This is a Grisham book, and you expect certain things - rural Mississippi, legal-based drama, warm and fuzzy characters. This one it true to form, centered around a young man who finds himself buying the small weekly newspaper in a small Mississippi town, and becoming a part of the community, including its outrage over the murder of a young widow.
Very good book....kept me on edge and wondering who the killer was. Couldn't put it down.
A great read !
Young Clanton, Mississippi newspaper owner, Willie Traynor, tells it like it is, winning enemies as well as friends. Nine years after he reports on the horrible murder of a young woman, members of the jury who tried her accused killer are starting to die...Willie cannot escape....
Typical good story by John Grisham. If you are a Grisham fan it is one more you should not miss.
A young man goes into the newspaper business in Mississippi. The book is really about all the people that make up a small rural town.All the births,deaths and triumphs. A very great read.
Pub 2004 - William Traynor comes to Clanton, MS and becomes the owner of the only county newspaper. Daring to report true horrors of a murder, he makes as many friends and enemies. Then 9 years later, men and women who served on the jury of the killer start to die one by one.
A very good read.
"On 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself as the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of Americ was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age -- until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm."
This is a hardback book in perfect condition. Possibly never read.
Very Interesting,I could hardly put it down!
Classic Grisham, full of excitement and colorful characters.
It's Grisham; they're all worthwhile reads!
Men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one. A journalists dares to print the true horrors of the crime. Tensions mount in a small southern town. Very Good book
A pleasant read that fills one in on 'Ford County' characters that Grisham spices into other books in that series. Grisham presented the last juror character with class and as someone who one would love to meet and know too. The central character is OK, but not as love-able as the friend he connects with.
I just love Mr. Grisham!! I read his initial books and then took a 5 year hiatus and have recently gobbled up his last few. I highly recommend his books - very well written and they make me laugh out loud and loose some tears as well!!
I enjoyed the change in perspective from the usual Grisham novel, from the local newspaper man, rather than from a lawyer or judge.
In Mississippi in 1970, a young mother was brutally raped and murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family. He was tried before a packed courthouse in Clanton, MS. He was found guilty & sentenced to life in prison. Nine years later he was paroled and returned for retribution. True Grisham form -- suspenseful!
Another great Grisham novel. Enjoyed it.
Good book
Great action story.
Excellent book... The ending is nothing as I "figured".
What can I say about John Grisham. Very readable, great plot, and engrossing.
Another Great one from John Grisham
Very interesting novel like almost all of the John Grisham´s pen.
Very good book! I love his books!
Very good. Reminded me of "A Time To Kill".
This book is VERY VERY hard to put down, it is a must read!!!!
Another great read from this author.
this may be my favorite one of his books! really good plot and character development.
Great book.
a insight into the court ond jury system
I loved this book!
"In 1970, one of Mississippi's more colorful weekly newspapers, The Ford County Times, went bankrupt. To the surprise and dismay of many, ownership was assumed by a 23 year-old college dropout, named Willie Traynor. The future of the paper looked grim until a young mother was brutally raped and murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family. Willie Traynor reported all the gruesome details, and his newspaper began to prosper." "The murderer, Danny Padgitt, was tried before a packed courthouse in Clanton, Mississippi. The trial came to a startling and dramatic end when the defendant threatened revenge against the jurors if they convicted him. Nevertheless, they found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison." But in Mississippi in 1970, "life" didn't necessarily mean "life," and nine years later Danny Padgitt managed to get himself paroled. He returned to Ford County, and the retribution began.
Angel S. (AngelWings) -
In 1970 Willie Traynor came to Clanton, MS in a Triumph Spitfire and vague ambitions. Within a year at the age of 23 he finds himself owner of Ford County's only newspaper. Before Willie bought the paper it only published obituaries. After a murder Willie is thrust into the center of a storm. Daring to report the true horros of the crime willie makes as many friends as enemies. Over the next decade he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the evil criminal. After nine years men and women who served on the jury are now starting to die as a killer exacts his ultimate revenge. Full of excitement, colorful characters and genuinely moving.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, MI, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambi-tions. Within a year, the 23 year old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lives on the edge of another age -- until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm. Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the south's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury 9 years ago are starting to die one by one -- as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.
In 1970 Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year the twenty-three-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil. Clanton lived on the edge of another age--until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. but he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an idelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. but he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an idelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.
still haven't read it becuase we have two so one can go.
I read this for a TBR potluck challenge in my online book club, The Reading Cove.
Oh, boy. The writing style in THE LAST JUROR by John Grisham was laborious for me. It was suuuuch a slow-going first person narration by Willie Traynor, he could basically put you to sleep with how he meanders!
Most scenes and interactions are summarized not shown, and you're basically just getting a history lesson about rural Mississippi as Willie learns things for his newspaper - human interest stories and whatnot...and this is all smothering a rape and murder trial that I eventually just lost interest in.
After the first 200 pages, I just skimmed through to the end. I renamed this one THE LAST YAWN.
Oh, boy. The writing style in THE LAST JUROR by John Grisham was laborious for me. It was suuuuch a slow-going first person narration by Willie Traynor, he could basically put you to sleep with how he meanders!
Most scenes and interactions are summarized not shown, and you're basically just getting a history lesson about rural Mississippi as Willie learns things for his newspaper - human interest stories and whatnot...and this is all smothering a rape and murder trial that I eventually just lost interest in.
After the first 200 pages, I just skimmed through to the end. I renamed this one THE LAST YAWN.
Classic Grisham. Fun and quick read.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age - until the brutal murder of a young mother tocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
In 1970, one of Mississippi's more colorful weekly newspapers, The Ford County Times, went bankrupt. To the surprise and dismay of many, ownership was assumed by a 23 year-old college dropout, named Willie Traynor. The future of the paper looked grim until a young mother was brutally raped and murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family. Willie Traynor reported all the gruesome details, and his newspaper began to prosper. The murderer, Danny Padgitt, was tried before a packed courthouse in Clanton, Mississippi. The trial came to a startling and dramatic end when the defendant threatened revenge against the jurors if they convicted him. Nevertheless, they found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison. But in Mississippi in 1970, "life" didn't necessarily mean "life," and nine years later Danny Padgitt managed to get himself paroled. He returned to Ford County, and the retribution began.
A classic Grisham. Excellent read.
Great Book
This was the best I have read Of Grishom....In 1970 Willie Traynor came to Clantin Mississippi in a triumph spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twent three year old found himself the owner of Ford Conty's only newspaper, famous for it's well crafted obituary's.Whie the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age---until the brutal murder of a younf Mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm...
Not a big Grisham fan, haven't read this one yet
The ending was a little disapointing.
Good! I love his books!
Good Grisham read.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi. Within a year, the 23-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age--until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
From Publishers Weekly
"Grisham...seems to have imbued his writing with a new strength, giving exuberant life to this compassionate, compulsively readable story of a young man's growth from callowness to something approaching wisdom. Willie Traynor, 23 and a college dropout, is working as a reporter on a small-town newspaper, the Ford County Times, in Clanton, Miss. When the paper goes bankrupt, Willie turns to his wealthy grandmother, who loans him $50,000 to buy it. Backed by a stalwart staff, Willie labors to bring the newspaper back to health. A month after his first issue, he gets the story of a lifetime, the murder of beautiful young widow Rhoda Kasselaw. After being raped and knifed, the nude Rhoda staggered next door and whispered to her neighbor as she was dying, "Danny Padgitt. It was Danny Padgitt." The killer belongs to an infamous clan of crooked highway contractors, killers and drug smugglers who live on impregnable Padgitt Island. Willie splashes the murder all over the Times, making him both an instant success and a marked man. The town is up in arms, demanding Danny's head. After a near miss (the Padgitts are known for buying themselves out of trouble), Danny is convicted and sentenced to life in prison. As he's dragged out of the courtroom, he vows revenge on the jurors. Willie finds, to his consternation, that in Mississippi life doesn't necessarily mean life, so in nine years Danny is back outâ"and jurors begin to die. Around and through this plot Grisham tells the sad, heroic, moving stories of the eccentric inhabitants of Clanton, a small town balanced between the pleasures and perils of the old and the new South. The novel is heartfelt, wise, suspenseful and funny, one of the best Grishams ever."
"Grisham...seems to have imbued his writing with a new strength, giving exuberant life to this compassionate, compulsively readable story of a young man's growth from callowness to something approaching wisdom. Willie Traynor, 23 and a college dropout, is working as a reporter on a small-town newspaper, the Ford County Times, in Clanton, Miss. When the paper goes bankrupt, Willie turns to his wealthy grandmother, who loans him $50,000 to buy it. Backed by a stalwart staff, Willie labors to bring the newspaper back to health. A month after his first issue, he gets the story of a lifetime, the murder of beautiful young widow Rhoda Kasselaw. After being raped and knifed, the nude Rhoda staggered next door and whispered to her neighbor as she was dying, "Danny Padgitt. It was Danny Padgitt." The killer belongs to an infamous clan of crooked highway contractors, killers and drug smugglers who live on impregnable Padgitt Island. Willie splashes the murder all over the Times, making him both an instant success and a marked man. The town is up in arms, demanding Danny's head. After a near miss (the Padgitts are known for buying themselves out of trouble), Danny is convicted and sentenced to life in prison. As he's dragged out of the courtroom, he vows revenge on the jurors. Willie finds, to his consternation, that in Mississippi life doesn't necessarily mean life, so in nine years Danny is back outâ"and jurors begin to die. Around and through this plot Grisham tells the sad, heroic, moving stories of the eccentric inhabitants of Clanton, a small town balanced between the pleasures and perils of the old and the new South. The novel is heartfelt, wise, suspenseful and funny, one of the best Grishams ever."
Good book.
not his best work
"Classic Grisham, full of excitement and colorful characters." -- Denver Post
"Grisham deserves a winning verdict for his latest literary thriller." -- Boston Globe
The more I read by Grisham, the more I consider him one of America's best writers, regardless of genre. Paul C.
"Grisham deserves a winning verdict for his latest literary thriller." -- Boston Globe
The more I read by Grisham, the more I consider him one of America's best writers, regardless of genre. Paul C.
From the cover:
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age - until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible strain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton,men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one - as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge...
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age - until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible strain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton,men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one - as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge...
Its a Grisham !
I love John Grisham and this one was a favorite.
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age--until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around WIllie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the untimate revenge...
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around WIllie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one--as a killer exacts the untimate revenge...
didn't read, my husband did
In 1970 Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vauge ambitions. Within a year, the 23 yr old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age -- until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thurst Willie into the center of the storm. As the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie tentions swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury are starting to die one by one.
Northerner buys souther newspaper operations
Wille Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog a vague ambitions. Within a year, the 23-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age,until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Wille into the center of a storm.
In 1970 Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty three year old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age-until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm...
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three-year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well-crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age-until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town an thrust Willie into the center of a storm.
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one-as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.....
The above is from the back of the book. I have not read it. A lady friend of mine passed it on to me and I don't read much fiction. There is too much good non-fiction!
Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are starting to die one by one-as a killer exacts the ultimate revenge.....
The above is from the back of the book. I have not read it. A lady friend of mine passed it on to me and I don't read much fiction. There is too much good non-fiction!
In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clinton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a for of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty-three- year-old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper famous for its well-created obituaries. While the rest of the world was in the grips of turmoil. Clinton lived on he edge of another age- until the brutal murder o a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the center of a storm
