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Book Reviews of The Summons

The Summons
The Summons
Author: John Grisham
ISBN-13: 9780440241072
ISBN-10: 0440241073
Publication Date: 12/17/2002
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 961

3.7 stars, based on 961 ratings
Publisher: Dell
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

161 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Summons on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
It's John Grisham. One of my favorites.
reviewed The Summons on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A great story from Grisham. I was surprised and sad about the end.
reviewed The Summons on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Typical Grisham, probably not in the league of "The Juror" ot "The Last Juror" but a good read nonetheless.
reviewed The Summons on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Another outstanding read by Grisham. Not entirely focused on the legal process either. Will gab you and hold on.
reviewed The Summons on + 130 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is true to Grisham's writing style.
dastephan6 avatar reviewed The Summons on + 132 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
kind of slow start, but heats up in the middle
reviewed The Summons on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A very exciting suspenseful mystery involving family secrets
reviewed The Summons on
Helpful Score: 2
Great book, love John Grisham.
reviewed The Summons on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
excellant read loved the ride
reviewed The Summons on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Kept me guessing till the end!
reviewed The Summons on
Helpful Score: 2
Great book - John Grisham is one of my favorite authors.
reviewed The Summons on + 111 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clatton, Mississipi--a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldes a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the judge himself on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.

Great book, a mystery until the last few pages
reviewed The Summons on + 129 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Tough start...begins kind of slow. But once you start reading it, you can't put it down...EVEN IF YOU WANT TO, DON'T. It's a very gotchya ending :)
katlady22 avatar reviewed The Summons on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Grisham captivates you right from the start and keeps you in suspense to the very end.
reviewed The Summons on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book had a decent storyline but it seemed to lack the sharp edge that Grisham has had in other books. He did a wonderful job developing the plot and the characters but I'm not sure that justifies all the pages in this book. He does manage to keep the ending a surprise and it was pretty satisfying.
tealily avatar reviewed The Summons on
Helpful Score: 1
Fun Read. Typical of Grisham but one of his better works.
reviewed The Summons on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Typically Grisham in terms of grabbing your interest from the first page, this book travels a different path from the usual legal thrillers. Two brothers are summoned to the old family home to discuss their father's estate with him. But the father dies too soon, and the sons become deeply involved in the secret he left behind.
reviewed The Summons on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An interesting story of what you could end up doing if you, all of a sudden, acquired--in a not very clear way--several million dollars.
reviewed The Summons on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting book with a tricky ending!
reviewed The Summons on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a fast moving, compelling story of Ray Atlee, a lawyer who has been summoned by his dying father to discuss his estate. When he arrives at his ancestral home, he finds many unexpected surprises. This book has many unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to continue reading far into the night.
Readnmachine avatar reviewed The Summons on + 1472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Grisham moves out of the courtroom for this, despite the title. A man returning to his boyhood home to settle his father's estate finds a huge pile of cash which cannot be accounted for. His machinations to simultaneously hide it, discover its source, and make use of it, form the basis of the novel. Not bedtime reading, unless you enjoy lying awake half the night thinking "What would I do in his shoes?"
reviewed The Summons on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"A PLEASURE TO READ...A GOOD YARN"
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi-a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.
And perhaps someone else.
"THE SUMMONS RANKS AS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE IN MANY YEARS...[WITH] AN ENDING TOO DELICIOUS AND MORALLY INSTRUCTIVE TO GIVE AWAY."
mrscountryham avatar reviewed The Summons on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first John Grisham book. I chose this one because I had not seen a movie about this one like I had The Runaway Jury and others. This was pretty good. I have to admit unlike a couple othe reviewers I knew "who" it was early even though I was not sure how it was done. This was a pretty good read, I will try another of his books soon.
scrapbooklady avatar reviewed The Summons on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I can't say I didn't enjoy reading this book at all. I did. BUT, there were times when I grew tired of money moving around in the same manner, house to trunk, trunk to apartment, apartment to storage unit, storage unit to storage unit and again, then unit to trunk, trunk back into house. Not very imaginative really. The main character flies around a lot, gambles some, is entertained by a rich guy, nothing even sinister there to get excited about. A girl is introduced for really no purpose at all. I stayed with it though, expecting a clever move and finally he'd be on easy street. Not so... The ending was a disappointment and completely unsatisfying. I give it 2 1/2 stars
reviewed The Summons on + 87 more book reviews
Terrific book. Loved it!
reviewed The Summons on
Very good - a page turner!
reviewed The Summons on + 31 more book reviews
Excellent book, great study of how greed affects people. What's nice about this novel is that it show's Grisham flexibility to write a great story that isn't focused on one court case or specifically the practice of law.
reviewed The Summons on + 43 more book reviews
Another great Grisham novel.
reviewed The Summons on + 3 more book reviews
Grisham is great as always..
reviewed The Summons on + 16 more book reviews
Set in Mississipi, this novel is a story of a sick, lonely, elder man who calls his two sons home. But he dies before his two sons arrive. And leves behind a shocking secret.
reviewed The Summons on + 31 more book reviews
Excellent
reviewed The Summons on + 33 more book reviews
I really liked this one! I usually like his books, but I especially like this one.
chihuahua avatar reviewed The Summons on + 92 more book reviews
Theres much to admire in (Grishams) newest thriller, particularly his colorful evocation of a deep southlegal setting...and some finely drawncharacters...
reviewed The Summons on + 2 more book reviews
This is a great book in true Grisham form. Just don't want to put it down, and when you finished - looking for his next book.
reesecup avatar reviewed The Summons on + 11 more book reviews
didn't read this one yet have two copies so posting one.
reviewed The Summons on + 3 more book reviews
Very good book for a bible study group. Concise, thought provoking.
reviewed The Summons on + 7 more book reviews
Another Grisham book with great characters and a few twists and turns added for drama.
reviewed The Summons on + 11 more book reviews
Judge Atlee is a shadow of his former self, sick and lonely, knowing the end is near. He summons his two sons home but dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to one of his sons.
reviewed The Summons on + 44 more book reviews
Another stroke of great writing for John Grisham.
reviewed The Summons on + 9 more book reviews
An old judge sends a request for his two sons to come, but they are too late. He dies before they get there, leaving behind a secret that only one thinks he knows, but is he the only one?
Mixitup avatar reviewed The Summons on + 57 more book reviews
I totally enjoyed the book. It is about a retired judge who withdraws from society for all intents and purposes. His sons are drawn into his life whether they want to be or not.
reviewed The Summons on + 11 more book reviews
full of interesting plot twists and family tension.
reviewed The Summons on + 4 more book reviews
Good read. Not sure about the ending seemed a bit scattered
reviewed The Summons on + 27 more book reviews
EXCELLENT!!! people story, mystery..It's easy reading "thriller" chase story!
reviewed The Summons on + 8 more book reviews
Grisham always keeps you turning pages..this book is no exception.
DanJohnson avatar reviewed The Summons on + 63 more book reviews
The Summons is an absolute must read for anyone who likes a good thriller!
reviewed The Summons on + 3 more book reviews
another page turner from an awesome writer, great suspense novel
reviewed The Summons on + 54 more book reviews
Definate Must for John Grisham lovers.
reviewed The Summons on + 5 more book reviews
Very suspenseful with a believeable but twisted plot
reviewed The Summons on + 87 more book reviews
Very enjoy able read. Not a complicated story line, but more character development.
reviewed The Summons on + 203 more book reviews
A good Grisham.
reviewed The Summons on
Love this book, but then, I love all of his books!
reviewed The Summons on + 22 more book reviews
Another of Grisham's legal dramas---a page turner that I could not put down. Set in Clanton, Mississippi, the characterizations and family relationships draw the reader into the mystery. Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the elder son who is a law professor, dealing with a surprise divorce. Forrest is the younger brother who has multiple issues. A shocking secret follows "the summons."
reviewed The Summons on + 50 more book reviews
Another fast read from Grisham!
reviewed The Summons on + 10 more book reviews
I love twists in endings! This book was pretty darn good and if you are a fan of Grisham you should definitely give it a read!
drdetroyt avatar reviewed The Summons on
Good read.
reviewed The Summons on + 191 more book reviews
Very good story, Grisham at his best
reviewed The Summons on + 2 more book reviews
John Grisham never seems to disappoint and this book is no exception. A great story that keeps you wanting to read to know who dunnit! I typically like a little romance in a story but this book didn't need that.
reviewed The Summons on
Excellent Read
reviewed The Summons on + 16 more book reviews
Very good. I read all night, couldn't put it down.
melorem avatar reviewed The Summons on + 10 more book reviews
Judge Atlee is dying and has summoned both of his sons to his side. When Ray Atlee gets to the house his father is already dead. He had been dying of cancer and was in a great deal of pain. He wouldn't have lasted much longer and Ray seemed grateful that his father was no longer in pain. He becomes the executor of the estate and needs to deal with his brother who is constantly in and out of rehabs.

In preparing the estate he finds three million in cash in the house and isn't sure where it came from. His father was a stickler for the law and didn't earn much money. Was it a bribe? In his search to find out where the money came from he realizes that someone is following him and knows about the money. He becomes increasingly more and more worried about the money and he knows it is ruining him. He finally gives into the threats... In the end Ray does find out who was chasing him for the money and no one is more surprised then him.

This book was a pretty typical John Grisham novel that involves the law. The author doesn't go into too much legal jargon which allows the readers who are not lawyers enough information to follow the story line without it becoming overburdened with technical information. A good summer read but not as gripping as some of Grisham's previous novels.
reviewed The Summons on + 10 more book reviews
This story is about a man who is an important-powerful figure in Mississippi. The man knows his life will soon end and drafts his will. The will was to be discussed between himself and his 2 sons during a family meeting. However, the family meeting doesn't take place. When the sons arrive to discuss the will, their father has died.

The 2 sons, in reviewing the will uncover a shocking secret that their Father has kept for his entire life.

This is a very good book. A lot of twists and turns. The story keeps you interested throughout. A real page turner.
23dollars avatar reviewed The Summons on + 432 more book reviews
I read THE SUMMONS for this month's John Grisham theme in my online book club, The Reading Cove.

It took about 50 pages to really get interesting and draw me in. And after that, the narrative just chugged along rather haphazardly with the main character, Ray. being very silly for someone who's supposed to be a law professor!

Much of the mystery plot sees Ray running around like a chicken with its head cut off, chasers knowing his every move, yet they don't move in to take what they're after until the very end when there was no logical reason for the delay--except to drag the story out artificially.

I guessed who the culprit was pretty early on, so the ending reveal wasn't a surprise, which was too bad since it could've made up for the meandering pacing to get there.

I give this one a C+.
Ashley1010 avatar reviewed The Summons on + 67 more book reviews
good read, didn't know who the "guilty" party was until last few pages. watch for character tie-in with another of grisham's novels- "the king of torts".
reviewed The Summons on + 174 more book reviews
This one is a bit different, but it will keep you reading. Very good, and a little different from his earlier books.
reviewed The Summons on + 187 more book reviews
Not a typical John Grisham novel in that it does not deal directly with a courtroom and trial, but it does involve a former judge...old and dying..who summons his two sons back to his sprawling ancestral home to discuss his estate and how he wants it handled. But he doesn't live long enough to make his wishes known and it's up to the sons to discover what he wanted done...and along with it secrets that have been buried for a long time.
reviewed The Summons on + 7 more book reviews
This book is about a son whose father was a well respected well known judge in Clanton, Mississippi. His father is dying and sends his two sons a summons to return to the home they grew up in. Upon returning the son find his father dead and a huge sum of money hidden in the house. It's is fullof twists and turns as the son tries to piece together where the money came from and why his father has summoned him. I loved this book I am huge Grisham fan!
Wordnerd avatar reviewed The Summons on + 19 more book reviews
Law professor Ray Atlee and his prodigal brother, Forrest, are summoned home to Clanton, Mississippi, by their ailing father to discuss his will. But when Ray arrives the judge is already dead, and the one-page document dividing his meager estate between the two sons seems crystal clear. What it doesn't mention, however, is the small fortune in cash Ray discovers hidden in the old man's house--$3 million he can't account for and doesn't mention to brother Forrest, either.
Ray's efforts to keep his find a secret, figure out where it came from, and hide it from a nameless extortioner, who seems to know more about it than he does, culminate in a denouement with an almost biblical twist. Harry Rex is back and Grisham fans (I am one) will enjoy this one.
reviewed The Summons on + 2 more book reviews
Great book...what Grisham isn't?
reviewed The Summons on + 9 more book reviews
Enjoyed this book. Quick read. I couldn't put it down.
reviewed The Summons on + 31 more book reviews
An easy read. I finished it in 24 hrs. It keeps you going until the very end. Nicely written.
reviewed The Summons on + 8 more book reviews
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton Mississippi. Now he is a shadow of himself, a sick lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling acestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray is the eldest, a Virginia law professore, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a suprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother whom is the family black sheep.

But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray ... and perhaps someone else.

Fabulous book!!
reviewed The Summons on + 7 more book reviews
An Old judge sees his impending death and calls his two sons home to discuss the estate. Dying before they arrive apandora's box of secrets is slowly revealed.

Interesting read, as with Grisham suspense with good flow.
reviewed The Summons on + 13 more book reviews
An ailing judge at the end of his life summons his two sons to return to Mississippi to discuss his estate but by the time the sons arrive, the judge has already died and left behind a shocking secret.
reviewed The Summons on + 24 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite John Grisham stories. Couldn't wait to find out what happens! I highly recommend this book.
reviewed The Summons on + 17 more book reviews
GREAT!!! I loved it, real southern feel, Grisham at his best.
reviewed The Summons on + 11 more book reviews
Legal Thriller. Fast paced and well written. One of Grisham's best. Great plot twists and surpirse ending
reviewed The Summons on + 19 more book reviews
A shocking secret of a old Judge of the south..another Gresham page turner......
reviewed The Summons on + 9 more book reviews
Once a pillar of the community, a sick, elderly judge issues a summons for his two sons to return to the ancestrial home to discuss his estate. The judge dies too soon, leaving behind a shocking secret known only to one of his sons......and perhaps someone else.
reviewed The Summons on + 15 more book reviews
Wonderful story! Keeps you guessing.
reviewed The Summons on + 22 more book reviews
What unearned free money can make you do and become! Grisham weaves a tail of law and danger and inheritance both legit and not so.
Easy quick read, lots of red herrings.
reviewed The Summons on + 24 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. Not one of Grishams best works..but not the worst I have read either. It moved a long quickly..
reviewed The Summons on + 194 more book reviews
Once Judge Arlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi-a pill er of to he community who towered over local law and politic for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick , lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near. Judge Arlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clinton to discuss his estate,. Ray Arlee is the eldest, a Virginia haw professer, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery and gives the date and time for Ray and Forest to appear in his study.. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place to avoid. But the family meeting does not take p;ace. The judge eies too soon, and in-doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray. And perhaps someone else.
reviewed The Summons on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent book by John Grisham!
reviewed The Summons on + 9 more book reviews
If you enjoy John Grisham, you will not be disappointed by this book. A once formidable judge has withdrawn to his ancestral Mississippi home, where he will issue a summons for his two sons to return home to settle his affairs. Unfortunately the judge passes away before they arrive, leaving behind a terrible secret known only to his oldest son, Ray. Ray, newly divorced, is a Virginia law professor forced to contend with the aftermath of his father\'s life, and death, while dealing with his black sheep brother, Forrest. Well written, the story deals with greed, arson, ethics, and family relations as well as law.
reviewed The Summons on + 166 more book reviews
An elderly, formerly powerful, judge summons his two sons home to discuss his estate as his life nears its end. But his sudden death, before they can meet, leaves a family secret known only to the black sheep of the family.
KrissyFL avatar reviewed The Summons on + 17 more book reviews
Once again John Grisham writes another great book. Can't put this one down either.
reviewed The Summons on + 30 more book reviews
Interesting read
reviewed The Summons on + 22 more book reviews
I couldn't put this one down. Grisham fans will love this one.
reviewed The Summons on + 12 more book reviews
Another great John Grisham book
reviewed The Summons on + 5 more book reviews
A good read.
reviewed The Summons on + 130 more book reviews
Typical John Grisham - entertainment at its finest!
TLC297 avatar reviewed The Summons on + 9 more book reviews
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi-a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.

The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.

And perhaps someone else.
reviewed The Summons on + 43 more book reviews
Another intriguing story by Grisham. Fans will love it! A great ending!
reviewed The Summons on + 145 more book reviews
Typical John Grisham! A great read.
reviewed The Summons on + 588 more book reviews
From the back cover:
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississipi-a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep. The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray. And perhaps someone else.
reviewed The Summons on + 26 more book reviews
great as usual for Grisham
reviewed The Summons on + 5 more book reviews
let down
reviewed The Summons on + 10 more book reviews
Without spoiling it, The Summons is the story of 2 brothers whose father dies before they can get to him. They find him dead, then his son Ray finds a lot of cash hidden in the house...the rest is for you to read and enjoy!
reviewed The Summons on
I'm a big Grisham fan but I found the ending of this book to be horrible. It was so anticlimactic and disappointing. The storyline leading up to the end was ok but not his best work, I think he definitely is a better author than this book conveys.
reviewed The Summons on
Horrible ending. Ruined the whole book (which was pretty good up until then). First John Grisham i had read, and someone told me that i should have expected it. Interesting portrait of a pilot though - lots of airplane information.
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Summons on + 983 more book reviews
Another good Grisham, this one will keep you guessing until the end. A good story of a family, their lies and their secrets. Blood is thicker than water, right?
chesse avatar reviewed The Summons on + 135 more book reviews
The end left me hanging.
plant-princess avatar reviewed The Summons on + 24 more book reviews
I loved how this book had some of the same characters as The King of Torts. I don't think it matters which one you read first.
reviewed The Summons on + 55 more book reviews
Good book.
reviewed The Summons on + 58 more book reviews
Good book
reviewed The Summons on + 16 more book reviews
OOps-had already read this one-I like all of Grisham's books
booknookchick avatar reviewed The Summons on + 117 more book reviews
A quick read. The plot is a bit thin if you're looking for a real thriller. Grishman's characters are what held my interest in this book.
reviewed The Summons on + 88 more book reviews
Husband read this... LOVED IT!
reviewed The Summons on + 160 more book reviews
Its about how a man finds out how honorable he really is towards his family. A good read.
reviewed The Summons on
I have loved Grisham in the past, but this book was awful! Droned on and on with pointless information. This could have been about 1/4 of the length and then may have been alright, but the ending was still an anticlimactic letdown. Mostly I just felt bored reading this.
reviewed The Summons on + 64 more book reviews
spell binding book will keep you attention
reviewed The Summons on + 13 more book reviews
Read so long ago, I don't remember it much. But if this is one Grisham you haven't read, please add it to your collection.
cnmor avatar reviewed The Summons on + 93 more book reviews
Another great story from John Grisham.
reviewed The Summons on + 16 more book reviews
A pleasure to read, classic Grisham. The ending really surprised me this time.
reviewed The Summons on + 36 more book reviews
Interesting story line. I enjoyed it and felt it was a little different from Grisham's others.
reviewed The Summons on + 50 more book reviews
Pub 2002 -Judge Atlee in Mississippi is dying and typed his last will to summon his two sons. But he dies before they get there and leaves behind a shocking secret.
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An old judge about to die summons his children for estate planning. He dies before it is carried out and the skeletons come out of the closet . . . or do they? "THE SUMMONS ranks as my absolute favorte in many years . . . an ending too delicious and morally instructive to give away." USA TODAY
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Very entertaining.
reviewed The Summons on + 27 more book reviews
*****Set in Clanton, Mississippi, a judge summons his two sons, a Virginia law professor and the family black sheep, to his home, but is dead before the reunion occurs, leaving behind a shocking secret.
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Typical Grisham
reviewed The Summons on + 17 more book reviews
Great book, intense!
reviewed The Summons on + 25 more book reviews
A judge dies and leaves a surprise inheritance behind. His son must decide what is to be done with it, as well as keep it, and himself safe. As he solves the mystery of where the money came from he must also deal with his emotions of family loyalty, as well as an growing sense of greed.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was very slow at first, but once the story started to roll it kept on rolling. I am a Grisham fan, I haven't enjoyed all his books, but this one I did.
reviewed The Summons on + 4 more book reviews
it's john grisham... excellent.
reviewed The Summons on + 34 more book reviews
The Atlee "boys" are "summoned" home to Mississippi to discuss their dying father's estate, but the family meeting does not take place. What follows is Grisham at his best.
reviewed The Summons on + 11 more book reviews
excellent grisham
reviewed The Summons on + 12 more book reviews
Good if you like Grisham
reviewed The Summons on + 17 more book reviews
another great book from grisham!!
reviewed The Summons on + 219 more book reviews
ONE OF GRISHAMS THAT I MISSED, ITS ONE OF HIS BEST EVER !!! A GREAT READ.
reviewed The Summons on + 52 more book reviews
Great read.
reviewed The Summons on + 47 more book reviews
This is a page turner and I am not necessarily into murder mysteries.
reviewed The Summons on + 36 more book reviews
Another great novel by Grisham, a little different than what you would expect but still great.
reviewed The Summons on + 37 more book reviews
How can you go wrong with Grisham?
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Being Joh Grisham of course he is a great court room writer, I enjoyed this book very much
Tunerlady avatar reviewed The Summons on + 581 more book reviews
Another fabulous intriguing Grisham book!
reviewed The Summons on + 131 more book reviews
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi-a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.
And perhaps someone else.
reviewed The Summons on
A pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years, Judge Atlee is now a shadow of his former selfa sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home in Clanton, Mississippi. Knowing that the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the elder, a Virginia law professor, newly single, still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Rays younger brother, the familys black sheep.

The summons is typed by the Judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place he now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The Judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray . . . and perhaps to someone else.
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I try to stay up on all the Grisham novels. Thus, all plots have blended into each other. This one is about two brothers dealing with the death of their father and his unexpected will. It is good.
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Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton Mississippi--a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years, Now the judge is a shadow of his formal self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn into his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge atlee hass issued a summons for his 2 sons to return to clanton to discuss his estate. Ray atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who re-defines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the Judge himself, on his handsome old stationery and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place.The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a secret known only to Ray.....and perhaps someone else
StrawberryOES avatar reviewed The Summons on + 88 more book reviews
My absolute favorite in years.....consider yourself summoned.....USA Today
Mel avatar reviewed The Summons on + 186 more book reviews
The Summons by John Grisham kept me guessing. It is a definate page turner. I have to admit I read this when it first came out in paperback and I loved it! Until I read this book, The Rainmaker had been my favorite novel. Now, they are both tied for my favorite.
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Another Great John Grishman Book!! You'll love it!!
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi - a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger borther, who redefines the notion of a family's Black Sheep.
The Summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray...... And perhaps someone else....
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GREAT BOOK
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I bought a bunch of these books by John Grisham and found out he is NOT the author I was looking for. So I havenot read any of his books in full enough to comment.
Katcha avatar reviewed The Summons on + 25 more book reviews
Not one of Grisham's best. And it must have been written before Sycamore Row, doesn't do a good job of interweaving with the characters in that (later) story - even though Sycamore Row was 'previous' to this story. Lots of angst with less satisfying results. Makes me glad I don't live in a small southern town. (and I do prefer small towns)
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Novel about a single lawayer who has a sick father living in Mississippi.
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All I can say is John Grisham did it again!!!!
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Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi- a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shdow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Jude Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Viginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprised divorce. Forest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep. The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown,to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a socking secret known only to Ray. And perhaps someone else.
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The court is back in session with "The Summons." For the first time since "A Time to Kill, " Grisham returns to Ford County, Mississippi, a place rich in colorful characters and dark family secrets.
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Once, Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi - a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
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I really love Grisham Novels but am in more of a romance kind of mood in the warmer months. I've got a ton of Grisham I don't have listed yet, feel free to email me.
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Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi -- a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a sick, lonely old man. Knowing the end is near, he has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret.
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A simple note from his dying father, Judge Atlee, summons Ray and his brother Forrest to the antebellum, crumbling family mansion to go over details of the estate. Ray finds his father dead, him named executor, and a secret that demands investigation and answers. Book was not one of my favorite Grisham's.
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Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Calnton, Mississippi, a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral ome. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his iestate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single ans still enduring the aftershock of a surprise divorce. Forrest Atlee is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationary, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray and perhaps someone else.
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Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi - a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep. The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.
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Judge Atlee is "a very sick old man who lives alone in the ancestral home in Clanton, Mississippi." He "issues a summons for both sons to return home ... to discuss the details of his estate."
From the cover.
priscillamylove avatar reviewed The Summons on + 83 more book reviews
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi - a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for 40 years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.

The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationary, and gives the date & time for Ray & Forrest to appear in his study. Ray relustantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up & now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.
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Ray Atlec is a professor of law at the University of Virginia. He's forty-three, newly single, and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. He has a younger brother, Forrest, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep.
And he has a father, a very sick old man who lives alone in the ancestral home in Clanton, Mississippi. He is known to all as Judge Atlee, a beloved and powerful official who has towered over local law and politics for forty years. No longer on the bench, the Judge has withdrawn to the Atlee mansion and become a recluse.
With the end in sight, Judge Atlee issues a summons for both sons to return home to Clanton, to discuss the details of his estate. It is typed by the Judge himself, on his handsome old stationary, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study.
Ray reluctantly heads south, to his hometown, to the place where he grew up, which he prefers now to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The Judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray. And perhaps someone else.
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This is the BOMC edition.
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"Ray Atlee is a professor of law at the University of Virginia. He's forty-three, newly single, and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. He has a younger brother, Forrest, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep." "And he has a father, a very sick old man who lives alone in the ancestral home in Clanton, Mississippi. He is known to all as Judge Atlee, a beloved and powerful official who has towered over local law and politics for forty years. No longer on the bench, the Judge has withdrawn to the Atlee mansion and become a recluse." "With the end in sight, Judge Atlee issues a summons for both sons to return home to Clanton, to discuss the details of his estate. It is typed by the Judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study." "Ray reluctantly heads south, to his hometown, to the place where he grew up, which he prefers now to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The Judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray." And perhaps someone else.
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Ray Atlee is a professor of law at the university of Virgina. He's forty-three. newly single,and still enduring the aftershocks of a suprise divorce. He has a younger brother, Forrest, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep. and he has a father, a very sick old man who lives alone in the ancestral home in Clanton, Mississippi. He is know to all as Judge Atlee, a beloved and powerful official who has towered over local law and politics for forty years. No longer on the bench, the Judge has withdrawn to the Atlee mansion and becomes a recluse. With the end in sight, Judge Atlee issues a summons for both sons to return home to Clanton, to discuss the details of his estate. It is typed by the Judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for RAy and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south, to his hometown, which he prefers now to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to ray. And perhaps someone else.