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50 pages 1 hour read

The Racketeer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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John Grisham

The Racketeer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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Super Short Summary

In John Grisham's The Racketeer, former lawyer and current inmate Malcolm Bannister, wrongfully imprisoned on a racketeering charge, seeks freedom by informing the FBI about the murderer of Judge Raymond Fawcett. Making a deal under Rule 35, Malcolm identifies Quinn Rucker as the killer, resulting in his release and entry into witness protection. However, Malcolm's liberation initiates a complex series of events involving deception, hidden gold, and collaboration with dangerous criminals, leading to a high-stakes con that ultimately resets his life. The book contains depictions of wrongful imprisonment, violence, drug use, and mental health struggles.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.1

181,137 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Grisham's The Racketeer delivers a fast-paced and engaging legal thriller with a clever plot and well-crafted characters. While many appreciate its intriguing twists and Grisham's storytelling prowess, some critics find the ending rushed and the plot occasionally implausible. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Racketeer?

Fans of legal thrillers like The Firm by John Grisham or Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow will enjoy The Racketeer. Ideal for readers who appreciate intricate plots, courtroom drama, and unexpected twists, the book offers a captivating exploration of justice and corruption.

4.1

181,137 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Malcolm Bannister

A lawyer falsely accused of racketeering who becomes entangled in a complex web of deceptions and plots as he seeks to navigate the corruption within the justice system.

One of Malcolm's close friends at Frostburg, he is involved with drug charges and displays intelligence and cunning during tense situations with law enforcement.

Quinn's sister, described as beautiful and adept at staying out of her family's criminal activities, she becomes integral to Malcolm's schemes with her quick thinking and manipulative skills.

A young man trying to distance himself from the family drug trade, his character reveals deeper flaws and more dangerous motivations as the story progresses.

Malcolm's father, a former state trooper, whose steadfast belief in the justice system strains his relationship with Malcolm following his son's conviction.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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