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rebecca_oneil's review against another edition
2.0
My first-time read of book 1, "A Time to Kill," was fresh in my mind when I read this 2020 title in Oct-Dec of 2021. See my review for details of why I wasn't a big fan of that one.
This one was interesting to read through the lens of "only 5 years have passed in the book's world, but over 30 have passed in the publishing world." Like the first book, this one opens with a harrowing scene of abuse meant to justify a murder. This book still feels patronizing toward its women characters. Jake's secretary is now a Black woman, Portia, who provides a rather convenient reason for the book's white characters to, literally, "sip their coffee and think about the n-word" (p. 70) while they apologize to her for having to hear it from others. It's both awkward and tokenizing, but I'm glad Grisham acknowledged it. His continued use of "the blacks" as a collective noun felt cringeworthy still. The abuser who is murdered is a cop; once or twice I thought the book was going to bring up police brutality, but it stops short, keeping it the problem of just one man who is also an alcoholic. Abortion comes up. There is a very interesting conversation on p. 438-439 where Portia asks Jake why he's no longer for the death penalty.
As with the first book, I was surprised by the theater of the courtroom, all the way down to how Josie was intentionally dressed ("attractive enough to please the men but simple enough not to threaten the women") and the behind-the-scenes drama (Harry Rex dressed as a local and mingling with those summoned for jury duty to listen to the gossip).
This did feel like it ended abruptly and unsatisfyingly. Several plot threads basically got a "to be continued." And then, in the Author's Note, I read this: "Here, as before, I have changed laws, twisted them, even fabricated them, all in an effort to drive the narrative." Say what, John? I thought I was at least getting a basic understanding of the legal system from legal fiction, but I think I need a huge grain of salt with that assumption.
This one was interesting to read through the lens of "only 5 years have passed in the book's world, but over 30 have passed in the publishing world." Like the first book, this one opens with a harrowing scene of abuse meant to justify a murder. This book still feels patronizing toward its women characters. Jake's secretary is now a Black woman, Portia, who provides a rather convenient reason for the book's white characters to, literally, "sip their coffee and think about the n-word" (p. 70) while they apologize to her for having to hear it from others. It's both awkward and tokenizing, but I'm glad Grisham acknowledged it. His continued use of "the blacks" as a collective noun felt cringeworthy still. The abuser who is murdered is a cop; once or twice I thought the book was going to bring up police brutality, but it stops short, keeping it the problem of just one man who is also an alcoholic. Abortion comes up. There is a very interesting conversation on p. 438-439 where Portia asks Jake why he's no longer for the death penalty.
As with the first book, I was surprised by the theater of the courtroom, all the way down to how Josie was intentionally dressed ("attractive enough to please the men but simple enough not to threaten the women") and the behind-the-scenes drama (Harry Rex dressed as a local and mingling with those summoned for jury duty to listen to the gossip).
This did feel like it ended abruptly and unsatisfyingly. Several plot threads basically got a "to be continued." And then, in the Author's Note, I read this: "Here, as before, I have changed laws, twisted them, even fabricated them, all in an effort to drive the narrative." Say what, John? I thought I was at least getting a basic understanding of the legal system from legal fiction, but I think I need a huge grain of salt with that assumption.
laurabeth9's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the visit back to Clanton, Ford County. The Brigance family was like a cool glass of sweet tea and felt as familiar as home even though it’s been awhile away. I’m so glad I used this book as an escape between heavy deep thinkers (not to say this wasn’t — it just easy to slip into the rhythm. The new characters were sympathetic and emotionally charged and Grisham’s plot kept moving.
As an attorney I enjoyed the legal jargon and hearing the jury deliberate. It wasn’t too technical so all should enjoy. Although there are trigger topics (abuse, rape, death penalty and abortion) nothing goes into such gross detail to be distasteful.
I definitely recommend for for “A Time to Kill” fans.
As an attorney I enjoyed the legal jargon and hearing the jury deliberate. It wasn’t too technical so all should enjoy. Although there are trigger topics (abuse, rape, death penalty and abortion) nothing goes into such gross detail to be distasteful.
I definitely recommend for for “A Time to Kill” fans.
tjpbookbank's review against another edition
4.0
Bit of a grind. Keep me interested though. The ending seemed to be pointing to another episode or two. Can't wait for the next one.
chewedgum's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice addition to the Jake Brigance series from John Grisham. Not the best of the three, but still perfectly enjoyable.
annawilwerding's review against another edition
2.0
The beginning of this book was very slow and I was extremely dissatisfied with the ending.
nmbrock's review against another edition
2.0
The main storyline was interesting, but the book strayed too far too often. I felt like there was a lot of needless repetition. This was the most boring Grisham book I've read.
w_h4rris's review against another edition
5.0
Engaging and emotional throughout, very real characters with a story which tests your morals and sympathy. The pressure put on Keira was weird and uncomfortable but probably accurate for 1990 in the Bible Belt. Did a great job creating sympathy and making the 'boring legal stuff' extremely dramatic
mjlarson's review against another edition
4.0
This is a typical John Grisham book - fairly fast paced, good courtroom drama. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job.
drraye_of_sunshine's review against another edition
4.0
A Time to Kill is one of my absolute all time favorite books so when I saw this available at the library, I jumped on the chance to read it.
It’s fast paced and full of drama. Drew, a small 16 year old who could pass for 12, is on trial for the capital murder of a police officer.
We get to revisit some old favorites here: Sheriff Walls, Judge Noose, Lucien, even Carl Lee Hailey himself makes a few appearances.
From the first page to the last, the plot keeps moving and it’s classic Grisham. I didn’t love the ending though because it’s left open and I wanted some closure.
It’s fast paced and full of drama. Drew, a small 16 year old who could pass for 12, is on trial for the capital murder of a police officer.
We get to revisit some old favorites here: Sheriff Walls, Judge Noose, Lucien, even Carl Lee Hailey himself makes a few appearances.
From the first page to the last, the plot keeps moving and it’s classic Grisham. I didn’t love the ending though because it’s left open and I wanted some closure.