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topdragon's review
4.0
John Grisham has always been a bit of a mixed bag for me. I generally enjoy his traditional legal thrillers as well as his humorous slice-of-life novels but sometimes they get way too preachy. The Jake Brigance series has been near the top of his work, probably because I appreciate the workmanlike approach that Jake takes toward his case work. Grisham still takes the opportunity to push his views on the death penalty however, but, thankfully, that remains mostly in the background.
Jake's case this time around concerns a 16-year old boy who kills a cop in what many would consider justifiable homicide. The details of the legal tactics and strategy and the courtroom scenes are riveting, just as I expected them to be. But the way in which most of the town turns on Jake just because he was appointed by a judge to take the case is as realistic as it is revolting. Our modern world is not a pretty place much of the time and it seems we are always forced to take sides. Seems there is no middle ground anymore and this novel really brings that home.
Regardless, Jake perseveres and pulls off a brilliant defense strategy although "winning" a case such as this does not wrap things up for the family involved. I enjoyed this one but do hope the next Jake Brigance novel brings our guy a little luck.
Jake's case this time around concerns a 16-year old boy who kills a cop in what many would consider justifiable homicide. The details of the legal tactics and strategy and the courtroom scenes are riveting, just as I expected them to be. But the way in which most of the town turns on Jake just because he was appointed by a judge to take the case is as realistic as it is revolting. Our modern world is not a pretty place much of the time and it seems we are always forced to take sides. Seems there is no middle ground anymore and this novel really brings that home.
Regardless, Jake perseveres and pulls off a brilliant defense strategy although "winning" a case such as this does not wrap things up for the family involved. I enjoyed this one but do hope the next Jake Brigance novel brings our guy a little luck.
cornmaven's review
4.0
Another gem starring Jake Brigance, delivered flawlessly by Michael Beck. Please, Mr. Grisham, more Jake Brigance stories!!!
Loved the title playing on Jake's first case in A Time To Kill.
Loved the title playing on Jake's first case in A Time To Kill.
mattpaineofficial's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Honestly one of the best books I've ever read, a very rewarding ending.
kthomas0701's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Murder
krste93's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
smccoy2024's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
joshpow3ll's review
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It's been years since I last read a Grisham book, but after reading this one I'll definitely be looking for more. The leadup to the trial was frustratingly long at times, but it also felt realistic so I can forgive it for that. Compelling characters with strong convictions but sometimes questionable methods made this a very enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Abortion
bkbailey8521's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0