THE RECKONING

John Grisham

His most recent books have seen the author of legal thrillers The Firm and The Client branch out, taking in topics such as student loans ( The Rooster Bar), stolen literary works ( Camino Island) and the gaming industry ( The Whistler), but for Grisham’s 39th novel, it’s back to the courtroom and a return to Clanton, Mississippi – the fictional town in which he has set several previous tales. The slowly evolving plot – also a change from his stories of late – concerns the shooting of the town’s pastor by local hero Pete Banning. Why did the war veteran gun down the religious leader? Grisham is hoping you care enough about the answer to stick with him until the end. Not everyone will. (Out now)