769 reviews for:

The Exchange

John Grisham

3.2 AVERAGE

setmeravelles's profile picture

setmeravelles's review

2.0

The Exchange by John Grisham would have been a better read had he not placed the characters from The Firm into it. It seems he most likely had the idea for the basic plot but his publisher was like "Why don't you shoehorn the McDeeres so we can market it as a sequel to The Firm as sales aren't what they were in the 1990s!"

I've been a fan of Grisham since I was 12 and I read The Client, so that's 30 years of history here. I've read every single one of his books. And this is not one of his better ones because it isn't a sequel to The Firm, despite being marketing as one. The use of Mitch McDeere makes no sense...it could have been basically any one of his characters and made more sense (since so many of his lawyers are interchangeable.)

Basically, I just don't buy that the McDeere's would be living in the Upper East Side and that he'd be working for the world's largest law firm after he had to flee the US because he was wanted by both the Mafia and FBI...

I was so wanting a book where he and Abby had settled down in the Italian village and...he's found. That would have made narrative sense. Also...they could have dealt with the fall out of things that happened in The Firm.

Instead, this was if James Patterson's ghost writer du jour wrote a Bourne Identity book.
alookinsideri's profile picture

alookinsideri's review

5.0

In "The Exchange," John Grisham once again proves his mastery of the legal thriller genre, delivering a gripping and relentless narrative that seamlessly intertwines law, conspiracy, and suspense. A sequel to the bestselling "The Firm," this novel thrusts readers back into the captivating world of Mitch and Abby McDeere, while introducing them to a new web of intrigue that spans continents and threatens to upend their lives once more.

Grisham's storytelling prowess shines as he revisits the McDeeres' lives fifteen years after their daring escape from the clutches of a corrupt law firm. Now residing in Manhattan, Mitch McDeere is a partner at a prestigious law firm, seemingly far removed from the dangers that once plagued him. However, Grisham masterfully weaves a tale of international consequence as a seemingly innocuous favor propels Mitch into a complex web of deceit and malevolence.

The author's signature attention to legal intricacies lends authenticity to the plot, immersing readers in the inner workings of the legal world while ensnaring them in a suspenseful narrative. Grisham navigates the boundaries of law, morality, and loyalty with finesse, leaving readers questioning the motivations of every character and the extent to which the global conspiracy reaches.

As the pace accelerates and the tension escalates, readers are once again reminded of Grisham's ability to craft multidimensional characters who grapple with ethical dilemmas in the face of danger. Mitch's evolution from a fledgling attorney to a seasoned master of survival takes center stage, showcasing Grisham's keen exploration of resilience and adaptability.

"The Exchange" is a roller-coaster ride of legal intrigue and pulse-pounding suspense, with every twist and revelation expertly placed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. John Grisham's storytelling finesse and razor-sharp prose make this novel a must-read for fans of legal thrillers, conspiracy plots, and heart-pounding suspense, solidifying his reputation as a master of the genre.

pattileobath's review

4.0

3.5

healthygigi's review

3.0

Very disappointed in this book. I was intrigued to find out what happened to Mitch and Abby but it was a boring read. Way too slow paced. There were also way to many characters. I am so happy I found this at my public Library and I didn’t have to spend money on it.

jefflassiter's review

2.0

Completely unsatisfactory. I kept waiting for the reveal that Giovanna and Luca were behind it all, or the mob set Mitch up somehow because otherwise it would have had no satisfying end. This would have been fine as a short story in the vein of Sparring Partners with Jake Brigance.

bskts4ver's review

2.0

I'm sad to say that I struggled with this one. I usually don't with Mr. Grisham's books. It's 15 years after Mitch McDeer and his wife Abby had to run from the Memphis Mob and they now reside in New York City and have twin sons. Mitch works for a prestigious international law firm and Abby is a food editor. The firm Mitch works for represents the Libya government in a lawsuit against a Turkish construction company over unpaid dues for building the Great Gaddafi Bridge and the case has been given to Mitch because the partner who was handling it from Italy is dying. Once he starts working on the case, he realizes what a dangerous situation it is, especially when a kidnapping occurs.

bookbryn's review

4.0

I enjoyed! Content is a bit intense, but i guess on par for grisham. not the most well written book i’ve come across, but definitely a page turner!

shellybell999's review

3.0

3.5 stars -- I couldn't decide whether to round up or down. This was an enjoyable read but not all that I had hoped for in a sequel to The Firm.

catie_b's review

2.0

I love John Grisham books- they’re fun, quick and reliable. This book is awful. Lazy writing. Nothing happens. What a disappointment

jimtwombly's review

4.0

A real fast read. Nice to catch up with McDeeres.