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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Not bad, but very simple and similar to basically all Grisham books (shocking!). Worth reading if only for the fact that almost every single character has a hilariously cartoony name (Baggy Suggs is probably my favourite).
Enh.
This book really isn't about "The Last Juror". It's about a newspaper editor in a small town. The C plot (or maybe the D plot) is about "The Last Juror". It's rather a cheat to write the blurb solely about the D plot, then focus so much on moonshine and chitlins.
Not a bad book, at all. Relatively interesting, and not entirely incorrect about life in the small towns of the South. But still.
This book really isn't about "The Last Juror". It's about a newspaper editor in a small town. The C plot (or maybe the D plot) is about "The Last Juror". It's rather a cheat to write the blurb solely about the D plot, then focus so much on moonshine and chitlins.
Not a bad book, at all. Relatively interesting, and not entirely incorrect about life in the small towns of the South. But still.
I feel it spent over half the book on irrelevant, important details. The core story line was incredible but it dragged on
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Not Grisham’s best.
I would not recommend this book as a thriller. It is more of a satire of life in small southern town.
Not the book I expected
I've read quite a few John Grisham novels through the years. For readers remembering the non-stop legal thrillers like "The Firm" or "The Rainmaker" this book might be a disappointment. It wasn't bad (and I did finish it all) but the blurb made it seem like a murder mystery ( "Someone is killing the jurors on a landmark case. Could it be the newly released defendant?" ) However, this is actually a long rambling biography of a small-town newspaper and it's young editor. The characters were interesting (and all quite colorful with some random quirk. ) Again, not bad, just not the book I expected to read. The ending was a surprise, only because by that point I had pretty much forgotten everything about the jury trial.
I've read quite a few John Grisham novels through the years. For readers remembering the non-stop legal thrillers like "The Firm" or "The Rainmaker" this book might be a disappointment. It wasn't bad (and I did finish it all) but the blurb made it seem like a murder mystery ( "Someone is killing the jurors on a landmark case. Could it be the newly released defendant?" ) However, this is actually a long rambling biography of a small-town newspaper and it's young editor. The characters were interesting (and all quite colorful with some random quirk. ) Again, not bad, just not the book I expected to read. The ending was a surprise, only because by that point I had pretty much forgotten everything about the jury trial.
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this book. The story was compelling and I felt as though I was a member of the small town of Clinton.
Somewhat predictable but with enough surprises to keep me interested!
Somewhat predictable but with enough surprises to keep me interested!
slow-paced
Unfortunately not John Grisham's best work!
What I liked about The Last Juror:
The beginning of the book was captivating and had a likable main character, Willie, who drew me into the story.
What I disliked about The Last Juror:
Following a captivating start, the book took a turn downhill and focused more on Willie's ownership of the newspaper instead of the central case. It delved into the Willie's life in Clanton and his interactions with various characters. Unfortunately, the legal elements, usually a hallmark of Grisham's writing, were noticeably lacking.
The majority of the book felt stagnant, offering little in terms of action and maintaining a dull pace. Apart from the beginning and end, the book felt more like a history lesson on the deep south in the 1970s than a thrilling narrative.
What I think would have made The Last Juror better:
The Last Juror would have been more engaging with a stronger focus on the legal case and trial.
Would I recommend The Last Juror by John Grisham:
I sadly would not recommend The Last Juror. Despite a promising start, it turned into a dull story, that lacked the thrilling legal drama expected from Grisham. For readers seeking an exciting courtroom drama or mystery, look elsewhere.
*****
In 1970, Willie Traynor, a 23-year-old college dropout, unexpectedly takes over the Ford County Times newspaper in Mississippi. The paper gains popularity after reporting on the brutal rape and murder of a young mother by a member of the Padgitt family. The murderer, Danny Padgitt, is convicted but later paroled after nine years. Upon Danny's return to Ford County, members of the jury begin to be killed off one by one.
What I liked about The Last Juror:
The beginning of the book was captivating and had a likable main character, Willie, who drew me into the story.
What I disliked about The Last Juror:
Following a captivating start, the book took a turn downhill and focused more on Willie's ownership of the newspaper instead of the central case. It delved into the Willie's life in Clanton and his interactions with various characters. Unfortunately, the legal elements, usually a hallmark of Grisham's writing, were noticeably lacking.
The majority of the book felt stagnant, offering little in terms of action and maintaining a dull pace. Apart from the beginning and end, the book felt more like a history lesson on the deep south in the 1970s than a thrilling narrative.
What I think would have made The Last Juror better:
The Last Juror would have been more engaging with a stronger focus on the legal case and trial.
Would I recommend The Last Juror by John Grisham:
I sadly would not recommend The Last Juror. Despite a promising start, it turned into a dull story, that lacked the thrilling legal drama expected from Grisham. For readers seeking an exciting courtroom drama or mystery, look elsewhere.
*****
In 1970, Willie Traynor, a 23-year-old college dropout, unexpectedly takes over the Ford County Times newspaper in Mississippi. The paper gains popularity after reporting on the brutal rape and murder of a young mother by a member of the Padgitt family. The murderer, Danny Padgitt, is convicted but later paroled after nine years. Upon Danny's return to Ford County, members of the jury begin to be killed off one by one.
Interesting book with interesting turn of events throughout