55 pages • 1 hour read
John GrishamThe Reckoning
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In John Grisham’s The Reckoning, World War II veteran Pete Banning returns to Clanton, Mississippi, where he inexplicably murders his church's pastor, Dexter Bell. Despite numerous efforts by his family and legal team to uncover his motives, Pete remains silent and is ultimately sentenced to death. Pete’s children, Joel and Stella, struggle to deal with the aftermath and the hidden truths of their family's past. This novel depicts incidents of racism, mental illness, capital punishment, and graphic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Reckoning by John Grisham is an engaging legal thriller that excels in its historical depth and rich setting. Reviewers appreciate the detailed research and gripping narrative, but some criticize the pacing as uneven and the plot twists as predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of Grisham's work and historical fiction aficionados.
Who Should Read The Reckoning?
A reader who enjoys legal thrillers and historical novels would find The Reckoning by John Grisham captivating. Fans of Grisham's previous works or books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and A Time to Kill by John Grisham will appreciate the blend of courtroom drama and deep South atmosphere.