John Grisham Books in Order – Reading Lists

If you love legal thrillers, then John Grisham is one of the most popular and successful authors in the genre. He’s been writing for decades and has a long list of books to his name. For readers who are new to Grisham, it can be hard to decide where to start reading or what order they should follow when tackling his novels. To help make things easier, we’ve taken the time to compile all of Grisham’s work in chronological (by release date) order so that you’ll know exactly which book comes first! Whether you’re looking for a light read with heart-pounding suspense or an intricate story full of courtroom drama, this guide will ensure you enjoy every single title that John Grisham fans have loved over the years.

Who Is John Grisham?

John Grisham, celebrated author of numerous legal thrillers and other works of fiction, was born to a cotton farming family in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Although he moved away from his rural hometown when still young – later attending three different colleges before ultimately earning both B.S. and J.D degrees – the experiences and values instilled there stayed with him throughout life’s journey into becoming one of the most renowned storytellers this world has ever seen!

How Many Books Has John Grisham Written?

John Grisham has published fifty books as of the year 2022, with the vast majority falling under the genre of legal thrillers. His debut novel, titled “A Time to Kill,” was released in 1989. Since then, he’s written a number of works that have gone on to become annual bestsellers. The author’s works are listed down below.

John Grisham Books In Order 

John Grisham books in order: Standalone Novels In Order

• The Firm (1991)
• The Pelican Brief (1992)
• The Client (1993)
• The Chamber (1994)
• The Rainmaker (1995)
• The Runaway Jury (1996)
• The Partner (1997)
• The Street Lawyer (1998)
• The Testament (1999)
• The Brethren (2000)
• A Painted House (2001)
• Skipping Christmas (2001)
• The Summons (2002)
• The King of Torts (2003)
• Bleachers (2003)
• The Last Juror (2004)
• The Broker (2005)
• Playing for Pizza (2007)
• The Appeal (2008)
• The Associate (2009)
• The Confession (2010)
• The Litigators (2011)
• Calico Joe (2012)
• The Racketeer (2012)
• Gray Mountain (2014)
• The Rooster Bar (2017)
• The Reckoning (2018)
• The Guardians (2019)
• Sooley (2021)
• The Boys from Biloxi (2022)

John Grisham books in order: Jake Brigance Books In Order

• A Time to Kill (1989)
• Sycamore Row (2013)
• A Time for Mercy (2020)

John Grisham books in order: Theodore Boone Books In Order

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer (2010)
• The Abduction (2010)
• The Accused (2012)
• The Activist (2013)
• The Fugitive (2015)
• The Scandal (2016)
• The Accomplice (2019)

John Grisham books in order: Rogue Lawyer Books In Order

• Rogue Lawyer (2015)
• Partners (2016)

John Grisham books in order: Camino Island Books In Order

• Camino Island (2017)
• Camino Winds (2020)

John Grisham books in order: The Whistler Books In Order

• Witness to a Trial (2016)
• The Whistler (2016)
• The Judge’s List (2021)

John Grisham books in order: Novellas & Story Collections, And Short Stories In Order

• Ford County (2008)
• Casino (2011)
• Fish Files (2011)
• Quiet Haven (2011)
• The Tumor (2015)
• Sparring Partners (2022)

John Grisham books in order: Non-Fiction Books In Order

• The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town (2006)

The Best 5 John Grisham Books In Order

The Firm (1991)

While John Grisham’s career took off with the publication of his debut novel, The Firm, it wasn’t until the second book in the series that he really saw any success.

The American author’s career took off with the publication of The Firm, despite the lukewarm reception to his debut novel, A Time to Kill.

Mitch McDeere, a recent law school student, finds himself with an opportunity he can’t pass up. Mitch is offered a BMW and a competitive mortgage rate by the Memphis office of a tiny but prominent tax law company.

The Rainmaker (1995)

Rudy Baylor’s promising career as a lawyer takes an unexpected turn when he meets Dot and Buddy Black, desperate to save their son Donny Ray from the grips of terminal leukemia. Despite being just months away from graduation, Rudy must put his studies aside to take on Great Benefit insurance in court for failing to provide adequate coverage for young Donny’s medical treatments. John Grisham masterfully crafts this thrilling legal-drama that exposes graduates’ naivety towards law practices while also highlighting society’s injustice issues with captivating characters like Rudy at its core.

A Time To Kill (1989)

John Grisham based A Time to Kill on a real-life rape case he saw, making it mostly autobiographical. So, in a way, Jake Brigance stands in for a younger version of Grisham, who, as I’ve previously indicated, was a lawyer.

The story takes place in Clanton, Mississippi, when a group of white supremacists abduct a Black girl named Tonya Hailey, 10, and sexually abuse her before abandoning her for dead. Since the majority of residents are of European descent, and prejudice is still widespread, it’s likely that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.

Carl Lee, Tonya’s father, is aware of this all too well and resolves to take care of the two thugs. Carl gets hold of an assault weapon and shoots and murders two little boys.

The Judge’s List (2021)

This John Grisham thriller has the least exciting courtroom scenes of any of his others. Considering there is a judge as well as the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct, I would still classify this as a legal thriller.

Following up on the events of The Whistler, The Judge’s List is the second installment in The Whistler series. In the first volume, investigator Lacy Stoltz of the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct looks into allegations that a judge has been collecting money from a criminal organization.

Nearing 40 in this novel, she has lost interest in her work and is looking for something more stimulating.

Then, Lacy crosses up with Jeri Crosby, a lady who is certain she has solved a decades-old mystery. Terrified, the woman reveals to Lacy that she has finally tracked down the killer responsible for her father’s murder 20 years ago. She reveals that a Florida judge is behind the killings, but there’s more to the tale: this same judge is indeed a serial killer that methodically and, for want of a better phrase, beautifully exacts his or her vengeance.

The Partner (1997)

Patrick Lanigan had done it. Fed up with his miserable, loveless marriage he decides to carve a new life for himself in Brazil – name and fortune included. After stealing away $90 million dollars from the firm who employed him as an attorney, Lanigan changed his identity completely becoming Danilo Silva instead of Patrick Lanigan – dark hair replacing blonde locks and Portuguese now flowing smoothly off his tongue after four years living abroad there. But despite this total changeover that left even Eva Marinda (a gorgeous Brazilian-born lawyer) utterly charmed by her newfound love’s transformation; justice would find its way back into the picture when a suspicious private investigator bolted onto the scene seeking retribution for both company and wife alike…right at about 4 years too late! There was no tangible evidence linking them to any crime but still their lives were forever impacted due diligence being taken on behalf of those scorned long ago down south in Mississippi

John Grisham’ Latest Books In Order

The Boys from Biloxi (2022)

As kids, Keith and Hugh remained inseparable, but they eventually went in separate directions. Although Hugh followed in his father’s footsteps and became a criminal prosecutor, Keith proceeded to law school. The two families, one with the goal of cleaning up the city while the other focuses on making money off of crime, face up in a courtroom fight of historic proportions.

The Judge’s List (2021)

With a killer in the courthouse, an investigator must pull out all the stops to put justice on trial. With her own life at stake, she races against time to uncover evidence and deliver it into the hands of justice before becoming another name among his victims.

Sooley (2021)

Samuel “Sooley” Sooleymon is a teenage South Sudanese basketball prodigy who aspires to greatness. Off the field, however, the athlete has significant obstacles since his nation is in the midst of a civil war and many of his loved ones have been slain or gone missing.

A Time for Mercy (2020)

In his triumphant return, beloved character Jake Brigance steps in to defend a young man facing an impossible task: prove himself innocent of killing a law enforcement officer and avoid the death penalty. John Grisham’s legacy novel A Time for Mercy revisits questions surrounding our justice system that have never been so critical as they are today.

Camino Winds (2020)

An unsolved murder takes place in the midst of a catastrophic storm in this gripping sequel to Camino Island.

Conclusion: John Grisham Books in Order – Reading Lists

With a host of thrilling and engrossing novels, John Grisham is one of the most celebrated authors in modern literature. Whether exploring gripping legal dramas or delving into complex mysteries, his books are always full of twists and compelling characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re new to his work or looking for a new read, be sure to check out one of his many fantastic books today.

FAQs: John Grisham books in order

What is John Grisham’s newest release?

A thrilling legal saga is coming to town. Boston Law will be released December 22, 2022 and promises a gripping journey through America’s most storied city!

What is John Grisham’s best selling novel?

When Detective Jake Brigance took on an improbable case, the village of Clanton learns for the second time that anything is possible… Featuring the same protagonist and location as John Grisham’s best-selling novels that have together sold millions of copies, such as A Time to Kill (which was subsequently transformed into a movie starring Samuel L.

Why don’t they make John Grisham movies anymore?

Grisham concurred with the statement that production companies “would rather spend a mega bucks on ‘Superman’ , ‘Spider-Man 5’ or anything.” He said, “As we all are aware, there are so few decent adult dramas being created that you just cannot locate one.” He said that it is particularly perplexing taking into consideration how successful the film versions of his works have been financially.

Are Stephen King and John Grisham friends?

King, the widely acclaimed author, and Grisham’s decades-long friendship is a testament to their shared passion for writing. After Grisham made it big with his debut novel A Time to Kill making an appearance on The New York Times bestseller list – King sent him a heartwarming message of congratulations: “Welcome to the big time”.

What was John Grisham’s first number one bestseller?

And over seven million copies of The Firm, which was Grisham’s first book to become a hit, were sold. The book was turned into a movie with the same name in 1993, which starred Tom Cruise, and a television series in 2012, which continues the plot decade after the events that took place in the novel and the movie.

How many of John Grisham’s books have been turned into movies?

Looking for a fun film marathon night? Here are five John Grisham books that have been transformed into big-screen hits – and where you can stream them! From courtroom thrillers to mystery dramas, bring your popcorn and settle in with one of these incredible adaptations.

Will there be any more John Grisham movies?

According to Variety, an adaption of John Grisham’s novel A Time for Mercy, which will be published in 2020, is now in the works. Matthew McConaughey will reportedly reprise his character from the 1996 film adaptation of editor’s A Time to Kill.

What is Grisham’s book sooley about?

Seventeen year-old Samuel Sooleymon is on the cusp of greatness; a raw, young talent from South Sudan with big hoop dreams and a chance to make them come true. This summer marks an incredible opportunity for him as he travels across oceans to play in a prestigious basketball tournament in the United States – surely it will be one unforgettable journey!

Why did Hollywood stop making John Grisham movies?

Grisham concurred with the statement that production companies “would rather spend the mega bucks on ‘Superman’ or ‘Spider-Man 5’ or anything.” He said, “As we all are aware, there are so few decent adult dramas being created that you just cannot locate one.” He said that it is particularly perplexing taking into consideration how successful the film versions of his works have been financially.

Is John Grisham writing a sequel to A Time for Mercy?

Following the success of A Time to Kill (1989) and Sycamore Row (2013), bestselling author John Grisham has returned with yet another legal thriller – A Time for Mercy. Revisit familiar characters as they face new challenges and mysteries in this thought-provoking novel!