The Racketeer - Softcover

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five. His body was found in the small basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies - Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. I did not know Judge Fawcett, but I know who killed him, and why. I am a lawyer, and I am in prison. It's a long story.

Critical Acclaim for the Undisputed Master of the Legal Thriller

"With every new book I appreciate John Grisham a little more, for his feisty critiques of the legal system, his compassion for the underdog, and his willingness to strike out in new directions."--Entertainment Weekly

"John Grisham is exceptionally good at what he does--indeed, right now in this country, nobody does it better . . . Grisham's books are also smart, imaginative, and funny, populated by complex interesting people, written by a man who is driven not merely by the desire to entertain but also by genuine (if understated) outrage at human cupidity and venality."--Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

"The secrets of Grisham's success are no secret at all. There are two of them: his pacing, which ranges from fast to breakneck, and his theme--little guy takes on big conspiracy with the little guy getting the win in the end. --Time

"The law, by its nature, creates drama, and a new Grisham promises us an inside look at the dirty machineries of process and power, with plenty of an entertainment." - Los Angeles Times

"John Grisham is about as good a storyteller as we've got in the United States these days."--The New York Times Book Review

"Grisham is a marvelous storyteller who works readers the way a good trial lawyer works a jury."--The Philadelphia Inquirer

"John Grisham owns the legal thriller."--The Denver Post

"John Grisham is not just popular, he is one of the most popular novelists of our time. He is a craftsman and he writes good stories, engaging characters, and clever plots."--The Seattle Times

"A mighty narrative talent and an unerring eye for hot-button issues."--Chicago Sun-Times

"A legal literary legend."--USA Today