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Tag Archives: John Grisham


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‘Camino’ & ‘Calamity’: Titan Two-fer?

If the genre is “thriller,” then two authors often come to the forefront: John Grisham and David Baldacci.

Grisham is the king of the legal thriller/courtroom drama. Has been for decades. Baldacci is a king of thriller fiction. Both are expert storytellers and hugely popular. Both authors have had their books turned into movies. And in 2024, both authors’ most recent releases focus on race relations and the courtroom, either directly or indirectly. It’s kinda like a “Titan Two-fer.”

This is noteworthy cuz legal thrillers are usually Grisham’s bread and butter, as is the case in his latest novel, Camino Ghosts. But Baldacci makes a memorable contribution to the genre too, with A Calamity of Souls. More on that in a min. So kindly keep your shirt on, Toots.

First, Grisham’s newest book, Camino Ghosts:

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6 Titles to Curl Up With if You Love Whodunits

You’re kidding, right?

I say this to Mom a lot. Especially when she gets The Look. You know. That Look. It usually precedes a mile-long description of her new favorite book. Of course I listen. Because, ya know. That’s my job. Well, that and being beautiful and brilliant. (It’s a tough job. But I’m up for it!)

So when Mom came up with yet another harebrained idea for Fine Wine Fridays – where do these things come from? – I just smiled and listened.

Mom’s latest brainstorm? A list of really cool murder mysteries/whodunits.

Being the brains in this dynamic duo, I reminded Mom that she doesn’t typically gravitate toward either genre. But you know Mom!

So here, in no particular order, are Mom’s version of Fine Wine Friday murder mysteries/whodunits. (See more Fine Wine Friday picks here.)

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‘The Testament’: Best Grisham Ever?

Mass Market Paperback The Testament BookThe Testament

By John Grisham

Publisher: Doubleday, 1999

Genre: Fiction/Crime Thriller

Via: Library

It’s been a long time since I read a book just for the fun of it. Not to be the first to post a review. Not to inhale it in big gulps so I can hurry on to the next title –  or rush to meet a deadline.

But to take my time. Creak open a cover. Smell the new book smell. Fan a few pages. Sip and savor the words slowly, like fine wine. Let the whole world melt away in the vast profundity and gentle joy of a good book.

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Grisham-esque or ‘Grim’? A Tale of 2 Grisham Novels

Author John Grisham has made a name for himself as the “King of the Legal Thriller.” Reading a Grisham novel is just fun. It’s like diving into an Olympic-sized pool on a hot summer day. Eating ice cream. Dancing in the rain. Stealing a nice, thick, juicy steak off Mom’s plate. Wait. How’d that get in here? Oops. Well, I think Mom’s forgotten about The Great Steak Caper. So let’s just keep it our little secret, okay?

Anyway. Today we’re reviewing two recently read John Grisham books: The Associate and The Broker. One we loved. The other, not so much. Here’s the scoop:

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Flat and Fine: 2 Novels by Popular Authors Contrasted

Kimber: Jackpot! It’s a beautiful July day. The sun is shining. The sky is a perfect bowl of blue. The neighbor’s cat is visiting relatives elsewhere. And  Her Grumpiness  is only half as grumpy as usual.

What a deal!

Speaking of “deals,” I’ve got a two-fer for you today. Sort of. One’s a  “repeat surprise.” I’ll let Her Grumpiness tell us about that in a min. So kindly keep your shirt on, okay? The other is a Second Sigh. As in, we loved the author’s first book but this second one is a stinker. Which is why Her Grumpiness is only half as grumpy as…

Well, wait. Here she is now. Mom, is that the second or third bowl of cookies ’n cream ice cream? “Mind your own beeswax;” Mom chirps.

So I’ll let her fill you in on these two books:

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