The Judge's List
By John Grisham
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Audiobook Available from WV Reads!
2 Stars - Disappointing new drama from Grisham that just lacks punch. Returning character investigator/attorney Lacy and her new ally whistleblower Jeri are trying to stay one step ahead of a killer. While the set up had potential, the execution left a lot to be desired. And I'd highly not recommend the audiobook version, which is rare. This one is better read at your own pace and using your own imagination.
Grisham has some truly die-hard fans and rightfully so. I personally am not a big enough fan of his style or returning characters to put me in that category, though I frequently give his a try between other series. And I truly respect his efforts to write his own stories and attempts to keep things fresh at this stage of his career. But when he's hot, he's hot, and when he's not, he's not. Lacy is likable, sure. But from the start she and Jeri are in this weird push/pull relationship. They seem to both have the attitude they're doing the other one a favor. Granted, they are both sharp, curious, and fairly brave. I just never really connected with these two nor any of the side characters.
So my big and unusual recommendation is to read this in book form. Mary Louise Parker probably could have nailed the Lacy part on screen but I couldn't tell the difference between Jeri and Lacy half the time. And she doesn't add much spark or personality to a book that's kind of dull anyway. Grisham's dialouge is not top notch here. Jeri and Lacey have the habits of repeating themselves and/or interrupting early on that grows annoying quick. Also, Grisham readers won't be surprised to find a few heaping info dumps from time to time here. I do wish he would stick to more courtroom based plots, but I know that's a pipe dream. He's written excellent thriller such as The Pelican Brief and The Client that are less legal procedure bound but his touch with characters and situations seemed stronger then. Jeri and Lacy start off very much like Grantham and Garcia, but there was a lot of plot behind those too. However, if you can find a more open mind and embrace the two leading ladies and the twisty investigation into an evil but less than brilliant killer, you'll be entertained.
(NS)
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