The Whistler

Gresham gave us a lot of characters, twists & turns and a believable story. Entertaining throughout and a great read.

Upon finishing this book, I found myself wishing (not for the first time) that Goodreads allowed 1/2 star rankings. So I felt the need to address my mixed feelings here. There’s no denying John Grisham is a fantastic storyteller. This book was over all interesting, it held my attention, and was at times exciting, so I decided to give the 4 star rating vs 3. However, I had a major issue with the pacing of this novel. The book largely moves at a real time, day to day investigation speed.. but then every once in a while, major information is revealed extremely quickly. Like in a couple of pages. I’m used to seeing this at the end of a book like this. You spend the book “in the investigation”, and at the end it’s wrapped up at a faster speed. But this book does this within the book, more than once. I suppose that was for the sake of brevity - it’s already 450 pages - but it was just off putting. Especially the first time this occurs. It felt like he tried to fit two books in to one. As I said, in many ways it’s still the steamy southern legal thriller I expected from Mr Grisham, but it is certainly not as well written as his earlier books. If you’re already familiar with his writing, and are looking to scratch that particular itch, then definitely check it out, but if this would be your first, I suggest you choose one of his earlier books instead.

With the news being so depressing - I’ve turned to fiction for a break. I’ve loved John Grisham since the beginning. The Whistler is another entertaining read.

I haven't read a Grisham book in a while, but was somewhat disappointed with this one. It was a pretty interesting story, but not a real THRILLER to me. When I bought it, there was a second book in the 'series' named 'The Judges' List'. I took this to be referring to the judge in this book. That the story continued with the judge trying to retaliate for her downfall. Not so. The 2nd book seems to be a different story altogether, with the continuity being the heroine of this novel. That's all fine & good, but the ending of this book was a disappointment to me because Grisham basically summed up the whole of it in just a few pages. I rationalized that was because he would go into more detail in the 2nd book. This must not be so if the next book tells a new story that just happens to have that same heroine. So now I'm trying to decide whether to buy the next book. This one, to me, was not that 'thrilling'. It didn't keep me on the edge of my seat HAVING to know what would happen next. It didn't make me stay up late into the night because I just couldn't put it down. Grisham is a good story-teller, true. But this particular story just didn't seem to have the oomph that came from earlier works, like The Firm, The Pelican Brief or A Time to Kill. I'm sure it's not an easy task to come up with stories that are new & different as well as thrilling every time your publishing contract requires you do so. I know I couldn't, so I hesitate to say Mr. Gresham isn't living up to the hype. However, this particular book didn't enthrall me. And again, do I want to pay $15 for a second installment that may also disappoint. I'm betting that Mr. Grisham is quite comfortable without my $15. 😉

So many twists and turns to keep you enthralled by each reveal. Finally a novel that stands on its circuitous trail and does not have to rely on offensive language or needless sexual description. Hold on to your hat because its a great ride.

Good overall story. The characters are believable and indentifiable.there were times when the story slowed down and didn't hold my interest as well

Grisham has another great mystery here… I could see the movie playing in my head as I read it! Definitely recommend.

John Grisham practically invented the "legal thriller" format. His latest novel, well past his 20th, both continues some familiar Grisham features as well as striking out in some new directions as well. He continues to develop his writing skills as an outstanding novelist, demonstrating increased mastery in areas such as character development, dialogue, and plot evolution. He still draws the reader in from the beginning as the story begins to unfold. One departure from his other books is that this is no "page turner" that increases the reader's fixation as the suspense builds (think of "The Firm" by contrast]. Grisham, for once, is in no hurry to develop his story--people are not "falling" off tall buildings on page 6 as occurred in an earlier novel. This does not mean that he has lost his ability to inject an explosive vivid element suddenly when it is least expected which grabs the reader like no other author I am familiar with. So the reader has plenty of time to internalize the varied details of the plot.I have commented in past reviews on how his recent books have educated the reader on various legal topics, such as how the mass torts bar operates; public interest lawyers fighting to protect the environment; the deficiencies of the death penalty; and the misuse of confessions. Here the story involves the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, which policies judges and conducts investigations of alleged judicial misconduct. Such agencies exist in virtually every state and do highly important work. Integral to the plot is an Indian-owned casino which allows Grisham to educate us about this fascinating development. 200 tribes in this country run casinos, on reservations, which means they pay no federal taxes of any kind and no taxes (state or otherwise) on profits. These casinos generate billions in profits, with oceans of cash flowing through their hoppers. So this leads to the reader learning about money laundering and other unpleasant, but highly profitable, activities.The story picks up when a criminal investigation ensues. Grisham's description of how U.S. Attorneys employ grand juries is right on (I used to run them), as is his introduction of quaint government practices such as asset forfeitures and freezing, RICO, and what inducements can be offered to secure testimony from lower level crooks. I was amazed to learn about "burner" phones--technology marches on. The important thing here is that all of this new information not only does not slow down Grisham's exciting tale, but actually enhances its effectiveness. His own background as a criminal defense counsel really pays off in adding credibility to his stories.The book is atypical for Grisham in that it does not build to a "page turning" climax that grips the reader until the last paragraph is read. And I sort of missed that--not to say the ending is not well done, and the pace doesn't pick up around page 335. It's just not the kind of ending found in other Grisham novels where you can't go to bed until to finish it off--no matter what. It also has relatively little focus on litigation and trials, although some important elements do make brief appearances. All told, just another fine achievement by John Grisham that provides a most "satisfying meal" for any reader who appreciates a well-written and exciting criminal tale.

Grisham is a master of legal prose and this book, in my opinion, is one of his best. You have to remind yourself you're reading fiction and not a true to life account.

Fast- paced, detailed, great build-up - all usual Grisham ingredients. But this time it's more grounded and practical ... could have easily provided more nail- biting stuff except that kind only happens in books and films ... this is more realistic and carries through with the "diary" style very well. Overall, great story - telling and time well spent.

Ottimo libro, come sempre

I love the JG writting, so easy to read and follow the plot.As usual it's a delight for me the reading of all his books.I'm already waiting for the next one.

What goes around comes around