Thursday, July 14, 2022

Sparring Partners by John Grisham

 

St Louis Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse
Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse

Sometimes, especially if I've just finished a rather long book, I am in the mood for a shorter story.  In his latest book, John Grisham, delivers three interesting short stories that can each be read in one or two afternoons.  I downloaded the book when I saw a photo of the Gateway Arch on the front cover.  Since I am from the St. Louis area, I always find it interesting to read stories about my hometown.  It is fun to read about places I recognize and to see the St. Louis sports teams mentioned. I am also a fan of John Grisham's thrillers, so I know I will always find an interesting read when I pick up one of his books.





I really enjoyed all three of the novellas in the book.  Below is a brief synopsis of each of the stories.

Homecoming

This story brings back a familiar Grisham character in Jake Brigance and returns to Ford County the scene of other Grisham books.  In this story however, Brigance is no longer in the courtroom but is contacted by a former lawyer in town in a mysterious way.  The lawyer, Mark Stafford left town three years earlier in the middle of the night without letting anyone know.  It was discovered he had stolen money from his clients and then disappeared.  Why is he back and what does he want with Jake Brigance?  You will want to read this story to find the answers.

Strawberry Moon

In the second story in the book, we meet Cody Wallace, a death row inmate with only three hours to live.  When all appeals have ended and the last chance for clemency from the governor has gone by, Cody has one final request.  It is a very unusual request that you will have to read the story to discover.

Sparring Partners

Sparring Partners is the third story in the book and the one that takes place in St. Louis.  I enjoyed the St. Louis references and the story was intriguing.  In this book we meet two brothers who are partners in a major law firm that they inherited from their father.  The firm had been very successful under the father's watch, but he is now in prison charged with the murder of his wife, the boys' mother.  The firm is now in a financial turmoil and the brothers do not know how to work together.

In fact, the brothers will not even talk to each other except through the only person they both trust, another attorney in the firm named Diantha Bradshaw.  

From here the story takes several twists and turns and keeps you engrossed until the very end.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


8 comments:

  1. I've been a John Grisham fan for years, so I know I will enjoy this trilogy of short stories. I especially look forward to the one with the St. Louis locale as, like you, I am familiar with the city and area. Thanks for introducing me to 'Sparring Partners", Mary Beth.

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome. I know you will like this one Pat.

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  2. Sounds like a great trilogy, Mary Beth. Not every author can write short stories that are as engaging and satisfying as full-length novels. Good to know that Grisham has that skill!

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  3. I bought this book for my Dad immediately upon release because he is a huge John Grisham fan. I hadn't really considered reading it myself until I read your review. I think I would enjoy the novella style. I have seen a few Grisham movies but I've never read his books. This would be the perfect easy way for me to try his books and see if I enjoy his writing style.

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    Replies
    1. Ya, S M , you do that. If you find his style acceptable, please let the rest of his fans know. We can't wait ;)

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  4. I love Grisham novels too and I'm sure I'd enjoy these too! Thanks Mary Beth!

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  5. This sounds like an interesting and engaging short story trilogy. It is good to know it kept you engrossed right to the end! A short story series like this would be a good introduction to the author.

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  6. Sounds like a great book of short stories. This would make a nice gift for Grisham fans.

    ReplyDelete

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