J

John Grisham

Bestselling Author • 12 Series • 69 Books

Legal Thriller / DramaAward-Winning AuthorScreen Adaptations
12
Series
69
Books
12
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books
Start with: A Time to Kill (1989)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books
Start with: The Firm (1991)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books
Start with: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer / Young Lawyer (2010)

About John Grisham

The American south has long been a point of interest to historians as it was the place where slavery once boomed and racisim ran rampant. Although the land has been a place of much turmoil, some positive things have arisen for it, as it was in Jonesboro, Arkansas that John Grisham was born. He arrived in the world on February 8, 1955, when cotton was still a major product of the south. His father happened to be a cotton farmer at the time. However, the family began to move around to different areas, still south of the Mason-Dixon Line, while Grisham was in his youth. They settled down again in Southaven, Mississippi and that is where the young John Grisham became determined to be a baseball player for his profession. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books series, John Grisham has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. John Grisham is a former lawyer and member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. His legal thrillers have been translated into 42 languages with 300 million copies sold worldwide. Among their many accolades, John Grisham has received: Galaxy British Book Awards Author of the Year.

Awards & Recognition

  • Galaxy British Book Awards Author of the Year

🎬 Screen Adaptations

  • The Firm (1993)
  • The Pelican Brief (1993)
  • The Client (1994)
  • A Time to Kill (1996)

📚 All Book Series by John Grisham

Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books
4 books 1989–2022
1

A Time to Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Time to Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books series showcases John Grisham's mastery of suspense.

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1989
2

Sycamore Row

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books with Sycamore Row, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2013
3

A Time for Mercy

A Time for Mercy continues the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
4

Homecoming

Homecoming is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books
2 books 1991–2023
1

The Firm

The Firm is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1991
2

The Exchange

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books with The Exchange, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2023
Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books
7 books 2010–2019
1

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer / Young Lawyer

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer / Young Lawyer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2010
2

The Abduction

The Abduction continues the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
3

The Accused

The Accused is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2012
4

The Activist

The Activist continues the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
5

The Fugitive

The Fugitive is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2015
6

The Scandal

The Scandal continues the Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
7

The Accomplice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books with The Accomplice, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2019
Publication Order of Camino Island Books
3 books 2017–2024
1

Camino Island

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Camino Island Books with Camino Island, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2017
2

Camino Winds

Camino Winds continues the Publication Order of Camino Island Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
3

Camino Ghosts

Camino Ghosts is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Camino Island Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Rogue Lawyer Books
2 books 2015–2016
1

Rogue Lawyer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rogue Lawyer Books with Rogue Lawyer, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2015
2

Partners

Partners is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rogue Lawyer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2016
Chronological Order of Rogue Lawyer Books
2 books 2016–2015
1

Partners

Partners is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Rogue Lawyer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2016
2

Rogue Lawyer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Rogue Lawyer Books with Rogue Lawyer, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2015
Publication Order of The Whistler Books
3 books 2016–2021
1

Witness to a Trial

Witness to a Trial continues the Publication Order of The Whistler Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
2

The Whistler

The Whistler is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Whistler Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2016
3

The Judge's List

The Judge's List continues the Publication Order of The Whistler Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
31 books 1992–2026
1

The Pelican Brief

The Pelican Brief is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1992
2

The Client

The Client is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1993
3

The Chamber

The Chamber is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1994
4

The Rainmaker

The Rainmaker is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1995
5

The Runaway Jury

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Runaway Jury, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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1996
6

The Partner

The Partner is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1997
7

The Street Lawyer

The Street Lawyer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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1998
8

The Testament

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Testament, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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1999
9

The Brethren

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Brethren, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2000
10

A Painted House

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Painted House, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2001
11

Skipping Christmas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Skipping Christmas, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2001
12

The Summons

The Summons is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2002
13

The King of Torts

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The King of Torts, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2003
14

Bleachers

Bleachers continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
15

The Last Juror

The Last Juror is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2004
16

The Broker

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Broker, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2005
17

Playing for Pizza

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Playing for Pizza, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2007
18

The Appeal

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Appeal, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2008
19

The Associate

The Associate continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
20

The Confession

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Confession, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2010
21

The Litigators

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Litigators, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2011
22

Calico Joe

Calico Joe is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2012
23

The Racketeer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Racketeer, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2012
24

Gray Mountain

Gray Mountain continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
25

The Rooster Bar

The Rooster Bar continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
26

The Reckoning

The Reckoning is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2018
27

The Guardians

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Guardians, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2019
28

Sooley

Sooley is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2021
29

The Boys from Biloxi

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Boys from Biloxi, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2022
30

The Widow

The Widow continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
31

The French Illusion

The French Illusion continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2026
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
5 books 2011–2015
1

Fetching Raymond

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Fetching Raymond, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2011
2

Casino

Casino is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2011
3

Fish Files

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Fish Files, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2011
4

Quiet Haven

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Quiet Haven, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2011
5

The Tumor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Tumor, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2015
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
2 books 2008–2022
1

Ford County

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Ford County, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2008
2

Sparring Partners

Sparring Partners continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2006–2027
1

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases John Grisham's mastery of suspense.

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2006
2

Shaken

Shaken continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2027
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 1998–2024
1

Legal Briefs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Legal Briefs, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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1998
2

The Wavedancer Benefit: A Tribute to Frank Muller

The Wavedancer Benefit: A Tribute to Frank Muller is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2002
3

Their World is Law

Their World is Law is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2002
4

Delta Blues

Delta Blues is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Grisham have come to expect.

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2009
5

Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit

Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Grisham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
6

Fourteen Days: An Unauthorized Gathering

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fourteen Days: An Unauthorized Gathering, another outstanding contribution from John Grisham.

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2024

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Grisham?

John Grisham is a bestselling author known for 12 book series containing over 69 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books, Publication Order of Mitch McDeere Books, Publication Order of Theodore Boone Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Grisham series to start with?

For readers new to John Grisham's work, the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with A Time to Kill to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Grisham written?

John Grisham has written over 69 books across 12 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Grisham books in order?

Yes, reading John Grisham's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does John Grisham write in?

John Grisham writes primarily in fiction. With 12 series across 69 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Grisham's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Grisham's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is John Grisham's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Grisham's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Jake Brigance Books series. The first book, A Time to Kill, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.