The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo Beyond The Cover —
JOHN Grisham has been one of my favourite writers ever since I got introduced to his work when a friend of mine lent me a copy of “The Pelican Brief”, over a decade ago.
People who have read his books would agree with me that his legal thrillers are addictive and once you get hooked, it becomes difficult to ignore any of his publications you come across.
When it comes to legal fiction, Grisham has mastered the art of churning out engrossing novels, which has seen him being mentioned among the best in the business.
Having written over 30 novels throughout his career, which spans over two-and-a-half decades, he is showing no signs of wavering if his current work is anything to go by.
His latest book “The Whistler”, released in October last year, shows that this particular author does not wash out easily.
While his previous publication “Rogue Lawyer” was not that convincing, with critics raising concerns that he might be losing his grip, his new offering is sure to change that perception.
In this book, Grisham transports his readers to the dirty side of the judicial system after a whistle blower claims to know of a judge who is involved in criminal activities.
The protagonist, Lacy Stoltz, an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, explores this particular complaint with the aid of her co-worker Hugo Hatch, an assignment which turns out to be dangerous considering the calibre of criminals involved.
The whistle-blower is a disbarred lawyer who lives on a boat and has changed his name from Ramsey Mix to Greg Myers.
The corrupt judge in question is Claudia McDover of Florida’s 24th Circuit who is well-paid in cash by the Coast Mafia so as to ensure that any legal matters they are involved in sway in their favour.
The relationship between the judge and the gangsters has been going on for over a decade but things are set to blow over as a source close to the activities is willing to reveal the shenanigans.
After the realisation that this is big a task for a mere judicial investigator, who is not equipped for the dangers involved, the FBI is called in.
This book does not delay in exposing the plot with the juicy details of corruption and criminal activities coming to light in the first few pages.
Under normal circumstances, such cases would be brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies but the fact that judicial investigators take it up raises anticipation within the reader.
“Again, Mr Myers, we are not armed. We’re not criminal investigators. It sounds like you need several branches of the federal government,” says Lacy as she expressed her concerns to Myers who replies by highlighting the powers they possess.
“But you have subpoena power,” Myers said. “You have statutes that give you the right to obtain subpoenas. You can require any judge in this state to produce every record maintained in his or her office. You have considerable power, Ms Stoltz. So in many ways you do investigate criminal activity.”
Despite the security concerns, the investigation takes off and as more details start to emerge, it also becomes more dangerous and reinforcements only come in after tragedy strikes.
While characterisation has never been Grisham’s strength, he still manages to marinate that aspect with spectacular plots that keeps you glued to his creations.
From the dialogue to the events that will be taking place, this story moves swiftly, with each new development fuelling the adrenalin.
This is a brilliant book, one of Grisham’s best in a long time and one you should definitely have in your collection if you are a follower.
