FridayOL

John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller, needs little introduction. With over 30 New York Times bestsellers and a staggering 300 million books sold worldwide, his name is synonymous with gripping courtroom drama. From the iconic A Time to Kill to The Firm, Grisham has captivated readers for decades with his intricate plots and compelling characters.

But what does a legal titan read for pleasure? Curious about the thrillers that inspire and entertain the man who keeps us on the edge of our seats, we delved into John Grisham's own reading list. He recently shared his favourite thrillers – and surprisingly, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, didn't make the cut! Prepare to discover a curated selection of suspenseful reads, hand-picked by the author himself.

So, without further ado, here are John Grisham's 7 top thriller recommendations:

1. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth: Grisham praised Forsyth's meticulous research and the sheer suspense of this classic cat-and-mouse story about an assassin hired to kill Charles de Gaulle. It’s a masterclass in plotting and tension.
2. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum: The first book in the hugely popular Bourne series, Ludlum’s novel introduces us to a man with amnesia, hunted by shadowy forces. Grisham appreciates the intricate espionage and the relentless pace.
3. The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy: Clancy's Cold War thriller about a Soviet submarine captain defecting to the United States is a benchmark in the genre. Grisham admires Clancy's technical detail and the high-stakes geopolitical backdrop.
4. Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett: Set during World War II, this novel follows a ruthless German spy operating in Britain. Grisham highlighted Follett's ability to create a compelling villain and build suspense through subtle details.
5. Absolute Power by David Baldacci: Baldacci's thriller about a burglary gone wrong that exposes a shocking presidential cover-up is known for its fast-paced action and political intrigue. Grisham acknowledged Baldacci's skill in crafting a believable and gripping narrative.
6. Prisioner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling: While known for the Harry Potter series, Grisham revealed his enjoyment of the third book's suspenseful plot and the development of its characters. It shows a broader appreciation for storytelling beyond the legal genre.
7. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A more recent addition to the thriller landscape, this psychological suspense novel about a woman who shoots her husband and then refuses to speak has earned widespread acclaim. Grisham appreciates the clever twists and turns.

This list offers a fascinating glimpse into the reading tastes of a literary giant. Whether you're a fan of espionage, political intrigue, or psychological suspense, there's something here to pique your interest. So, ditch the courtroom drama for a while and dive into these thrilling recommendations from John Grisham himself!