I must admit that it is with a lot of hesitancy that I bought ’The King of Torts’’ - John Grisham’s latest novel. His earlier work ’’ A Painted House’’ had left me with a bitter taste or more likely a half finished book!!!
Be that as it may, it did come as a relief to find Grisham in full flow…doing what he does best - Writing on the American Judicial System & the Law!
The King of Torts does start at a brisk pace & does not let go of the reader until about 25 pages from the end where the pace slackens. Clay Carter, the main protagonist of the plot, is very believable…a la James Hadley Chase hero.He has the same human traits that include angst, greed, hope & love.
Grisham starts of with a random murder & the case is thrust upon Clay Carter.As he digs into the killing, fate hands him over to a scenario where he could turn rich overnight.Grisham then juggles with emotions to beautifully show Clay’s fight with his inner self. Then starts a spin into the world of the super rich with Sailboats & aircrafts & sleazy deals & fine dining!!!!
Without revealing too much into the plot, this book sure does have the panache of the vintage Grisham that we know.
The quirks of the American Judicial system are also well brought out.
My final say on this book, A Taut script & the pace of the story should make it an enjoyable read.