the setup…
Stuart Nash is starting his senior year at Davidson College. For three years he’s ridden the bench as a middle linebacker on the football team. During spring training, he has an epiphany that he’s had enough, irrevocably changed by a tragic event in his hometown of Conroy, he makes the decision to quit football and set his sights on law school. Now to explain the decision to his father who expected him to join the family lumber business.
the heart of the story…
What shapes Stuart’s decision is that tragic event in his hometown. It’s the majority of the story and showcases Grisham’s superior storytelling skills. No one does it better and I was deeply absorbed when it ended.
the narration…
Michael Beck gets everything right, from the pacing to the North Carolina dialect. He’s so well matched with a master storyteller and quickly engaged me. He was Stuart.
the bottom line…
If the purpose of the prequel was to whet my already rabid appetite for The French Illusion, well, mission accomplished. I love going into it knowing what inspired Stuart’s decision to become a lawyer and I already like him. Now I’m dying to get my hands on the upcoming book.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 8, 2026
- Series: The French Illusion #.5
- Narrator: Michael Beck
- Audio Length: 38 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
Listen to a Sample!
I hope your wait will be short Jonetta!
Thank you, Jodie💜 I received an invite for the audiobook and hope I get chosen. It’s scheduled for release on the 29th.
Excellent review! This sounds amazing.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne💜 Grisham is definitely back.
I’ve not read a Grisham in years! Used to be the books of choice to read along to each other in the car on holiday.
I stepped away for years until his last release, The Widow, which I highly recommend. He seems to have his mojo back.
This sounds like a quick and enjoyable story. I just grabbed it off audible for 0.79. I hope to listen to this one on the plane to Cancun.
Hope you enjoyed, Carla💜
I haven’t listened to it yet, but soon.