Title: Gray Mountain
Author: John Grisham
First published October 21, 2014
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385537148 (ISBN10: 038553714X)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
John Grisham introduces us to Samantha Kofer, a rising star at a top Wall Street law firm. But when the economy crashes in 2008, Samantha loses her job and is forced to accept a position at a legal aid clinic in the small town of Brady, Virginia.
As she adjusts to life in Appalachia and learns to help real people with real problems, Samantha becomes embroiled in a dangerous legal battle against Big Coal. The murky world of coal mining reveals a dark underbelly of broken laws, ignored rules, and divided communities.
With threats of violence and deadly litigation, Samantha must navigate this treacherous terrain to uncover the truth and seek justice. John Grisham’s Gray Mountain is a gripping legal thriller full of surprises, where even the smallest towns can harbor the biggest secrets.
About the Author
Meet John Grisham: the mind behind forty-seven consecutive #1 bestsellers, translated into nearly fifty languages. His most recent works include The Judge’s List, Sooley, and his third Jake Brigance novel, A Time for Mercy, currently in development by HBO as a limited series.
Grisham has been awarded the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction twice and recognized with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
Beyond writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors for the Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries, two organizations committed to exonerating those who have been wrongly convicted. His writing often delves into the issues of our criminal justice system.
When he’s not busy writing or advocating for criminal justice reform, John resides on a farm in central Virginia.
Editoral Review
Gray Mountain, written by bestselling author John Grisham, is a legal thriller that was first published on October 21, 2014. Grishams reputation precedes him as a master storyteller who knows how to create gripping and suspenseful plots.
Gray Mountain is yet another tale of drama, suspense, and courtroom intrigue set in a small coal-mining town in Virginia. This novel delves into the issues surrounding the coal mining industry and the legal battles faced by its victims.
The story follows a young attorney named Samantha Childs who is thrust into the world of big-time law after being laid off from her corporate law firm. She soon finds herself working for a small non-profit organization in Brady, a town in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.
The non-profit is taking legal action against the mining company that exploits the town for its resources and puts its workers in harms way. Samanthas journey is fraught with danger, betrayal, and loss as she navigates the murky waters of corporate greed, environmental degradation, and personal tragedy.
What makes Gray Mountain so compelling is Grishams ability to craft relatable and fully-formed characters, each with their own unique backstories and motivations. Samantha is a smart and resourceful protagonist with a strong sense of justice, but she is not infallible, making for a refreshing and authentic reading experience.
Grishams description of the Appalachian landscape is vivid and enchanting, drawing the reader into the remote and forgotten corners of this idyllic region. Grishams strengths as a writer are also evident in his engrossing plot structure and pacing.
From the opening chapter, Grisham manages to hook the reader with his sharp and precise prose, drawing them ever deeper into the story with every twist and turn. There is a palpable sense of danger and urgency throughout the book that keeps the reader invested until the final page.
However, despite Grishams many strengths as a writer, there are also some notable weaknesses in Gray Mountain. Some readers may find the courtroom scenes to be overly verbose and technical, which may prove to be a barrier for readers who are unacquainted with legal terminology.
Additionally, while Grisham does a great job of capturing the essence of the Appalachian region, some readers may find his portrayal of the locals as one-dimensional and stereotypical. In conclusion, Gray Mountain is an exceptional legal thriller that immerses the reader in a world of intrigue, corruption, and danger.
Grisham masterfully weaves together an engaging plot, vivid characters, and a powerful theme, making for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Despite some minor weaknesses, Gray Mountain is a book that is well worth reading for fans of the genre or anyone looking for a thrilling story that explores the complexities of environmental law and corporate greed.
The Washington Post recommends this book with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
