The Last Juror by John Grisham

Anyone who is a fan of John Grisham will enjoy reading his newest novel, The Last Juror. It is “classic Grisham” and takes place in Ford County, the same county in Mississippi where his famous first novel, A Time to Kill, occurred.

The year is 1970. 23-year-old Willie Traynor has not taken life too seriously. His wealthy grandmother has funded his extended college education in Syracuse, N. Y. but finally refuses to pay his tuition since his social life has taken precedence over academics. Willie moves south to the fictional small town of Clanton, Mississippi and buys the struggling weekly newspaper, the “Times”.

Life soon becomes exciting for everyone in Clanton when a young widower, Rhoda Kassellan, is murdered by Danny Padgitt. The infamous Padgitt family is the corrupt crime ridden family which has invisibly controlled much of the economy of Ford County for years. Rarely does anyone see a member of the Padgitt family but Danny’s trial bring several of them into the courtroom. The town is in an uproar concerning the trial, especially when Danny gets life-in-prison instead of a death sentence.

Years pass. Willie becomes a prominent resident of Clanton and forms some lasting friendships. One is with Calia and Esau Ruffin, a black couple who have raised eight successful children. Calia is a famous cook and begins providing weekly lunches for Willie. They eat outside on Calia’s front porch and forge a lasting bond as friends. There are other colorful characters who add to the plot’s color such as Wiley Meek, the newspaper’s trusty reporter. Lucien Wilbanks is the Padgitt family’s lawyer and will do anything necessary to save his client Danny Padgitt.

After nine eventful years Danny is released from prison based on good behavior. Several murders ultimately occur. Of course everyone suspects Danny but the truth is not as obvious as it may seem. In true Grisham style, the plot accelerates to a surprise conclusion.

The Last Juror meanders somewhat in following the plot. Willie discusses his visits to the churches in Ford County and his acquisition of a large old mansion. However, the book does give a vivid description of how life in a small Southern town changed during the 1970’s as civil rights were changing and downtown business areas were deteriorating. For anyone who has enjoyed Grisham’s novels, The Last Juror is an interesting reading experience.

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