In the story “The Last Juror” by John Grisham, a college dropout named Willie Traynor moves to Mississippi for an internship at the local newspaper of Ford County. His position is as an editor, but eventually, the company goes bankrupt. Realizing this newspaper can bring in a lot of money for him, Willie decides to buy it and run the Ford County Times. Shortly after, Willie learns of a shocking story in which a man named Danny Padgitt brutally rapes and murders a woman. Willie runs a story on it, trying to make it as interesting and captivating as possible. However, this story will get him into trouble, as he greatly insinuates that Padgitt is guilty, and virtually anyone who read it would believe he committed the crime. This will cause him to be a target of Padgitt, who seemingly wants to get revenge on those who wrong him. Willie writes many other stories as well throughout his time in Ford County. Wanting to bring different perspectives into the old fashioned ways of the small town, he visits a black woman who has a remarkable family. Her children and husband are all doctors and are very intelligent. The woman, Miss Callie, becomes an important part in Willie’s life as they grow closer. Throughout the story, events occur that allow Willie to grow up and mature, leading him to be a successful journalist.

John Grisham did an excellent job at keeping the plot moving and providing exciting turns. I felt greatly connected to the protagonist, Willie Traynor, and the writing really made me feel like I knew him. Also, the book contains suspense, and Grisham is great at being able to tantalize the reader and lead them on just enough to keep them interested. This allowed me to truly get into the story, making it feel like I was there witnessing the events occurring. This engagement enhanced the writing and made me greatly enjoy the book. One flaw I noticed in the plot was that there was a point where Danny Padgitt was in a courtroom, and I felt as though a mistrial should have been called due to something that occurred, but it was not really acknowledged. I felt as though this made the book feel less real, and while I was reading, I was very aware that it was fiction. I think it is important in fiction writing that it makes the reader feel like it is really happening, and I did not feel that during that specific moment. Other than that, I felt that the book was very well written and interesting, and Grisham always left me wanting more.

I would recommend this book to other readers because of its great plot and reading material. This book would be especially interesting for those interested in suspense packed books and legal thrillers. “The Last Juror” includes many moments of suspense that intrigue the reader, making it perfect for readers that enjoy mystery. Also, people interested in journalism can appreciate the many insights in the actions of journalist Willie Traynor. Overall, “The Last Juror” is an excellent book that just about any reader will enjoy.

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