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  • A Time for Mercy

  • A Jake Brigance Novel
  • Written by: John Grisham
  • Narrated by: Michael Beck
  • Length: 19 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (530 ratings)

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A Time for Mercy

Written by: John Grisham
Narrated by: Michael Beck
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Publisher's Summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Jake Brigance is back! The hero of A Time to Kill, one of the most popular novels of our time, returns in a courtroom drama that The New York Times says is "riveting" and "suspenseful."

Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid sixteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance digs in and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Jake’s fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security, and the safety of his family on the line.

In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham’s storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many listeners know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and—most of all—heart.

Bursting with all the courthouse scheming, small-town intrigue, and stunning plot twists that have become the hallmarks of the master of the legal thriller, A Time for Mercy is John Grisham’s most powerful courtroom drama yet.

There is a time to kill and a time for justice. Now comes A Time for Mercy.

©2020 John Grisham (P)2020 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"Grisham has returned to the place closest to his heart... The trial is riveting...it's striking how suspenseful the story is...how much we're gripped by the small details."–Sarah Lyall, The New York Times

“Textbook Grisham—and that’s a compliment…a briskly paced legal drama, with just the right amount of suspense, conflict, plot twists, and courtroom theatrics.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

What listeners say about A Time for Mercy

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Not Grisham’s best

I have been an avid fan of Grisham’s legal crime dramas since my university days, but this one is a bit too focused on the financial and boring aspects of law rather than the crime story itself. Despite that, Beck’s performance did not disappoint. I think his reading of the book saved the book. I found myself smiling at the way Beck interpreted the various characters, his perfect rendition of the Southern accent, his emotional representations of the victims and their voices. Would I read this book again? Probably not, but I would definitely listen to Beck’s reading of other books.

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2 people found this helpful

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exceptional writing always

Absolutely loved the story line. Great narrator. The characters blended perfectly.Great read overall. 😊 Thanks

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WOW! One of his best and I've read them all.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, the characters, the court scenes and especially the storyline.
I have come to love Jake and his family and hope to, someday, see more of them.

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4 people found this helpful

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A good tale

I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy Grisham. Some parts are a bit tedious and over labored but all in all a good listen.

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a Time for mercy

I found the book a good read and was interested in it right from the beginning. I loved how Jake's personal life was woven through and how his wife and daughter were so much a part of his support. It showed how a defense lawyer deals with the letter of the law and the client as a whole person.

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A time for mercy

this book is in true John Grisham style. Well written and immensely entertaining. your interest is held right to the end.

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Incredible narration!

As always, this John Grisham book does not disappoint. However, the narrator hits the nail on the head and it was a pleasure to listen to.

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Great book.

Started a bit slow for me but didn’t take long and I was fully engrossed. Forgot how good Grisham’s work is.

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love it!

I have been reading John Grisham novels since the 80's and have never been disappointed. Reading "Time For Mercy" was like returning to old friends and getting reacquainted

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Amazing performance!

I loved this audio book! The narrator was the beat ever. How did he keep track of the voices for so many characters? I loved the deep Southern accents. The emotion. And of course the story was awesome. I appreciate how John Grishom breaks down the legalese so we can understand it. Get this book!!

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