John Grisham is known for his legal traders, and most readers are familiar with his blockbuster hits like The Firm, A Time to Kill, and The Pelican Brief. But in between all his bestselling titles, there are several underrated John Grisham books that deserve so much attention. These books might not have many headlines, but they still offer compelling plots, rich characters, and themes that fans would love. If you think you’ve read it all, join us as we explore some of the best Grisham books you haven’t read.
The Confession
Released in 2010, The Confession is a powerful legal thriller that didn’t quite get the mainstream buzz of its early works but still packs an emotional punch. It follows the race to save a wrongfully convicted man on death row while the real killer comes forward too late. This book is quite exciting as it confronts the flaws of the justice system and the consequences of wrongful convictions. Fans who appreciate Grisham’s courtroom drama will definitely enjoy this gem, which is an overlooked legal drama that delivers suspense and moral urgency.
The Broker
Another lesser-known Grisham novel is The Broker, which steps away from courtrooms and into international intrigue. It tells the story of a disgraced Washington power broker that gets released from prison under suspicious circumstances, only to be hunted by global intelligence agencies. It’s set in Italy and combines espionage elements with Grishman’s pacing. It stands out for its unique setting and slow burn suspense.
Playing for Pizza
If you want something completely different, try Playing for Pizza. This short novel follows an American football player who, after his career collapsed in a humiliating way, finds himself paying for an amateur team in Italy. It’s a funny and lighthearted drama and might just be one of the best Grisham books you haven’t read. It proves that Grisham can do character-driven storytelling just as well as legal suspense.
The Whistler
Although The Whistler eventually became a bestseller, it never gained as much fame as other books like The Firm or The Pelican Brief. This makes it a perfect addition to this list. The novel is a hidden book gem that covers judicial corruption in Florida, weaving a tense cat-and-mouse game between investigators and a crooked judge. It appeals to everyone that loves stories of corruption being exposed from the inside.
Gray Mountain
Gray Mountain is another one of the most underrated John Grisham books, which introduces readers to a young lawyer who becomes involved in legal battles over coal mining. It’s quieter than Grisham’s usual fare, and focuses more on character development and social issues. The book is usually overlooked but it shines for how well it portrays the people fighting corporate exploitation. It’s great for readers that want depth with their suspense.
The Appeal of Grisham’s Hidden Gems
Over 40 novels from Grisham have been published and so it’s not surprising that a few have slipped under the radar. Many readers move to his famous legal thrillers, but Grisham has tried out different genres, including sports, historical fiction, and drama. These hidden book gems reveal Grisham’s range and carry a more personal tone.
Exploring these titles can give fans a refreshing perspective on his writing and shows how his storytelling has changed way beyond the legal world. They offer new overlooked legal thrillers that carry his signature tension but haven’t attracted enough fame.
If you’ve read all his biggest hits, then you should consider these underrated John Grisham books on our list to your reading stack. They might not exactly have courtrooms and high-profile trials, but they also carry the same gripping storyline that made Grisham popular.