Legal thrillers are a popular sub-genre of the mystery and suspense genre of books. These books usually involve stories surrounding a legal case, legal proceedings, or events in the legal world. The best legal thrillers are written in a way that keeps the reader engaged, builds tension, and also educates the reader about the law.
Here is a list of some of the best legal thrillers for fiction lovers:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic American novel that explores themes of racism and social injustice through the eyes of a child. The book follows the life of a lawyer, Atticus Finch, who is asked to defend a black man in a rape trial in the 1930s.
2. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer follows the story of a criminal defense attorney, Mickey Haller, who works out of the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car. He takes on a high-profile case of a rich Beverly Hills playboy who is accused of attempted murder.
3. The Firm by John Grisham
The Firm follows the story of a young, ambitious lawyer named Mitch McDeere who is recruited by a Memphis law firm. However, he soon finds out that the firm is involved in some shady practices, and he must navigate dangerous waters to protect his career and his life.
4. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Presumed Innocent is a legal thriller that tells the story of a prosecutor, Rusty Sabich, who is accused of murder. The book explores the complexities of the legal system and how innocent people can be wrongfully accused.
5. A Time to Kill by John Grisham
A Time to Kill is a legal thriller that tells the story of a young girl who is raped and beaten by a group of men in Mississippi. Her father takes justice into his own hands, killing the men responsible. The book follows the ensuing trial and the racial tensions that arise.
6. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
The Pelican Brief follows the story of a law student named Darby Shaw who writes a legal brief on the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. The brief puts Darby in danger, and she must work with an investigative journalist to expose the truth.
7. The Runaway Jury by John Grisham
The Runaway Jury is a legal thriller that follows a jury, picked for a high-profile case, that is manipulated by a team of consultants hired by one of the litigants. The book explores the ethics of jury tampering and the power of the legal system.
8. The Street Lawyer by John Grisham
The Street Lawyer is a legal thriller that follows the story of a high-powered lawyer who has a change of heart after a homeless man holds him hostage. The book explores the social and moral issues surrounding homelessness and poverty.
9. The Client by John Grisham
The Client is a legal thriller that tells the story of an eleven-year-old boy who witnesses the suicide of a Mob lawyer. The boy is then pursued by the Mob, and a lawyer named Reggie Love is appointed to protect him.
10. The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
The Rooster Bar tells the story of three law students who discover that their for-profit law school is a scam. The book explores the rising cost of education and the greed of the legal industry.
In conclusion, legal thrillers are a fascinating and gripping read for anyone interested in the law and criminal justice. With their suspenseful plots and explosions of legal knowledge, these books can keep readers on the edge of their seats while also informing and educating them about the legal world.
