The Summons

By John Grisham

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Average Rating: (See all 5 reviews) Format: Paperback, 384 pages Other Information: Illustrated Published In: United States, December 2002 Quantity Available: 473 Ships within 6-10 days Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi--a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray's younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family's black sheep. The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray. And perhaps someone else. Praise Praise“The Summons ranks as my absolute favoritein many years...[with] an ending too delicious and morally instructive to give away.”--USA Today“A pleasure to read...a good yarn.”--The Washington Post Links The Official John Grisham Web Site Read an excerpt Publisher: Dell Publishing Company ISBN: 0440241073 EAN: 9780440241072 Dimensions: 17.53 x 10.57 x 2.72 centimeters (0.19 kg)

After Judge Atlee passes away, his son Ray finds over 3 million dollars in cash at his house. Where did the money come from? Ray is soon followed by someone who knows about the money and wants it.

This is a pretty engrossing read, however, it lacks the "knockout" that other great Grisham books have such as the rainmaker or the chamber. Entertaining nevertheless.

This is the last John Grisham book I ever read. While it is an enjoyable read and a scary insight into human nature, Grisham's formula wears thin after a while. A good read, but once you've read half a dozen or so of Grisham's books you'll find you tire of the predicatability too.

John Grisham is the master of legal thrillers. With his extensive knowledge of the workings of the legal world, he delivers novels with intelligent plots and characters that jump off the page.
"The Summons" tells the tale of Virginian law professor Ray Atlee, who is summoned home to Clanton Mississppi, by his ailing father, the legendary Judge Reuben V. Atlee. Ray believes the trip home is to discuss the particulars of the Judge's last will and testament. However, when Ray and his wayward brother Forrest arrive, nothing goes as expected and Ray is left with a family mystery to solve and his life to defend. Money, greed and the legal system are heavily at work to produce yet another page turner in the Grisham catalogue.

John Grisham has been hailed by many as a fantastic writer in the legal thriller genre. I would agree that many of his books are stimulating and interesting to read. But if you’ve read one you’ve read them all. They follow the same blueprint time and time again. However, if you’re stuck for books or listening material they’re a good choice.

This is John Grisham's fourteenth novel, and an enjoyable read, especially compared to the earlier "The Brethren" or the subsequent "Bleachers"...

Ray Atlee, a professor in law, and his loose-cannon brother Forrest, are summoned home when their high powered father - a local judge - wishes to discuss his will. However, the old man is dead when Ray arrives... and there's no explanation for the 3 million in cash he finds on the premises either...

An easy & enjoyable read with a satsifying, if surprising, ending...