Imagine the thrill—and the moral dilemma—of a humble lawyer who uncovers a client's secret millions: would you remain steadfast in your ethics, or let temptation take hold? That's the gripping core of John Grisham's latest novel, drawing from the real-life experiences that shaped his career. And trust me, it's not just a story; it's a window into the choices that could unravel anyone's integrity. But here's where it gets controversial—does this portray lawyers accurately, or does it unfairly stereotype them as always on the brink of wrongdoing? Let's dive in and explore John Grisham's world, where fiction mirrors the courtroom's hidden tensions.
Fictional tales have long captivated readers, and John Grisham, the master of legal suspense, is set to visit St. Paul this Thursday for an engaging discussion at Talking Volumes—a joint event by the Minnesota Star Tribune and MPR News.
Published in the Minnesota Star Tribune on October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM
(Photo: John Grisham by Chris Gunn/Doubleday)
Nearly 40 years have passed since Grisham practiced law in a quiet Mississippi town, yet those days still fuel his blockbuster stories. You can see it in his debut, 'A Time to Kill' from 1989, and now in his newest release, 'The Widow,' which he'll be chatting about during Talking Volumes on October 23 at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. In this thriller, attorney Simon Latch encounters a potential game-changer or career disaster: an older woman seeks assistance with her will, insisting she possesses substantial hidden wealth. But can she be believed? And what if her relatives discover this concealed fortune?
'I never encountered a client with deep pockets who shocked me by revealing their true financial standing,' Grisham, now 70, shared over the phone from his home in Virginia, his Southern Mississippi accent still intact. 'But I've always wondered what might unfold if a person with no family, no ties, and no close associates suddenly required my guidance. How would that affect a lawyer scraping by in a small town? It might just lead them to contemplate unethical actions.'
In the story, Simon frequently wrestles with the idea of crossing ethical lines, and after the widow passes away, he's suspected of speeding up her end. He must then defend his innocence and unravel the mystery of who, if anyone, played a role in her passing.
At the Fitzgerald Theater on October 23, Grisham plans to share insights into his 'not particularly profitable' law career, his involvement with the Innocence Project—which, for those new to it, is an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA evidence and other means—and the challenges he faced in crafting the conclusion of 'The Widow.' (This conversation has been condensed for brevity and ease of reading.)
Q: Many of your novels draw from your legal background. Did you maintain a diary to draw upon when beginning a new project?
A: It's more about memory than notes. Practicing law, as I did, exposes you to all sorts of cases, with plenty of hours in court alongside fellow attorneys and judges. I handled a couple of murder cases, plus various others—they leave a lasting impression. Plus, I've got this vivid, overactive imagination that kicks in.
Q: That memory bank led to the creation of 'A Time to Kill,' correct?
A: Absolutely, it stemmed straight from a dramatic courtroom scene I witnessed at age 30. Writing wasn't on my radar, but that trial sparked an idea for a story centered on the courtroom. I became fixated on it, eventually attempting to write it down. It took three years, but it launched my much more enjoyable path as an author.
Q: Another legal professional, Scott Turow, released the hit 'Presumed Innocent' a bit before you. Have you ever reflected on how the two of you ignited a whole wave of similar books?
A: Scott and I have shared a good laugh over it—we've become close pals. Here's what went down: In 1987, Scott's 'Presumed Innocent' hit shelves. Before him, some attorneys had dabbled in writing, though I can't recall names offhand, and none matched his success. The book exploded in popularity, inspired a major film, and turned him into a star. Back then, I was slogging through my first manuscript for three years. I refused to quit, even when frustration mounted.
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Q: Did his work motivate you?
A: It absolutely revitalized the legal thriller genre—the courtroom drama. It pushed me to wrap up what became 'A Time to Kill,' paving the way for 'The Firm.' The rest, as they say, is history. Scott Turow played a pivotal role in motivating me to complete that first book.
Q: Do you enjoy reading legal thrillers yourself?
A: I've devoured all of Scott's works. David Baldacci, a friend who also resides in Virginia, is another. But generally, attorneys aren't strong fiction writers. They're excellent at recounting events, but their prose often lacks flair because they bog down in minutiae. They try to dazzle readers with their legal expertise, which doesn't fit well in a suspenseful narrative. I've skimmed through many legal thrillers that failed to excite.
But here's where it gets controversial—do you think lawyers make poor novelists because they're too bogged down in facts, or is that just a stereotype? Grisham seems to suggest it's a common pitfall, yet he's broken that mold himself. What do you think—does his success prove the exception, or highlight the rule?
Q: What proved most challenging in perfecting 'The Widow'?
A: The conclusion gave me significant trouble, which is rare for me. Typically, I map out the ending before starting. I spend considerable effort outlining the plot and ensuring the story's structure is solid, following my personal guidelines for solid storytelling—one of which is never to pen the opening until the finale is clear.
Q: Yet you bent your own rules?
A: It was an unusual situation. Upon reaching the close, I disliked it. My spouse felt the same, and my agent—who's doubled as my editor for 35 years—agreed. So, I decided to forge ahead. The final portion of the book now features an entirely new, significant storyline.
Q: Could you pinpoint the flaws?
A: Everything was a mess. The whole concept faltered, but I managed to correct it. By January, I was eager to finalize it and ensure it felt believable.
Q: The narrative skillfully balances Simon's character, leaving us uncertain if he ever overstepped. It transforms 'The Widow' into both a mystery and a legal thriller.
A: I aimed for Simon to feel authentic—flawed, exposed, and somewhat unappealing due to his avarice. The intent was to create a 'whodunit' or 'did-he-do-it' tale. Think of 'Presumed Innocent' as a classic example: the protagonist faces charges, stands trial, and the intrigue lies in whether he committed the act and, if not, who did. I've never attempted that style before, and mysteries fascinate me.
Q: Have you visited the Twin Cities area?
A: One of my most memorable outings! In 2019, for the Final Four. Virginia, our home state where we attend every home game, advanced to the championship and clinched the title. We savored the competition and fell in love with the city.
And this is the part most people miss—the way Grisham blends personal anecdotes with thrilling plots, making us question our own moral compasses. Is it fair to depict lawyers as perpetually tempted? Or does it add depth to the genre?
The Widow (Doubleday)
Excerpt from 'The Widow':
'Can I rely on you, Mr. Latch?'
'Certainly. As your attorney, I'm legally obligated to maintain confidentiality on all matters.' Simon felt a small stir in his stomach, hinting at the possibility of something extraordinary unfolding. Over his 18 years handling estates informally, he'd seen a few shocks, but nothing truly momentous.
'Well, you see, Mr. Latch—'
'Please, just Simon.'
'Simon, such a pleasant name. You see, Simon, Harry dedicated nearly 40 years as a regional sales representative for Coca-Cola. I believe that's what ultimately did him in. His blood sugar soared, leading to a stroke at 69 from which he never fully recovered. Our refrigerator was always stocked with genuine Coke, never the diet version, and he overindulged, in my view. Regardless, he earned stock options gradually and invested in every Coca-Cola share he could afford. He held onto each one, delighting in their growth. About 30 years back, he started distributing Coke to Wal-Mart and grew enamored with them. They were moving massive amounts of beverages. Harry began acquiring Wal-Mart shares and kept them all. Upon his abrupt passing, he was pondering how to handle that portfolio. He refused to bequeath it to his sons, viewing them as problematic—they still are. Crucially, the boys remain unaware of the shares. Harry kept it quiet, sharing only with me. He found amusement in our simple lifestyle, unbeknownst to others that we were multimillionaires.
(Reprinted with Doubleday's permission. Copyright 2025 by John Grisham.)
Talking Volumes with John Grisham
Who: Hosted by the Minnesota Star Tribune and MPR News.
When: 7 p.m. on October 23.
Where: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul.
There you have it—a deep dive into Grisham's inspirations and the ethical tightropes in 'The Widow.' Do you agree that legal thrillers often prioritize drama over accuracy, or do they shed light on the profession's real pressures? Share your thoughts in the comments: Should Grisham explore more 'did-he-do-it' plots, or is the genre already saturated? Let's discuss!
