"The Boys from Biloxi" was a good book with an interesting plot, colorful characters, and some good surprises. Although it is billed as a legal thriller, the book reads more like a true crime novel. I even looked up the names of some of the characters to be sure. Grisham uses real events to frame his story, including Hurricane Camille and the Supreme Court cases that temporarily stopped enforcement of the death penalty and then allowed it again. He paints a colorful picture of corruption and vice on the Gulf Coast, and the difficulty of prosecuting the criminals when local authorities are corrupt as well.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the number of people and their involvement in the storyline, I found this book a chore. I usually love this author's books but I found this one to drag along. Lots of tension between the two families! This novel gives readers a realistic glimpse into the backdoor of crime.

I am not interested in organized crime and this Grisham book about two families in Biloxi is based on organized crime. The courtroom scenes are what made me continue to read the book but this was a Grisham book that I could have missed.

Another riveting read from the master himself, author John Grisham. What begins as an idyllic life for two boys in the sixties in Biloxi, Mississippi as childhood friends and Little League all-stars turns into something not so placid and peaceful as these boys grow up. Their fathers, both from immigrant families, were acquaintances but not close friends, and they took very different life paths. Starting when they were teenagers, both boys followed in their fathers’ footsteps, which put Keith on the side of the law and Hugh on the side of the mob. There is little doubt of tragedy ahead.

As always, Grisham combines his excellent writing with real life events, situations and settings, that put you right in the middle of the non-stop, thrilling action. You almost forget that this is fiction and not an historical account of life along the coast of Mississippi. The characters are believable, richly drawn, multi-dimensional, not just good or just evil. Events move inexorably forward. A sense of dread hangs over everything, even in the happy times. You know bad things will happen, but you don’t know how many, or to who, or how long-lasting.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for providing an advance copy of The Boys from Biloxi in exchange for my honest review. I was drawn in right from the start, couldn’t put it down until the shocking, satisfying conclusion, and recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.

I haven't read a John Grisham book for awhile and was excited to get the chance to review The Boys From Biloxi. I always enjoy historical novels. This book spans generations and exposes the shadier side of Biloxi's past. It was interesting to follow this story of the good guys versus the bad guys. I'm always so frustrated by underhanded politics and corrupt law enforcement. The first several decades of this book were depressing in this sense. The law is irrelevant and the law keepers as corrupt as the criminals. (I'm probably alone among reviewers in addressing the "feels" of the legal size of this story,)

Grisham does a great job of giving the reader every bit of detail to fill the story will authenticity and information. What I didn't get was characters who were relatable. They were not presented in a way to endear the reader though many definitely were repulsive. Even in a historical type novel, I like to really relate to the heroes and heroines and I didn't in the book. I guess I'm saying it almost read more like a academic tome than a novel. At times I found myself feeling like I was reading a police report with the dry way the facts were presented. Comments such as "he made no more phone calls" were frequent and added to the dry feeling of the book.

The book was definitely interesting but it was long and dry. If you're a Grisham fan or love this kind of history and intrigue, you'll enjoy the book. If you're looking for the passion and rewarding human interaction of Grisham's previous novels, you may not find them here.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

Rating 3.5, close to a 4!

Ok the only reason I am not more decisive on the rating is the length of this book - it is just dragged for a bit!

The Boys from Biloxi exposed me to an area of the country where I have little knowledge. The level of corruption portrayed in the story was shocking - it rivals what we see in NYC/Chicago. We had strip clubs, backroom casino's, greed, lust and violence tearing apart the city. One family at the heart of the all the crime and the other trying to bring down the bad guys. This read is definitely a slow-burn story.

Thank you Doubleday Books for the #gifted copy of this novel.

How can you not rate a John Grisham novel, anything less than 5 stars. Again we see the brilliant storytelling and courtroom drama that his books are well known for.
This story gives us a look into the string of bars that covered the Biloxi Mississippi coastline. Well known for its prohibition liquor, gambling, strippers and prostitutes, they were protected by crooked law enforcement that thrived from the payoffs.
This covers two families whose families immigrated and worked the fishing and the docks of Biloxi, as they raised families and improved their lives. Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco grew up together, on the baseball Diamond of the local area, both talented players, until their father’s influences take them onto different paths, Hugh into the sordid life of crime and Keith into the law and courtroom, following his father’s battle with the Malco’s. Friends as children, enemies as adults, until tragedy and retribution becomes central in their lives. There could only be on victor in the end.
This is a lengthy novel, sometimes repetitive in parts, but riveting in it’s development! My thanks to NetGalley, Doubleday and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

It's been a long time since I read a John Grisham book, so I was excited when I got to read this advanced copy. It is basically the story of two families, who have known each other for generations, in Biloxi, Ms. Although they knew each other as boys, went to the same school, played the same sports, the families soon found different interests. One chose to go into law, the other to take part in the corruption of Biloxi, anything from boot legging to running establishments of gambling, stripping and prostitution..

The story is mostly narrated, while I prefer a little more dialogue. but it goes swiftly and is quite interesting as it describes the lives of each family and generation. I was impressed with the research and the dates mentioned in the story. So much so, that although I knew it to be fiction, I found myself googling times, dates and people.

I was very caught up in the story and as it grew to a close, I had to wonder what I would do in Keith's place. I believe I would make the same choice that he did. I was a little surprised at the last few pages of the book, but later came to feel that it was a good ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the chance to read this book.

The Boys of Biloxi is a fascinating legal thriller with a mix of historical fiction by John Grisham. It’s everything and more than you expect to get from Grisham. The story begins in the 1940s and ends in the 1990s. I advise readers to hang in there, the story heats up after you learn the generational history of the main characters in the story.

Descendants of Croatian immigrants Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco were born in a section of Biloxi, Mississippi called Point Cadet. As young boys, Keith and Hugh are best buddies sharing a love for baseball and later a rivalry that eventually turns from friends to foes. Keith falls in love with the law and follows in his father Jesse’s footsteps to become an attorney. Hugh chooses to follow in his father Lance’s footsteps running nightclubs with illegal gambling, and prostitution as the main money makers. On opposite sides of the law, the fathers and their sons do battle to maintain their beliefs. One is that the “Strip” must be rid of Lance’s reign over what is known as the Dixie Mafia, and the other desiring to continue to do business as he pleases. The rivalry that began in their youth intensifies with every page turn.

As I began to read this book, I genuinely thought that Grisham was stepping away from his legal thriller themes. It took a few more chapters for me to realize how he cleverly set me up for an amazing legal thriller. The opening chapters appeared to be lengthy, but they are very important to the plot of the entire story. As a fan of John Grisham’s books and movies, I would love to see this story on the big screen one day.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of John Grisham, and “The Biys From Biloxi” did not disappoint. Two childhood boys take different paths through life on the coast of Biloxi. One family follows the path of justice and law and the other family follows the mafia path and the wrong side of the law. Well written and engaging novel.

I live in Alabama and have been to Biloxi Mississippi to the coast. Therefore, the book title interested me and I chose to read it. It’s sad to think this kind of crime really exists and with all the corruption in the higher ups. The coast of Biloxi in the mid twentieth century was portrayed with night clubs full of illegal liquor, gambling, prostitution, drugs and strippers. The Dixie Mafia, contract killings, Mob Bosses were all apart of everyday life there.
The story starts a little slow with the telling of two young boys playing little league baseball. It took a while for me to understand the significance of this beginning. But the two young friends took very different paths in life as they became adults, sort of like good versus evil. The story carries them on into their thirties to see where they land and it’s quite eye opening. Overall it was kind of a challenging read for me, tedious at times but the courtroom drama was the best.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own

Once again John Grisham has written a book that both captivates and informs. The Boys from Biloxi tells the fascinating story of two Biloxi families with very similar backgrounds but very different life outcomes. The Rudys and the Malcos families both have come from relatively recent immigrant backgrounds but one family has succeeded by learning and applying the law and the other by breaking the law. This book was difficult to put down because it provided a deep dive into both crime and punishment and because the characters are all so memorable - you either love them or hate them. As always, I can't wait for the next Grisham book!

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A compelling easy read that brings in a perfect blend crime drama, historical fiction, and the law. This book is a home run reminiscent of the Rainmaker, the Partner, and other Grisham classics. An easy read with a great storyline that keeps you engaged right to the very end. Add it to your list - you won’t be disappointed!

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC.

Be patient with the start of this. Grisham is laying the groundwork and building up his character base. It’s the story of two young boys from different societal classes who have bonded over their love of baseball. As their lives move on to adulthood, we see that they are each on opposite sides of the law. Their choices in life careers divide them.

This novel introduces us to old Biloxi and it’s true history. With Grisham’s excellent writing skills, this intricately plotted novel gives us an upclose and personal view of all its facets, the good, the bad and the ugly, bringing its history alive as a character in this novel.,

Book quote: “Great trial lawyers aren’t born; they’re made. The great ones simply tell the jury a story.”

Although somewhat different from his past legal thrillers, JohnGrisham is always an engaging story teller. I enjoyed the journey and happily recommend it. At your favorite retailer 10-18-2022.

My thanks to NetGalley for the e-Arc.

Grisham At His Best

I always look forward to the next Grisham book and the anticipation of this novel was no different. Grisham provides us with an excellent setup of the history in Biloxi, Mississippi. (Grisham is also from Mississippi).

In the beginning, Biloxi was acknowledged for their seafood industry, beautiful beaches and affordable resorts. It was inhabited by families who were not rich but made a living, attended Catholic churches and worked very hard.

At the beginning of the novel, Grisham introduces us to Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco, sons of Jesse and Lance respectively. They are the best of friends and stars of Little League baseball. Both had similar skills and were hoping to make it to the big leagues. Dreams shatter and these two best friends depart from each other.

Hugh prospers in the illicit world of strip joints, honky-tonks, prostitution and all things vice. Keith, with four children and a supportive wife, Agnes, studies, becomes a public-school teacher, changes his vocation, attends law school, studies, spends time with his family and works very hard. He starts out a small firm and then opens his own practice. He defends clients against insurance companies and aspires to clean up the Coast.

Meanwhile, Hugh is deeply involved in his father’s (Lance) corrupt businesses. The two families grew apart and they became opposites in their lifestyles and morality. There are murders in Hugh’s dealings which lead to courthouse scenes, writing that is symbolic of Grisham’s storytelling skill. There are some surprises in this longer book, but it is worth the wait.



My gratitude to NetGalley and Doubleday for this pre-published book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham is a suspenseful legal thriller that will keep you second-guessing until the end. Grisham weaves an intricately plotted novel with its share of mob bosses, corruption, turf wars, courtroom drama and the pursuit of justice. With its fantastic writing, superbly developed setting, backstories and characterizations and multigenerational plotline, The Boys from Biloxi is an engaging read that I enjoyed.

The Rudys and the Malcos, immigrant families from Croatia, settled in Biloxi, MI, in the early 1900s. Through hard work, each family managed to thrive in sometimes hostile conditions—personal pain, the Great Depression, World War II, and few educational opportunities. The Malcos invested in legal and illegal things, while the Rudys engaged in honest labor. Lance Malco and Jesse Rudy both served their country during World War II, and both returned to Biloxi after the war.

Jesse Rudy chose to go to night school and eventually earned his law degree from Loyola. Lance Malco used his business acumen to enhance the Malco holdings and add crowd-pleasing side-business to slake the thirsts of servicemen from nearby army bases. Things like prostitution, betting, and casinos.

While Jesse Rudy struggled to gain an education, Lance Malco learned to rule his empire with an iron hand. Their sons, Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco, born only 28 days apart, enjoyed a close friendship—bonded by their love of baseball.

But as Keith and Hugh matured, their interests changed. Keith had a fascination for law and watching his father in court. Women, boxing, and alcohol started to dominate Hugh’s life. As the two friends drifted further from their shared love, they each made choices that would one day set them up as combatants in a different venue—a court of law.

What I Liked About the Book

Grisham unfolds the stories of the two families like a grandma slowly turning pages of her cherished albums and recounting stories of days gone by. I’ve listened to most of Grisham’s new releases over the past ten years, and I don’t remember his stories taking so long to pick up speed.

For the first three-fourths of the book, the reader can’t decide who to settle on as the protagonist. The Malcos and Rudys seem almost one-dimensional, with the Malco clan the clear villains and the Rudys the white-hatted cowboys.

Unlike many of his other novels, the action spans decades (from the 1920s to the 1980s). He summarizes great swathes of history with a storyteller’s finesse. At first, I resisted the subtitle of “A Legal Thriller” because, unlike Grisham’s other thrillers, the legal wrangling and courtroom drama heats up in the late 60s and comes to fruition in the 80s.

By the time I reached part four, I re-read the book's description on Amazon to verify I had selected a novel and not a non-fiction title. I suppose one could call the book a very true-to-life novel. After all, real life unfolds in fits and starts, and legal battles take decades, not days.

Will I quit reading John Grisham novels because I didn’t love one of them? No. I remember a few other Grisham titles that left me with the same unfinished feeling at the end. Perhaps the most profound line comes on almost the last page when Keith realizes that ‘perhaps things would be different if they (he and Hugh) had kept talking.’

A Cautionary Tale and a Shortfall

Grisham clearly portrays the price of fighting for right. His cautionary tale caused me to consider the cost of speaking up in a society divided by those who want to exploit our differences.

On the other hand, Grisham’s hackneyed portrayal of happy hookers smacks of misogyny. He paints an almost complacent life for the women who work in the brothels on the strip. They come to make a killing and live the good life. While the book takes place in a historical setting where no one questioned old assumptions about prostitution, an author has editorial license and can decide whether to perpetuate the myths.

While I applaud the author for championing the underdog lawyers, immigrants, poor people taken to the cleaners by corporate America, and Blacks, maybe it’s time Grisham took on a huge evil in society—modern-day slavery and the sex trafficking trade.

Though I have read quite a few of John Grisham's legal thrillers, The Boys from Biloxi actually reminded me more of another of his books A Painted House. Both books transported me to a different time and place. I was a young Midwesterner during the time The Boys of Biloxi took place, so it was a real eye-opener for me. It is books such as this that truly bring history alive for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Two boys play baseball on opposing teams in Biloxi. Both are all-stars. Then they grow up. One follows in the footsteps of his DA father. The other learns to be a mob boss, a gangster. The stage is set for an epic showdown. John Grisham takes his time spinning this tale. After decades of bestsellers, he has our attention. Honestly, for the first third of the book I wondered if I would come up with more than an "I liked it" rating. I should not have doubted Grisham and his storytelling chops. After all, it wasn't that long ago that I listened for 10.5 hours to his basketball story, [book:Sooley|56844943]. This may be one of my favorites from Grisham. The lines between good and evil are clearly drawn from the start with an ending that is made for the big screen. Happy pub day!

Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
2022 Publication Date: October 18

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T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Thrillers
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
At the end of your life, you don't want your biggest regret to be based on the simple premise... What if we had just kept talking?...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
John Grisham has done it again... Do we really ever doubt he will?

An epic saga of two young boys from immigrant families who share a friendship as baseball All-Star hometown heroes... Told in a signature Grisham tone that walks the razor's edge of slow-building tension laced with historical events that keep you entangled in a story that feels both vintage and modern... Beautifully written with incredible detail that constantly keeps you wondering if this is a real-life true story. Yes, it is a work of fiction.

Always navigating controversial legal dilemmas that present the multi-dimensional challenges of delivering decisions that require clear-cut answers from circumstances filled with numerous variations. All while using legal guidelines that can never fully embrace the humanity of each person involved.

Perfect for thriller fans who read with the intention to learn something beyond their own experience...

Nothing touches my heart more than a story that encapsulates the waste of human potential... It is the ultimate rear-view mirror experience. And why I am so grateful to the authors who bring these stories to life.

My prayer is that we will read and learn... And hopefully, correct our course. Folks, can we really afford to waste human potential when our challenges are so great?...

Read and learn... ✨😎✨

Pages: 464
Genre: Thriller Novels
Sub-Genre: Legal Thriller | Crime Fiction | Suspense Novel
Time Period: Early 1900s - 1986
Location: Biloxi, Mississippi (US)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Mystic River

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In The Boys from Biloxi, John Grisham tells the story of two young boys, Hugh and Keith, who grow up as friends in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Both are third-generation grandsons of Croatian immigrants. The boys go to the same school and play on the same sports teams... Both earned hometown hero status as all-star baseball players as early as Little League. But when they get older, their lives start to take different paths as each dark secret emerges. Turning the new life choices each young man makes into a small-town magnum opus saga page-turner as a terrible crime unfolds.

The Boys from Biloxi is a slow-burn legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grisham masterfully weaves together the story of two families who immigrated to and are struggling to make a life in America. The characters are richly drawn and the plot is full of twists and turns.

You won't be able to put this book down until you reach the very last page... And I dare you not to place this contender for best thriller books on your best crime novels shelf as well!

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• America is a land of opportunity, but it is also a land of struggle.
• Justice is not always fair or just... But always complicated.
• The boundaries and bonds of friendship.

BOOK QUOTE:
"Great trial lawyers aren't born; they're made. The great ones simply tell the jury a story... " — The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.