What do you think?
Rate this book
The Partner
A man will do almost anything for ninety million dollars. So will its rightful owners. They found him in a small town in Brazil. He had a new name, Danilo Silva, and his appearance had been changed by plastic surgery. The search had taken four years. They'd chased him around the world, always just missing him. It had cost their clients $3.5 million. But so far none of them had complained.
The man they were about to kidnap had not always been called Danilo Silva. Before he had had another life, a life which ended in a car crash in February 1992. His gravestone lay in a cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi. His name before his death was Patrick S. Lanigan. He had been a partner at an up-and-coming law firm. He had a pretty wife, a young daughter, and a bright future. Six weeks after his death, $90 million disappeared from the law firm.
It was then that his partners knew he was still alive. And the chase was on
The man they were about to kidnap had not always been called Danilo Silva. Before he had had another life, a life which ended in a car crash in February 1992. His gravestone lay in a cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi. His name before his death was Patrick S. Lanigan. He had been a partner at an up-and-coming law firm. He had a pretty wife, a young daughter, and a bright future. Six weeks after his death, $90 million disappeared from the law firm.
It was then that his partners knew he was still alive. And the chase was on
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 1997
4,646 people are currently reading
30.1k people want to read
About the author
John Grisham
527books86kfollowersJohn Grisham is the author of fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts, and A Time for Mercy, which is being developed by HBO as a limited series.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,392 reviews
August 18, 2017
A man jogging down a lonely road in Brazil is kidnapped and tortured, accused of being Patrick Lanigan, an American lawyer who was thought to have been killed in an automobile accident four years earlier--about the same time that $90 million disappeared from his law firm's offshore account. If he really is Lanigan, everyone wants a piece of him: his former partners, the client that the money came from, his wife, the insurance companies, the feds . . . Everyone. So is this guy really Patrick, and if so, what's his plan?
I thought this was a highly entertaining legal thriller--implausible maybe, but who cares as long as it's fun?--until the very end. It lost a whole star with that ending. If you're going to pull off a twist like that, it needs some additional foundation. Foreshadowing. Something.
It felt like a cheap shot, manipulative and tacked-on, and left me more annoyed than an insurance company out a few million dollars. Or at least as annoyed as a reader out several hours and $26.50.
My recommendation: rip the last few pages out of the book and pretend they were never there. *plugs ears* Lalalala!
I thought this was a highly entertaining legal thriller--implausible maybe, but who cares as long as it's fun?--until the very end. It lost a whole star with that ending. If you're going to pull off a twist like that, it needs some additional foundation. Foreshadowing. Something.
It felt like a cheap shot, manipulative and tacked-on, and left me more annoyed than an insurance company out a few million dollars. Or at least as annoyed as a reader out several hours and $26.50.
My recommendation: rip the last few pages out of the book and pretend they were never there. *plugs ears* Lalalala!
July 11, 2023
THE PASSENGER
”The Firm � Il socio� è il primo film realizzato da un romanzo di Grisham. Era il 1993 e a dirigerlo uno dei miei registi preferiti, Sydney Pollack, qui impegnato col protagonista Tom Cruise. Antagonista quello splendido attore, uno dei miei preferiti di sempre, a nome Gene Hackman.
Credevo d’aver letto almeno un Grisham, forse due, parecchio tempo fa, senza particolare entusiasmo.
Ma mi sbagliavo, lo confondevo con Scott Turow: entrambi avvocati convertitisi in scrittori di legal thriller.
Questo mio primo Grisham è stata proprio una sorpresa: storia decisamente originale, piena di fatti e nomi e personaggi e luoghi e passaggi di tempo, che si riesce a seguire con piacere e precisione grazie alla scrittura di Grisham � essenziale, sobria, senza fanfare ad annunciare o sottolineare i colpi di scena, senza effetti effettini o effettacci, senza scene di sesso voluttuoso, senza gore e senza splatter (chapeau alla lunga toccante scena di tortura), senza divagazioni o diramazioni, pochissima psicologia � sul pezzo, molto concreta, quasi un elenco di accadimenti enunciati con secchezza e semplicità e chiarezza, ma anche piacere di lettura e sapiente suspense.
Il secondo film tratto da un romanzo di Grisham esce nello stesso anno del primo, 1993. Si tratta di “The Pelican Brief � Il rapporto Pelican�. Protagonisti Julia Roberts e Denzel Washington. Alla regia altra firma prestigiosa, Alan J. Pakula. Ma tra tutti io ricordo l’uomo nella foto, Sam Shepard, che fa una piccola parte, solo qualche scena all’inizio, e poi lo fanno saltare in aria: la sua bella dolente intensa faccia per me è rimasta indimenticabile.
La storia viene così riassunta dallo stesso Grisham a pagina 124:
La storia dell’avvocato americano che aveva messo in scena la propria morte, aveva assistito al proprio funerale, aveva rubato novanta milioni di dollari dallo studio per il quale lavorava ed era stato catturato quattro anni dopo in Brasile, dove conduceva una vita modesta sotto falso nome.
L’avvocato simula la sua morte in un infuocato incidente d’auto, e mai l’aggettivo rovente è stato più appropriato, nello scontro brucia tutto. Si nasconde su un albero e segue col binocolo il suo funerale: ma quindi qualcuno sta venendo sepolto al posto suo, la bara è vuota oppure contiene il cadavere di un altro?
I novanta milioni che ruba � e che nei quattro anni di fuga e latitanza trascorsi perlopiù in Brasile fa fruttare e moltiplicare con sapienti investimenti � sono frutto di una truffa: li sottrae allo studio del quale è partner, ma i suoi soci stavano comunque per fregarlo e silurarlo alla grande.
L’anno dopo, 1994, diretto da Joel Schumacher arrivo “The Client � Il cliente�, col dodicenne Brad Renfro protagonista, (Renfro è morto di o.d. a soli 25 anni). Ma per me a rubare la scena due attori strepitosi: Susan Sarandon e Tommy Lee Jones.
The Passenger è il titolo di uno dei film magnifici realizzati da Michelangelo Antonioni, quello (1975) che mi fece innamorare di questo grande regista. Nel film Jack Nicholson è un reporter in crisi (il titolo italiano è Professione: reporter) che durante un servizio con interviste nel Sahara si accorge per caso che il suo vicino di stanza è morto di cause naturali, nessuno se ne è accorto, il cadavere ha una certa somiglianza con lui, somiglianza che si rafforza invertendo fotografie sui passaporti. E così il reporter in crisi assume l’identità di uno sconosciuto. Ma soprattutto, abbandona la sua precedente. Cambia nome e cambia vita.
ʱé tutti sognano di svanire. A un certo punto nella loro vita, tutti meditano sulla possibilità di abbandonarsi ogni cosa alle spalle. La vita è sempre più bella su una spiaggia o in cima a un monte. Senza problemi. È un desiderio innato.
Ancora Joel Schumacher nel 1996 dirige un altro adattamento da Grisham, “A Time to Kill � Il momento di uccidere� con Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey.
Solo che ahinoi, un piano B così radicale i problemi se li porta dietro eccome. E se il reporter Nicholson scopre troppo tardi di aver assunto l’identità di un trafficante d’armi � lo spettatore ne comprende le conseguenze drammatiche nel magistrale piano sequenza finale che ancora si studia nei corsi di cinema � qui, Patrick Latigan diventato Danilo Silva trascorre quattro anni a nascondersi, fuggire, spiare chi è convinto lo stia spiando, fino a desiderare di essere trovato e catturato. Riuscirà a chiudere davvero col suo passato?
PS
E nonostante Grisham sia amato dalla settima musa, il film, più volte annunciato, con Mark Whalberg protagonista, non è mai stato realizzato.
Nel 1997 tocca niente meno che a Francis Ford coppola cimentarsi con un film tratto da Grisham: “The Rainmaker � L’uomo della pioggia�, con Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Jon Voight, Claire Danes.
”The Firm � Il socio� è il primo film realizzato da un romanzo di Grisham. Era il 1993 e a dirigerlo uno dei miei registi preferiti, Sydney Pollack, qui impegnato col protagonista Tom Cruise. Antagonista quello splendido attore, uno dei miei preferiti di sempre, a nome Gene Hackman.
Credevo d’aver letto almeno un Grisham, forse due, parecchio tempo fa, senza particolare entusiasmo.
Ma mi sbagliavo, lo confondevo con Scott Turow: entrambi avvocati convertitisi in scrittori di legal thriller.
Questo mio primo Grisham è stata proprio una sorpresa: storia decisamente originale, piena di fatti e nomi e personaggi e luoghi e passaggi di tempo, che si riesce a seguire con piacere e precisione grazie alla scrittura di Grisham � essenziale, sobria, senza fanfare ad annunciare o sottolineare i colpi di scena, senza effetti effettini o effettacci, senza scene di sesso voluttuoso, senza gore e senza splatter (chapeau alla lunga toccante scena di tortura), senza divagazioni o diramazioni, pochissima psicologia � sul pezzo, molto concreta, quasi un elenco di accadimenti enunciati con secchezza e semplicità e chiarezza, ma anche piacere di lettura e sapiente suspense.
Il secondo film tratto da un romanzo di Grisham esce nello stesso anno del primo, 1993. Si tratta di “The Pelican Brief � Il rapporto Pelican�. Protagonisti Julia Roberts e Denzel Washington. Alla regia altra firma prestigiosa, Alan J. Pakula. Ma tra tutti io ricordo l’uomo nella foto, Sam Shepard, che fa una piccola parte, solo qualche scena all’inizio, e poi lo fanno saltare in aria: la sua bella dolente intensa faccia per me è rimasta indimenticabile.
La storia viene così riassunta dallo stesso Grisham a pagina 124:
La storia dell’avvocato americano che aveva messo in scena la propria morte, aveva assistito al proprio funerale, aveva rubato novanta milioni di dollari dallo studio per il quale lavorava ed era stato catturato quattro anni dopo in Brasile, dove conduceva una vita modesta sotto falso nome.
L’avvocato simula la sua morte in un infuocato incidente d’auto, e mai l’aggettivo rovente è stato più appropriato, nello scontro brucia tutto. Si nasconde su un albero e segue col binocolo il suo funerale: ma quindi qualcuno sta venendo sepolto al posto suo, la bara è vuota oppure contiene il cadavere di un altro?
I novanta milioni che ruba � e che nei quattro anni di fuga e latitanza trascorsi perlopiù in Brasile fa fruttare e moltiplicare con sapienti investimenti � sono frutto di una truffa: li sottrae allo studio del quale è partner, ma i suoi soci stavano comunque per fregarlo e silurarlo alla grande.
L’anno dopo, 1994, diretto da Joel Schumacher arrivo “The Client � Il cliente�, col dodicenne Brad Renfro protagonista, (Renfro è morto di o.d. a soli 25 anni). Ma per me a rubare la scena due attori strepitosi: Susan Sarandon e Tommy Lee Jones.
The Passenger è il titolo di uno dei film magnifici realizzati da Michelangelo Antonioni, quello (1975) che mi fece innamorare di questo grande regista. Nel film Jack Nicholson è un reporter in crisi (il titolo italiano è Professione: reporter) che durante un servizio con interviste nel Sahara si accorge per caso che il suo vicino di stanza è morto di cause naturali, nessuno se ne è accorto, il cadavere ha una certa somiglianza con lui, somiglianza che si rafforza invertendo fotografie sui passaporti. E così il reporter in crisi assume l’identità di uno sconosciuto. Ma soprattutto, abbandona la sua precedente. Cambia nome e cambia vita.
ʱé tutti sognano di svanire. A un certo punto nella loro vita, tutti meditano sulla possibilità di abbandonarsi ogni cosa alle spalle. La vita è sempre più bella su una spiaggia o in cima a un monte. Senza problemi. È un desiderio innato.
Ancora Joel Schumacher nel 1996 dirige un altro adattamento da Grisham, “A Time to Kill � Il momento di uccidere� con Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey.
Solo che ahinoi, un piano B così radicale i problemi se li porta dietro eccome. E se il reporter Nicholson scopre troppo tardi di aver assunto l’identità di un trafficante d’armi � lo spettatore ne comprende le conseguenze drammatiche nel magistrale piano sequenza finale che ancora si studia nei corsi di cinema � qui, Patrick Latigan diventato Danilo Silva trascorre quattro anni a nascondersi, fuggire, spiare chi è convinto lo stia spiando, fino a desiderare di essere trovato e catturato. Riuscirà a chiudere davvero col suo passato?
PS
E nonostante Grisham sia amato dalla settima musa, il film, più volte annunciato, con Mark Whalberg protagonista, non è mai stato realizzato.
Nel 1997 tocca niente meno che a Francis Ford coppola cimentarsi con un film tratto da Grisham: “The Rainmaker � L’uomo della pioggia�, con Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Jon Voight, Claire Danes.
March 6, 2024
Lawyer and critical thinker Patrick Lanigan almost got away with it; he faked his death and stole 90 million dollars from his own law firm that he was a 'partner' in. The money was from a deal in which essentially an organised crime lord defrauded the US Government. The faked death cover included an unidentified corpse in his car wreck, so a murder charge was also raised when Patrick Lanigan, living the good life in Brazil was finally caught! As the criminals, FBI, press, courts and his one-time widowed wife all gun for him, Patrick tries to work through his meticulously put together plan of seeing if he and his Brazilian female lawyer confidante can find a way out to free them from all of his antagonists.
I really enjoyed this Grisham jam as I love a detailed plan and execution of said plan. This one's a doozy and would make a great TV series. Like most of his early books this is set in the Grisham universe where the FBI and its head Haynes are the common factor. This is clever battle of wills and law between a well researched lawyer and multiple personal interests and is yet another Grisham tale of effectively an individual fighting the system and doing it with some aplomb. A firm (no pun intended) 8 out of 12, Four Star read,
2024 read
I really enjoyed this Grisham jam as I love a detailed plan and execution of said plan. This one's a doozy and would make a great TV series. Like most of his early books this is set in the Grisham universe where the FBI and its head Haynes are the common factor. This is clever battle of wills and law between a well researched lawyer and multiple personal interests and is yet another Grisham tale of effectively an individual fighting the system and doing it with some aplomb. A firm (no pun intended) 8 out of 12, Four Star read,
2024 read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2008
LOVED this book - so smart and witty and edge-of-your-seat reading with lots of twists and turns. I'm torn about giving this 4 or 5 stars because the ending of this book taunts me in an intriguing and enjoyably annoying way...
June 10, 2017
An extraordinary read! very compelling,legal thriller...well written and recommend to all (paperback!)
July 8, 2007
I do own Grisham books, but only because family members keep buying them for me on birthday's and xmas's. I smile politely and thank them, wishing they would include the receipt. I have read this, and i don't recommend it unless you are 10 years old and want to start reading adult fiction. Dull, dull, dull. How this man is a best-selling writer is reflection of today's society's IQ.
May 11, 2024
This was my first Grisham book, back in the early millennium, and what a blast and fun read it was, remembering it now.
September 25, 2021
"After his death, the firm's letterhead properly included him: Patrick S. Lanigan, 1954-1992. He was listed up in the right-hand corner, just above the paralegals. Then the rumors got started and wouldn't stop. Before long, everyone believed he had taken the money and disappeared. After three months, no one on the Gulf Coast believed he was dead. His name came off the letterhead as the debts piled up." (PG. 40)
I'm stuck between a 4 or 5 star but it was a criminally amusing, fast-paced thriller. Grisham knows how to tell a story with so many twists and turns that I'm sure the reader would think this type of crime isn't doable. Who can steal 90 million dollars from their law firm, die, and come back to life in Brazil after four years on the run? Mr. Patrick Lannigan, that's who. Did he do it for greed or revenge?
The plot unravels at a pace where maybe you won't have much sleep tonight or the next until you finish it. The brain to create this crime and the work it took was pretty amazing. Grisham also shows the disappointing angle of the justice system but we all know justice is all in who you know and that money talks.
The ending was satisfying and surprising. "Where else could he go? His journey was over. His past was finally closed." (PG. 401)
Such a fascinating read from page 1. I will do more of these white-collar thrillers. My nails are very chewed up.
I'm stuck between a 4 or 5 star but it was a criminally amusing, fast-paced thriller. Grisham knows how to tell a story with so many twists and turns that I'm sure the reader would think this type of crime isn't doable. Who can steal 90 million dollars from their law firm, die, and come back to life in Brazil after four years on the run? Mr. Patrick Lannigan, that's who. Did he do it for greed or revenge?
The plot unravels at a pace where maybe you won't have much sleep tonight or the next until you finish it. The brain to create this crime and the work it took was pretty amazing. Grisham also shows the disappointing angle of the justice system but we all know justice is all in who you know and that money talks.
The ending was satisfying and surprising. "Where else could he go? His journey was over. His past was finally closed." (PG. 401)
Such a fascinating read from page 1. I will do more of these white-collar thrillers. My nails are very chewed up.
February 27, 2020
The Partner by John Grisham is an excellent short story read. It doesn’t take John Grisham very long to show what an extremely talented writer he is!📚
August 3, 2012
Sometimes, John Grisham gives me 'forced' endings. Sometimes, I would imagine him going:
"When's the deadline again? Holy sh*t, there's only a week left!"
or
"I'm already near my page limit, let me just squeeze everything in the last remaining pages."
or
"Let me just finish these in 2 chapters so I could go back to *insert hobby/party/gathering/person here*"
Quite juvenile thoughts for a well-published writter but just humor me here okay.
That being said, this is the first John Grisham book that didn't feel like he was simply trying to end the story in a few pages or so and trying to tie whatever loose ends in whatever way possible. I didn't expect the ending too and made me go "Oh."
It is because of books like this Mr. Grisham (or would you prefer John?) that makes me want to pull your book out of anyone's bookshelf if I just want to pass the time.
Now, would you be kind enough sir and tell me what happened?
Was she kidnapped?
Or simply ran away?
I have think Stephano got her.
Maybe this is her way of making Patrick pay.
Am I suppose to loose sleep now?
"When's the deadline again? Holy sh*t, there's only a week left!"
or
"I'm already near my page limit, let me just squeeze everything in the last remaining pages."
or
"Let me just finish these in 2 chapters so I could go back to *insert hobby/party/gathering/person here*"
Quite juvenile thoughts for a well-published writter but just humor me here okay.
That being said, this is the first John Grisham book that didn't feel like he was simply trying to end the story in a few pages or so and trying to tie whatever loose ends in whatever way possible. I didn't expect the ending too and made me go "Oh."
It is because of books like this Mr. Grisham (or would you prefer John?) that makes me want to pull your book out of anyone's bookshelf if I just want to pass the time.
Now, would you be kind enough sir and tell me what happened?
Was she kidnapped?
Or simply ran away?
I have think Stephano got her.
Maybe this is her way of making Patrick pay.
Am I suppose to loose sleep now?
July 28, 2023
Never thought I'd be entertained by a 'legal' thriller, but here we are. Another addictive read!
The plot begins with the capture of 'Danilo' - an ex-lawyer who stole 90 million bucks from his partners and fled.
First and foremost, I LOVE that I spent this entire book rooting for the crafty lawyer who stole a ridiculously excessive amount of money. That's great writing, right there. Patrick was a fantastic protagonist and I wanted so badly for him to get away with everything.
This book really plays on that fantasy we've all had of running away from all our problems; of having more money than we can dream of; of pulling off the perfect crime. It banks on our sympathy for Patrick, who only did what we all have wished we could do at some time in our lives. It succeeded.
The story of Patrick's perfect crime unravels over the course of the book, and it's the slow leak of details that keeps the tension taught throughout. We're dying to know how he pulled it off, but we're also secretly waiting to find out why we're totally okay with it.
A cleverly composed story with fantastic character development to tie everything together. Highly recommend.
The plot begins with the capture of 'Danilo' - an ex-lawyer who stole 90 million bucks from his partners and fled.
First and foremost, I LOVE that I spent this entire book rooting for the crafty lawyer who stole a ridiculously excessive amount of money. That's great writing, right there. Patrick was a fantastic protagonist and I wanted so badly for him to get away with everything.
This book really plays on that fantasy we've all had of running away from all our problems; of having more money than we can dream of; of pulling off the perfect crime. It banks on our sympathy for Patrick, who only did what we all have wished we could do at some time in our lives. It succeeded.
The story of Patrick's perfect crime unravels over the course of the book, and it's the slow leak of details that keeps the tension taught throughout. We're dying to know how he pulled it off, but we're also secretly waiting to find out why we're totally okay with it.
A cleverly composed story with fantastic character development to tie everything together. Highly recommend.
January 29, 2018
This is not one of the best Grisham books, but there is enough suspense and drama to make it worth reading. I don't think it has been made into a movie yet although there may be a TV series pending...
A man is hiding out in Brazil under an assumed identity. Four years before he had been a partner in a successful law firm in America. By all accounts he was happily married and adored his daughter. But then, he had died in a car accident. Shortly afterwards ninety million dollars had disappeared from a client.....It's only a matter of time before the man is found and positively identified, but who will get to him first?
It's difficult to come up with the moral of this story without ruining the plot for those who have yet to read it. One obvious lesson is that living on the run from the law or running away from your past is no fun and will eventually catch up with you. This applies across the board.
God has created us with a conscience and knowledge of right and wrong. If we persistently sin, our conscience may become dulled but there will be a nagging feeling that something is not quite right. We cannot escape it. The Partner is a good illustration of this truth--the man is always looking over his shoulder and waiting for the inevitable. He cannot relax and enjoy the things he has acquired. We know too, that those who evade justice in this life will face the ultimate Judge in the next. The One who judges perfectly according to His law all those who have not trusted Jesus for their salvation. This book also reminds us that relationships are more valuable than possessions.
There is some mild swearing. There is no sexual content apart from some references to nudity. There is some graphic violence including torture scenes which will upset some. Grisham fans may enjoy this, I doubt anyone could have predicted the ending!
Check out my John Grisham Shelf!
A man is hiding out in Brazil under an assumed identity. Four years before he had been a partner in a successful law firm in America. By all accounts he was happily married and adored his daughter. But then, he had died in a car accident. Shortly afterwards ninety million dollars had disappeared from a client.....It's only a matter of time before the man is found and positively identified, but who will get to him first?
It's difficult to come up with the moral of this story without ruining the plot for those who have yet to read it. One obvious lesson is that living on the run from the law or running away from your past is no fun and will eventually catch up with you. This applies across the board.
God has created us with a conscience and knowledge of right and wrong. If we persistently sin, our conscience may become dulled but there will be a nagging feeling that something is not quite right. We cannot escape it. The Partner is a good illustration of this truth--the man is always looking over his shoulder and waiting for the inevitable. He cannot relax and enjoy the things he has acquired. We know too, that those who evade justice in this life will face the ultimate Judge in the next. The One who judges perfectly according to His law all those who have not trusted Jesus for their salvation. This book also reminds us that relationships are more valuable than possessions.
There is some mild swearing. There is no sexual content apart from some references to nudity. There is some graphic violence including torture scenes which will upset some. Grisham fans may enjoy this, I doubt anyone could have predicted the ending!
Check out my John Grisham Shelf!
January 1, 2017
This isn't Grisham's finest work.
There is none of the action of The Firm or The Pelican Brief. It doesn't have the interest of A Time To Kill or The Chamber.
The book starts at the end and then explains what happened. Remember, "Show, don't tell?"
It's a dull story about what happens when you steal a lot of money, and how to keep it hidden. Why not start at the beginning and show what led to the crime and then the escape from justice?
A good editor, agent or publisher should have reminded Grisham of the basics, before letting this book go out. Instead, "the emperor's new clothes" syndrome kicked in, again, and no one told him the truth. Although, to be fair, he should have realised it himself and probably did, but decided to publish anyway.
There is none of the action of The Firm or The Pelican Brief. It doesn't have the interest of A Time To Kill or The Chamber.
The book starts at the end and then explains what happened. Remember, "Show, don't tell?"
It's a dull story about what happens when you steal a lot of money, and how to keep it hidden. Why not start at the beginning and show what led to the crime and then the escape from justice?
A good editor, agent or publisher should have reminded Grisham of the basics, before letting this book go out. Instead, "the emperor's new clothes" syndrome kicked in, again, and no one told him the truth. Although, to be fair, he should have realised it himself and probably did, but decided to publish anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2016
This is a really fast paced, gripping story more like 'The Firm' & 'The Runaway Jury'.
It's not a courtroom drama but more about how the protagonist uses the system & legal maneuvers to get himself out of trouble.
Grisham’s writing style keeps you engaged at all times & there are not many dull moments in the book. The detailed plans & strategies he executes, the subplots, the suspense elements keeps you hooked till the end.
Only the ending leaves you a bit disappointed & ruins what could have been a great reading experience.
Except for that, a great read. 3.5 stars!
It's not a courtroom drama but more about how the protagonist uses the system & legal maneuvers to get himself out of trouble.
Grisham’s writing style keeps you engaged at all times & there are not many dull moments in the book. The detailed plans & strategies he executes, the subplots, the suspense elements keeps you hooked till the end.
Only the ending leaves you a bit disappointed & ruins what could have been a great reading experience.
Except for that, a great read. 3.5 stars!
October 6, 2021
Se spune ca fiecare om are pretul sau. V-ati gandit vreodata care ar fi suma pentru care v-ati vinde sufletul? Dar trupul? Dar totul?
Patrick Lanigan are raspunsul pentru toate aceste intrebari: 90 de milioane de dolari. Pentru aceasta suma el renunta la identitate, familie, cariera si prieteni. Inscenandu-si moartea reuseste sa incaseze banii si sa-i transfere in diferite banci din Panama si Elvetia, apoi sa se faca nevazut in Brazilia.
Trecutul insa ii bate in mod insistent la usa deoarece fostii sai parteneri influenti socotesc ca nu e de prisos sa mai cheltuiasca niste milioane in plus pentru a-l gasi.
FBI-ul il cauta de asemenea si romanul incepe chiar cu momentul in care identitatea sa este descoperita si cade pe mana unor mercenari care incep sa-l tortureze pentru a dezvalui locul unde sunt banii. Ceea ce ei nu stiu este ca Patrick are o complice avocata, brazilianca, sexy si desteapta care are grija de ei. Pe o plaja din Franta, intr-un bikini minuscul are foarte mare grija de bani.
Romanul mi-a placut foarte mult datorita ritmului alert, personajelor interesante si de care te poti atasa si mai ales a intrigii cu tematica juridica foarte inteligenta si captivanta. Consider ca planul lui Patrick este foarte bine elaborat si pentru un plan de o asemenea anvergura este si realist, chiar realizabil pentru anul 1992 cand are loc actiunea.
As vrea sa amintesc si de Thiopental de Sodiu - adica 'serul adevarului', ce este folosit pentru marturisiri, in special de psihologi si anchetatori. Este bine de stiut ca acesta este un barbituric cu efect rapid, insa, care trebuie administrat cu foarte mare grija si atentie pentu ca pacientul sa ajunga la nivelul de constienta potrivit, la care sa poate fi supus unui interogatoriu. Daca doza este prea mica nu are efect iar daca este prea mare subiectul cade lat.
M-a amuzat faptul ca in roman toata lumea bea cola dietetica ca si cum s-ar face reclama produsului si consider ca, daca tot consumi asemenea bauturi, atunci s-o faci ca lumea, nu la modul dietetic.
In ceea ce priveste autorul, Grisham este unul dintre preferatii mei datorita experientei sale vaste in domeniul juridic, a mintii sale stralucite cu care tese aceste intrigi si mai ales a plot-twist-urilor de la final. Si romanul acesta are unul senzational, insa pe care l-am prevazut datorita, ati ghicit, braziliencei sexy. Nu e bine niciodata sa lasi banii pe mana unei femei atat de frumoase si atat de destepte.
Trebuie sa amintim si de romanele lui Grisham care au fost ecranizate:
"The Rainmaker" 1997 - un film senzational in regia lui Coppola, unde recomand intai sa cititi cartea si apoi sa vedeti filmul.
"Runaway jury" 2003, cu Dustin Hoffman si Gene Hackman.
"The Pelican Brief" 1993, cu Julia Roberts si Denzel Washington.
"A time to kill" 1996, cu Samuel L. Jackson si Sandra Bullock.
"The Firm" 1993, cu Tom Cruise si Gene Hackman.
In incheiere subliniez ca atunci cand vreau sa citesc o carte buna mereu mizez pe John Grisham si daca vreodata doriti sa fugiti de nevasta, de facturi, de creditori, banci sau orice, atunci cititi mai intai acest roman ca sa stiti cum se face ca la carte.
Patrick Lanigan are raspunsul pentru toate aceste intrebari: 90 de milioane de dolari. Pentru aceasta suma el renunta la identitate, familie, cariera si prieteni. Inscenandu-si moartea reuseste sa incaseze banii si sa-i transfere in diferite banci din Panama si Elvetia, apoi sa se faca nevazut in Brazilia.
Trecutul insa ii bate in mod insistent la usa deoarece fostii sai parteneri influenti socotesc ca nu e de prisos sa mai cheltuiasca niste milioane in plus pentru a-l gasi.
FBI-ul il cauta de asemenea si romanul incepe chiar cu momentul in care identitatea sa este descoperita si cade pe mana unor mercenari care incep sa-l tortureze pentru a dezvalui locul unde sunt banii. Ceea ce ei nu stiu este ca Patrick are o complice avocata, brazilianca, sexy si desteapta care are grija de ei. Pe o plaja din Franta, intr-un bikini minuscul are foarte mare grija de bani.
Romanul mi-a placut foarte mult datorita ritmului alert, personajelor interesante si de care te poti atasa si mai ales a intrigii cu tematica juridica foarte inteligenta si captivanta. Consider ca planul lui Patrick este foarte bine elaborat si pentru un plan de o asemenea anvergura este si realist, chiar realizabil pentru anul 1992 cand are loc actiunea.
As vrea sa amintesc si de Thiopental de Sodiu - adica 'serul adevarului', ce este folosit pentru marturisiri, in special de psihologi si anchetatori. Este bine de stiut ca acesta este un barbituric cu efect rapid, insa, care trebuie administrat cu foarte mare grija si atentie pentu ca pacientul sa ajunga la nivelul de constienta potrivit, la care sa poate fi supus unui interogatoriu. Daca doza este prea mica nu are efect iar daca este prea mare subiectul cade lat.
M-a amuzat faptul ca in roman toata lumea bea cola dietetica ca si cum s-ar face reclama produsului si consider ca, daca tot consumi asemenea bauturi, atunci s-o faci ca lumea, nu la modul dietetic.
In ceea ce priveste autorul, Grisham este unul dintre preferatii mei datorita experientei sale vaste in domeniul juridic, a mintii sale stralucite cu care tese aceste intrigi si mai ales a plot-twist-urilor de la final. Si romanul acesta are unul senzational, insa pe care l-am prevazut datorita, ati ghicit, braziliencei sexy. Nu e bine niciodata sa lasi banii pe mana unei femei atat de frumoase si atat de destepte.
Trebuie sa amintim si de romanele lui Grisham care au fost ecranizate:
"The Rainmaker" 1997 - un film senzational in regia lui Coppola, unde recomand intai sa cititi cartea si apoi sa vedeti filmul.
"Runaway jury" 2003, cu Dustin Hoffman si Gene Hackman.
"The Pelican Brief" 1993, cu Julia Roberts si Denzel Washington.
"A time to kill" 1996, cu Samuel L. Jackson si Sandra Bullock.
"The Firm" 1993, cu Tom Cruise si Gene Hackman.
In incheiere subliniez ca atunci cand vreau sa citesc o carte buna mereu mizez pe John Grisham si daca vreodata doriti sa fugiti de nevasta, de facturi, de creditori, banci sau orice, atunci cititi mai intai acest roman ca sa stiti cum se face ca la carte.
September 27, 2023
4 Stars for Partners (audiobook) by John Grisham read by Mark Deakins.
This is a fast paced and hard hitting crime story. There is definitely some gray lines and a little moral ambiguity thrown in.
This is a fast paced and hard hitting crime story. There is definitely some gray lines and a little moral ambiguity thrown in.
November 7, 2024
The Partner is one of my favorite from Mr Grisham. Yes I know there are a lot of fictional tricks in the story, but I enjoy the suspense. I hold my breath for Patrick. I feel sorry and hate him at the same time.
4 stars
4 stars
July 7, 2011
I finished reading this book within 3 days, a gripping story which full of twists and the unexpected. Here’s my 5 cent review...
Luck was always on his side, his plans were well thought out, and they turned out to be perfectly schemed, and he finally succeed in buying his way out of jail, the punishment he always wanted to avoid, a nightmare to him. Started with how brilliantly he faked his death, ran away with his ex-firm’s USD 90 million and lived on the run for four years in Brazil, fell in love with and had a loyal companion in Eva, and finally when knowing that the people after him someday will be able to capture him, taught Eva meticulously how to vanish and what to do with the money and how to keep in touch with him when they had him in their custody. As the plots developed, Eva turned out to be a lovely wife-to-be, faithful friend, brilliant and dependable partner. But you have been warned, read until the last word...
I feel something awkward about the ending. Never did it come across his mind even once that it would happen to him, that she would do that to him? True, that he had found his love in her, that they’d both had a wonderful feeling to each other, but how could he ruin his brilliant plans ever since he decided to part with his former life and begin a new one by putting so much undivided faith on her, and how could the shrewd master of scheming fell foolishly to his partner? Hemm, but that twisted ending certainly will give readers a great surprise, as it did to me...
Luck was always on his side, his plans were well thought out, and they turned out to be perfectly schemed, and he finally succeed in buying his way out of jail, the punishment he always wanted to avoid, a nightmare to him. Started with how brilliantly he faked his death, ran away with his ex-firm’s USD 90 million and lived on the run for four years in Brazil, fell in love with and had a loyal companion in Eva, and finally when knowing that the people after him someday will be able to capture him, taught Eva meticulously how to vanish and what to do with the money and how to keep in touch with him when they had him in their custody. As the plots developed, Eva turned out to be a lovely wife-to-be, faithful friend, brilliant and dependable partner. But you have been warned, read until the last word...
I feel something awkward about the ending. Never did it come across his mind even once that it would happen to him, that she would do that to him? True, that he had found his love in her, that they’d both had a wonderful feeling to each other, but how could he ruin his brilliant plans ever since he decided to part with his former life and begin a new one by putting so much undivided faith on her, and how could the shrewd master of scheming fell foolishly to his partner? Hemm, but that twisted ending certainly will give readers a great surprise, as it did to me...
July 31, 2017
I didn't find this one as entertaining as The Client or The Runaway Jury. Like Pelican Brief and The Firm, I felt it started strong but petered out. For starters, Patrick Lanigan is, to me, Grisham's least likable protagonist I have read thus far. He is really just an arrogant wise-ass, his development is lacking, and his "midlife crisis" motivation was less than compelling. There is no suspense in the final two-thirds of the book; just extended dialogue, legal procedure, and backroom dealing. The premise on the back of the book suggested a bomb shell and there was none. Subplots were established and simply forgotten. It took me longer than usual to finish because I honestly wasn't interested at all to see how it would end. Overall, I was disappointed because I was led to believe that this was one of his best books, and I didn't find it that enjoyable.
May 31, 2018
Wow! What a cleverly written story! One of the best books I have read in a long, long time. And with a twist of irony at the end. A real page-turner. Loved it.
June 11, 2018
This book was fast pace and very intriguing I love every moment and I did not expect that plot twist but I absolutely loved it.
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 18, 2024
Wow! It’s been 20+ years since I read a John Grisham book, and I had forgotten how his books just suck you in and don’t let go of you until you’re finished. As others have stated, the ending was disappointing, but I still give this one 5 ⭐️.
February 7, 2017
I like unpredictability, and this book did it up to the very last paragraph. IMHO, everyone got what they deserved.
March 31, 2011
Brilliant strategizing, excellent suspense, but FRUSTRATING AND SAD ENDING.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I love Grisham’s writing style. I was engaged all the way through. There was good action and a lot of suspense. By the end I was amazed, impressed, and intrigued with all the planning, strategizing, and how things worked out. It may not be believable but it was fun. Then the ending was frustrating and unhappy. I WANT HAPPY ENDINGS. Unfortunately that was my only problem with the book. I loved the experience. The only thing positive about the end was that it was thought provoking. I had to tell myself yes I could see that. But it’s not a story I want to hear. I normally would give this book a below average rating due to the ending, but because the rest was so good, I compromised at 3 stars. For someone who would enjoy smart-thinking, out-thinking others, and a good suspenseful read, go ahead.
STORY BRIEF:
Patrick worked for a law firm that was about to receive 90 million dollars from a lawsuit, 60 million of which would go to their client Arecio. Patrick fakes his own death in a burning car. Soon after that, he steals the 90 million, transferring it to an offshore account. For four years he has been hiding with a fake name in Brazil. Arecio and two insurance companies hire Stephano to find Patrick. They have just found him. They kidnap and torture him asking “Where is the money?� Eva is a Brazilian lawyer who helps Patrick during this time.
The narrator Frank Muller is great. He adds fun suspense and drama to his reading of the book.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hours 26 minutes. Narrator: Frank Muller. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day mostly various places in the U.S., plus S. America and Europe. Copyright: 1997. Genre: legal suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I love Grisham’s writing style. I was engaged all the way through. There was good action and a lot of suspense. By the end I was amazed, impressed, and intrigued with all the planning, strategizing, and how things worked out. It may not be believable but it was fun. Then the ending was frustrating and unhappy. I WANT HAPPY ENDINGS. Unfortunately that was my only problem with the book. I loved the experience. The only thing positive about the end was that it was thought provoking. I had to tell myself yes I could see that. But it’s not a story I want to hear. I normally would give this book a below average rating due to the ending, but because the rest was so good, I compromised at 3 stars. For someone who would enjoy smart-thinking, out-thinking others, and a good suspenseful read, go ahead.
STORY BRIEF:
Patrick worked for a law firm that was about to receive 90 million dollars from a lawsuit, 60 million of which would go to their client Arecio. Patrick fakes his own death in a burning car. Soon after that, he steals the 90 million, transferring it to an offshore account. For four years he has been hiding with a fake name in Brazil. Arecio and two insurance companies hire Stephano to find Patrick. They have just found him. They kidnap and torture him asking “Where is the money?� Eva is a Brazilian lawyer who helps Patrick during this time.
The narrator Frank Muller is great. He adds fun suspense and drama to his reading of the book.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hours 26 minutes. Narrator: Frank Muller. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day mostly various places in the U.S., plus S. America and Europe. Copyright: 1997. Genre: legal suspense.
April 16, 2020
This book was brilliant.
I loved the characters, the writing style, the plot and the pure thought and dedication that ultimately went in throughout the writing process. It was amazing how it all slowly came together and you found everything out in small pieces. It kept you interested until the end.
The one thing however, that made me put it down to 4 stars was the ending. Now I'm not gonna lie, I like the way it ending but it wasn't the happy ending I was hoping for, or a happy ending at all, for that matter. It could have been better set up and more importantly, explained. I was extrememly confused. I was unsure of what was happening in the last two pages and now because of that I have many questions but no answers which doesn't help my case at all.
I loved the characters, the writing style, the plot and the pure thought and dedication that ultimately went in throughout the writing process. It was amazing how it all slowly came together and you found everything out in small pieces. It kept you interested until the end.
The one thing however, that made me put it down to 4 stars was the ending. Now I'm not gonna lie, I like the way it ending but it wasn't the happy ending I was hoping for, or a happy ending at all, for that matter. It could have been better set up and more importantly, explained. I was extrememly confused. I was unsure of what was happening in the last two pages and now because of that I have many questions but no answers which doesn't help my case at all.
January 24, 2009
OK, it reads fast and it is entertaining. But I really do not buy the premise that the protagonist would give himself up in a occult way to put a complicated plan in play. Granted without that conceit we would have no story. But if you are going to start a complex mechanism going you had better be sure that no gremlins can spoil it and this is full of gremlins. And then the ending! The whole plot depended on the loyalty of a character that after giving up most of the money and aiding the main character faithfully decides to abscond with the remainder. WTF?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
is beginning to be one of my favourites, yet again this wasn’t a disappointment, a great crime book with a twist and definitely my favourite book so far
July 10, 2016
I love everything I have ever read by J. G. He gives such a inside view to the judicial world, that one really starts to feel a part of that realm.
September 6, 2016
Another great tale by Grisham, I flew right through it!
The Partner tells us about Patrick Lanigan, who once worked for a high law firm, and after overhearing about a scheme they're conspiring, which Patrick heard he wasn't gonna be in on, and that they were planning to fire him, Patrick splits. He steals millions of dollars from the corrupt firm, fakes his death, leaves the United States and transfers the money to an offshore bank account. Now 4 years later Patrick is living in Brazil under the name Danilo Silva. Until a gang of thugs who were hired by the crooked lawyers to hunt him down find and kidnap him, and demand where the money is, and Patrick says he doesn't know, and they torture him almost to death, but he still doesn't talk.
Now Patrick has returned home and is being put on trial for not only stealing the money but for a murder he did not commit. And he is also filing for divorce. He is assisted by his lover Eva Miranda, and his longtime friend and lawyer Sandy.
Although as much as I enjoyed the storyline, I didn't much like the ending, I felt it was rushed, like bing-bang-boom, and there were a lot of unanswered questions. Still it was an enjoyable read.
The Partner tells us about Patrick Lanigan, who once worked for a high law firm, and after overhearing about a scheme they're conspiring, which Patrick heard he wasn't gonna be in on, and that they were planning to fire him, Patrick splits. He steals millions of dollars from the corrupt firm, fakes his death, leaves the United States and transfers the money to an offshore bank account. Now 4 years later Patrick is living in Brazil under the name Danilo Silva. Until a gang of thugs who were hired by the crooked lawyers to hunt him down find and kidnap him, and demand where the money is, and Patrick says he doesn't know, and they torture him almost to death, but he still doesn't talk.
Now Patrick has returned home and is being put on trial for not only stealing the money but for a murder he did not commit. And he is also filing for divorce. He is assisted by his lover Eva Miranda, and his longtime friend and lawyer Sandy.
Although as much as I enjoyed the storyline, I didn't much like the ending, I felt it was rushed, like bing-bang-boom, and there were a lot of unanswered questions. Still it was an enjoyable read.
May 18, 2020
Un thriller espectacular, de la década del 90,entre los primeros libros de Grisham. Como siempre, juega con las lealtades del lector, quien transita entre la identificación con el protagonista y el rechazo por su descaro. El mundo de los abogados desnudado, al menos de los abogados gringos, aunque siempre sorprende la universalidad del mundillo judicial y sus corrupciones y trampas. El romance aquí se lleva con maestría. Un genio John, que bueno que abandonó la abogacía para escribirnos estás novelas geniales. Eso sí, como por ésta época empezó a modificar su estilo de finales, así que nadie espere un cuento de hadas judicial. #johngrisham #elsocio
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,392 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.