What to Read While You're Waiting

John Grisham’s latest novel, The Associate, has been one of the most requested books in the library since January. If you are one of the many waiting to read it or a Grisham fan looking for something new, here are some authors you might enjoy.

Steve Martini

Martini writes fast-paced legal thrillers featuring underdog lawyers fighting the good fight. Martini’s books focus more on investigation than court room drama. Series character Paul Madriani has appeared in the bestsellers like The Arraignment, The Attorney, and The Jury. Martini’s most recent book is Shadow of Power. Visit his website at http://www.stevemartini.com/.

Lisa Scottoline

Scottoline, like Grisham, writes suspenseful legal thrillers peopled by sympathetic characters but adds a little humor. Many of her bestsellers involve the attorneys of Rosato & Associates, an all-women law firm. Scottoline’s most recent book is Lady Killer. Visit Scottoline’s personal website, scottoline.com, to learn more.

Brad Meltzer

Meltzer also combines fast pacing, suspense, and sympathetic characters to create legal thrillers that Grisham fans might like. His legal thrillers include First Counsel and Dead Even. He also writes comic books and Baldacci-like novels of corruption and conspiracy including The Book of Fate and The Zero Game. Meltzer’s official website can be found at http://www.bradmeltzer.com/.

David Baldacci

Baldacci doesn’t write legal thrillers. So, if you’re drawn to the legal aspect of Grisham’s work, he might not be for you. He does, however, write fast-paced, suspenseful novels of conspiracy and corruption featuring unexpected plot twists and sympathetic characters. He is also, according to an article in USA Today, a favorite author of both Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush.His most recent novel is Divine Justice. Visit his website at http://www.davidbaldacci.com/.

Some of these recommendations were taken from a “Read-Alike” list from the database NoveList. To find other writers who are similar to your favorite author, visit NoveList, type in the author’s name, and click on the “Author Read-alikes” tab. If you access NoveList from outside the library, you will be asked to enter your library card number. Links to even more author-based recommendations can be found in the If You Like… post on this blog.