The Pardon

Rating:
Summary: The Pardon Excels
Review: I discovered The Pardon by reading an exceprt from it in "The Mammoth Book of Legal Thrillers," a collection of writings from top lawyer-novelists in the world. The Pardon definitely belongs in that elite group. The premise is immediately gripping: A psychopath is stalking the governor of Florida, claiming that he can prove that the governor executed an innocent man. The executed man was defended by the governor's son, Jack Swyteck, a young criminal defense attorney who defends death row inmates. The opening scenes, which revolve around the execution, could well be the most heart-pounding I've read in the genre. The courtroom scenes are skillfully written, filled with believable surprises and easy to follow. The pacing is breathless, but the underlying tenstion between father and son that plays out through the story really makes this novel stand apart from the rest. This is an enterntaining read with engaging characters who will have you rooting for them till the end. It takes on a very serious subject in a completely non-preaching manner (I wouldn't be able to guess where the author stands on the death penalty after reading this novel, which is to his credit). Granted, this isn't Moby Dick, but you rarely get more for your money in commercial fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Another Great One!
Review: I have now completed all of his books and I'm looking forward to the his next. The Pardon was a quick read, easy to follow with not too many characters. He made his characters believable throughout his story. Couldn't put this one down.

Rating:
Summary: The Pardon puts "thills" back into the "Legal Thriller"
Review: I picked up The Pardon because I'm a fan of James Patterson, who in the blurb on the jacket says "I read The Pardon in one sitting -- one exciting night of chills and thrills." I had exactly the same experience. Grippando's writing style reminds me of Patterson's, with short, explosive chapters that always end on a cliff-hanger that carries you over to the next one. Before you know it it's 3 a.m. and you can't stop reading! Thanks, Mr. Patterson, for all your exciting books, and thank you for turning me on to James Grippando. I'll look forward to reading his other thrillers.

Rating:
Summary: Fast and EZ
Review: I read THE PARDON in girls jail in SC when I was 13. It was the easiest novel to digest I'd ever encountered. The early-on description of an executon is fair and balanced. When he gets that special hair-cut b4 the blood-letting the barber/doctor says the haircut has a life time gaurantee; and if at any point in his life he becomes dis-enchanted with his haircut, that it will be re-done gratis.Governor Harold Swytack. His new wfe Marion. Swytack's son Jack, who worked for the FREEDOM INSTITUTE, pled with his father to issue a simple Stay that new evidence could be examined. NO. The only thing sicker than a murder is a lynching.Jack, following a ghost, encounters murderous cover-ups in support of the real trigger man. The trail is mined with omens. Why are all these witnesses dying? Most of them murdered. Some apparent coincidences. An old man who leaks a bit of what he knows is offed in journey-man like fashion: a (...)gets bumped off (we did not like that part!) Detectives get murdered (---). @ days end,.... I don't give the ending away. (just my own).

Rating:
Summary: Awesome read!
Review: I read this novel when it first debuted and remember thinking it was one of the best debut legal thriller I'd ever read. The story was so compelling and took you on a fast ride. Jack's is a lawyer of integrity that you'd want on your side. I've read all of Mr Grippando's novel todate, they're all good, but this one stands out as my favorite.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome read!
Review: I read this novel when it first debuted and remember thinking it was one of the best debut legal thriller I'd ever read. The story was so compelling and took you on a fast ride. Jack's is a lawyer of integrity that you'd want on your side. I've read all of Mr Grippando's novel todate, they're all good, but this one stands out as my favorite.

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic legal thriller
Review: I thought this was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I couldn't put it down and ended up staying in on a Saturday night to finish the book (a rare event in the life of a college student). Becareful though, once you start reading the book and get into it, don't make any plans for the rest of your day! I am looking forward to reading the following novel.

Rating:
Summary: A "Hang On For Dear Life" Thrill Ride!
Review: James Grippando has created a gripping spellbinder with "The Pardon." Believeable, multi-dimensional characters keep this story of legal twists and turns churning. Grippando keeps his readers guessing as his plot unfolds. Well written, intense, and frighteningly believeable. This may have been my first Grippando novel, but it surely won't be my last.

Rating:
Summary: ENDING WEAK-REST OF BOOK WAS GREAT!
Review: The book will hold your attention. Who is trying to frame Jack Swyteck? Who is blackmailing Gov. Harold Swyteck, Jack's father? They both think it is Eddy Gross, who Jack got free for a murder he committed. But then something happens so they know it is not Eddy. People keep ending up dead that try to help Jack and he is a suspect in each death. You will not want to put the book down. I found myself scanning pages to see what happened next and to who. I was disappointed in the action at the end. Thought it could have been done better. You find your self really pulling for Jack and his father. May make it harder t sleep for a few nights.

Rating:
Summary: Grippando's are only the best
Review: The way this one plays out is unimaginable. As all his books it's one of those edge of your seat ones. Jack Swyteck is one of the best portrayed characters in any book I have ever read. If you like law, extortion, marital troubles this one is for you ;D