Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Firm

The Firm
The Firm
Author: John Grisham
ISBN-13: 9780553700701
ISBN-10: 0553700707
Publication Date: 6/1/1992
Rating:
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 3

4.8 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Random House Audio
Book Type: Audio Cassette
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

117 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Firm on + 86 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Really liked this book - a good and relatively easy read, even though some of the story line gets complicated. Movie version is pretty close to the book, but as usual, I got more out of the book than the movie. I think you'd still enjoy this even if you have seen the movie.
reviewed The Firm on
Helpful Score: 4
I love this book. I can read it over and over again. I think it's way better then the movie and has everything for every reader. I highly recommend this book.
SciFiFan avatar reviewed The Firm on + 69 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Grisham's best, in my humble opinion. If you haven't read it yet, you are missing a treat...it has great character development, a plot that is very well put together and is very much a thriller!!! Edge of your seat fun. Enjoy!
reviewed The Firm on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Typical Grisham, plot keeps twisting until the very last chapter. Loved it.
reviewed The Firm on
Helpful Score: 2
John Grisham is one of my favorite authors. The Firm was the first book that I read by him, and instantly fell in love.
jenasmiles avatar reviewed The Firm on + 110 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
He has it all as he begins his law career witha terrific firm. Only to realize the firm is more than it seems as it controls nearly every aspect of his life. An well written and suspenseful book. Far better than the movie if you saw it!
reviewed The Firm on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very engrossing. Enjoyed the characters and the pace.
reviewed The Firm on + 76 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A good read
jazzysmom avatar reviewed The Firm on + 907 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have read every Grisham book he written and every read has been wonderful. Each one is better than the other and when you are finished with the last you will be waiting for him to write just one more. You can not go wrong with any book you choose of his, and rereading is just a beautiful bonus.
reviewed The Firm on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
They made him an offer he should have refused from the FBI...good book
reviewed The Firm on + 145 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my Grisham favorites. I couldn't put it down!
reviewed The Firm on + 124 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent! If you like beer, try the Jamiacan one that is mentioned....Red Stripe...really good, just like this book.
reviewed The Firm on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Grisham book that I have read and I will be reading more now. I wasent sure about how good this book would be going in but I was quite surprised and enjoyed it a lot.
reviewed The Firm on + 121 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
John Grisham's all time classic. This was the book that made him famous and what made me fall in love with everything he wrote after. For anyone who has not read this suspenseful thriller, it is a must read.
reviewed The Firm on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was an enjoyable read, even though the story was far-fetched. (How did some just-out-of-college lawyer know how to protect himself so much better than the FBI could manage?)
reviewed The Firm on + 191 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The book that made him famous. Also a movie with Tom Cruise.
scrapbooklady avatar reviewed The Firm on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
John Grisham has written many books since he began his writing career, but "The Firm" remains one of his best pieces of work. In fact, it's the best legal thriller I've read. If you're looking for a good book that will hook you right from the start. You've found it. 5 stars.
reviewed The Firm on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book
reviewed The Firm on + 9 more book reviews
This one will keep you up all night! Wonderfully written I think that this is one of Grisham's best works. Suspensefull, a great read!
reviewed The Firm on + 17 more book reviews
drama and mystery combined
reviewed The Firm on + 8 more book reviews
Great Read! From the book cover: "At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake."
reviewed The Firm on + 30 more book reviews
Another great thriller from John Grisham. As always, the book is better than the movie.
reviewed The Firm on + 16 more book reviews
If you have ever read anything by John Grisham you will like this one. If you haven't read any of his books, you should get acquainted with this great author.
reviewed The Firm on + 14 more book reviews
Good thriller--I really enjoyed it!
reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
One of the best books I've read. I couldn't put it down!
reviewed The Firm on
Excellent book, as is all of John Grishams.
reviewed The Firm on + 2 more book reviews
I was on the edge of my seat.it is nothing like the movie at all.
reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
J. Grisham's first "law" novel. Good reading! The movie, well it was nothing like the book.
reviewed The Firm on + 8 more book reviews
marvoulous read. great shape...cover is worn
reviewed The Firm on + 98 more book reviews
Personal book - never been swapped!
If you saw the movie - why not read the book - here's your chance!

This book was first published in 1991 - where were you?

Generally speaking, I am not a big fan of Lawyer books, BUT - my wife IS ONE, and she gave me a bunch for Xmas one year - "Yes dear I'll read them first chance I get" I did, and here's what I think:

The main character Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise in the movie) is a highly intelligent although monetarily challenged law student finishing up his degree with honors at Harvard. Already receiving offers from prestigious firms in Chicago and Wall Street, Mitch decides to listen to a pitch from a smaller firm in Memphis. What he hears, is something he cannot believe, nor turn down! Huge starting salary, promises of large bonuses, ascension to partner in a decade, new house, new BMW and other perks. Mitch and his wife Abby head for Tennessee! All is well - BUT - an FBI agent appears on his doorstep, hinting of unlawful dealings at the firm, and asking for his help. And so begins a journey wherein Mitch must decide whether to risk the lives of himself and his wife, to violate his legal oaths and sell out his Mafia-controlled employer, or take his chances, make his millions and hope he doesn't end up in jail with his bosses.

This was actually a very exciting story (color me surprised), and the action is continuous, the story never gets bogged down in legalese, and I found myself reflecting back to scenes from the movie to go with the passages in the book. Overall, I would recommend this book, as well as other Grisham volumes. Give it a shot!

If you liked this review - I have another one. See my review of "A Time to Kill" - by Grisham

Thanks for looking
reviewed The Firm on + 9 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It is much more realistic than the movie that is based on the book. John Grisham is one of my favorite authors.
reviewed The Firm on
Standard Grisham book. Good action, too many lawyers and just the right amount of conspiracy.
reviewed The Firm on + 14 more book reviews
Excellent Book (of course)
Jess77 avatar reviewed The Firm on + 66 more book reviews
Very excellent story from Grisham! #1 favorite author
reviewed The Firm on + 2 more book reviews
Much better than the movie!
drgldy76 avatar reviewed The Firm on + 125 more book reviews
An action-filled, crime book. It was turned into a movie.
reviewed The Firm on + 293 more book reviews
Excellent book based in the legal world.
reviewed The Firm on + 8 more book reviews
L. A. Law meets the Godfather......
reviewed The Firm on + 3 more book reviews
Real page turner. Couldn't put it down.
reviewed The Firm on + 16 more book reviews
A Grisham classic. Setting is 10 years before the tv show "The Firm" which is also a delight!
reviewed The Firm on
Audio book on 2 cassettes.
reviewed The Firm on + 52 more book reviews
Mitch buys into more than he planned on when he signs on at Bendini, Lambert & Locke. This classic Grisham reinforces the old adage "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Will Mitch be able to disentangle himself from the firm's web of deceit and death? Read it to find out...
nelle41 avatar reviewed The Firm on + 40 more book reviews
good book and the movie was good all soo
reviewed The Firm on + 40 more book reviews
At the top of his class at Harvard Law, Mitch McDeere had his choice of the best in America, but he made a deadly mistake.
He signed on with a law firm in Memphis, and the company took care of everything from his mortgage, school loans, and expensive car. "You never get nothing for nothing," as his brother has told him. Now, the FBI needs his help to expose the firm, and Mitch faces the ultimate dilemma, the life-or-death decision....A movie was made of the novel, starring Tom Cruise.
Beckie avatar reviewed The Firm on + 9 more book reviews
One of the few occassions where I preferred the movie over the book.
cloverluv avatar reviewed The Firm on + 129 more book reviews
Ok, not my favoriet Grisham.
reviewed The Firm on + 2 more book reviews
The book everybody's talking about....irrestible....seizes the reader on the opening page and propels him through 400 more....

From back cover
reviewed The Firm on
An excellent book and far better than the movie. A must read!!!
reviewed The Firm on + 15 more book reviews
Really good book.. It's like a 20 hour long good movie while you're reading it. Remember the movie?
Sharbysyd avatar reviewed The Firm on + 17 more book reviews
A page turner about a man who is hired at what appears to be a perfect law firm to work at. The law firm turns out to be run by a crime family.
reviewed The Firm on
Fun read I hate to use the cliché, but it is a page turner. I enjoyed this much more than the movie.
reviewed The Firm on + 5 more book reviews
This was my first John Grisham book and now I'm hooked! Good read.
reviewed The Firm on
Great fast paced read
reviewed The Firm on + 13 more book reviews
This is an irresistible book that seizes the reader on the opening page and propels them through all 400 more.
reviewed The Firm on + 16 more book reviews
Now a major motion picture from Paramount. Power can be murder to resist.
reviewed The Firm on + 22 more book reviews
At the top of his class at Harvard, Mitch McDeere had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake.
reviewed The Firm on + 117 more book reviews
Pretty good book, story line does drag a little.
reviewed The Firm on + 28 more book reviews
A wonderful legal thriller...
Major Motion Picture staring Tom Cruise
reviewed The Firm on + 13 more book reviews
At teh top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America.

He made a deadly mistake~
reviewed The Firm on + 11 more book reviews
excellent grisham - my favorite
reviewed The Firm on + 13 more book reviews
:At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. he made a deadly mistake."

GREAT book!! Keeps you hooked, you won't want to put it down!
reviewed The Firm on + 90 more book reviews
spell binding story.
reviewed The Firm on + 8 more book reviews
Good book
reviewed The Firm on + 10 more book reviews
When Mitch McDeerer signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautifil wife, Abby were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage and hired him a decorator.
robinmy avatar reviewed The Firm on + 2046 more book reviews
Young law school graduate, Mitch McDeere, is wooed by a small Memphis law firm. Even though he has several job offers, he happily signs on with Bendini, Lambert, and Loche, who give him a nice salary, a new BMW, a low-interest mortgage, and they pay off his school loans. They also tell Mitch that if he works hard, he will be made a partner in a few years. As Mitch works eighteen-hour days at the firm, he is approached by the FBI. They tell him that the firm launders money for the mob. They also tell him that the only lawyers to ever leave the firm left in body bags. Mitch tries to keep his distance from the FBI, but soon quickly discovers that the only way out of this mess it to start turning over information that can get him killed.

I read this book nearly 30 years ago, so I figured it was time for a re-read. This is a classic legal thriller with lots of twists and turns. This book was just as good as it was the first time around. I highly recommend. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
reviewed The Firm on + 33 more book reviews
At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake.

When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray - doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail - already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice - if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on + 69 more book reviews
One of his best, if not the best, had to read it twice !
wordyone avatar reviewed The Firm on + 112 more book reviews
In my opinion, this is the best of all the John Grisham books I've read. It held my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.
reviewed The Firm on + 60 more book reviews
John Grisham can't be beat for exciting reading.
Devious21 avatar reviewed The Firm on
AS good as the movie
katknit avatar reviewed The Firm on + 355 more book reviews
Grisham's second big hit.
icesk8tr avatar reviewed The Firm on + 363 more book reviews
At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake. When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray -- doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail -- already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice -- if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on
Like any Grisham thriller, it keeps you interest!
reviewed The Firm on + 15 more book reviews
The best is what got me started on Grisham
reviewed The Firm on + 204 more book reviews
This book really held my attention with it's perfect mix of suspense, action and mystery. Definitely a page turner I couldn't put it down until I found out the ending then came the disappointment. I think the ending was pretty weak comparable to the writing of the previous pages.
reviewed The Firm on + 29 more book reviews
Enjoyed the book - better than the movie!
reviewed The Firm on + 28 more book reviews
This is the first Grisham book I have read. Kept my interest, and I wiol be getting more of them. Liked it a lot.
reviewed The Firm on + 17 more book reviews
Great book, intense!
reviewed The Firm on + 18 more book reviews
"At the Top of His Class at Harvard Law, He had his choice of the Best in America. He made a deadly mistake."
reviewed The Firm on + 17 more book reviews
Very intense book by Grisham...wonderful read.
reviewed The Firm on + 7 more book reviews
The first John Grisham book I read and it was fantastic!!
reviewed The Firm on + 14 more book reviews
This book is much better than the movie. I didn't like Abby, Ray McDeere's wife in the movie. Not a fan of Tom Cruise either. The Abby character in the book version is lovely, inside and out. And she doesn't sleep with the sleazy law firm guy in some weird attempt to combine getting revenge with her husband and getting revenge FOR him. The book is more believable and the characters are much better developed.
reviewed The Firm on + 24 more book reviews
Success never had it so good or so rough. An everyone story- wouldn't we all like to be a robin hood.
reviewed The Firm on + 5 more book reviews
Another great Gresham Book
reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
excellent book... one of grisham's best!
reviewed The Firm on + 60 more book reviews
Welcome to Memphis Mr. McDeere. Everything seems great for the new lawyer Mitch McDeere and his wife Abby. They have money, the have a house, they have a new car, it is everything they could have asked for....or is it? Don't you and your wife want to start a family? Mitch learns about the illegal side of his firm and how they reel you in to join their little crime family. There are twists and turns throughout the book and Mitch must decide what to do. Grisham does a good job of describing the characters, but he doesn't over do it. This book kept me hanging from the very start and I wasn't sure what Mitch was going to do throughout the book, a real page turner.
reviewed The Firm on + 134 more book reviews
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert, & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray--doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail-- already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice--if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on + 93 more book reviews
Another John Grisham classic, I loved it.
reviewed The Firm on
Great book! Much better than the movie!
reviewed The Firm on + 125 more book reviews
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray-doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail-already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice-if he wants to live.

My book has a different cover!!!
reviewed The Firm on + 3 more book reviews
So much better than the movie! A must read.
reviewed The Firm on + 720 more book reviews
The first, and one of the best, Grisham book. In my permanent library!
reviewed The Firm on + 14 more book reviews
"L.A.Law meets the Godfather...At the top of his class at Harvard Law, He had his choice of the best in America, he made a deadly mistake"
reviewed The Firm on + 88 more book reviews
Enjoyed his early books...
B-Worm avatar reviewed The Firm on
I thought this book was very good. It kept me interested all the way through.
NYbooks avatar reviewed The Firm on + 95 more book reviews
The best of Grisham's fiction (alongside A Time to Kill).
reviewed The Firm on + 175 more book reviews
More money than offered by anyone else, a new BMW, a house: all for joining the firm! What more could he ask for?? Soon, though, he begins to feel claustrophobi, and is approached by the FBI. for they suspect the firm to be laundering money. How can he spy, without the firm knowing? And what will the FBI give him for helping them?

Well worth the read, especially iof you are lookoing for an involved book. Grisham is writing an intriguing story, not a light one. And it makes me wonder about the lawyers in My community . . . .
reviewed The Firm on + 175 more book reviews
More money than offered by anyone else, a new BMW, a house: all for joining the firm! What more could he ask for?? Soon, though, he begins to feel claustrophobi, and is approached by the FBI. for they suspect the firm to be laundering money. How can he spy, without the firm knowing? And what will the FBI give him for helping them?

Well worth the read, especially iof you are lookoing for an involved book. Grisham is writing an intriguing story, not a light one. And it makes me wonder about the lawyers in My community . . . .
busyboy avatar reviewed The Firm on + 46 more book reviews
Definitely the best book I've read all summer.This novel will grab a hold of a reader and just wont let go.The best Thriller I've read all summer.This book is impossible to put down.They need to put a warning label on this book. The action is unforgettable.The characters,The plot, it will have you talking to your friends and family non stop. From the first page til the last page.The Firm should be nominated for the book of the month,better yet book of the year!!
reviewed The Firm on + 175 more book reviews
More money than offered by anyone else, a new BMW, a house: all for joining the firm! What more could he ask for?? Soon, though, he begins to feel claustraphobic, and is approached by the FBI. for they suspect the firm to be laundering money. How can he spy, without the firm knowing? And what will the FBI give him for helping them?

Well worth the read, especially if you are lookoing for an involved book. Grisham is writing an intriguing story, not a light one. And it makes me wonder about the lawyers in My community . . . .
reviewed The Firm on + 24 more book reviews
I enjoyed "The Firm" as I have enjoyed John Grishan's books. After my wife reads it I will repost it. It is a excellent read.
dillepickle avatar reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
Very exciting! The book is ALWAYS better than the movie. Excellent read!
reviewed The Firm on + 175 more book reviews
More money than offered by anyone else, a new BMW, a house: all for joining the firm! What more could he ask for?? Soon, though, he begins to feel claustrophobi, and is approached by the FBI. for they suspect the firm to be laundering money. How can he spy, without the firm knowing? And what will the FBI give him for helping them?

Well worth the read, especially iof you are lookoing for an involved book. Grisham is writing an intriguing story, not a light one. And it makes me wonder about the lawyers in My community . . . .
KellyP avatar reviewed The Firm on + 142 more book reviews
Yep. The book that launched John Grisham's career. This is the Feb 1992 paperback printing (with the green cover). Also has a matching bookmark included. Very good condition. 501 pgs.
cranbery avatar reviewed The Firm on + 530 more book reviews
Great Read!
reviewed The Firm on + 8 more book reviews
a very good read
reviewed The Firm on + 988 more book reviews
t the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake. When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray -- doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail -- already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice -- if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on + 51 more book reviews
they made him an offer he should have refused..this was an excellent book..i loved it
reviewed The Firm on + 11 more book reviews
good book from John Grisham
katie26 avatar reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
made the movie suck.
reviewed The Firm on + 11 more book reviews
Popular Grisham novel.
priscillamylove avatar reviewed The Firm on + 83 more book reviews
At the top fo his class at Harvard law, he had his choice of the best in America.
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he though he & his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school oans, arranged a mortgage & hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray- doing 15 years in a Tennessee jail already knew. You never get nothing ofr nothing.
reviewed The Firm on
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert and Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother said. You never get nothing for nothing, Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitche's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rook and a hard place.
reviewed The Firm on + 3 more book reviews
When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray--doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail--already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice--if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on + 33 more book reviews
When Mitch McDeer signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abbey, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch should have remembered what his brother Ray-doing 15 years in a Tennessee jail-already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch's firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice if he wants to live.
reviewed The Firm on + 62 more book reviews
At the top of his class at Harvard Law, he had his choice of the best in America. He made a deadly mistake. When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert & Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged his mortgage and hired him a decorator. McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray (doing 15 years in jail) already knew--you never get anything for free. Now the FBI has the lowdown on the firm and needs Mitch's help. Mitch has no choice, if he wants to live.
-from back cover
reviewed The Firm on + 12 more book reviews
Older book but good condition