#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two families. One courtroom showdown. • John Grisham’s most gripping thriller yet. • “A legal literary legend.” —USA Today
John Grisham returns to Mississippi with the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham’s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.
For most of the last hundred years, Biloxi was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. But it had a darker side. It was also notorious for corruption and vice, everything from gambling, prostitution, bootleg liquor, and drugs to contract killings. The vice was controlled by small cabal of mobsters, many of them rumored to be members of the Dixie Mafia.
Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco grew up in Biloxi in the sixties and were childhood friends, as well as Little League all-stars. But as teenagers, their lives took them in different directions. Keith’s father became a legendary prosecutor, determined to “clean up the Coast.” Hugh’s father became the “Boss” of Biloxi’s criminal underground. Keith went to law school and followed in his father’s footsteps. Hugh preferred the nightlife and worked in his father’s clubs. The two families were headed for a showdown, one that would happen in a courtroom.
Life itself hangs in the balance in The Boys from Biloxi, a sweeping saga rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters.
Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
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"John Grisham's latest audiobook, "The Boys from Biloxi," is an exciting and engrossing story of two friends who were born in Mississippi but whose lives take them in drastically different directions. I really enjoyed following the journeys of Keith Rudy, a prosecutor determined to clean up the Coast, and Hugh Malco, the son of Biloxi's criminal underground boss. This audiobook is filled with thrilling courtroom scenes as well as complex characters and interesting plot twists. Michael Beck does an excellent job of narrating Grisham's work in this audiobook, allowing listeners to get lost in the story as if it were a movie playing in their minds. His voice is deep and strong and he gives each character their own distinct personality through his narration. You can almost feel the tension between Keith and Hugh as they struggle to make sense of their diverging paths. Furthermore, this audiobook has plenty of action-packed scenes that will keep you hooked until its unexpected ending. Grisham's vivid descriptions draw you into this small town atmosphere where both friends must face the consequences of their choices. The added layer of Southern culture depicted by Grisham helps readers better relate to these characters' struggles as they fight for what they believe in. I have to say that "The Boys from Biloxi" is an exciting story that masterfully blends together courtroom drama with elements of history and culture for a truly captivating experience that should not be missed! This audiobook is perfect for fans of John Grisham or anyone looking for an intriguing listen full of suspenseful plot twists."
— James Rich (5 out of 5 stars)
“Beck’s narration brings the red-hot flavor of Mississippi culture to life for listeners. His Southern accent is deliciously warm and inviting, and every character he plays is distinct. He delivers humor with outstanding rhythm and timing. This is another expertly performed novel that Grisham fans won’t want to miss. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile“Friends turn foes in this Mississippi mix of courtroom and crime…Plenty of murders stoke the story’s engine, naturally leading to courthouse scenes where the author excels…[plus] one humongous surprise.”
— Kirkus ReviewsJohn Grisham is about as good a storyteller as we’ve got in the United States these days.
— The New York Times Book ReviewIn all of Grisham’s best books . . . the reader gets good company, a vigorous runaround and . . . a bit of a legal education.
— Janet Maslin, The New York TimesGrisham’s books are smart, imaginative, and funny, populated by complex, interesting people.
— The Washington PostThe law, by its nature, creates drama, and a new Grisham promises us an inside look at the dirty machineries of process and power, with plenty of entertainment.
— Los Angeles TimesJohn Grisham owns the legal thriller.
— The Denver Post" story was ok , dragged at the first but over all its not John Grisham best work but it is not to bad out of a scale 1 to 10 ,id give it a comfortable 7 "
— Ian, 4/8/2024" Absolutely loved this story and was fascinating to learn about that area of the USA. The characters were great and I thought the reader was excellent with all the voices. Highly recommend "
— Kate, 4/4/2023" This was definitely a different John Grisham books. It almost read like an account of a true story. I live in a tiny town just north of Hattiesburg, MS. Grew up spending many summer hours on the beaches of Biloxi and Gulfport and enjoyed frequent trips to Ship Island. The history lesson was fantastic. Learning about the immigrants, how they came to live along the coast and their struggles was so enlightening. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book. "
— Lark Rials, 3/14/2023" This audiobook is read with great conviction and clarity – each scene feels almost cinematic. Every emotion and feeling is perfectly conveyed which makes it easy for listeners to empathize with each character's plight. The pacing is also spot on; the narrator gives enough time for listeners to take every detail in before moving on to the next scene. John Grisham does an amazing job of painting a vivid picture of Biloxi through his words, making it easy for listeners to visualize exactly what he's describing. He also paints a complex portrait of morality and human nature – showing how even those closest can become enemies when faced with a difficult decision. All things considered, The Boys from Biloxi is an incredible audiobook which will leave its listeners spellbound until the very end! " "
— leodavirm@gmail.com, 2/3/2023" This audiobook is read with great conviction and clarity – each scene feels almost cinematic. Every emotion and feeling is perfectly conveyed which makes it easy for listeners to empathize with each character's plight. The pacing is also spot on; the narrator gives enough time for listeners to take every detail in before moving on to the next scene. John Grisham does an amazing job of painting a vivid picture of Biloxi through his words, making it easy for listeners to visualize exactly what he's describing. He also paints a complex portrait of morality and human nature – showing how even those closest can become enemies when faced with a difficult decision. All things considered, The Boys from Biloxi is an incredible audiobook which will leave its listeners spellbound until the very end! "
— Thomas S., 1/4/2023" This is an incredible audiobook to experience and just perfect for a roadtrip listen. Narrated by Michael Beck, it follows the lives of two boys who grew up as friends in Mississippi in the 1960s and later find themselves on conflicting sides of the law. This story dives deep into the complex relationships between fathers and sons, immigrants and natives, and shows how a different upbringing can bring drastically different outcomes. The story starts off with Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco as they play Little League in Biloxi. It's obvious that they were close friends, but as they grew older their paths began to diverge. Keith followed his father's footsteps while Hugh took a more criminal route thanks to his father's influence. Michael Beck's narration brings amazing life to this stunning story. His voice is compelling and he clearly understands each character's emotions and motivations. He conveys every twist and turn effectively for the listener's benefit. The audio also does a great job of capturing the distinct Mississippi atmosphere described by John Grisham throughout the book. As events unfold, readers will find themselves immersed in a riveting courtroom drama with plenty of suspenseful moments that had me on the edge of my seat "The Boys from Biloxi" is an excellent audiobook sure to please any fan of John Grisham's work or anyone looking for an engaging crime drama set in the 1960s deep south. With its powerful narrative, intense courtroom scenes and gripping attention to detail, readers are certain to enjoy this thrilling tale right till its unexpected conclusion! I sure did! "
— Robby R., 12/19/2022" "The Boys From Biloxi" is a captivating, riveting story. Grisham has once again taken his readers on an incredible journey to the deep South, where they will meet Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco as they grow up in 1960s Biloxi - childhood friends and Little League all-stars. As teenagers, their lives take them in opposite directions: Keith's father is determined to "clean up the coast" as a legendary prosecutor, while Hugh's father is the Boss of Biloxi's criminal underground. Making their own choices and following their own paths, the two men ultimately end up in a courtroom showdown between their fathers - one that could change their lives forever. With his signature nail-biting suspense and vivid characters, Grisham keeps listeners hooked until the very end. Narrator Michael Beck adds to this thrilling story with an outstanding performance. His distinct range allows him to bring each character to life with clarity and authenticity, building tension and drama at just the right moments for maximum effect. His passionate delivery brings depth to Grisham's already gripping story line and gives listeners an intimate experience of life in 1960s Mississippi. If you are looking for a captivating audiobook full of suspenseful twists and turns, look no further than "The Boys from Biloxi" by John Grisham narrated by Michael Beck. It is sure to keep you enthralled from start to finish! "
— Terrance Billings, 12/14/2022" Kept me enthralled for close to 8 hours. Hearing him say these things in his own voice is pretty scary. "
— JohannaS, 11/13/2022" John Grisham's most recent offering, The Boys from Biloxi, narrates the compelling story of two childhood friends from Biloxi, Mississippi whose lives take different paths. Michael Beck's narration immerses listeners into the novel as it follows Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco through their escapades in a 1960s setting. Grisham's storytelling prowess shines through this thoroughly enjoyable novel. His characters are engaging, making it easy for listeners to sympathize with them even if they do not agree with their choices. The dialogue is full of rich symbolism that evokes vivid imagery and emotions in the listener's mind. The wonderful narration adds another layer to the experience as Beck captures all these nuances perfectly and brings each character's unique voice alive. The Boys from Biloxi is an entertaining read that will captivate readers of all ages with its vivid storyline and powerful message about making decisions that have lifelong consequences! "
— LegalEagle55, 11/9/2022" The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham is a riveting novel that is sure to take readers on an emotional rollercoaster. The story follows a group of teenage boys in the 1950s as they attempt to navigate the harsh realities of growing up in Mississippi during a turbulent time for civil rights and race relations. Grisham does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of life in Biloxi, from the cultural dynamics between black and white communities to the challenges faced by working-class families. The characters are vivid and real, with each boy's personality and quirks coming to life through Grisham's writing. Their individual stories are intertwined with one another, creating a powerful narrative that speaks to both modern-day issues and timeless themes. Readers will be captivated by this story of friendship, family bonds, and overcoming adversity. The audiobook version adds extra depth and emotion to this already powerful story. The narrator, Michael Beck, has taken great care to bring each character's dialogue to life, making it easy for listeners to follow along with the plot. His capable reading helps to create an immersive atmosphere that draws listeners into the book's world. The Boys from Biloxi is a captivating narrative about friendship, courage, and finding strength in hard times. With its powerful characters, thought-provoking themes, and immersive soundscape, Grisham has crafted a masterful work of fiction that will stay with readers long after they've finished listening. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an emotionally engaging audiobook experience! "
— SarahB1000, 11/3/2022" John Grisham's new novel, "The Boys from Biloxi", is an interesting story of two young men growing up in the Gulf Coast. Narrator Michael Beck does a good overall job with the story, although I felt it could use a bit more emotion and nuance at times. The well-written story follows Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco as they grow up on opposite sides of the law. As adults, their paths cross again and eventually lead them to a courtroom showdown. Beck conveys Grisham's message but could have done more to emphasize some of the characters' emotional journeys throughout the book. He portrays some of the darker themes well although there isn't enough subtlety to truly capture Grisham's vision and bring out each character's individual struggles. Overall, "The Boys from Biloxi" is a good story but I have to wonder if a different narrator may have been able to draw out more emotion from this book. "
— Megan T., 11/2/2022John Grisham is the author of more than thirty-five novels, one work of nonfiction, a collection of stories, and seven novels for young readers. Thirty-three of his crime thrillers have made the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list
Michael Beck is an American actor and audiobook narrator. He is best known for his role in the 1979 film The Warriors. He has narrated numerous novels by John Grisham, as well as Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz and My Life by Bill Clinton. He lives in California.