This is a book about a jury in a tobacco company trial. A widow is suing a tobacco company because her husband died from lung cancer from smoking this company's cigarettes for many years. (No real tobacco companies were named in this book). At first glance, it appears that one juror (#2) is controlling the jury. But is he? Is he acting alone or is he working with someone on the outside? A woman keeps calling a jury consultant and giving information that turns out to be true - could she be working with Juror #2? One side wants/needs a verdict in favor of the tobacco company and the other side wants/needs a verdict in favor of the widow. Who will win?

Was also made into a movie in 2003 staring John Cusack, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman, among others. ( )

When I first read this story, the book had been out only a couple years. I enjoyed it very much at that time. On this latest re-read (2024), I had forgotten most of the plot so the narrative felt fresh. However, the prolonged shenanigans by the defense consultants and the repetitious details involving the jury-tampering made the story drag and derailed building the suspense.

It's still a pretty good story, and the final reveal with Fitch and 'Marlee' a great ending. Grisham is a generally excellent author so fans are sure to enjoy the tale, despite the draggy courtroom testimony. ( )

Come sempre, bellissimo! ( )

Moral issues related to big tobacco companies are a hot topic in this novel and real life. The arguments—on both sides—made in this fictitious courtroom battle are thought-provoking, especially if you are a smoker. But then, The Runaway Jury is just a novel. Right? It's a crazy story of big-money purchasing votes, biased jurors, and corrupt lawyers. I found the story riveting and well-written, the characters fascinating, and the plot twists entertaining and suspenseful. ( )

[read audio] Very dense read. Decent story that occasionally got lost in the details. ( )