Prelude:
The Widow is the most recent novel released by celebrated author, John Grisham. I’ve been an ardent supporter of Grisham’s novels for years and yet again he has written another that I label as “favourite” – until he produces his next volume! My admiration for the author has increased as I have uncovered more about him than just his printed words!
The Widow
This is John Grisham’s current novel, released in December, 2025. This book is presented as his “first ever whodunit (who did it?) as a small time lawyer, accused of murder races to find the real killer to clear his name.”
Footnote #1: The Widow by John Grisham, bookcover explanation
The plot involves Simon Latch as a lawyer in rural Virginia, making just enough to pay his bills while trying to hold his family together. Then into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently her husband left her a small fortune, and no one knows about it.
At first Simon can’t believe his good luck: He’s finally hooked (gained) a client rich enough to turn his life around. He works, quietly to keep her wealth under the radar (secret), but soon her story begins to crack (come apart). When she is hospitalized after a bad car accident, Simon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and he finds himself on trial for a crime he swears he didn’t commit: murder.
Simon knows he’s innocent. But he also knows the prosecutor’s circumstantial evidence could send him to prison for the rest of his life. As the trial progresses, he senses the jury turning against him and knows there is only one way to save himself.
Footnote #2: The Widow by John Grisham, publisher’s summary, bookcover
Difference:
The overwhelming majority of the fiction works of John Grisham are of the mystery/thriller variety. This particular one is his second dealing with the subject of wrongful imprisonment and or – in this case – wrongfully accused but not believed. This aspect is what increased my impression of Grisham as author.
He publicly acknowledges his active affiliation with the Innocence Project and with the Centurion Ministries, two national organizations in the USA that actively and aggressively provide legal efforts to overturn the convictions and records of those wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit.
Even those who were executed for a crime they didn’t do. It doesn’t restore their life, but it does alter their legacy and clears their name. For many, that is more important than being released imprisonment!
This country has a despicable reputation regarding inequality in the justice system and of imprisoning those who did not break the law – especially those sentenced to death. This record needs to be addressed by both the legislative and the judicial branches of government and the leadership in this redress needs to be the executive branch of the government.
I commend John Grisham for his efforts in making others aware of this serious and unfair issue as well as his active participation in overturning the convictions of those judged wrongfully.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Oopah, 2026!”
Splashman:
Complete agreement!
Our Bad:
I believe the same!
Francois:
100% in favour! 100% clothes free!
Strippers:
We support John Grisham in helping the innocent!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 