The Racketeer

Super Short Summary

In John Grisham's The Racketeer, former lawyer and current inmate Malcolm Bannister, wrongfully imprisoned on a racketeering charge, seeks freedom by informing the FBI about the murderer of Judge Raymond Fawcett. Making a deal under Rule 35, Malcolm identifies Quinn Rucker as the killer, resulting in his release and entry into witness protection. However, Malcolm's liberation initiates a complex series of events involving deception, hidden gold, and collaboration with dangerous criminals, leading to a high-stakes con that ultimately resets his life. The book contains depictions of wrongful imprisonment, violence, drug use, and mental health struggles.