Book Review: The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

John Grisham’s The Boys from Biloxi is the story of two families- the Malcos and the Rudys –both descended from Croatian immigrants who settled in Mississippi in the fishing community of Biloxi. Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco grew up together in the same community as friends and star performers in Little league baseball but gradually drifted apart as they reached the end of their school years – each of them following in their respective father’s footsteps. Hugh joins his father Lance in their family business profiting from the vice in Biloxi- illegal gambling, prostitution, the drug trade, and owner of several nightclubs along “the strip”. Keith, on the other hand, pursues a legal career inspired by his father Jesse Rudy, an upstanding citizen and honest lawyer who makes it his life’s mission to take down all illegal establishments and the mob bosses who control them. The battle between Jesse and Lance continues with Keith and Hugh - a story of good vs evil, with its share of shady characters who commit crimes and the upstanding lawyers who want to see justice served.

Grisham weaves an intricately plotted novel with its share of mob bosses, corruption, turf wars, courtroom drama and the pursuit of justice. The larger part of the story is set in the 1960s and 70s. This is a lengthy novel (450+ pages) and the pace is on the slower side gaining momentum only after the 25% mark. There is a lot that happens and several people are introduced in the course of the story. However, it should be noted that there are no major “twists” in the story. We know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. We get to know what happens, how it happens, and who does what as it happens. But yes the sequence of events- the pursuit, arrests and subsequent legal battles make for an interesting read. Part of the narrative reads like non-fiction (which wasn't a problem for me) – more telling than actually taking the reader through the events. The courtroom scenes and legal aspects are well-written and informative – Grisham does not disappoint!

With its fantastic writing, superbly developed setting, backstories and characterizations and multigenerational plotline, The Boys from Biloxi is an engaging read that I enjoyed.

Many thanks to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book is due to be released on October 18, 2022.