12 Authors Like John Grisham for Legal Thriller Lovers

Looking for a new legal thriller to devour? Check out the best 12 authors like John Grisham in our guide for a page-turning adventure.

When it comes to legal thrillers, John Grisham’s books frequently top the best in the genre lists. Born in 1955, Grisham worked in the Mississippi House of Representatives and served as a lawyer. He draws on this personal knowledge of the legal and political worlds to write his books.

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Top 12 Authors Like John Grisham All Legal Thriller Lovers Should Read

1. David Baldacci

David Baldacci via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

David Baldacci is known for his legal thrillers. Born in 1960, he published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. It was an instant success and became a Clint Eastwood movie not much later.

He has published 47 novels for adults and seven for young readers and books in over 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold. Interestingly, Baldacci holds a law degree from the University of Virginia and uses that knowledge to help him write his thriller books.

If you enjoyed our guide to the authors like John Grisham, we have many more articles on the best legal thriller authors. If you want to explore our selection of the best authors from different genres, you can search “best authors” from our search bar.

“People like to talk about other people’s misery; it makes them feel their own life is somehow better when it usually isn’t.”

David Baldacci

2. Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly via Wikipedia, Public Domain

Born in 1956, Michael Connelly started writing while attending the University of Florida, where he majored in journalism. When beginning his writing career, Connelly published a magazine story on a major airline crash and was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. This earned him a job for the Los Angeles Times, and eventually, he started writing novels, starting with*The Black Echo**. He has 37 novels and one non-fiction book with over 80 million copies sold and has created two memorable characters, Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, both the subject of his series books.

“There was more silence and Bosch pictured his partner on the other end of the line in a suit and a bankrupt frown.”

Michael Connelly

3. Scott Turow

Scott Turow via Wikipedia, Public Domain

Scott Turow is a best-selling author of legal thrillers that Grisham fans will love; with various novels to choose from, Turow has novels available in over 40 languages with 30 million copies published worldwide. Turow was born in 1949 and worked as a lawyer, he puts his legal knowledge into his books, and several have been made into films. One of the most famous is The Burden of Proof, which he published in 1990 and became a film in 1992.

“But Dixon had once been a soldier. He knew that courage was not the absence of fear but the ability to carry on with dignity in spite of it.”

Scott Turow

4. Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline via Wikipedia, Public Domain

Lisa Scottoline has a wide selection of books, including historical fiction, humorous non-fiction, short story anthologies, and legal thrillers. Her Rosato & Associates and Rosato & DiNunzio series are some of her most famous. Scottoline was born in 1955 and wrote fictional columns on women’s issues forThe Philadelphia Inquireralong with her daughter. Look Againand Don’t Goare two books that reached the number two spot on the*New York Times *bestseller list.

“She’s only human. Don’t judge her. Just love her.”

Lisa Scottoline

5. Steve Martini

Born in 1946, Steve Martini is a well-known legal and political thriller writer. After working in law, Steve Martini transitioned to working in the legislature. Using this experience, he tapped into this knowledge when he started writing fiction books in 1984. His first book, Compelling Evidence, introduced Paul Madriani, his main character, which became a national bestseller and launched him into the list of best crime thriller authors).

“Born leaders don’t fit the corporate mold, that I was destined for bigger things than hitching my wagon to someone else’s star.”

Steve Martini

6. William Bernhardt

William Bernhardt via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

William Bernhardt is known for his political and legal thrillers, including the Daniel Pike and Ben Kincaid series. [The Last Chance Lawyer](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44146329-the-last-chance-lawyer? ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IdrWByTjlK&rank=1) was a number one best-selling novel. The distinguished writer earned the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award and the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, among other accolades. Bernhardt was born in 1960 and has traveled worldwide, bringing many of his travel locations into his novels.

“She was alone now. And no one should be alone. No one. Never.”

William Bernhardt

7. Tom Clancy

Tom Clancy via Wikipedia, Public Domain

Tom Clancy definitely deserves a spot on the list when it comes to writers who know how to write a thriller). Born in 1947 and dying in 2013, this prolific author wrote spy thrillers and had 17 bestsellers. Over 100 million of his books have been sold. The 1984 book The Hunt for Red Octoberis perhaps his most famous work due to the movie based on this title, but other popular books includePatriot Gamesin 1987 andClear and Present Dangerin 1989. He eventually created the Jack Ryan series, which continues after his death through his family estate.

“A conscience is the price of morality, and morality is the price of civilization.”

Tom Clancy

8. Lee Child

Lee Child via Wikipedia, Public Domain

James Dover Grant writes under the pen name Lee Child. Born in 1954, this prolific British author writes the Jack Reacher books, which follow an ex-military police corps member who takes on various cases throughout the United States. In 2012 a film about Jack Reacher made Child’s books a household name. The first book, Killing Floor, was published in 1997. “I’m not a vagrant. I’m a hobo. Big difference.”

Lee Child

9. James Patterson

James Patterson, an American author born in 1947, writes for adults and children. Many of his adult books feature Alex Cross, a private detective with an uncanny ability to understand the psychology that drives murders. James Patterson is among the top-selling authors worldwide, and he earned the 2019 National Humanities Medal and the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. His 1993 book *Along Came a Spider *is a popular choice.

“I never miss a good chance to shut up”

James Patterson

10. Dan Brown

Dan Brown via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

The Da Vinci Codeis one of the world’s best-selling novels, and Dan Brown, born in 1964, is the genius who brought it to life. He has over 200 million copies of his novels, many of which focus on the interplay between religion and science, and his thriller style places him on this list of the best authors. Even though his books aren’t entirely political or legal thrillers.

“Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire.”

Dan Brown

11. Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer via Wikipedia, Public Domain

Brad Meltzer, born in 1970, writes for both adults and kids. His thrillers, includingThe Lightning Rodand *The Escape Artist,*place him on the list of authors like John Grisham. He is one of the only authors to have a non-fiction work, advice book, children’s book, and comic book all end up on the bestsellers list. This first book, The Tenth Justice, was rejected 24 times before finally getting a publisher in 1997 and launching Meltzer’s successful career.

“Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.”

Brad Meltzer

12. John Sandford

John Sandford is a New York Timesbestselling author named John Roswell Camp. In 1986, Camp won the Pulitzer Prize in journalism for his journalistic work. Born in 1944, he studied journalism in school before publishing his first two books,* The Fool’s Run *and Rules of Prey, in 1989. That sparked his love for writing, and he has 54 published works.

“Her Pan-Cake makeup was cracking like a dried-out Dakota lake bed.”

John Sandford

FAQs About Authors Like John Grisham

Who writes the best legal thrillers?

Penguin Random House lists John Grisham as the top legal thriller author. Their list of the best books in the genre includes three of his novels.

What are some of John Grisham’s most popular books?

Some of the most popular books from John Grisham include: A Time to Kill The Firm The Whistler The Rainmaker A Painted House The Client The Pelican Brief#

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mystery and thriller books?

Mystery books focus on solving a puzzle or crime, often with a detective protagonist, while thriller books emphasize suspense, danger, and action. Mysteries are more cerebral and puzzle-oriented, while thrillers are more emotional and adrenaline-driven.

What makes a great mystery or thriller book?

Great mystery and thriller books feature compelling characters, tight plotting, and skillful pacing that keeps readers engaged. They should offer fair clues for mystery readers while maintaining suspense and delivering satisfying resolutions.

Are mystery and thriller books suitable for all readers?

Mystery and thriller books can be suitable for most adult readers, though some may contain violence, mature themes, or disturbing content. It’s important to check reviews and content warnings if you’re sensitive to certain themes.

Why do people love mystery and thriller books?

People love mystery and thriller books for the intellectual challenge, emotional engagement, and escape they provide. These genres offer both entertainment and the satisfaction of solving puzzles or experiencing high-stakes situations safely.

What is the name of John Grisham’s first book?A Time to Killwas the first book published by John Grisham. He published it in 1989, and it sold just 5,000 copies. His second book, The Firm, launched him into bestseller status.