John Grisham's The Partner captivates with its fast-paced, intricate plot and compelling characters, garnering praise for its legal thriller elements. However, some critics note predictability in the storyline and a somewhat implausible conclusion. Overall, the novel succeeds in providing suspense and entertainment, typical of Grisham's signature writing style.

Fans of legal thrillers and intricate plots will revel in John Grisham’s The Partner. Readers who enjoy the suspenseful narratives of Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent or Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer will find this book equally gripping. The mix of legal intrigue and high-stakes drama makes it a must-read for genre enthusiasts.

In John Grisham's The Partner, lawyer Patrick Lanigan fakes his death, steals $90 million from his firm, and lives in hiding until he's found, tortured, and taken into custody. He navigates legal battles while planning intricate moves against his adversaries, all the while trying to protect his girlfriend Eva and the stolen funds. The book contains descriptions of abduction and torture.

- The Partner was released in 1997 and became a bestseller, showcasing John Grisham's popularity as an author of legal thrillers during the 1990s.
- Unlike Grisham's earlier works focusing heavily on courtroom drama, The Partner delves more into the realm of suspense and international intrigue, reflecting the author's versatility in exploring various aspects of legal and crime fiction. 
- The novel was inspired by Grisham's own experiences as a lawyer and his fascination with the idea of disappearing and starting a new life, which is a recurring theme in several of his books.

**Patrick Lanigan**  
A former lawyer who becomes embroiled in a complex web of legal and moral issues. His story involves a heist, a dramatic disappearance, and the ensuing consequences.

**Eva Miranda**  
The love interest of Patrick whose actions have significant consequences. Her choices reflect her motivations and impact the plot's direction.

**Jack Stephano**  
A private detective hired by Patrick's adversaries. He is pivotal to the pursuit and action throughout the narrative.

**Benny Aricia**  
A disgruntled corporate figure involved in shady dealings. His character reveals themes of corruption and revenge.

**Trudy Lanigan**  
Patrick's estranged and greedy wife, who adds complications to his life. Her motivations are largely driven by financial desires.

**Sandy McDermott**  
Patrick's old friend and lawyer who helps navigate the legal intricacies of the case. His character represents loyalty and friendship.

**Judge Karl Huskey**  
An old friend of Patrick who is involved in the legal proceedings. He faces moral challenges within the justice system.

**Clovis Goodman**  
A lonely old man with a significant connection to Patrick's past plans. His involvement highlights Patrick's complex character.

John Grisham

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Partner reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Partner | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Partner and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Partner Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Partner Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

The Partner Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-19

The Partner Chapters 11-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

The Partner Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-34

The Partner Chapters 27-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-43

The Partner Chapters 35-43 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Partner Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Partner Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Partner Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Partner Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Partner Essay Topics

The Partner

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Partner?

Reading Age

Book Details