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The Testament

A Novel

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The Testament

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Frank Muller
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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A disgraced corporate attorney ventures into a potentially lethal jungle, on a job no one wants, in this “entertaining page-turner” (USA Today) from the master of the legal thriller.

In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions—a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives.

Because Troy Phelan’s new will names a sole surprise heir to his eleven-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil.

Enter the lawyers. Nate O’Riley is fresh out of rehab, handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan’s family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman—pursued by enemies and friends alike—holds a stunning surprise of her own.

©1999 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)1999 Random House, Inc.; Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House, Inc. Genre Fiction Legal Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Law Crime

Critic reviews

"Grisham's smart use of the suspense novel to explore questions of being and faith puts him squarely in the footsteps of Dickens and Graham Greene." (Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: The Essential John Grisham in Audio


John Grisham is best known for his fast-paced legal thrillers and mysteries, many of which have been adapted for television and film. Because he’s so prolific and has been writing for decades, it can be difficult to know where to begin when selecting a title from his impressive back catalog. And Grisham is definitely a jack-of-all-trades: he’s written not only legal thrillers, but nonfiction, a series for kids, some humorous novels, and recently, a new mystery series outside of the legal thriller genre. To help you decide which Grisham gem to download next, we’ve compiled a list of the very best.

Featured Article The Essential John Grisham in Audio
Captivating Opening • Vivid Brazilian Setting • Masterful Character Voices • Redemptive Journey • Unexpected Twists
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This work belongs in a category of its own. Grisham's books tend to be formulaic. However, Frank Muller remains to this day, even after his tragic death, the first genuine superstar of the media, and this book is his masterpiece. I have listened to it about 5 times, and I hear nuances each time which I must have missed before. Each time I hear him read, the experience is transcendent. His acting skill is so powerful that, like the great movie actors, you don't really see (or hear) the "acting." I still wait for a sequel, despite the death of Rachel Lane. Maybe a prequel. Nate is so real that he could be someone I know. I work with attorneys, and Nate could well be sharing a case with me soon. His adventure in the Pantanal is better than any movie could possibly be, because the listener casts all the parts, guided by Frank Muller's astonishing empathy for his characters. Muller's work on Martin Cruz Smith's books rises to this level as well: I'm certain that I would recognize Arkady Renko if I bumped into him on the street. Perhaps one of Frank's kids will inherit his gift.

My favorite audiobook out of hundreds

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This was my first Grisham book, Sure I've seen a slew of movies based on Grisham books and they are all intense. I'm really glad I finally took the Grisham plunge with this audio book. The story was excellent and had me wondering what would happen to the end. I had my own ending for this book, but Grisham's ending was far better than the one I conjured up.
The narration was good too. I took this audio book away with me on holidays and listened to it while laying by the pool. It transported me to South America and put me in the middle of an adventure I could only ever travel to in my dreams. The character building was excellent too. From the main character Nate to all the Phelan heirs. I really felt like a fly on the wall as this story unfolded. A great read. You'll enjoy this one!

Totally Fulfilling

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This novel keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end. The story is well crafted and fairly believable. It is without the annoying political clap-trap that usually weighs down Grisham books. The characters are likeable and sometimes humorous. The legal maneuvering is interesting. This is a very good book - one of his best.

OUTSTANDING!

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I read this in book form when it came out years ago but was recently in the mood to experience this story again. If you're a fan of this book, I highly recommend doing it in audio form -- the narrator does an excellent job with the accents & dialects(both American and Brazilian) and pronouncing the Brazilian names and places. Plus, Frank Muller is just a really good narrator for Grisham's style. I love this story of a man's journey (physical and spiritual) and think it is one of Grisham's best.

My very favorite Grisham book

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The Testament was an exceptional book that takes the listener to the edge and beyond of greed, adventure, and the human spirit to name a few. Although, I was in Houston gridlock for an hour and a half, I found myself listening in the driveway enthralled.
Frank Muller's performance is exceptional as always and he will be missed.

The Testament = Road Rage Eliminator

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Grishman's natural story telling ability is outstanding and he has never been better than with this book. He makes his characters come alive so that by the end of the book they are like old friends. This story has all of the great legal issues I have come to expect from Grisham plus some unexpected expertise about Brazil. If you have ever read and enjoyed a Grishman book before, you are sure to like this one as well.

Wonderful! Classic Grisham

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The narrator was excellent. He kept the story exciting. John Grisham is an author second to none.

The Testiment

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What made the experience of listening to The Testament the most enjoyable?

This was also not your typical John Grisham legal novel (not that there is anything wrong with Mr. Grisham's writing mind you...he is one of my favorite authors). Most of the action takes place outside of a courtroom. The characters are sharply written and Grisham keeps you guessing as to how matters will resolve themselves right to the end.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nate O'Riley was a very believable character: conflicted, empathetic, brave (naive?) .

Have you listened to any of Frank Muller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have also listened to Frank Muller's rendition of "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy. [I am saving Muller's Larry McMurtry's "Comanche Moon" for a long car's drive.] "The Prince of Tides," was an equally strong reading. Frank Muller has become my favorite narrator/reader. His effortless ability to switch characters voices (including accents) is amazing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I stretched the listening enjoyment out over several days.

Frank Muller Brings 'The Testament' to Life

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loved the story and the characters. even today it shows that God can still move mountains and change lives. a positive book.

excellent story.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! The Testament has no dull spots. It is realistic, informative, interesting and entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning about back country Brazil, the Pantanou, the people, while reading on to find out how the pieces fit together.

Have you listened to any of Frank Muller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yex. Frank performs well!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

John Grisham spent time in Brazil in the areas that Nate visited. It was like being there. The Testament combines the research and writing skills to become one of John Grisham's best.

Grisham's Best

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