The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham weaves a compelling legal drama set in a vibrant Gulf Coast town. Reviewers praise its rich characterization and vivid depiction of Biloxi's cultural backdrop. Some critique its pacing and predictability. Overall, it's celebrated for its engaging narrative and meticulous detail, appealing especially to Grisham's fans.

Readers who enjoy legal thrillers and complex character-driven narratives, akin to those found in John Grisham's own The Firm and Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer, will likely appreciate The Boys from Biloxi. This novel's intricate plotting and southern setting also make it appealing to fans of Greg Iles's Natom Bayou.

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham tells the story of two men, Hugh Malco and Keith Rudy, childhood friends whose lives diverge as one becomes a criminal and the other a district attorney dedicated to eradicating crime. Their fathers, Croatian immigrants, represent opposite sides of the law, propelling their sons into a dramatic and deadly confrontation. The novel addresses topics including violence, sexual violence, sex work, gambling, and capital punishment.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Gritty / Challenging

John Grisham

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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

Before You Read The Boys from Biloxi | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Boys from Biloxi Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Boys from Biloxi Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Boys”

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Boys from Biloxi Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-13

The Boys from Biloxi Part 1, Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Crusader”

Part 2, Chapters 14-21

The Boys from Biloxi Part 2, Chapters 14-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-27

The Boys from Biloxi Part 2, Chapters 22-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 28-34

The Boys from Biloxi Part 2, Chapters 28-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Prisoners”

Part 3, Chapters 35-42

The Boys from Biloxi Part 3, Chapters 35-42 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 43-50

The Boys from Biloxi Part 3, Chapters 43-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Row”

Part 4, Chapters 51-59

The Boys from Biloxi Part 4, Chapters 51-59 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Boys from Biloxi Character Analysis

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Themes

The Boys from Biloxi Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Boys from Biloxi Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Boys from Biloxi Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Boys from Biloxi Essay Topics

The Boys from Biloxi

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Boys from Biloxi?

Reading Age

Book Details