17 Authors Like John Grisham: Legal Thrillers to Binge Next
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If you’ve burned through John Grisham and want more smart, high-velocity legal thrillers, you’re in the right place. Below are 17 authors like John Grisham – with a quick note on why they’re a fit and 2–3 great starter reads for each. Prefer to revisit Grisham first? See my John Grisham bibliography (books in order) post first.
Key Takeaways: Authors Like John Grisham
17 authors like John Grisham (with starter books)
Craving more judges’ chambers, sharp cross-exams, and “wait, can they DO that?” twists? Start here. I’ve included first-in-series picks only so you always know where to begin.
1) Scott Turow
Why you’ll like him: The gold standard for courtroom drama with moral complexity.
Start here: Presumed Innocent (Rusty Sabich—first story)
2) Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer series)
Why you’ll like him: Slick LA courtroom battles starring defense attorney Mickey Haller.
Start here: The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller #1)
3) Steve Martini
Why you’ll like him: Classic legal-procedural thrills with attorney Paul Madriani.
Start here: Compelling Evidence (Paul Madriani #1)
4) Lisa Scottoline
Why you’ll like her: Female-forward, high-energy legal thrillers (Rosato & Associates/DiNunzio).
Start here: Everywhere That Mary Went (Rosato & Associates #1)
5) David Baldacci
Why you’ll like him: Big-idea political/legal stakes with page-turner pacing.
Start here: Absolute Power (standalone)
6) John Lescroart
Why you’ll like him: San Francisco–set legal/world-within-a-city drama.
Start here: Dead Irish (Dismas Hardy #1)
7) Phillip Margolin
Why you’ll like him: Oregon-set legal suspense with twisty, propulsive plots.
Start here: Gone, But Not Forgotten (standalone)
8) William Bernhardt
Why you’ll like him: Straight-up courtroom fireworks.
Start here: Primary Justice (Ben Kincaid #1)
9) Richard North Patterson
Why you’ll like him: Ethical quandaries + legal fireworks = sophisticated suspense.
Start here: The Lasko Tangent (Christopher Paget #1)
10) Brad Meltzer
Why you’ll like him: Legal-meets-political puzzles with D.C. intrigue.
Start here: The Tenth Justice (standalone)
11) James Grippando
Why you’ll like him: Miami-tinged legal thrillers with a strong sense of place.
Start here: The Pardon (Jack Swyteck #1)
12) Alafair Burke
Why you’ll like her: Prosecutor-led legal thrillers with a sharp voice.
Start here: Judgment Calls (Samantha Kincaid #1)
13) Paul Levine
Why you’ll like him: Witty, muscular courtroom action.
Start here: To Speak for the Dead (Jake Lassiter #1)
14) Marcia Clark
Why you’ll like her: Insider legal thrills from a legendary prosecutor.
Start here: Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1)
15) Robert Dugoni
Why you’ll like him: Fast, polished legal thrillers with big conspiracies.
Start here: The Jury Master (David Sloane #1)
![[(The Jury Master)] [Author: Robert Dugoni] published on (February, 2007)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-egFrxaRL.jpg)
16) Sheldon Siegel
Why you’ll like him: San Francisco defense-duo legal thrills.
Start here: Special Circumstances (Mike Daley & Rosie Fernandez #1)
17) Scott Pratt
Why you’ll like him: Gritty, addictive indie legal thrillers.
Start here: An Innocent Client (Joe Dillard #1)
Frequently Asked Questions About Authors Like John Grisham
Do I need to read these authors’ books in order?
For series (Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer, Lescroart’s Hardy, Grippando’s Swyteck, etc.), starting with book one helps,s and I am a strong believer in reading series in order. If they are not part of a series, then no – it doesn’t matter.
Which authors are closest to Grisham’s vibe?
In my opinion, Turow (courtroom/gravity), Martini and Bernhardt (classic legal-procedural), Lescroart (legal + community), and Margolin (twisty legal suspense) are the closest to Grisham’s vibe.
What if I’m looking for female-led legal thrillers specifically?
Try Lisa Scottoline, Alafair Burke, and Marcia Clark.
What if I want more “political/legal conspiracy” vs. pure courtroom?
Baldacci and Meltzer are your best bet – legal stakes with wider D.C./power intrigue.
Conclusion
Grisham opened the door; these authors keep you barreling through it – into courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and murky backrooms where the law gets….flexible. Start with whichever “Why you’ll like them” blurb made you nod and enjoy the cross-examination.
(P.S. If you need Grisham’s books in order, don’t miss my John Grisham bibliography!
Not sure what kind of mystery or thriller you should read? Start with the Mystery, Thriller & Suspense guide and take your pick.
