Ever watch a game show like Who Wants to be a Millionaire and the contestant gets to the last question and a big smile covers their face because the answer is something they have just read or heard? Well, while in the process of reading The Testament I dreamed I was that contestant and the question centered around the Pantanol, situated in Corumba, Brazil…but I digress.

The Testament was typical John Grisham. It was enjoyable, informative, and entertaining. Troy Phelan is an aging billionaire with 6 children from 3 marriages, who along with their mothers and spouses are waiting for the old geezer to die. And die he does. After manipulating his would-be heirs to have him declared mentally intact to sign a will that would leave them multi-millionaires, he signs a holographic testament and commits suicide.

Well that was a great opener but the story really is about who he leaves his billions to, the search for her, and a recovering alcoholic, soon-to-be disbarred attorneys’ journey into the wetlands of South America to get her to accept an 11-billion dollar inheritance. There was a lot going on in this novel and at times the story drifted, especially when we were taken to South America. At times I felt like a geography lesson and not a suspense novel. Not only is it a Grisham lawyer tale, but it also deals with morality, and sublimely touches on some political issues.

I think most readers were in agreement with Phelan, and did not want his obvious heirs to receive a penny. But it after learning about the person he left his fortune too, it was a little challenging to root for her either. The ending, although satisfying, did catch me off guard. I was hoping for a love story, happily ever after ending but that didn’t happen.

Some of the take-away’s from this book is everyone, especially those with money, should have a will. If there is anyone you don’t want inheriting your things, you need a will. And if you are the child of a very wealthy person and they give you a trust at 21, be responsible with it because it may determine if they want to give you anything when they die.

There really isn’t much you can say about a Grisham novel. The man is truly talented and even on a off day, he would still write a pretty good book.

Much Love,


Tracy

Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and Love...Like Snow in Florida on a Hot Summer Day. For more information, please visit www.TracyLDarity.com.