The Testament by John Grisham (1999, Hardcover)

"The Testament" is a classic John Grisham novel: a down-and-out lawyer, a lot of money, an action-packed pursuit, and relevant issues. The book has more going for it than just great, fully-drawn characters- the plot deals with moral questions. Even though the novel features the usual attorney hero and legal action, Grisham exceeds expectations by carrying readers into a Brazilian adventure and deals with spirituality throughout this genuine, sensitive narrative.

Nate O'Riley, 48, is a drunk. He's also a top D.C. attorney who, coming our of his fourth stint in rehab, is asked by his firm to find Rachel Lane, the illegitimate daughter to whom the firm's client, tycoon Troy Phelan, has left his entire $11 billion fortune. Rachel is a missionary-physician tending Indians somewhere in Brazil's Pantanal region. Nate's experiences tracking her down prove nightmarish, including fierce storms, a plane crash, dangerous animals, hunger and, finally, dengue fever, which nearly kills him. As Grisham's story arc leaps from Brazil to D.C., and the sleazy manipulations of Phelan's other children and their lawyers to negate Phelan's will, readers will wonder which is the real jungle.

"The Testament" is not a religious book, it is spiritual. His dealings with spiritual issues are not subtle, but Grisham's smart use of the suspense novel to explore these questions puts him squarely in league with writers like Charles Dickens and Graham Greene. Sincere, exciting and tinged with wonder, this novel is is a thoughtful meditation on issues that transcend the courtroom.