BookPath
The Brethren
John Grisham

The Brethren

Quick Answer

Read "The Brethren" as the 10th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Honeymoon" (Book 9)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 10th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2010464 ppWikidataSource
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Three disgraced judges plot a major scam from behind bars—with national consequences—in this “crackerjack tale” (Entertainment Weekly) from the master of the legal thriller. They call themselves the Brethren: a trio of former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison. One was sent up for tax evasion. Another, for skimming bingo profits. The third for a career-ending drunken joyride. Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong. Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich—very fast. And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scheme—while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt. A bizarre presidential election is holding the nation in its grips, and a powerful government figure is pulling some very hidden strings. For the Brethren, the timing couldn’t be better. Because they’ve just found the perfect victim.
Next Recommended Book

Judge & Jury

Book #10 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Brethren?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Brethren before Honeymoon?

No. We recommend reading Honeymoon first. The Brethren is the 10th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Brethren required reading for the Standalone Novels?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Brethren in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Brethren is Judge & Jury (Book #10).