The Judge's List
A Novel
by John Grisham
Vintage 2022
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include abuse of power
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Genre
Themes
- abuse of power
- corruption and accountability
- justice vs. vengeance
- obsession and surveillance
- whistleblowing
- the limits of the legal system
- fear and intimidation
- ethical responsibility
- serial crime
- courage in the face of danger
About this book
Investigator Lacy Stoltz of Florida’s Board on Judicial Conduct is drawn into a chilling case by a woman who believes a sitting judge is a long-hidden serial killer. As Lacy follows a trail of meticulously planned murders and a secret list of future victims, she confronts abuse of power, institutional limits, and a relentless predator who knows the system as well as she does.
Setting: Contemporary Florida, primarily along the Panhandle and Gulf Coast, within courts, small towns, and the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Judge's List right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Judge's List. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include abuse of power, corruption and accountability, justice vs. vengeance.
How long does it take to read The Judge's List?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Judge's List takes around 11h to finish. The book has 104,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Judge's List have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Judge's List has an AR quiz available, worth 14 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Judge's List?
The Judge's List has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.