The Testament

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Frank Muller

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A disgraced corporate attorney ventures into a potentially lethal jungle, on a job no one wants, in this “entertaining page-turner” (USA Today) from the master of the legal thriller.

In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions—a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives.

Because Troy Phelan’s new will names a sole surprise heir to his eleven-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil.

Enter the lawyers. Nate O’Riley is fresh out of rehab, handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan’s family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman—pursued by enemies and friends alike—holds a stunning surprise of her own.

©1999 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)1999 Random House, Inc.; Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Grisham's smart use of the suspense novel to explore questions of being and faith puts him squarely in the footsteps of Dickens and Graham Greene." (Publishers Weekly)

Best opening I have ever heard

This book has the most captivating opening of a novel that I have every heard. The character of a crusty old billionaire preparing to die and cataloging his regrets about how he "married badly and procreated even worse" was just so funny and promising to me, even shocking. Unfortunately, the opening was the highlight of the book for me. I kept waiting for a return of the opening character in some form, which never occurred. Although it is a very good book, the body of the story never reached the pinnacle of interest that the opening generated for me.

Loved this

I have yet to be disappointed by acGrisham novel. This one is one of my favorite and I can’t wait to see the movie

Couldn't stop listening.

I read a lot of reviews before I got this book. Some say cranked out or preachy. I on the other hand just thought it was a great listen. I couldn't stop. I normally only listen when I drive but with this one I listened to at home also.

Great book

Great book and great narration. Flowed nicely and kept me interested. The only thing I would say is that it’s definitely not a suspenseful, thriller which is where it showed up in Audible for me.

Both greed and alcoholism abundant

it's rare that while reading a book sparks of my own alcoholism and story ring true so few people have a right that have any knowledge of the disease.The struggle of the main character with his alcoholism is very real and gives insight as to the allergy of the body and obsession of the mind outlined in the book of alcoholics anonymous.

the looking glass view of a family full of greed with no father figure and money thrown at youth is intoxicating to listen to for lack of a better term.


My father has more than 40 years of sobriety and recommended I read this book it was a good recommendation and I recommend it to you as well.

enthralled!!!!

i didn't want to put it down! I was enthralled instantly! this was a great story!

ridiculously good reader and story, all time class

Fell in love with Brazil without even going there thank you Frank wish you were still reading for us.

Fabulous story, plot, and performance

loves this book and the story and plot were incredible. Background of the indigenous Indian people of Brazil is fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. it's good to be aware of what goes on in our world. And to see the love of Christ shine through all of it.

Not too far, not to long

Everything about book was excellent except maybe the ending. Grisham wins again. His descriptions are superbly enticing.

Very interesting

The story is good and fairly engaging. Narrator is also good and transitions between accents easily and with believability.