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Theodore Boone #7

The Accomplice

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Woody Lambert is in trouble. He comes from a broken family, suffers bad grades at school and his older brother, Tony, is on probation for a drug offence. When Woody inadvertently gets caught up with Tony and one of his friends, Garth, cruising around Strattenburg in a beaten-up Mustang drinking beer, one thing leads to another and Garth holds up a convenience store with a fake gun.

Though he had no involvement in the crime other than being in Garth's car, Woody is arrested as an accomplice. He's going to need serious legal advice to avoid juvenile prison.

Enter Theodore Boone: after all, Theo has already decided that he will become the best courtroom lawyer in the state. It's just that, at the age of thirteen, Theo is years from being a qualified lawyer - and Woody needs help right now...

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2019

2028 people are currently reading
4435 people want to read

About the author

John Grisham

485 books89.4k followers
John Grisham is the author of more than fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts and The Exchange: After the Firm.

Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.

When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.

John lives on a farm in central Virginia.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,817 reviews13.1k followers
May 23, 2019
John Grisham is back with some of his lighter legal work with another instalment of the Theodore ‘Theo’ Boone series. Th has been a stalwart in his community, fighting for justice—for both human and animal—and keeping an ear to the ground for tidbits of new legal concepts to shape his future. As Theo is attending middle school, his worries for one of his classmates mount. Woody Lambert comes from a fairly disconnected family, one in which everyone is forced to fend for themselves. When Woody and his older brother are caught up in an armed robbery, having been waiting in the vehicle for the ringleader without knowing what was going down, they are tossed into the slammer and subjected to a great deal of hurt. Theo cannot stand to see Woody go through this, blindly believing that he must be innocent and caught in the web of legal bullying. He works with friends and family to raise enough to set Woody free on bail, but is baffled to see how arcane some of the practices of law can be when it comes to incarceration. Armed with a passion for justice, Theo uses his legal knowledge and persuasive attitude to get the wheels of justice turning as best he can. When not trying to get Woody some justice, Theo is in Animal Court dealing with a rabbit that has apparently been drumming up some nocturnal trouble. As both cases progress, Theo learns a little more and does his best to ensure justice is served, even if the law is riddled with holes! Another wonderful piece that shows Grisham is able to convey the law for readers of all ages. Recommended to those who love Grisham’s work as well as the younger reader (or young at heart) who enjoy his lighter legal series.

I have found that few authors can work both the Young Adult and mainstream adult audiences with their work. Grisham is able to bridge the gap effectively, entertaining and passing along some interesting concepts about the law. He works through this lighter fare with the legal keener, Theo Boone, who may only be thirteen, but is always eager to learn. Theo is surrounded by lawyers in his family, but is always learning a little more about legal conundrums when it comes to major and minor matters around town. Grisham allows his protagonist to fill the page with wonderful advancement and shows just a little more in each piece. Theo’s passion to help others rings through the narrative yet again, as does his bafflement at yet another aspect of the law. Other regulars in the series make their mark here, while newbies shape the main plot with some interesting flavouring. Never a ‘deep read’, Grisham makes a wonderful case with the plot of this book, able to entertain readers of all ages with a case that is sure to keep the reader wondering. A mix of short and longer chapters with a plausible plot and legal situations, Grisham will have no trouble drawing fans into the middle of the courtroom drama and plight of the accused. I always look for Theo Boone books to lighten my reading load and have not been disappointed with this one!


Kudos, Mr. Grisham, for another classic pared-down legal thriller. You kept my attention and I know these are likelier easier to create, but they pack as much punch as some of your other and more complicated works! Keep them coming, as I know there are numerous fans who enjoy each publication.


Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/


A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for Jean.
1,815 reviews801 followers
April 23, 2022
A few years ago, I read the first three books in the Theodore Boone Series. I am not sure why I failed to continue reading the series; but here I am reading book number seven in the series. Grisham wrote the series for young people. I was impressed that he did not write down to the kids but instead make them reach up.

Theodore is now a thirteen-year-old eighth grader who is interested in the law. His friends seek out his opinions and his help. There is always a moral issue to the story. I think this would be a great book to read with young people as it has terrific discussion points and also teaching points. The audiobook would be excellent on a summer road trip. The book discusses how a bad decision could have serous life changing results.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and thirty-eight minutes. Richard Thomas does an excellent job narrating the book. Thomas is an American actor. He has won an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. As a book narrator he has won the Earphone Award.
Profile Image for Tim.
2,497 reviews331 followers
May 29, 2019
I made a mistake with this story as I am not a fan of 13 year old protagonists. These kinds of stories are just not in my wheelhouse. 2 of 10 stars
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews138 followers
January 20, 2024
I found this Grisham in a pueblo thrift shop in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. It's my current hometown, and I just decided to walk in to check-it-out during the pandemic. I had looked up the place on-line. I had to get a hold of hard copy books, because even though I have digital books, I need paperback hard copy every now and again. It was practically brand new, a hard cover with an unmarred dustjacket. I didn't even care that it was the seventh book in the Theodore Boone series.

For obsessive-compulsives this is a no-no. (It unsettles me.) Theodore Boone is a 13 year-old who wants to be a lawyer. He is the only child of lawyers. He has befriended judges, prison personnel, court staff, and litigators in order to facilitate the praxis of what he is taught. Consequently, he is afforded access that not every 13 year-old would.

When one of Theo's friends is jailed for armed robbery, Theo is reticent to believe that his friend could be involved in such a crime. He therefore mobilizes the entire scout troop, teachers, and other resources to free his friend but there are some that would prefer that the wheels of justice grind slower and Theo maybe its next victim. So, I don't believe I'm breaking any ground here. Grisham is really good at telling a story. Throughout my life, I have loved most of his stuff. Theo Boone is interesting in a new way. I would love to read more Theo Boone.
Profile Image for Carol Jones-Campbell.
2,024 reviews
March 23, 2022
I love this series of books. Have read three of them so far. Theodore Boone is back on the case in an all-new adventure!! Best selling author John Grisham delivers a page turning legal thriller legal thriller for a new generation of readers. Theo has been worried about his good friend Woody Lambert. Woody is struggling at school at school and making bad choices. But when Woody is struggling at school and making bad choices. But, when Woody is arrested--an unwitting accomplice to armed robbery-- Racing the clock while Woody sits in jail, Theo will do everything in his power to help his friend and save Woody from an unforgiving where justice is not equal for all.

Brimming with the intrigue and suspense that made John Grisham a #1 international bestseller and undisputed master of the modern of the legal thriller, Theodore Boone's trials and triumphs will keep read us readers hooked until the very last page. I highly recommend this book. It is a pleasure to read. Grisham picked a really plot as he is picking and we are enjoying his plot and pick of how we can enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,014 reviews597 followers
August 3, 2020
The Accomplice is the seventh book in John Grisham’s Theodore Boone series, and I only read it because the library gave it to me. I’ve read two of John Grisham’s books aimed at adults and found them to be enjoyable. I was curious about more, but I’m not a big fan of young adult mystery – I find them to be too simple, and I’m never sucked in the way I could be.

Although this was the seventh book in the series, it was easy to follow. It worked perfectly fine as a standalone novel, but things were far too simple for me. I think my main problem was that it was geared towards the wrong audience. Everything was simple, there were no surprises, and I kept hoping for more depth and emotion. This one was very much a case of ‘this is how the story is, accept it’ and I wanted more.

All in all, there was an interesting premise behind this one, but the story lacked the depth I would have liked.
Profile Image for Angela.
735 reviews20 followers
October 5, 2019
This is the seventh book in the Theodore Boone series for YA. Good clean legal drama, addressing the teenage years. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in the series.
1,250 reviews15 followers
June 20, 2019
This is a charming, simplified view of a teen in jail for a crime he did not commit and, amazingly, his 13-year-old friend who navigates the legal system for him. Yes, I read young adult novels as well as a wide range of other genres. I enjoyed the journey.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
545 reviews49 followers
July 6, 2020
1 Sentence Summary: Woody Lambert gets arrested when his older brother's friend holds up a convenience store with a fake gun, even though he had no idea the crime was happening—enter Theodore Boone, the best 13-year-old courtroom lawyer in town.

My Thoughts: It was actually really interesting to learn more about how the legal system works, especially for juveniles, but other than that it was kind of boring. Not terrible, but I wouldn't choose to read any other books in this series.

Recommend to: Kids interested in the US legal system.
Profile Image for Jerrick.
3 reviews
May 21, 2021
It is the best series that I have ever read. Grisham brought the intense scenes. Reading this made me want to be a lawyer. I can’t wait to read his other books! I hope that he makes another book. They also might make a movie!!
Profile Image for Emma Garner.
205 reviews
May 21, 2021
This book is an incredible addition to the series; however, it is one of the only books within the series that can be a complete stand-alone novel. The writing style in this one was much different than the style we have come to expect from Author John Grisham. In this book, the point of view changes frequently, and we learn the viewpoints of characters other than Theo. This is also a book where I would say the title does not match the book. The book is titled Theodore Boone, but I do not believe Theo to be the main character. Overall, fast read and incredible imagery as always.
622 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2019
Next in the Theodore Boone series and a decent enough read. Woody is in trouble and number one friend TB is there to help doing whatever it takes. I did enjoy this, but not my fav of the series.
Profile Image for Debbie Tollefson.
501 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2019

We love the Theodore Boone series, after stumbling on it by mistake ( a new Grisham - let's get it, only to discover it was juvenile fiction !! ) Theodore is precocious and smart, knows his way around the local courthouse, helping his friends whenever he can. Plenty of chuckle-worthy moments as well. This series is fun for all ages
Profile Image for ~Bellegirl91~.
853 reviews94 followers
June 28, 2019
So I honestly have tried John Grisham before the first Theodore Boone was released in 2010. I have to admit and I hate to say it but I COULD NOT get into Grisham whatsoever. No matter how many people say to "start with this book of his" or "no, start with this one" I can't get I to his style whatsoever.


Here's the thing: when I first started Theodore Boone-Kid Lawyer books 1 and 2 when they came out I actually gave those up to book five 3 stars and book 6 four stars. This one I was actually pretty excited because despite not liking Grisham, I absolutely love his character he created. Theodore Boone aka Theo.


This one had some serious disappointments for me as a story and for me personally it lacked so much. I do agree on the justice system being harsh at times with innocent people and victims, bit as a story, it was as if he wanted to touch base about that topic and it was more of him "complaining" in a way about the issues of this problem with real criminals getting away and the innocents staying in jail.

It to me felt like this....

♡ a first draft

♡ great idea but it also felt like "how do I write this and try and stay true to Theo's character?"

♡ it was boring so I had to skim for the last some chapters

♡ it got too wordy and dragged on for me

♡And most of all I wished I had just instead jump to the end, read the last chapter and DNF it if I'm going to be totally and brutally honest with this one.

♡ I kept struggling to get through it for some reason every time I picked it up

♡ had so much lack in it for me



Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the other books prior to this new one, but I feel this one was unnecessary really and again it felt like a first draft to me and it dragged with only being 232 pages. Even if it is a quick fast read it totally lacked for me. I'd still say read this series cause it's got a cute kid Lawyer wannabe and he is pretty special but I just wish it had ended with book 6 instead. But that's just me.


So please don'tet my review make you choose to not need this one if you've read the others because YOU should find your own opinion and not rely on my disappointed review here. Find out for yourself and decide if you liked itor not because it seems it's getting lots of mixed reviews and feelings. So read THE ACCOMPLICE if you've read all the other books on this series and I hope you have better luck than I did.
Profile Image for Ginny Hudson.
52 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2019
Maybe a young reader book but

I love this series. They are a fun read. Theodore is such a spunky kid that any one would want to have him for a son. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Simar Kaur.
4 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2020
To be honest, this is not Grisham’s best. The plot is that Woody Lambert , (a friend of 13 year old Theodore Boone) has been arrested along with his 17 year old loony brother Tony and Garth Tucker who is a friend of Tony’s , for armed robbery at a convenience store and under age drinking. Actually Garth Tucker robbed a guy of his money in the store by putting a very realistic looking water gun on this guys head; Woody and Tony did not find out about this until minutes later and then went away from Garth; of course the “victim” called 911 and the police caught them all. Garth was freed from jail while Woody and Tony are kept with a big bail that they cant afford (their mother has a few part time jobs, step-dad’s away from them and doesn’t want to help, they can just manage to make enough money to pay rent).
This is where it becomes kind of unbelievable, Theo is released from school, practically everyday to check on the brothers in jail, and his sticking his nose into the matter, Grisham used to write it in a way that made me believe that this was his best trait but now it’s really just an invasion of privacy. The chance of this happening in real life is very unlikely and bugs me that everyday a 13 year old kid is skipping school for half the day with permission from a principal to check on 2 dumb kids in jail. Also now they are trying to raise money for the 2 at school which is nice but still is very different from his other Theodore Boone books.
This book was sadly very disappointing and really not the best work or even near there for Grisham.
I wasn’t even to finish it just because it bugs me how unrealistic it becomes When you get about in the middle of it.
Though Grisham did extremly well in his other Theodore Boone books & I do recommend you check those out🙂!
I hope this review helped 🤗!

Finished Reading: Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Currently Reading: Nancy Drew The Secret of the Red Gate Farm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megan Jones.
1,552 reviews25 followers
August 11, 2019
Woody Lambert is in trouble. He comes from a broken family, suffers bad grades at school and his older brother, Tony, is on probation for a drug offence. When Woody inadvertently gets caught up with Tony and one of his friends, Garth, cruising around Strattenburg in a beaten-up Mustang drinking beer, one thing leads to another and Garth holds up a convenience store with a fake gun. Though he had no involvement in the crime other than being in Garth's car, Woody is arrested as an accomplice. He's going to need serious legal advice to avoid juvenile prison. Enter Theodore Boone: after all, Theo has already decided that he will become the best courtroom lawyer in the state. It's just that, at the age of thirteen, Theo is years from being a qualified lawyer - and Woody needs help right now.

This is not my favourite book in the Theodore Boone series, the plot felt a bit wishy-washy, uninteresting and dare I say it, straight-forward. Grisham excels at getting characters out of seemingly impossible situations and this all felt a bit too easy. Despite this I have to stress that I did enjoy the read and as usual enjoyed following Boone on his adventures. I just wish there had been more substance to the plot.

I have already touched on Theodore Boone, but I have to stress how much I enjoy his character. I adore following Theo through school and as he tries to begin his law career at a very early age. Learning how Theo's mind works is a treat and provides riveting entertainment. We have the usual additions of Theo's family and I simply love catching up with regular characters, it feels like catching up with friends.

'The Accomplice' was not my favourite book in the Theodore Boone series and I feel the plot sadly lets the characters down. However, it is still humorous, interesting and kept my attention.
Profile Image for Cris.
2,304 reviews26 followers
June 29, 2019
This is book seven is the Theo Boone, Kid Lawyer series. Theo is a good kid, raised by two lawyer parents. He believes the system works. Then one of his friends and his brother gets caught up in the system with a rich friend. Theo finds out that hard truth of the legal system, and life...money talks! If you have money, you can make bail! If you don’t, you are in trouble. Watching Theo and his friends deal with this realty was intriguing. I actually really liked this book as it touched on real problems in America!
Profile Image for Ashley N..
1,728 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2019
I thought this latest Theo Boone book was lame. Feels like Grisham is phoning it in, using a ghostwriter, or both. The preachiness of the subjects du jour (juvenile law, bail reform), the ridiculous access & privileges afforded to Theo by the court and school, the repetitive constraint of "he's my friend, he can't be guilty", all were trite and cliched. Lots of telling, no depth of character or story. Even the obligatory animal court segment was dumb. I won't read further in this series.
Profile Image for Sandi.
403 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2020
This is the last Theo Boone as of this date. I don't know if John Grisham plans to write more or not. I've really enjoyed the series, and I'm sorry to say goodbye to Theo for now. This last one centered mostly on Theo's friend, Woody, and his brush with the law.

I've found the small town setting, and Theo's chumminess with the Judges all very charming. I hope to see more of Theo in the future.

And of course John-boy's narration is awesome!
Profile Image for Georgann .
1,028 reviews34 followers
June 29, 2019
I love this series. I have learned so much about how our legal system works, and in an entertaining manner. Thankfully, not first hand.I learned much about youthful offenders and the unfairness of a system weighted against people with no money. I was really worried about Theo's friend, Woody, in this one. He was caught in a system that seemed designed to fail him, and I have to wonder how often that happens in real life. I think that is part of what Grisham is hoping for his readers, to see the flaws in the system and maybe get involved in change. This is a great series!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
477 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2025
An enjoyable listen via audiobook that should be required reading for teens. What happens when your big brother’s friend enters a convenience store, grabs some beer and then holds the clerk at gun point?? Well, it is a toy gun, but Woody and his older sibling are in for a big surprise with a steep learning curve.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
72 reviews
February 18, 2020
I took a deep pleasure in reading this book. It showed loyalty through friendship, as Theo fights for his friends' innocence. Grisham somehow connects you to the character so that you have an passion and strong love for him/her to a point that you would feel as if you are experiencing the same struggles and misery. I hope Grisham writes another!
1 review
May 23, 2019
Not believable

Disappointed with Grisham. A totally unbelievable story about a precocious 13 year old wannabe lawyer actually arguing in court. Save your money and stay away from this book
Profile Image for Karsyn .
2,365 reviews44 followers
July 20, 2019
Meh. Fine book, typical of this series. Seemed to focus more on the others and be more serious than the others in the series, but wasn't bad. A quick book to read.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,050 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2019
A story about the depth of friendship in teenagers, but a 13-year-old "lawyer" (yes, he has prosecuted cases in Animal Court) is a bit of a stretch. Just meh -- 3 out of 10.
Profile Image for Don Shreve.
180 reviews
December 12, 2019
Great book for teen boys or girls. Explains how our justice system works.
Profile Image for Teresa Locklear.
148 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2020
Really great book! All the suspense and mystery you'd expect from John Grisham, but written with kids in mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews

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