The French Illusion by John Grisham

Grisham deviates from the legal thriller genre and delves into international espionage to highlight actions the United States has taken in the fight against terrorism. The French Illusion lays bare some not-so-palatable methods employed by countries, including the United States, in the name of counterterrorism. At times, a disturbing read, it is both informative and frightening.

Paul and Chelsea Tanner are on their honeymoon in Paris when they are abducted and held for ransom. Their parents, who pay the ransom, are told not to contact the police or FBI, but when the kidnappers renege on their promises, all bets are off. The FBI, CIA, and French intelligence get involved. The agencies discover that this is not the first American honeymoon couple to be abducted in Paris; indeed, it has happened two previous times, with similar results. Seeking to find a common bond in the kidnappings, they find that the three men are former military personnel who were deployed when the US was seeking Al-Qaeda terrorists. The CIA decides to send a couple undercover to try and get some leads on the location of the abductees. Carefully chosen, the pair are CIA operative Rae Claire Russo and former JAG lawyer Stuart Nash, who hope to convince the kidnappers that they are the real deal.

This is a suspenseful novel that highlights the moral dilemma faced by countries dealing with terrorism: how to identify the terrorists and what methods are allowed during interrogation. How far is too far?  Grisham does a good job of describing the ordeal of the kidnap victims and the motive of the kidnapper, such that I was left pondering whose actions were more justified. There is an e-short, The Law Student, that is a prequel to this book. 

4/5 stars. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is September 29, 2026. 

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