Malcolm is the racketeer in the story, but his own con game is only one scheme in a web of deceptions and criminal machinations that fall under the definition of racketeering. He was first falsely accused and convicted of being involved in racketeering (fraudulent real-estate deals and money laundering). Nearing 40, Malcolm is a well-educated lawyer with a strong sense of justice that has been violated by egregious corruption in the justice system. He refers infrequently to himself as Black, indicating that although it is a trait he is aware of, he doesn’t give it as much weight as other aspects of his identity. At Frostburg, he feels less in common with the Black prisoners than with the white prisoners who are there for nonviolent financial crimes like himself. In this aspect of Grisham’s characterization, the inherent biases of the judicial system are revealed.

Normally, the reader and the protagonist are on the same side, trying to solve a problem together. Instead, the structure of The Racketeer forces the reader to play detective as Malcolm gradually unfolds the nuances of The Long Con. One question that he holds in abeyance is the balance between justice and vengeance in his plan.