The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town of Clanton in Ford County, Mississippi, reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client’s life-and then his own.


From the Paperback edition.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page

"Grisham's pleasure in relating the Byzantine  complexities of Clanton (Mississippi) politics is contagious and he tells a good  story...An enjoyable book."—Library  Journal.

"Grisham excels!"—Dallas Times Herald

“Grisham is an absolute master.”—Washington Post

“Grisham enraptures us.”—Houston Chronicle



From the Paperback edition.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page

John Grisham is the author of The Brethren, The Testament, The Street Lawyer, The Partner, The Runaway Jury, The Rainmaker, The Chamber, The Client, The Pelican Brief, The Firm, and A Time to Kill.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page