John Grisham's The Pelican Brief captivates readers with its compelling legal thriller plot and brisk pacing. Critics praise its intricate storyline and timely political themes. However, some note that character development is lacking and certain plot points may stretch believability. Overall, it is a gripping read for fans of the genre.

Fans of legal thrillers such as Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent or Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer will relish John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief. Ideal for readers who love fast-paced plots, legal intricacies, and suspenseful storytelling, this novel appeals to those drawn to courtroom dramas and political intrigue.

In John Grisham's 1992 novel, The Pelican Brief, young law student Darby Shaw uncovers a conspiracy behind the assassination of two Supreme Court Justices, linking their murders to a wealthy oil magnate's desire to influence an environmental case. As she runs for her life, she joins forces with reporter Gray Grantham to expose the truth. Themes of violence and murder are depicted.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Challenging / Gritty

- The Pelican Brief was adapted into a film in 1993, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, which helped to significantly boost the book's popularity.
- John Grisham wrote The Pelican Brief in just three months, inspired by his background as a lawyer and his interest in legal thrillers.
- The book was released in 1992 and spent 24 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, solidifying Grisham's reputation as a master of the legal thriller genre.

**Darby Shaw**  
A smart and determined law student who unwittingly becomes involved in a criminal conspiracy, leading her to solve a murder case that confounds intelligence agencies.

**Gray Grantham**  
A dedicated journalist at a prestigious newspaper who reports on events surrounding the murders of two Supreme Court Justices and the implications of the pelican brief.

**Thomas Callahan**  
A respected but flawed law professor with a complicated personal life who becomes embroiled in the conspiracy due to his association with Darby Shaw.

**Khamel**  
A feared and highly skilled assassin known for his subtlety and the precision of his work, which makes him a formidable figure in the narrative.

**Denton Voyles**  
The director of the FBI, known for his devious but principled nature and his determination to protect his organization and achieve justice.

**Fletcher Coal**  
The manipulative and ambitious Chief of Staff for the President, whose actions and motivations are driven by a desire to maintain power at any cost.

**The President**  
A self-serving Republican politician who sees the death of two Supreme Court Justices as an opportunity to shape his legacy and further his political career.

**Victor Mattiece**  
A shadowy figure who orchestrates a conspiracy for financial gain, representing the systemic corruption within the American legal system.

**Curtis Morgan (Garcia)**  
A lawyer turned whistleblower who becomes involved in exposing a criminal plot and takes significant personal risks to ensure justice is served.

John Grisham

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Pelican Brief reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Pelican Brief | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Pelican Brief and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Pelican Brief Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-9

The Pelican Brief Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-18

The Pelican Brief Chapters 10-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-27

The Pelican Brief Chapters 19-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-36

The Pelican Brief Chapters 28-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-45

The Pelican Brief Chapters 37-45 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Pelican Brief Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Pelican Brief Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Pelican Brief Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Pelican Brief Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Pelican Brief Essay Topics

The Pelican Brief

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Pelican Brief?

Reading Age

Book Details