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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Some
Moderate violence — assassinations; attempts on Darby's life; the thriller's escalation
Language
Some
Moderate profanity
Sexual Content
Barely any
Mild — some romantic development between Darby and Grantham
Substance Use
None
No meaningful substance use
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Darby's isolation — who can she trust?; the political conspiracy's scale; what the Pelican Brief actually says
What this book is about
When two Supreme Court Justices are assassinated, Tulane law student Darby Shaw writes a speculative brief connecting the murders to a political motive. Someone in Washington takes it very seriously — seriously enough to start killing people who've seen it. Darby goes on the run with Washington Herald reporter Gray Grantham. The Pelican Brief is Grisham's second novel after The Firm — faster, more overtly political, and one of his most beloved. Adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Assassinations of two Supreme Court Justices — the political stakes
Darby on the run — sustained threat; who is trying to kill her
Adapted as a film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington (1993)
One of Grisham's best — political thriller at full speed
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