Summary
The Pelican Brief, published in 1992, is John Grisham's third novel and one of his most suspenseful legal thrillers. Set against the backdrop of Washington, DC, and the Louisiana bayous, the novel explores how a single law student's speculative legal brief can shake the foundations of the American political establishment. With his expert pacing and attention to detail, Grisham creates a taut narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also offering insightful commentary on environmental issues and the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Uncovering a chilling conspiracy with ties to the White House, The Pelican Brief quickly became a bestseller, cementing Grisham's reputation as a master of the genre.
In 1993, one year after its publication, The Pelican Brief was adapted into a major motion picture directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.
Plot
The Pelican Brief opens with the shocking assassinations of two Supreme Court justices—the liberal Justice Rosenberg and the conservative Justice Jensen. As the nation reels from these events, Darby Shaw, a law student at Tulane University, develops a theory about the murders. She writes a speculative legal brief suggesting that the justices were killed to influence an upcoming environmental case involving oil tycoon Victor Mattiece.
Darby shares her brief with her professor and lover, Thomas Callahan, who passes it on to his FBI contact. Shortly after, Callahan is killed in a car bombing, and Darby realizes she may be the next target. She goes on the run, narrowly escaping an attempt on her life by the assassin Khamel. Meanwhile, Gray Grantham, a reporter for The Washington Post, is contacted by a mysterious source called “Garcia” who claims to have information about the murders.
Joining forces to investigate, Darby and Gray gradually uncover a complex web of corruption reaching the highest levels of government. They learn that Victor Mattiece, desperate to drill for oil in a pelican habitat, orchestrated the assassinations to ensure favorable court rulings. The White House, fearing political fallout, attempts to cover up its connections to Mattiece.
Racing against time and eluding danger at every turn, Darby and Gray manage to gather crucial evidence, including testimony from the late “Garcia”—actually a lawyer named Curtis Morgan who had stumbled upon the conspiracy. With the help of FBI Director Voyles, who provides additional proof of the White House's involvement, they publish their explosive findings in . The story sends shockwaves through Washington, leading to resignations and criminal investigations, while Darby retreats to safety in the Caribbean.
