Before The Firm and The Pelican Brief made him a superstar,John Grisham wrote this riveting story ofretribution and justice -- at last it's available in aDoubleday hardcover edition. In this searing courtroomdrama, best-selling author John Grisham probes thesavage depths of racial violence...as he deliversa compelling tale of uncertain justice in a smallsouthern town...Clanton, Mississippi.

The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by twodrunken and remorseless young man. The mostlywhite town reacts with shock and horror at the inhumancrime. Until her black father acquires an assaultrifle -- and takes justice into his own outragedhands.

For ten days, as burning crossesand the crack of sniper fire spread through thestreets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound asyoung defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to savehis client's life...and then his own...