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TL;DR: Two U.S. Supreme Court justices are assassinated on the same night. Darby Shaw, a brilliant Tulane law student, writes a legal brief suggesting a surprising theory about why. When people around her start dying, she realizes her brief is true. Hunted by killers, she teams up with Washington Post reporter Gray Grantham to expose the conspiracy.
Table of Contents
The Pelican Brief at a Glance
| Author | John Grisham |
| First published | 1992 |
| Type | Legal thriller |
| Best for | readers who want a fast, suspenseful conspiracy thriller |
The Pelican Brief is a legal thriller by John Grisham, published in 1992. It follows a law student who uncovers a political conspiracy. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes assassinations and violence.
Main Characters
- Darby Shaw: A brilliant, determined law student.
- Gray Grantham: A Washington Post investigative reporter.
- Thomas Callahan: Darby's professor and lover.
- Victor Mattiece: A wealthy oil tycoon.
- Khamel: A professional assassin.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The assassinations
An assassin, Khamel, kills two Supreme Court justices with very different views. The FBI and White House are puzzled.
The brief
Darby Shaw researches a theory: the justices were killed because they would have ruled against an oil company planning to drill in a Louisiana marsh, home to endangered brown pelicans. Her professor, Thomas Callahan, passes the brief to a friend in the FBI.
Danger
Callahan is killed by a car bomb meant for Darby. Darby goes on the run, hunted by killers. She contacts Gray Grantham, a reporter, for help.
The investigation
Darby and Gray investigate together, dodging assassins. They find a lawyer who knows the truth about Mattiece, a billionaire who donated to the President's campaign. The lawyer is killed, but they find his evidence.
Exposure
The Washington Post publishes the story. Mattiece's connection to the White House is exposed, and the President's staff fall. Darby escapes to the Caribbean, and Gray later joins her.
5 Key Takeaways
- Truth can be dangerous to the powerful.
- Investigative journalism protects democracy.
- Money and politics can be dangerously linked.
- Courage and intelligence can expose conspiracies.
- Environmental issues can drive corruption.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- A single idea can threaten powerful people.
- Trusting the right person can save your life.
- The press can hold leaders accountable.
Who Should Read The Pelican Brief?
Read The Pelican Brief if you enjoy conspiracy thrillers and strong heroines. It suits adults and older teens.
About John Grisham
John Grisham, born in 1955, is a former Mississippi lawyer and state legislator who became one of the world's best-selling authors. His legal thrillers include The Firm, A Time to Kill and The Client. Many have been adapted into films. He has also written children's books, the Theodore Boone series.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Pelican Brief:
- Why do the conspirators fear Darby's brief?
- How do Darby and Gray work together?
- What does the book say about political money?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Pelican Brief is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Pelican Brief, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is fast-paced and entertaining, with an appealing heroine.
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What to Read Next
- The Firm by John Grisham: a lawyer escapes a corrupt firm
- All the President's Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein: real reporters expose a scandal
- The Client by John Grisham: a boy holds a mob secret
Related: The Firm by John Grisham: Summary and Key Takeaways · Skipping Christmas by John Grisham: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pelican Brief about?
A law student's theory about two judges' murders leads to a deadly conspiracy.
Who wrote it?
John Grisham, in 1992.
Why is it called The Pelican Brief?
The motive involves drilling in a marsh home to brown pelicans.
Who is Gray Grantham?
A reporter who helps Darby.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 1993 film with Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.
What age is it for?
Adults and older teens.
How long is it?
About 440 pages.
Who is Darby Shaw?
A Tulane law student.
Who killed the justices?
An assassin hired on behalf of oil tycoon Victor Mattiece.
Where is it set?
In New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and New York.
Who is Thomas Callahan?
Darby's professor and lover, killed by a car bomb.
Who is Khamel?
The professional assassin who kills the justices.
Who is Victor Mattiece?
A billionaire oil man behind the assassinations.
What happens to Darby?
She escapes to the Caribbean after the story is published.
Who are the main characters in The Pelican Brief?
The main characters are Darby Shaw, Gray Grantham, Thomas Callahan, Victor Mattiece and Khamel. Darby Shaw: A brilliant, determined law student. Gray Grantham: A Washington Post investigative reporter. Thomas Callahan: Darby's professor and lover.
Is The Pelican Brief worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a fast, suspenseful conspiracy thriller. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.