A Summary of “The Pelican Brief” by John Grisham

Kortland Book Club
4 min readAug 11, 2023

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“The Pelican Brief” is a legal thriller written by John Grisham and first published in 1992. The novel follows the gripping tale of a young law student’s discovery of a dangerous conspiracy that places her life in peril. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue, corruption, and suspense, the story unfolds as the protagonist struggles to expose the truth while evading those who wish to silence her.

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Summary:

The story begins with the assassination of two Supreme Court justices, Justice Rosenberg and Justice Jensen. The murders send shockwaves through the nation and raise suspicions about the motives behind the killings. The protagonist, Darby Shaw, a brilliant and ambitious Tulane University law student, decides to explore the possible connections between the two murders as part of a research paper. She believes that there must be a common link, a “pelican brief,” that ties both justices’ deaths together.

Darby meticulously conducts her research and eventually stumbles upon a critical lead involving a secretive oil tycoon, Victor Mattiece. As she digs deeper, Darby unravels a shocking conspiracy that connects the assassinations to an oil deal in Louisiana. She uncovers evidence suggesting that Rosenberg and Jensen were killed because they were threatening to vote against Mattiece’s interests in an upcoming case related to an environmentally harmful oil exploration project. The brief, written by Darby, implicates Mattiece as the mastermind behind the murders.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

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Darby hands her findings to her lover and law professor, Thomas Callahan, for safekeeping. However, her trust in him proves to be misplaced. The next day, Callahan is found dead, and Darby becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Realizing that her life is in grave danger, she goes on the run to protect herself and the explosive document she possesses.

Enter Gray Grantham, a charismatic investigative reporter for the Washington Post. Grantham learns of Darby’s predicament and decides to investigate her claims and protect her from the sinister forces pursuing her. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and expose the corruption at the highest levels of government and business.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

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As Darby and Grantham delve deeper into the conspiracy, they face numerous threats and attempts on their lives. The plot thickens, and they encounter both allies and adversaries along the way. Darby’s brilliance and determination to expose the truth, combined with Grantham’s investigative skills and journalistic prowess, create an unstoppable duo.

Their investigation takes them from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans and various other locations. They encounter mysterious informants, reluctant witnesses, and corrupt officials determined to protect the powerful interests behind the murders.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “THE PELICAN BRIEF”

The tension escalates as the culprits become aware of Darby and Grantham’s progress. The shadowy organization that orchestrated the killings attempts to silence them permanently. The danger intensifies, and the risks they face grow more significant with each step they take toward revealing the truth.

Meanwhile, the President of the United States, worried about the potential fallout from the pelican brief, launches an internal investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. He enlists the help of a trusted advisor, Fletcher Coal, to oversee the investigation and ensure justice is served.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “THE PELICAN BRIEF”

In a race against time, Darby and Grantham must outsmart their adversaries while staying one step ahead of their pursuers. As they get closer to the heart of the conspiracy, they realize the extent of the web of corruption they are up against.

Eventually, they manage to locate the key witness who can provide the evidence needed to expose the truth. However, the sinister forces pursuing them close in on their location, leading to a thrilling climax filled with suspense and danger.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “THE PELICAN BRIEF”

In a shocking twist, the mastermind behind the conspiracy is revealed to be someone close to the President, Fletcher Coal. He orchestrated the murders and cover-up to protect the interests of Victor Mattiece and maintain the lucrative oil deal. The President, who had been misled by Coal, is devastated by the revelation and takes swift action to bring the culprits to justice.

In the final confrontation, Darby and Grantham manage to expose the conspiracy to the public through the media. The truth is finally unveiled, leading to the arrest and downfall of the corrupt individuals involved. The nation is left shocked and outraged by the extent of the deception and abuse of power.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “THE PELICAN BRIEF”

“The Pelican Brief” is a gripping legal thriller that explores themes of power, corruption, and the pursuit of truth. John Grisham skillfully weaves a complex web of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. The novel’s well-developed characters and the dynamic between Darby and Grantham make it an engaging and thought-provoking read that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “THE PELICAN BRIEF” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “THE PELICAN BRIEF”

Disclamer: This page Contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Kortland Book Club
Kortland Book Club

Written by Kortland Book Club

I like books and have a passion for it. I am an Amazon Associate and make commissions from the links in my articles. I thank you for checking out my articles.

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