Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1)

A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1)
A Time to Kill - Jake Brigance, Bk 1
Author: John Grisham
ISBN-13: 9780440211723
ISBN-10: 0440211727
Publication Date: 1992
Pages: 528
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1260

4 stars, based on 1260 ratings
Publisher: Dell
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

132 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Shellaree avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
A gripping courtroom drama about a young girl whose life has been shattered by 2 drunken and remorseless young men. Her father decides to take matters into his own hands with an assault rifle. A town then is in flames and on different sides.

An interesting book with twists and turns.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
A young father seeks revenge for the brutal attack on his daughter. The trial that follows and the events surrounding the trial keep you reading to the last page. Very thought provoking book.
castelli avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This one will get you ALL riled up and rooting for the main character. A great read, and one of Grisham's best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 179 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This addictive tale of a young lawyer defending a black Vietnam war hero who kills the white druggies who raped his child in tiny Clanton, Mississippi, is John Grisham's first novel, and his favorite of his first six. He polished it for three years and every detail shines like pebbles at the bottom of a swift, sunlit stream. Grisham is a born legal storyteller and his dialogue is pitch perfect.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
racial tension and the brillant author has again hit upon subjects and characters that keep us guessing.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Another great novel by John Grisham. The characters keep you interested and even holding your breath as you anticipate what may happen!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book got John Grisham's career started. An intense and powerful story, which was made into a movie with Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock. A great read!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
very good book. better than the movie. and i loved the movie. enjoy.
Joynessdotcom avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 53 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My first Grisham, and I loved it. This one is definately better than the others. The movie didn't do it total justice.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
John Grisham's first (and in my opinion, best) novel. This book delves into the controversial issues of discrimination, freedom of speech, ethics in law, and vigilante justice. I used this book in my high school English class, and we had many in-depth discussions.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome. A great read even if you've seen the movie.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another hit by Grisham- very emotional book and hard to out done.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book. Most literary of all Grisham's books. Less a thriller, and more an intellectually suspenseful book. Quite well done.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
John Grisham's novel that probes the savage depths of racial violence. This is one of his best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
"A Time to Kill" is one of Grishams' best stories. It is his the first book he wrote and has been re-released. It is a story of a gruesome crime and the racial emotions os the not so distant past. It does keep your attention from beginning to end. Every parent will relate to "A Time to Kill".
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An unspeakable crime has been committed upon a ten year old girl. But what happens when it is entirely possible that the men who committed this crime will go free? Does the father of the child have the right to take justice into his hands and what will happen to him if he does? This is a great read by a master storyteller, John Grisham
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of Grisham's best works. If you like John Grisham, you have to read A Time to Kill. Very intense and gripping, it delivers as only Grisham can.
dor88een avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK, IF YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE, THEN YOU'LL ENJOY THE BOOK.

IT IS A LITTLE DISTURBING READING THE SCENES WHERE THE LITTLE GIRL IS ABUSED BECAUSE IT IS PRETTY GRAPHIC, BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK THAT I HAVE READ MORE THAN ONCE!
Jess77 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
Very excellent story from Grisham! #1 favorite author
maggieblue avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
A savage death in Mississippi - a 10 year old girl is killed by two drunken louts. A compelling story.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
I love all of John Grisham's book!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
My very first and very favorite Grisham novel. One of the few where the movie is just as good (and having Matthew McConaughay as the main character certainly doesn't hurt!)
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
One of Grisham's better books.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
If you're a John Grisham fan, this is another great book!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
The story was okay. But way too much use of the "N" word. It may have been the way they talked back then but I feel it was used more than necessary. Too many gaps.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Great book. Awesome legal presentations from both sides.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
I loved this one!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 117 more book reviews
Girl is raped and left for dead and town is divided by race. Great book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Very good book, hard to put down
romeo avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 334 more book reviews
edge of your seat reading!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 75 more book reviews
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's Grisham's first, and is the prequel to his most recent release Sycamore Row. A friend recommended that I read this before reading the new book, and I truly couldn't put it down. It takes place in the early days of desegregation and brings that era back in full force. It's full of twists and turns that left me racing to see what happened. Excellent read.
DanJohnson avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
A 10-year-old black girl is beaten and raped by two drunken rednecks, and her father takes justice into his own hands. In his own inimitable style, John Grisham tells the story of how attorney Jake Brigance attempts to save the life of the girl's father (and his own), while the Ku Klux Klan burns crosses and black people from all over the Southeast converge on Clanton, Mississippi to march in support of his client.
A Time To Kill is John Grisham at his very best!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 98 more book reviews
The place - Clanton, Mississippi. "The life of a ten-year old black girl is shattered by a brutal rape and torturous assault by two drunken and remorseless young white men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her father, Carl Lee Hailey gets his hands on an M-16 assault rifle - and takes justice into his own outraged hands by blowing the two men away!". "For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his clients life..." This book is infused with images of the NAACP, the reemergence of the once defunct KKK, the confrontation of these two organizations causes some raw human drama - which you get to share. Given Grisham's tendency to "ramble on", (by his own admission), what I found most impressive was his way of reaching out of the pages and grabbing your attention and sucking you into story immediately from the beginning! I'll leave it to you, the reader, to determine if you think the outcome was correct or not - whatever your decision, I'm sure you'll find it satisfying! I promised my wife I would read this book, along with "The Firm" because she gave them to me for Xmas one year. Besides, she IS a lawyer, and I'm sure she could come up with some verbal agreement breach, if I didn't read them. In the end, I'm glad I did! Thanks for lookin'
Mikivanmom avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Grisham's books are always good!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 145 more book reviews
John Grisham is the best! Excellent book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 113 more book reviews
Another great Grisham book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Good book. Hard to put down.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
John Grisham at his best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
My favorite Grisham book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Fantastic read. I am sure you heard of it, wonderfull book!
SanJoseCa avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 328 more book reviews
A story of racial violence, a father's revenge, and a small southern town's struggle for justice.
Grisham's first novel, and many readers say his best!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
The action in this book doesn't stop from beginning to end. It's a page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly Recommended.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 79 more book reviews
Great character development and story. Not a typical Grisham book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
John Grisham is a master at getting your attention and holding it throughout the book. I wouldn't put this up if I didn't have 2 copies. I think his books are even better than the movies Hollywood has been making from them.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Another great one from John Grisham
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
My favortive John Grisham book!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Grisham's first novel and still one of his best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Great John Grissom thriler!!
Fulltimer avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 179 more book reviews
Set in Mississippi, white injustice to blacks but this time justice takes a different form.
murder101 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
Great book!!!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Grisham first, and his best!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Young black girl is raped by two white men, and her father takes justice into his own hands. Burning crosses, fire, chaos as the young attorney tries to save his client's life. Good read.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Another great John Grisham book
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Awsome book!!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
This book is well written and tells a good story. But it was hard to
read. I finally had to skip the the first chapter. This was too real.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
John Grisham at his best. Well developed characters and a nail biting plot.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The lefe of a ten year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assult rifle---and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits speelbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life...and then his own...
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
As the reviewers say ... "Grisham keeps you turning those pages..."
Great reading, especially for Grisham fans.
nascargal avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 352 more book reviews
I'm not the biggest Grisham fan...but this book is awesome. Of the three or four books of his that I have read, this is hands down the best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
Grisham's first book--but wow, what a good one! Who doesn't sympathize with the man on trial, whose daughter was brutalized?
surfcity avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Great read.
meowysmiles avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 140 more book reviews
Emotional drama..great read..
debm avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
A real page turner. One of Grisham's best.
cnmor avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 93 more book reviews
A good story. Uses the n word a lot though.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
One of Grisham's BEST.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
One of the best Grisham novels.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Racial struggles in the south
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
One of Grisham's best novels. The life of a ten year old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men.
KellyP avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 143 more book reviews
Grisham's first & absoluely one of his best!
my-3-girls avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Good book, but somewhat predictable. It kept my interest to read on.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
John Grisham is a great novelist!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Great book, intense!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Much More detail then the Movie.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 171 more book reviews
Very good book I also watched the movie
icesk8tr avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 363 more book reviews
Very addictive!! Could not put this one down!
CherryBlossom avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
John Grisham. Need I say more?
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
Good Grisham book!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 206 more book reviews
If you haven't read *this* Grisham, you really ought to.
Kim1264 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
This is Grisham's first book, and in my opinion, it is his best.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
one of my favorite Grisham novels.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
This was exciting to read. The characters he creates in the small town were very interesting, sometimes edgy types.
sunshaula avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
This was the first John Grisham novel I ever read and after I was totally hooked! Great story that brings forth many emotions.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
This addictive tale of a young lawyer defending a black Vietnam war hero who kills the white druggies who raped his child in tiny Clanton, Mississippi. It's a real gutsy story.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 118 more book reviews
For ten days, as burning corsses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life...and then his own.... From the cover.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
The best work Grisham ever did.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
The book was very long winded. However, every scene and detail built the story up. There were no boring parts.

There were some very graphic scene and the "N-word" was used extensively so read with caution if those things offend you!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
Being his first book, it took a while to get into it, but I read it after "The Firm" and "The Pelican Brief" so it was easier than those who read this first.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Suspensful until the end. When it came time for the juries decision I was as nervous as the defendant.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
This is a Grisham classic which has been made into a movie, about the defense of a black man accused of murder of men who raped his 10 year old daughter. EXCELLENT reading
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 112 more book reviews
I like John Grisham's stories, but I did not like this one
squeakers244 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
Good read a story that keeps you reading.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Temporary insanity...
What would a father do if he found out the identity of the men who gang-raped his ten-year-old daughter, dragged her behind a truck, and left her for dead on a riverbank?
What would the lawyer defending the father do to save his client's life?
What would a county do to deal with the enmity that breaks out between blacks and whites because of the lines that have been crossed?
The answers are surprising.
The casualties of a night of wanton, drunken carousing are far greater than the young men with the pickup truck looking for some 'fun' ever expected.... and this time, they are not going to be 'indulged' by a lenient legal system.
Grisham weaves a taut tale of emotion and reason- of justice and redemption - that crosses over politics, prejudice, traditions and status quo.
eadieburke avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 1639 more book reviews
Book Description
Don't miss a sneak peek of Sycamore Row, John Grisham's new novel inspired by A Time to Kill, in the back of the book.

The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town of Clanton in Ford County, Mississippi, reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's lifeand then his own.

My Review
This was a very powerful book as the subject matter is very delicate and heart-wrenching. It is Grisham's first novel and an amazing debut for any writer. His characters are well-drawn and very believable. The plot is very emotionally charged and makes for a book which is hard to put down until the last page. It is my first Grisham book but it won't be my last as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book for those who like gripping legal thrillers.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Before The Firm and The Pelican Brief made him a superstar, John Grisham wrote this riveting story of retribution and justice -- at last it's available in a Doubleday hardcover edition. In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town...Clanton, Mississippi.

The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young man. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle -- and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

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

"Grisham's pleasure in relating the Byzantine complexities of Clanton (Mississippi) politics is contagious and he tells a good story...An enjoyable book." -- Library Journal.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
In this soaring courtroom drama,best-sellingauthor John Grsam probes the savage depths of racial violence....as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town....
justus5 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
awesome read.
nurse avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 221 more book reviews
It was an execellent book about a ten year old girl in Clanton Mississippi. Her life is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. Tthe mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assualt rifle and takes justice in to his own hands.
For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of clanton,the nation sits spellbound as young defense attourney Jake Brigance struggles to save his clients life and then his own.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 273 more book reviews
Clanton,Mississippi.the life of a ten year old girl is shattered by two drunken and remoreless young men.The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime.Until her black father acquires an assault rifle-and takes justice into his own outraged hands.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten year old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle--and takes justice into his own outraged hands. For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of a sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life....and then his own...
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 134 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town....

Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle--and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life...and then his own....
nap76 avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 124 more book reviews
good book by Grisham
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 683 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John GRISHAM probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town... THRILLER You better set time aside to read this book once started almost impossible to put down.
LadyKyria avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 45 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock & horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle--& takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For 10 days, as burning crosses & the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life... and then his own....
bouncy-tigger avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
My favorite Grisham....grabs you from chapter one and doesn't let go!
Pattakins avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 365 more book reviews
This addictive tale of a young lawyer defending a black Vietnam war hero who kills the white druggies who raped his child in tiny Clanton, Mississippi, is John Grisham's first novel, and his favorite of his first six. He polished it for three years and every detail shines like pebbles at the bottom of a swift, sunlit stream. Grisham is a born legal storyteller and his dialogue is pitch perfect.
The plot turns with jeweled precision. Carl Lee Hailey gets an M-16 from the Chicago hoodlum he'd saved at Da Nang, wastes the rapists on the courthouse steps, then turns to attorney Jake Brigance, who needs a conspicuous win to boost his career. Folks want to give Carl Lee a second medal, but how can they ignore premeditated execution? The town is split, revealing its social structure. Blacks note that a white man shooting a black rapist would be acquitted; the KKK starts a new Clanton chapter; the NAACP, the ambitious local reverend, a snobby, Harvard-infested big local firm, and others try to outmaneuver Jake and his brilliant, disbarred drunk of an ex-law partner. Jake hits the books and the bottle himself. Crosses burn, people die, crowds chant "Free Carl Lee!" and "Fry Carl Lee!" in the antiphony of America's classical tragedy.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
This addictive tale of a young lawyer defending a black Vietnam war hero who kills the white druggies who raped his child in tiny Clanton, Mississippi, is John Grisham's first novel, and his favorite of his first six. He polished it for three years and every detail shines like pebbles at the bottom of a swift, sunlit stream. Grisham is a born legal storyteller and his dialogue is pitch perfect.

The plot turns with jeweled precision. Carl Lee Hailey gets an M-16 from the Chicago hoodlum he'd saved at Da Nang, wastes the rapists on the courthouse steps, then turns to attorney Jake Brigance, who needs a conspicuous win to boost his career. Folks want to give Carl Lee a second medal, but how can they ignore premeditated execution? The town is split, revealing its social structure. Blacks note that a white man shooting a black rapist would be acquitted; the KKK starts a new Clanton chapter; the NAACP, the ambitious local reverend, a snobby, Harvard-infested big local firm, and others try to outmaneuver Jake and his brilliant, disbarred drunk of an ex-law partner. Jake hits the books and the bottle himself. Crosses burn, people die, crowds chant "Free Carl Lee!" and "Fry Carl Lee!" in the antiphony of America's classical tragedy.
cranbery avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 530 more book reviews
The Best Book He Has Written!!!!!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
"In this searing courtroom drama, Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence..as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town..."
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a 10 year old girl is shattered by two druken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle, and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For 10 days of burning crosses and sniper fire, the nation watches as the young defense attorney tries to save his client's life - and his own.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence... as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town...

Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young man. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle -- and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life... and then his own...
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 58 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town...
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. the mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle - and takes justice into his own outraged hands.
Coleopterra avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a 10 year old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her father acquires an assault rifle - and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, with burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spreading through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life...and then his own...
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
ONe of my favorite authors
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
good reading
StrawberryOES avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Gresham probes the savae depths of racial violence....as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town........
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten year old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhumane crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle-and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life..and then his own.....
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 223 more book reviews
Good book, easy reading. Keeps your attention!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
My book cover is different than the one listed
WhiskeyBat avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
I'm not a fan of "crime thrillers", but if you are, Grisham's good!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
Excellant
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Different cover art.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence..as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town..Clanton, Miss. the life of a ten-year old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires and assault rifle-and takes justice into his own outraged hands. For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life..and then his own.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
This book was okay. It's been a long time since I read this book.
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 506 more book reviews
"Tense, emotional, and compelling" -Sid Salter, columnist
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Before The Firm and The Pelican Brief made him a superstar, John Grisham wrote this riveting story of retribution and justice -- at last it's available in a Doubleday hardcover edition. In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence...as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town...Clanton, Mississippi.

The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young man. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle -- and takes justice into his own outraged hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life...and then his own...
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assult rifle-and take justice into his own outraged hands.
For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defence attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his clients life...and then his own...
KimsClub avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 53 more book reviews
In this searing courtroom drama, best selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town.
RaccoonGirl avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 97 more book reviews
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own outraged hands.
For ten days, with burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spreading through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life--and then his own.
priscillamylove avatar reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Another great John Grisham book. I'm listing many of his books as I have decided to part with my collection. SMoke-free home as always
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Book is definitely used -- not in bad condition, but not in gift condition either!
reviewed A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
One of the best! Slight yellowing of pages...