자신의 어린 딸을 강간한 범죄자를 향해 방아쇠를 당긴 아버지는 과연 유죄인가, 무죄인가? 독자들로 하여금 이러한 질문을 던져놓는, 몇번이나 출판사에게서 퇴짜맞았던 존 그리샴의 진정한 처녀작. 작품과 완성도가 가장 뛰어나다는 평가를 받고 있기도 하다.

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...