"The Pelican Brief" is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham. It follows a law student named Darby Shaw who writes a legal brief speculating on the motives behind the assassinations of two Supreme Court justices. Her theory, known as the Pelican Brief, attracts the attention of powerful figures and puts her life in danger. As Darby seeks to uncover the truth, she teams up with a journalist named Gray Grantham. Together, they navigate a web of political intrigue and corruption, facing threats from those who want to silence them. The story explores themes of justice, power, and the impact of the legal system.