i just sent this book to a friend for some summer reading. When The Firm was all the rage, way back when, I was curious at the time who this man was. I found that this was. in fact, his first book. It's still my favorite. After a few more best-sellers, his books became a yearly event - he became a product. A Time To Kill was the first, the best. If you didn't happen to jump on board the Grisham express until after The Firm, take a step backwards and read this one. You won't believe it's the same guy.