Having read most of Grishams work and seen some of the movies as well I came to this book quite late and as many of the other reviewers have commented, I didn't realise this was his first. In some ways I am pleased to have come to this late as I had felt that he had lost his way a litle over the years and this book is simply very strong and compelling. Covering the tough subject that it does, and tackling some hard and harsh storylines it was a pageturner from start to finish and despite some ocmments that the detail was a little deep, that's what you get from Grisham. Its restored my faith in Grishams work and I'll be back to buying his new releases again.

I loved the book. It was incredibly thought provoking. I am impressed that this was actually John Grisham's first book written way back in 1989. I cannot believe that he had trouble getting someone to publish it. Great story-telling in this one....I recommend it to all fans of legal drama. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.

Grisham's first novel. It was not really known until he published The Firm.

The small Mississippi town of Clanton is brought to the center spotlight of the nation. Carl Lee Hailey an African American born and raised in Mississippi is on trial for the murders of two rednecks who rapped and beat his ten year old daughter.

Local lawyer Jake Brigance argues on Carl Lee's behalf throughout the entire novel despite attacks from the Ku Klux Klan, personal death threats, and other lawyers trying to swindle his case.

The book comes down to one final question, can a man take justice into his own hands?

Along the way to the exciting conclusion major issues such as race discrimination and family values appear. This book is one long sequence of edge of your seat scenes.

It is packed full of action and does not have very many boring legal scenes. Despite, several disturbing images in the beginning this book is a fun read for anyone over age fourteen. "A Time to Kill" is a non stop ride that will leave you up way past your bed time and begging for more.

The movie helped with the novel's popularity and finally brought this obscure novel out of the closet.

This is Grisham's best work. From here his writing became commercial and progressively irrelevant and boring.

I am not sure if this thought is elsewhere, but I believe that the title of John Grisham' book, "A Time to Kill," is inspried by another titled "A Time to Speak," by civil rights lawyer Charles Morgan, who passed away on January 8, 2008. His book was published in 1964. Maybe Grisham can confirm?

An extremely well-written and thought provoking book that deals with racism, segregation, bigotry, southern culture, faith and much more. The first couple of pages are sickeningly brutal. At least i felt that way. And Grisham doesn't let you get over the initial shock.

I can't believe this was his first novel. I'd rate this his absolute best, although A Painted House and The Rainmaker come really close for me.