A Time to Kill is John Grisham's debut novel, first published in 1989. Set in the fictional town of Clanton, Mississippi, the story centers on attorney Jake Brigance, who defends Carl Lee Hailey, a Black man charged with murdering two white men who brutally raped his ten-year-old daughter, Tonya. The novel delves into themes of racial tension, justice, and morality, highlighting the complexities of the legal system and the deep-seated prejudices within the community. Grisham's portrayal of the intense courtroom drama and the societal upheaval surrounding the trial offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges in seeking justice in a racially divided society.