What can one say about a legal system where an innocent man faces death row while a guilty man walks free? In 1998, Travis Boyette kidnapped and raped young Nikki Yarber in Slone, Texas. He then buried her body in Joplin, Missouri. After a frenzied investigation, the police convict and arrest Donté Drumm, an African American high school football player. Drumm has no relation to the crime, but society pins the crime on him because of the colour of his skin. After a swift hearing, he is sentenced to death. His execution is held back by the efforts of his lawyer, Robbie Flak, who tries his best to prove Drumm’s innocence. He is aided by African Americans who protest against the unfairness of the trial. However, the jury turns a deaf ear to their pleas. Nine years later, Boyette returns. He has been suffering with brain tumour for all this time, and decides it is finally time to turn himself in to save Drumm’s life. However, is it too late to save the poor man who’s counting the hours to his execution?

About John Grisham
John Grisham is an American writer, politician and lawyer. He is best known for his legal thrillers, including The Chamber, The Client, A Painted House, The Pelican Brief, Skipping Christmas, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury and A Time to Kill.