Following a biographical chapter that focuses on Grisham's childhood in Arkansas, his education, political career, and development as a writer, Pringle examines the legal thriller, its antecedents, and Grisham's contribution to the genre. An individual chapter is devoted to analysis of each of his novels.

Each chapter synopsizes the novel, discusses its reception by critics, and features sections on plot and character development, social/historical context and issues, and an alternative critical perspective from which to approach the novel, such as psychoanalytic theory or feminist criticism. The work includes a complete bibliography of Grisham's work, critical sources, and a list of reviews of all of his novels.

For students, book discussion groups, and fans, this is the perfect companion to Grisham's novels.