| The book begins with the assassination of two Supreme Court Justices, by the names of Rosenberg and Jensen. The general populace can see no connection between the two, nor can they speculate as to why either would be killed--Rosenberg was rapidly approaching death by natural causes, and Jensen had never seemed to be too opinionated. The FBI is baffled; the Oval Office is in a state of chaotic stress. The list of suspects seems far too obvious, and proves to be filled with dead-ends. However, Tulane law student Darby Shaw begins an investigation of her own--stirring up whirlpool of suspense and terror.
Darby researches Rosenberg and Jensen's court records, searching for a similarity in beliefs, something that would give someone a cause to kill them both. Once she has found her answer, she composes a brief, explaining the identity of the man who hired the assassin, his motive, and his position. She conjectures that it was Victor Mattiece, a man who had an upcoming appeal to regain oil-drilling land that had formerly been protected due to the endangered brown pelicans on the territory. Jensen and Rosenberg, both staunch environmentalists, would have decreased his chances of winning the appeal had they stayed on the Supreme Court. Being friendly with the president, Mattiece knew that he would appoint new justices that would rule more in his favor. Darby gives a copy of what she names "The Pelican Brief" to Thomas Callahan, her lover and Constitutional Law professor. After he reads it, he passes a copy to his friend Gavin Verheek, a lawyer with the FBI. Verheek then passes it on to FBI director Voyles, who, in turn, passes it on to the president and vice president. Shortly after, a bomb, intended for Darby, is placed on Callahan's car while the two are in a restaurant. Darby does not enter the car, telling Thomas that she will walk home due to his lack of sobriety. Immediatley after starting the car, it explodes, killing Callahan instantly. After going on the run, Darby speaks with Verheek, arranging to meet him for FBI protection. He too, is killed, by the notorious assassin Khamel (hired by Mattiece). After running and hiding for days, Darby contacts Gray Grantham of the Washington Post, and together, they strive to expose Mattiece--and save their own lives. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) Time/era of story: Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Legal Thriller Yes Legal Plotlets descript. of violence and chases - 30 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20 % Who's the criminal enemy here? - evil corporation/rich guy Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - money/treasure The antagonists are: - big business leader(s) How sensitive is this character? Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting City? Yes City: - New York - Washington D.C. - New Orleans Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - very gorey descriptions deaths/dead bodies Explicit sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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