Thriller
The Pelican Brief
After two Supreme Court justices are assassinated, a law student writes a theory about who was behind it. When her brief reaches the wrong people, she becomes a target and has to run.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1992
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 402
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a fast, paranoid, on-the-run conspiracy thriller.
Skip this if you want realism, as the plot is more about momentum than plausibility.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Pelican Brief
- What is The Pelican Brief about?
- After two Supreme Court justices are assassinated, a law student writes a theory about who was behind it. When her brief reaches the wrong people, she becomes a target and has to run.
- Who should read The Pelican Brief?
- Read it if you want a fast, paranoid, on-the-run conspiracy thriller. Skip it if you want realism, as the plot is more about momentum than plausibility.
- How long and how fast is The Pelican Brief?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 402 pages, first published in 1992.
- Does The Pelican Brief have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow The Pelican Brief for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Pelican Brief; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Pelican Brief?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Firm, The Bourne Identity.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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