Like millions of people I have seen the film that was made from this book, and I am so glad that I read the book first.

This was the first book I ever read by John Grisham, who is a 40 year old ex lawyer from Mississippi, and I have been a fan ever since. His name is now so well known, he is allegedly becoming one of the most read authors in the world.

Legal thrillers seem to have taken over from spy novels, and lawyers like Grisham give more factual based stories than have been offered in the past.

Anyway, back to the story. Mitch McDeere is the main character. He is a cocky law graduate who has numerous law firms bidding to acquire his talents. He is eventually seduced by a very generous firm from Memphis whose offer seems too good to be true. Bendini, Lambert and Locke seem like one big happy family, and just the place Mitch wants to start his career.

As you progress through the story, which I did quickly as I did not want to put the book down, you discover that the law firm is actually run by the Mafia, and the employees of "The Firm" become involved in seedy deals, and questionable practices. They also become privvy to knowledge that means they must stay loyal to The Firm, and if they choose to leave, they will do so in a casket, as there is too much to loose.

Mitch is approached by The FBI, who are trying to get inside information to confirm their suspicions. This is when Mitch needs to decide who poses the greatest risk. Is it The FBI and the threat of prosecution, or the Mafia, and their threat of death? Mmmm hard choice!

Grisham is able to set the right atmosphere, and carry the story in a way you understand the practices, as he does not use jargon. The conclusion is not what I expected, but then that is the sign of a good book to me.

I was disappointed with the film version, as there were lots of subplots added, and although I am a Tom Cruise fan, I always had the picture of someone l

ike Christian Slater in the lead role.

If you have never read any Grisham, try this first, and then find yourself hooked.