Photo credit: Thomas R Machnitzki
1989
John Grisham's first novel
The DeSoto County lawyer and state representative signed A Time To Kill at local libraries before The Firm reached bestseller lists.
Photo credit: First Regional Library, Hernando
This story is sourced from the DeSoto County Genealogical Society history of DeSoto County. Discover DeSoto does not invent heritage facts outside that record.
Source: DeSoto County Genealogical Society, About DeSoto County: A Brief History of DeSoto County Mississippi
DeSoto Countians' friend, lawyer, and State Representative John Grisham published his first novel, A Time To Kill, in 1989. He signed books at local libraries and sold a few thousand copies.
His second effort, The Firm, hit the bestseller list and made those early copies of A Time To Kill much sought after.
From the visual record
Images connected to this story
First Regional Library in Hernando, part of the local library circuit where Grisham promoted his first novel.
Photo credit: First Regional Library, Hernando
The DeSoto County Courthouse at the center of Hernando's historic square.
Storefronts facing the public square laid out at Hernando's founding.
Explore Hernando today, or return to the heritage hub.
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Photo credit: Visit DeSoto County
Four Ways Inn at Nesbit
Photo credit: Thomas R Machnitzki
Hernando, the Marrying Capital