In the end, however, the draw of the liquor proves to be too much. However, when he learns his wife is set to inherit more than twenty million dollars, he tries to become a model husband. Simeon has always been trouble, drinking too much and sometimes getting violent. Lettie’s husband, too, begins to cause trouble. The maid, Lettie Lang, hires a Memphis lawyer who only gets in the way and causes trouble in regard to the jury pool.

The opposition brings in a large number of lawyers, all from the city and ready to fight, while Jake is just a street lawyer from Clanton. Jake finds himself embroiled in yet another big, controversial trial. When the family learns of the new will, they immediately hire lawyers and begin to fight.

The following day, another will is presented, one that benefits Seth’s two grown children rather than the maid who receives the bulk of his estate in the new will. Jake does as he is told, waiting until just moments after the funeral to file the will in court. Jake Brigance finds an envelope in his mail on the Monday after Seth’s death that includes a will and a letter instructing Jake to make sure the will is enforced no matter what. Seth was something of a recluse, but everyone knew he was dying of cancer and are not unduly shocked by his death. At his home, a specific suicide note is found that not only expresses that Seth has killed himself of his own free will, but also gives specific instructions for his funeral. An employee finds him and immediately calls the police. Seth Hubbard hangs himself from a sycamore tree on his family property. Sycamore Row is a return to the legal thriller that will feel familiar to his fans and bring a new generation of readers. Once again Jake finds himself in a questionable position as the past comes back to haunt the legacy of the Hubbard family. Determined to prove that this will was made from undue influence by the maid, Mr. Hubbard’s maid at the exclusion of his two grown children and four grandchildren. This will leaves the largest fortune ever seen in Ford County to Mr.

Before doing so, however, he sends a handwritten will to Jake Brigance with orders to defend it at all costs. Seth Hubbard, dying of cancer, has taken his own life. Returning to his roots, the author brings back the beloved characters of A Time to Kill to take on a new case.

Grisham sycamore row