The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham is a legal thriller set in the mid-20th century in a coastal town called Biloxi in Mississippi. The novel tells the story of two rival families, where one operates a criminal enterprise, and the other pursues a legal course to root out the criminals running the town. The novel is divided into four parts to show how Malco and Rudy's family battle to bring order to Biloxi.
The first part of the novel is "The Boys," which follows two boys, Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco. Keith is the son of Jesse Rudy, a prominent lawyer serving as the district attorney (DA). Hugh is the son of Lance Malco, the gang boss who operates several nightclubs that allow prostitution and other forms of outlawed activities, such as gambling. Keith and Hugh grow up together in the same neighborhood, play baseball together, and attend the same school and church. However, Keith and Hugh have different ambitions. Keith wants to finish his studies and join his father in the legal profession, while Hugh wants to join his father's business and help his father in managing their chain of nightclubs.
In the second section of the novel "The Crusader," Jesse Rudy is determined to eliminate crime in Biloxi, which involves eliminating all the nightclubs where evil activities are planned and executed. Jesse's ambitions create a conflict between him and Lance Malco, who operates the criminal enterprise in the town. Lance works closely with the corrupt police authority and political leaders to ensure his safety. Jesse knows eliminating the criminal gangs in Biloxi is hard. Despite the obstacles, Jesse is determined to accomplish his dream. Jesse wants Biloxi to be a haven, a town with zero crime and prostitution. Jesse starts by prosecuting Ginger, Malco's competitor who also operates a chain of nightclubs. Jesse successfully gets the court order to close down all of Ginger's nightclubs. Lancer senses he is the next victim, and he bribes Biloxi Sheriff and police officers to evade arrest and closure of his illegal businesses. Despite Lance's efforts to avoid arrest, Jesse uses the undercover police officers to put him in prison.
The third part is "Prisoners," which follows Keith and Hugh as grownups and the continued family rivalry. After Lance's arrest, Hugh takes control of their illegal businesses. On the other hand, Keith has finished his law studies and is practicing as a lawyer. Hugh wants revenge against his father's arrest. Hugh and his father's close friend, Nevin, plot to kill Jesse because he is the one who put Lance in jail. Hugh hires Nevin and gives him a mail bomb that is thrown at Jesse's office, killing him instantly. Keith discovers that Hugh and his accomplices are behind his father's assassination, and he vows revenge. Keith pursues the case of his father's murder, which leads to the arrest of Hugh and Nevin. During the court proceedings, Nevin confesses against Hugh and tells the court that he orchestrated the murder because he made the mail bomb. As a result, Hugh is sentenced to death for committing capital murder.
The last section of the book is "The Row," which focuses on Keith's success in life as he rises through the ranks both in his profession and in politics. For instance, Keith is promoted to attorney general (AG). Meanwhile, Hugh is in prison waiting for his capital punishment. Hugh's lawyers try to appeal to evade the death sentence, but Keith uses his influence to ensure the appeal fails. The day Hugh is to be executed, Keith visits him, and he confesses his crime. The novel ends when Hugh is escorted to the execution room and tells Keith they will see each other again in the next world.
