Known for his courtroom dramas, Grisham once again explores the legal world in this novel, though with a significant departure into family dynamics and mystery.

To do this, Ray has to go to fictional Ford County, Mississippi, the setting for four of John Grisham's other books including A Time To Kill.

When he finds his father dead in the study, Ray discovers a sum of over $3 million in the house, money which is not part of Judge Atlee's will.

While The Summons follows in the tradition of Grisham's legal thrillers, it has been noted for its focus on personal relationships and internal conflict rather than courtroom drama.

Critics have praised Grisham’s storytelling and his ability to create suspense, though some have commented that the resolution leaves several unanswered questions about the characters' futures.