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Kindle County Legal Thriller #13
Presumed Guilty
New from the author of Presumed Innocent, the #1 bestseller that redefined the legal thriller and is the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever.
Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife, Bea, with whom he shares both a restful home on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest and a plaintive hope that this marriage will be his best, and his last. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears. If Aaron doesn’t return soon, he will be sent back to jail.
Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae, that ended in a fight and a long hitchhike home. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first degree murder.
Faced with few choices and even fewer hopes, Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son and to save their last best hope for happiness. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.
Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife, Bea, with whom he shares both a restful home on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest and a plaintive hope that this marriage will be his best, and his last. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears. If Aaron doesn’t return soon, he will be sent back to jail.
Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae, that ended in a fight and a long hitchhike home. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first degree murder.
Faced with few choices and even fewer hopes, Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son and to save their last best hope for happiness. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2025
2433 people are currently reading
27140 people want to read
About the author
Scott Turow
106 books2,527 followersScott Turow is the author of ten bestselling works of fiction, including IDENTICAL, INNOCENT, PRESUMED INNOCENT, and THE BURDEN OF PROOF, and two nonfiction books, including ONE L, about his experience as a law student. His books have been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than thirty million copies worldwide, and have been adapted into movies and television projects. He has frequently contributed essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 987 reviews
February 18, 2025
5.0 stars— As a longtime Scott Turow fan, I was very excited to read his latest legal thriller, ‘Presumed Guilty.’ Turow is most famous for his book “Presumed Innocent” but he has written numerous books since then that were as good, if not better, than “Presumed Innocent.” Most of Turow’s books take place in the courtroom, and it is obvious that Turow is an excellent trial lawyer. He is the best at writing direct and cross-examinations in narrative form, and I always enjoy reading how Turow’s characters breakdown a witness. ‘Presumed Guilty’ brings back Rusty Sabich who is now in his mid-70s and has been retired for years. As you might remember, in “Presumed Innocent” Sabich is arrested and tried for a murder he didn’t commit. So, when his fiancé’s son is accused of murder in which he professes his innocence, it is Rusty to the rescue. The book is very long but not cumbersome because Turow does an excellent job of laying out a trial in a small rural courtroom from beginning to end. The book sets forth a lot of stereotypes about prosecutors, law enforcement and how race is viewed in small town America that I believe were completely off base, but despite my disagreement, it does not take away from the absolute brilliance of this book. As a longtime prosecutor, I have never seen a defense attorney so thoroughly dismantle each witness the prosecution called in the trial as I did in this book. If I were the prosecutor in this case and had a Judge that hostile towards me (which were reflected in nearly all her rulings) I would immediately retire. To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. Turow has produced a true masterpiece that I highly recommend if you enjoy legal thrillers.
June 23, 2025
Wow. Having gone into Presumed Guilty 100% blind, I didn’t know quite what to expect all things considered. After all, I didn’t even watch the streaming Apple TV drama, Presumed Innocent, which was based off of the first in the three book series. Needles to say, though, I shouldn’t have worried. Brilliantly realistic and thought-provoking in the extreme, this newest legal thriller was everything I wanted and more. You see, I not only got to be a fly on the wall of a riveting courtroom drama, but I was blessed to meet a long list of well-developed characters that touched me to my core. Combined with one doozy of a twist three-quarters of the way in, Turow just simply couldn’t go wrong.
The biggest success in this utter slam dunk, however, were the intense, riveting scenes that took place in the courtroom. Wholly authentic to this legal thriller lover, there were plenty of head-to-heads and more than one instance where the rug was pulled out from under one of the attorney’s very own feet. Even better, there was a sense of David versus Goliath as the battle got underway. Now, I do have to forewarn you that this wasn’t exactly a hard-hitting thriller with shocks left, right, and center. Instead, it was a suspenseful mystery that caught fire in the courtroom as Rusty’s brilliant trial tactics endeared him to me more with every page that I turned.
As for those characters, each came brilliantly to life with each master stroke of Turow’s pen. Running the gamut from merely unlikeable to thoroughly suspicious, the long cast of characters made the plot sing. And while there could have been more showing instead of telling about who each of them were, they nevertheless felt like real honest-to-goodness people that you’d meet in a small Midwestern town. Together with the evocative descriptions of this fictional county, each small country lane and winter fallowed field came vividly to life in the back of my mind.
The only downside to Turow’s written style was the extreme slow burn at the start of the novel. As I’ve described, there was a lot of exposition that I wasn’t expecting. And considering that the book is well over 500 pages, it really took some doing to get through the long-drawn-out beginning. Once I hit the start of the murder case, however, the fast-paced courtroom scenes had me spellbound and I just couldn’t put the book down. I’m not kidding. Despite its length, I finished this book in just over forty-eight hours, which meant two very late nights of reading.
All said and done, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m a now an avid fan of Mr. Scott Turow. With a well-laid out plot, masterful characters, and an underlying believable feel, I was moved by the moral dilemmas and serious themes. And while I think it would be perfect for fans of John Grisham, I also know that this novel just might be able to outdo any of his novels. I mean, not only was it compelling, richly layered, and complete with one heck of a conceivable twist, but the conclusion also left me shocked in the best possible way. So run out and grab this one ASAP. As for me? I’ll now be starting book one as soon as I can. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife, Bea, with whom he shares both a restful home on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest and a plaintive hope that this marriage will be his best, and his last. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears. If Aaron doesn’t return soon, he will be sent back to jail.
Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae, that ended in a fight and a long hitchhike home. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first-degree murder.
Faced with few choices and even fewer hopes, Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son and to save their last best hope for happiness. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.
Thank you to Scott Turow, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2025
Content warning: drug addiction, infidelity, racism, cancer, mention of: domestic violence, alcoholism, suicide
The biggest success in this utter slam dunk, however, were the intense, riveting scenes that took place in the courtroom. Wholly authentic to this legal thriller lover, there were plenty of head-to-heads and more than one instance where the rug was pulled out from under one of the attorney’s very own feet. Even better, there was a sense of David versus Goliath as the battle got underway. Now, I do have to forewarn you that this wasn’t exactly a hard-hitting thriller with shocks left, right, and center. Instead, it was a suspenseful mystery that caught fire in the courtroom as Rusty’s brilliant trial tactics endeared him to me more with every page that I turned.
As for those characters, each came brilliantly to life with each master stroke of Turow’s pen. Running the gamut from merely unlikeable to thoroughly suspicious, the long cast of characters made the plot sing. And while there could have been more showing instead of telling about who each of them were, they nevertheless felt like real honest-to-goodness people that you’d meet in a small Midwestern town. Together with the evocative descriptions of this fictional county, each small country lane and winter fallowed field came vividly to life in the back of my mind.
The only downside to Turow’s written style was the extreme slow burn at the start of the novel. As I’ve described, there was a lot of exposition that I wasn’t expecting. And considering that the book is well over 500 pages, it really took some doing to get through the long-drawn-out beginning. Once I hit the start of the murder case, however, the fast-paced courtroom scenes had me spellbound and I just couldn’t put the book down. I’m not kidding. Despite its length, I finished this book in just over forty-eight hours, which meant two very late nights of reading.
All said and done, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m a now an avid fan of Mr. Scott Turow. With a well-laid out plot, masterful characters, and an underlying believable feel, I was moved by the moral dilemmas and serious themes. And while I think it would be perfect for fans of John Grisham, I also know that this novel just might be able to outdo any of his novels. I mean, not only was it compelling, richly layered, and complete with one heck of a conceivable twist, but the conclusion also left me shocked in the best possible way. So run out and grab this one ASAP. As for me? I’ll now be starting book one as soon as I can. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife, Bea, with whom he shares both a restful home on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest and a plaintive hope that this marriage will be his best, and his last. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears. If Aaron doesn’t return soon, he will be sent back to jail.
Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae, that ended in a fight and a long hitchhike home. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first-degree murder.
Faced with few choices and even fewer hopes, Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son and to save their last best hope for happiness. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.
Thank you to Scott Turow, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2025
Content warning: drug addiction, infidelity, racism, cancer, mention of: domestic violence, alcoholism, suicide
January 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
After his fiancée's son is charged with the murder of his long-time on-again, off-again girlfriend, Rusty Sabich, retired judge and former Kindle County, IL defense attorney now in his seventies, is back in the courtroom. Defending Aaron, who is in his early twenties and was living with Bea and Rusty while on probation after serving a short sentence for drug possession, won’t be easy given that Mae was found dead after Aaron stormed off after an argument with her while on a road trip together. Initially reluctant to defend someone who is practically family, not only does Rusty worry about how defending Aaron would affect his relationship with Bea, Aaron’s mother, but complicating matters further is the fact that Mae’s family is well-connected and influential in the legal community and law enforcement, with Mae’s grandfather someone Rusty considers a friend and holds in high regard. Aaron is the only suspect and Mae’s family firmly believes that he killed Mae. The narrative follows Rusty as he leaves no stone unturned fighting to prove Aaron’s innocence and unravel the mystery behind Mae’s murder.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Grover Gardner. This was a lengthy audiobook (a little over 20 hours at 1x speed), but the suspenseful and consistently paced plot and expert narration kept me immersed in the story. Issues such as addiction, racial bias and discrimination, infidelity, and complex family dynamics are deftly woven into the narrative which is shared from Rusty’s first-person perspective The author writes skillfully, with a perfect balance between the legal thriller/ mystery angle and the complicated interpersonal dynamics between Rusty, Aaron, Bea and those close to the case. The courtroom scenes are thoroughly riveting and the mystery is well-crafted with enough red herrings, secrets and twists to keep you guessing.
Overall, I found Scott Turow’s Presumed Guilty to be a gripping legal drama/thriller and I couldn’t recommend it enough for fans of the genre.
This was my first Scott Turow novel and though I haven’t read the preceding books in the author’s Presumed Innocent series (like many others, I loved the Apple TV series based on the first book) I had no problem following the plot as the narrative featured just enough of the relevant backstories/information to make for a well-rounded reading/listening experience. I certainly hope to pick up the other books in this series!
Many thanks to Hachette Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
After his fiancée's son is charged with the murder of his long-time on-again, off-again girlfriend, Rusty Sabich, retired judge and former Kindle County, IL defense attorney now in his seventies, is back in the courtroom. Defending Aaron, who is in his early twenties and was living with Bea and Rusty while on probation after serving a short sentence for drug possession, won’t be easy given that Mae was found dead after Aaron stormed off after an argument with her while on a road trip together. Initially reluctant to defend someone who is practically family, not only does Rusty worry about how defending Aaron would affect his relationship with Bea, Aaron’s mother, but complicating matters further is the fact that Mae’s family is well-connected and influential in the legal community and law enforcement, with Mae’s grandfather someone Rusty considers a friend and holds in high regard. Aaron is the only suspect and Mae’s family firmly believes that he killed Mae. The narrative follows Rusty as he leaves no stone unturned fighting to prove Aaron’s innocence and unravel the mystery behind Mae’s murder.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Grover Gardner. This was a lengthy audiobook (a little over 20 hours at 1x speed), but the suspenseful and consistently paced plot and expert narration kept me immersed in the story. Issues such as addiction, racial bias and discrimination, infidelity, and complex family dynamics are deftly woven into the narrative which is shared from Rusty’s first-person perspective The author writes skillfully, with a perfect balance between the legal thriller/ mystery angle and the complicated interpersonal dynamics between Rusty, Aaron, Bea and those close to the case. The courtroom scenes are thoroughly riveting and the mystery is well-crafted with enough red herrings, secrets and twists to keep you guessing.
Overall, I found Scott Turow’s Presumed Guilty to be a gripping legal drama/thriller and I couldn’t recommend it enough for fans of the genre.
This was my first Scott Turow novel and though I haven’t read the preceding books in the author’s Presumed Innocent series (like many others, I loved the Apple TV series based on the first book) I had no problem following the plot as the narrative featured just enough of the relevant backstories/information to make for a well-rounded reading/listening experience. I certainly hope to pick up the other books in this series!
Many thanks to Hachette Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
March 28, 2025
“I sense there’s a piece of me that yearns to return to where I started, as the right place to finally make peace with all that went before.”
Is this the last of Rusty Sabich, the judge and lawyer since being introduced to readers long ago in the 2010 novel, “Presumed Innocent?” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Presumed Innocent has also been made into a 1990 movie with Harrison Ford playing our main character; and, a 2024 Apple TV+ mini-series starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
But here we have Rusty, knowing he has been through a lot in his long life. Wanting to start over now, with a loving woman, Bea. But before a peaceful life can happen, things are challenged for them, when her son, Aaron is charged with murder of his long-time, on-again-off-again girlfriend, Mae. The two have had a long history of drug addiction. He currently has been clean. Was she attempting to take him down that road of addiction again and he rebelled?
In order for Rusty to start his life with Bea, he needs to defend Aaron against Mae’s murder. But…does he believe he is innocent? And, if he does, who really killed her?
“…the law blunders along at times like a blind elephant. …But values matter. Ideas matter. Sorting wrong from right, the law’s most basic task, dignifies our lives, sets a path that most of us who aspire to see ourselves as good people try to follow, even knowing that there are those, …whose pasts robbed them of that desire and leave them feeling at heart that crime, and banishment, are their truest destiny.”
In this complex, driven courtroom drama, will truth and justice prevail? This page-turning novel with its own twist ending will certainly please Turow fans
Is this the last of Rusty Sabich, the judge and lawyer since being introduced to readers long ago in the 2010 novel, “Presumed Innocent?” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Presumed Innocent has also been made into a 1990 movie with Harrison Ford playing our main character; and, a 2024 Apple TV+ mini-series starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
But here we have Rusty, knowing he has been through a lot in his long life. Wanting to start over now, with a loving woman, Bea. But before a peaceful life can happen, things are challenged for them, when her son, Aaron is charged with murder of his long-time, on-again-off-again girlfriend, Mae. The two have had a long history of drug addiction. He currently has been clean. Was she attempting to take him down that road of addiction again and he rebelled?
In order for Rusty to start his life with Bea, he needs to defend Aaron against Mae’s murder. But…does he believe he is innocent? And, if he does, who really killed her?
“…the law blunders along at times like a blind elephant. …But values matter. Ideas matter. Sorting wrong from right, the law’s most basic task, dignifies our lives, sets a path that most of us who aspire to see ourselves as good people try to follow, even knowing that there are those, …whose pasts robbed them of that desire and leave them feeling at heart that crime, and banishment, are their truest destiny.”
In this complex, driven courtroom drama, will truth and justice prevail? This page-turning novel with its own twist ending will certainly please Turow fans
October 17, 2024
ARC for review. To be published January 14, 2025.
Four and a half very strong stars for this great legal thriller from Turow who, thank you, Lord, does not grind one out every six months like SOME lawyers-turners-authors I could name.
Our friend Rusty Sabich, from PRESUMED INNOCENT, the only book that ever made me gasp, audibly, when I reached the twist, #masterful returns in this one, the living embodiment of “may you be cursed with an interesting life” or however the Chinese proverb actually goes (note to self: bone up on Chinese proverbs). He’s a retired judge who is preparing to marry Bea, lives upstate and is looking forward to finally finding some peace in his life. That dream falls apart when Bea’s son Aaron, who is living with them while on probation for drug possession, disappears. Since he’s out on bond if he doesn’t return soon he’ll go to jail.
Aaron returns with a sketchy story about camping with his longtime girlfriend Mae, a relationship ending fight and hitchhiking home. Then Mae is discovered dead and Aaron is arrested and charged with first degree murder. Bea begs Rusty to take Aaron’s case. And there’s no fool like an old fool.
Oh, Scott Turow. You are so good at the courtroom stuff, much better than Grisham ever thought of being (but I am a lawyer, so maybe I appreciate you differently than a layperson, I don’t know.). This, obviously, isn’t PRESUMED INNOCENT, but nothing ever could be. It’s still very, very good and I throughly enjoyed reading it. If you like courtroom drama and murder, you’re going to like this; put it on your short list.
Four and a half very strong stars for this great legal thriller from Turow who, thank you, Lord, does not grind one out every six months like SOME lawyers-turners-authors I could name.
Our friend Rusty Sabich, from PRESUMED INNOCENT, the only book that ever made me gasp, audibly, when I reached the twist, #masterful returns in this one, the living embodiment of “may you be cursed with an interesting life” or however the Chinese proverb actually goes (note to self: bone up on Chinese proverbs). He’s a retired judge who is preparing to marry Bea, lives upstate and is looking forward to finally finding some peace in his life. That dream falls apart when Bea’s son Aaron, who is living with them while on probation for drug possession, disappears. Since he’s out on bond if he doesn’t return soon he’ll go to jail.
Aaron returns with a sketchy story about camping with his longtime girlfriend Mae, a relationship ending fight and hitchhiking home. Then Mae is discovered dead and Aaron is arrested and charged with first degree murder. Bea begs Rusty to take Aaron’s case. And there’s no fool like an old fool.
Oh, Scott Turow. You are so good at the courtroom stuff, much better than Grisham ever thought of being (but I am a lawyer, so maybe I appreciate you differently than a layperson, I don’t know.). This, obviously, isn’t PRESUMED INNOCENT, but nothing ever could be. It’s still very, very good and I throughly enjoyed reading it. If you like courtroom drama and murder, you’re going to like this; put it on your short list.
February 18, 2025
At 20% and stopping readng. The paragraphs go on forever, and seem to go nowhere. I am just not up to a slog fest that seems to be chiding me indirectly.
February 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️.
A multifaceted murder mystery and courtroom drama that is deftly laid out. A definite must read for Turow fans and readers who love an intense lengthy legal thriller.
A multifaceted murder mystery and courtroom drama that is deftly laid out. A definite must read for Turow fans and readers who love an intense lengthy legal thriller.
January 5, 2025
Well, I will start off by officially announcing myself as a Scott Turow fan, thank you very much. I have three older books on my shelf with his name and I’m ashamed I haven’t read them. — Legal thriller fans …. Now read this!
I will also include that this story is an investment! You will get in depth character development, extensive courtroom scenes and a story that is very intricate. Period. However, I was enthralled the whole time. If you want a non stop thriller, this isn’t it. I must admit, when I got to a huge twist, I was reading this while blow drying my hair. True story 🤣
If you’re a fan of What Happened To Nina, this one’s for you! A very different story, yes, but similar. Rusty Sabich is a beast in the courtroom who is defending his client for murder. That’s all I needed to read it! I had watched Presumed Innocent on Apple TV, so I had knowledge of his past. However, you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one!
Massive thanks of gratitude to Grand Central Publishing and Scott Turow for my gorgeous finished copy!!!
- Release date- January 14, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will also include that this story is an investment! You will get in depth character development, extensive courtroom scenes and a story that is very intricate. Period. However, I was enthralled the whole time. If you want a non stop thriller, this isn’t it. I must admit, when I got to a huge twist, I was reading this while blow drying my hair. True story 🤣
If you’re a fan of What Happened To Nina, this one’s for you! A very different story, yes, but similar. Rusty Sabich is a beast in the courtroom who is defending his client for murder. That’s all I needed to read it! I had watched Presumed Innocent on Apple TV, so I had knowledge of his past. However, you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one!
Massive thanks of gratitude to Grand Central Publishing and Scott Turow for my gorgeous finished copy!!!
- Release date- January 14, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 30, 2025
I haven’t read one of this author’s books since I was in law school decades ago and thought I’d revisit what I thought was an old friend only to find out he’s changed.
And it seems all of his new friends must be the ones who wrote so many glowing reviews that enticed me to read this in the first place, all of which I kept returning to read as I slogged through this book. Literally. It was like slogging through mud and meaningless words and uninteresting rambling explanations and tedious backstory. It was not riveting. I was easily able to put it down and I did, many, many times. I would stop reading to go look at the reviews which almost (and suspiciously) to a fault were about how glorious this book was.
SO I kept reading, believing the reviews and having faith that the riveting part must be coming up any moment. It never came for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Almost every page felt like an old man’s reminiscing (which makes sense as the narrator and MC Rusty is 70 years old), and it was just not for me. I’m definitely in the minority here, but I do not recommend.
And it seems all of his new friends must be the ones who wrote so many glowing reviews that enticed me to read this in the first place, all of which I kept returning to read as I slogged through this book. Literally. It was like slogging through mud and meaningless words and uninteresting rambling explanations and tedious backstory. It was not riveting. I was easily able to put it down and I did, many, many times. I would stop reading to go look at the reviews which almost (and suspiciously) to a fault were about how glorious this book was.
SO I kept reading, believing the reviews and having faith that the riveting part must be coming up any moment. It never came for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Almost every page felt like an old man’s reminiscing (which makes sense as the narrator and MC Rusty is 70 years old), and it was just not for me. I’m definitely in the minority here, but I do not recommend.
June 12, 2025
This was me after finishing Apple TV’s Presumed Innocent 🤯😲😮🙊. I’d avoided the show for no reason in particular, and didn’t even know at the time that it was based on a famous book. But ya know, you hear a bunch of good things about a show, you’re sick of playing what should I watch roulette, and suddenly I’m fully immersed. I loved the show and especially its unpredictable ending (as seen by the above emojis).
So while I didn’t go back and read the book I was excited to hear that a new novel with the same protagonist was set to be released. Long review short, I should have stopped with the show. I’ve enjoyed courtroom dramas as recently as last year with a Robert Dugoni novel, but there has to be that perfect mix of mystery, action, pacing, and ACTUAL COURT ROOMS! Sorry for yelling.
There was soooo much, for me, vapid and inane buildup that by the time we finally got to the court case I felt like I had blue-books and was never offered relief. I’ve come(lol) to learn that this is the author’s usual style and I was tricked by the pacing of the tv show. So I put the blame on myself, and that’s me busted for not doing my research.
So if you’re a fan of this author then I think you’ll enjoy this book as well as if you are someone who enjoys the secondary storylines and/or character studies that are part of a John Grisham or Robert Dugoni novel.
The audiobook narrator is aight (he sounds like a 70 year old man as is the protagonist of the story) and the book is aight.
So while I didn’t go back and read the book I was excited to hear that a new novel with the same protagonist was set to be released. Long review short, I should have stopped with the show. I’ve enjoyed courtroom dramas as recently as last year with a Robert Dugoni novel, but there has to be that perfect mix of mystery, action, pacing, and ACTUAL COURT ROOMS! Sorry for yelling.
There was soooo much, for me, vapid and inane buildup that by the time we finally got to the court case I felt like I had blue-books and was never offered relief. I’ve come(lol) to learn that this is the author’s usual style and I was tricked by the pacing of the tv show. So I put the blame on myself, and that’s me busted for not doing my research.
So if you’re a fan of this author then I think you’ll enjoy this book as well as if you are someone who enjoys the secondary storylines and/or character studies that are part of a John Grisham or Robert Dugoni novel.
The audiobook narrator is aight (he sounds like a 70 year old man as is the protagonist of the story) and the book is aight.
February 23, 2025
The bulk of this, everything that happened in and around the trial, was amazing, 5+ star for all of that. I loved it, and recommend the book wholeheartedly to anyone who likes courtroom thrillers. When I read my first Turow book, Presumed Innocent, I was in law school. I may have learned as much about the rules of evidence in actual usage from that book as I did from my evidence class. I recall at the time saying that if I was ever charged with a crime I wanted Scott Turow to be my lawyer. He is retired now, but in the book Rusty was retired and he came back to the courtroom for one last blast, and I am hoping Mr. Turow would do the same. This book is so smart, gets so much right, and pieces together the case so well that I knew at every moment I was in the hands of a master (writer and lawyer.) Anyone who can make motion practice interesting knows what he is doing.
Though I loved the read, there were two issues that kept this from a 5-star. One pretty major, one fairly minor. The major issue was that the first roughly 100 pages were boring and bizarrely attenuated. I was practically comatose by the time things got rolling. There was a little setup required, but it should have been 20-30 pages, not 100+. The second smaller issue is hard to discuss without spoilers so I will just say here that we do eventually find out what happened to the dead woman at the center of the case, and it makes no sense at all for two reasons which I will discuss behind a spoiler tag in a moment, but before I get to that, I would also say I think the solution seemed tacked on and unnecessary. Okay, do not click on the spoiler if you do not want to know.
*
*
*
Though I loved the read, there were two issues that kept this from a 5-star. One pretty major, one fairly minor. The major issue was that the first roughly 100 pages were boring and bizarrely attenuated. I was practically comatose by the time things got rolling. There was a little setup required, but it should have been 20-30 pages, not 100+. The second smaller issue is hard to discuss without spoilers so I will just say here that we do eventually find out what happened to the dead woman at the center of the case, and it makes no sense at all for two reasons which I will discuss behind a spoiler tag in a moment, but before I get to that, I would also say I think the solution seemed tacked on and unnecessary. Okay, do not click on the spoiler if you do not want to know.
*
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*
August 15, 2025
Rusty for the Defense
A review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook (January 14, 2025) narrated by Grover Gardner and released simultaneously with the hardcover/eBook.
[4.5 rounded up]
I haven't read it in years, but I always considered Presumed Innocent (1987) to be one of the best lawyer / courtroom books ever written. The Harrison Ford film (1990) was also terrific, the Jake Gyllenhaal TV-series (2024) only so-so (I did not enjoy its plot changes). I didn't read Scott Turow very faithfully afterwards as I was only drawn to the Rusty Sabich and the Alejandro "Sandy" Stern characters in the Kindle County universe. But I have no particular memories of The Burden of Proof (Sandy Stern #2 - 1990) or Innocent (Rusty Sabich #2 - 2010), so the courtroom fireworks there probably didn't live up the first one. I did think The Last Trial (Sandy Stern #3 - 2020) was quite good though and gave it 5-stars.
So that brings us to Presumed Guilty (Rusty Sabich #3 - 2025). At 77 years of age, Rusty Sabich is retired now from his days as a lawyer and judge and lives with his late-in-life fiancée Bea and her adopted son Aaron in a small community away from the big city of Kindle County. Aaron had substance abuse problems in his youth, particularly in tandem with girlfriend Mae, and even served prison time when he took the fall for them both. But after prison, he has been on the straight and narrow.
Aaron is still obsessed with Mae though and they go off on a camping excursion during which they have a breakup and Aaron hitchhikes home alone. Mae goes missing though and is at last found dead in an apparent traffic fatality. But then the authorities decide it is murder and Aaron is charged. Bea begs Rusty to take on Aaron's defense and Rusty reluctantly agrees. That sets up the trial which takes up the final 2/3rds of the book. Although the evidence and the odds appear to be against Aaron, Rusty does have his old courtroom wiles to fall back on and the trial scenes and investigations are well done.
It was maybe a 4.5, but that is only because the opposition was not as calculating as Nico Della Guardia / Tommy Molto, the erotic obsession not as exhilarating as with Carolyn Polhemus, the cross-examination not as thrilling as with Dr. "Painless" Kumagai, all of those in Presumed Innocent, but I'm happy to bump it up to a 5 star.
I took advantage of an Audible Deal of the Day to listen to the audiobook edition as narrated by Grover Gardner, who was excellent in all voices. It is 20+ hours on audio and 540+ pages in print so a bit of a doorstopper either way 😅 .
Trivia and Links
There is apparently a movie deal for Presumed Guilty which Scott Turow announced in January 2025 but details have not yet been disclosed (as of August 2025).
There is a planned Season 2 for the Presumed Innocent TV-series, but it is not based on a Scott Turow novel but instead on Jo Murray's Dissection of a Murder (not yet published, expected in 2026). There will then likely be no connection to Season 1, but the series will instead continue as an anthology using the "presumed innocent" theme. The source for this information is at TV Insider from June 10, 2025.
A review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook (January 14, 2025) narrated by Grover Gardner and released simultaneously with the hardcover/eBook.
[4.5 rounded up]
I haven't read it in years, but I always considered Presumed Innocent (1987) to be one of the best lawyer / courtroom books ever written. The Harrison Ford film (1990) was also terrific, the Jake Gyllenhaal TV-series (2024) only so-so (I did not enjoy its plot changes). I didn't read Scott Turow very faithfully afterwards as I was only drawn to the Rusty Sabich and the Alejandro "Sandy" Stern characters in the Kindle County universe. But I have no particular memories of The Burden of Proof (Sandy Stern #2 - 1990) or Innocent (Rusty Sabich #2 - 2010), so the courtroom fireworks there probably didn't live up the first one. I did think The Last Trial (Sandy Stern #3 - 2020) was quite good though and gave it 5-stars.
So that brings us to Presumed Guilty (Rusty Sabich #3 - 2025). At 77 years of age, Rusty Sabich is retired now from his days as a lawyer and judge and lives with his late-in-life fiancée Bea and her adopted son Aaron in a small community away from the big city of Kindle County. Aaron had substance abuse problems in his youth, particularly in tandem with girlfriend Mae, and even served prison time when he took the fall for them both. But after prison, he has been on the straight and narrow.
Aaron is still obsessed with Mae though and they go off on a camping excursion during which they have a breakup and Aaron hitchhikes home alone. Mae goes missing though and is at last found dead in an apparent traffic fatality. But then the authorities decide it is murder and Aaron is charged. Bea begs Rusty to take on Aaron's defense and Rusty reluctantly agrees. That sets up the trial which takes up the final 2/3rds of the book. Although the evidence and the odds appear to be against Aaron, Rusty does have his old courtroom wiles to fall back on and the trial scenes and investigations are well done.
It was maybe a 4.5, but that is only because the opposition was not as calculating as Nico Della Guardia / Tommy Molto, the erotic obsession not as exhilarating as with Carolyn Polhemus, the cross-examination not as thrilling as with Dr. "Painless" Kumagai, all of those in Presumed Innocent, but I'm happy to bump it up to a 5 star.
I took advantage of an Audible Deal of the Day to listen to the audiobook edition as narrated by Grover Gardner, who was excellent in all voices. It is 20+ hours on audio and 540+ pages in print so a bit of a doorstopper either way 😅 .
Trivia and Links
There is apparently a movie deal for Presumed Guilty which Scott Turow announced in January 2025 but details have not yet been disclosed (as of August 2025).
There is a planned Season 2 for the Presumed Innocent TV-series, but it is not based on a Scott Turow novel but instead on Jo Murray's Dissection of a Murder (not yet published, expected in 2026). There will then likely be no connection to Season 1, but the series will instead continue as an anthology using the "presumed innocent" theme. The source for this information is at TV Insider from June 10, 2025.
February 7, 2025
Scott Turow is brilliant. Read his biography and you can’t help but be impressed at his achievements in any field he has pursued. I have enjoyed his books starting with One L, a description of first year law school. I wish I could say Presumed Guilty was as enjoyable as his earlier works, but for me that is not the case. I’m afraid like many who have had a long successful career, he is getting by on past reputation. What we now have is a narrator clearly a stand-in for the author, who never met a thought, an observation or a description he didn’t like. The VFW meeting place, the war record of one of the characters, the strategies of opposing counsel are all given equal weight whether they are necessary to advance the narrative or not. Each paragraph is laid down with the same dispassionate tone whether it is Rusty describing his exercise routine or Aaron on the witness stand in his murder trial. What could have been a dramatic reveal at the end barely raised the temperature.
This book could have been improved by some judicious pruning. Instead we have a way too long story told by a garrulous old man in love with the sound of his own voice.
This book could have been improved by some judicious pruning. Instead we have a way too long story told by a garrulous old man in love with the sound of his own voice.
January 31, 2025
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Scott Turrow's latest, Presumed Guilty, brings back Rusty Sabich from his blockbuster debut, 1987's Presumed Innocent. It's almost forty years later since Rusty was found not guilty of murdering his mistress. He's now living in the midwest with his new love, Bea, and her troubled adopted son, Aaron. Rusty now finds himself going from prosecutor to defending Aaron after he's been charged with murder of his troubled girlfriend Mae. In typical Turrow fashion both law and politics play seperate roles in the case that will influence both the investigation and final verdict of the case. There's also a focus on Rusty's personal life which once again is turned upside down when secrets are exposed and loyalties among his inner circle are challenged. Turrow achieves the rarity of creating a successful third follow up after his disappointing second follow up, 2011's "Innocent," Rusty has truly comes full circle with his newly found compassion and empathy which shows in his approach to Aaron's defense. He isn't perfect, but he's now a more accessable and relateable hero. The case itself isn't as complex or complicated as Rusty's were, but is as compelling especially with its authentic courtroom scenes. The outcome wasn't much of a surprise, but the final resolution that follows is truly one of the best that I ever read. The only major flaw is that the narrative at times becomes distilted and repetitive. Facts that are commonly known about the court system are thrown in at times during the courtroom scenes that momentarily slows down the narrative, but then quickly picks back up.
Scott Turrow changed how legal thrillers were written. He paved the way for every successful lawyer turned bestselling authors such as John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline. Turrow shows in his latest that he's not ready to rest on his legendary status, but ready to keep being a voice in the genre he created with his now classic debut.
Scott Turrow's latest, Presumed Guilty, brings back Rusty Sabich from his blockbuster debut, 1987's Presumed Innocent. It's almost forty years later since Rusty was found not guilty of murdering his mistress. He's now living in the midwest with his new love, Bea, and her troubled adopted son, Aaron. Rusty now finds himself going from prosecutor to defending Aaron after he's been charged with murder of his troubled girlfriend Mae. In typical Turrow fashion both law and politics play seperate roles in the case that will influence both the investigation and final verdict of the case. There's also a focus on Rusty's personal life which once again is turned upside down when secrets are exposed and loyalties among his inner circle are challenged. Turrow achieves the rarity of creating a successful third follow up after his disappointing second follow up, 2011's "Innocent," Rusty has truly comes full circle with his newly found compassion and empathy which shows in his approach to Aaron's defense. He isn't perfect, but he's now a more accessable and relateable hero. The case itself isn't as complex or complicated as Rusty's were, but is as compelling especially with its authentic courtroom scenes. The outcome wasn't much of a surprise, but the final resolution that follows is truly one of the best that I ever read. The only major flaw is that the narrative at times becomes distilted and repetitive. Facts that are commonly known about the court system are thrown in at times during the courtroom scenes that momentarily slows down the narrative, but then quickly picks back up.
Scott Turrow changed how legal thrillers were written. He paved the way for every successful lawyer turned bestselling authors such as John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline. Turrow shows in his latest that he's not ready to rest on his legendary status, but ready to keep being a voice in the genre he created with his now classic debut.
February 28, 2025
3.5
I can't help thinking that Rusty Sabich has to be the unluckiest lawyer in the world. This is the third time either he or his family have been involved in a murder and had to defend themselves in a trial. You've got to feel for the guy no?
This time we catch up with Rusty, who has moved to Skageon County, living with a new woman - Bea and her adopted son, Aaron. Aaron has made a few bad choices in his life and is on probation for drugs offences. He us also embroiled in an unhealthy relationship with Mae, the daughter of the influential Potter family. Against the rules of his probation Aaron goes missing and returns a few days later saying he had been with Mae but they had argued and it was over. Two weeks later Mae is found dead and Aaron is on the hook for her murder.
Around two thirds of this book is taken up with the trial. It is detailed and complex and I found it quite dull at times. I don't recall the first in the series being so stuck on one track however it is over 20 years since I read it so my memory is probably faulty.
I loved Presumed Innocent but didn't read Innocent so I was excited to read this new chapter but I thought it fell a little flat. For me it was overlong. The writing was great but it just went on too long. The end was good though and it was good to have the truth explained. A bit far-fetched perhaps but why not?
Thankyou to Netgalley and Swift Press for the advance review copy.
I can't help thinking that Rusty Sabich has to be the unluckiest lawyer in the world. This is the third time either he or his family have been involved in a murder and had to defend themselves in a trial. You've got to feel for the guy no?
This time we catch up with Rusty, who has moved to Skageon County, living with a new woman - Bea and her adopted son, Aaron. Aaron has made a few bad choices in his life and is on probation for drugs offences. He us also embroiled in an unhealthy relationship with Mae, the daughter of the influential Potter family. Against the rules of his probation Aaron goes missing and returns a few days later saying he had been with Mae but they had argued and it was over. Two weeks later Mae is found dead and Aaron is on the hook for her murder.
Around two thirds of this book is taken up with the trial. It is detailed and complex and I found it quite dull at times. I don't recall the first in the series being so stuck on one track however it is over 20 years since I read it so my memory is probably faulty.
I loved Presumed Innocent but didn't read Innocent so I was excited to read this new chapter but I thought it fell a little flat. For me it was overlong. The writing was great but it just went on too long. The end was good though and it was good to have the truth explained. A bit far-fetched perhaps but why not?
Thankyou to Netgalley and Swift Press for the advance review copy.
February 16, 2025
Turow writes a giant turd.
This is nothing more than woke propaganda and promotion of lawlessness poorly veiled behind a very infantile story/plot line with extremely lazy and predictable characters.
A completely thoughtless and disrespectful BOOK not a novel, not a work of literary prowess.
I made it to chapter 15 and had to stop, as it continued to get worse. I would love to burn this book but I don't have the time, so in the dumpster it goes.
This is nothing more than woke propaganda and promotion of lawlessness poorly veiled behind a very infantile story/plot line with extremely lazy and predictable characters.
A completely thoughtless and disrespectful BOOK not a novel, not a work of literary prowess.
I made it to chapter 15 and had to stop, as it continued to get worse. I would love to burn this book but I don't have the time, so in the dumpster it goes.
November 11, 2024
Retired judge Rusty Sabich is finally living the good life in a rural town with his fiancée Bea when Bea’s adopted son, Aaron is arrested for the murder of his on-again off-again girlfriend Mae. Against his own good judgment, Rusty agrees to defend Aaron against the charges. Presumed Guilty is a powerful, lyrical legal thriller that will engross you from page one. Narrated by Rusty (whom longtime readers may remember from earlier novels) who has his own personal baggage, this book hits on a wide range of issues, all delicately handled and presented without bias, as Rusty walks the reader through every step of the legal process. Every chapter provides the reader with pertinent plot information, as well as thought-provoking social commentary that intertwines with Aaron’s journey. This is an outstanding book in so many respects, from the eloquence of the storytelling to the fierce courtroom scenes that will leave you spellbound. One of the best I’ve read this year, absolutely loved it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
I had recently had the opportunity to stream Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent and found myself binge watching it. Presumed Innocent had been a book that I had wanted to read but never got the chance. Then just as I had finished watching this excellent series, I was approved to be able to listen to the audiobook of Presumed Guilty, the third book in this series by Scott Turow. Presumed Guilty was captivating and compelling right from the start. Even though it was a rather long audiobook I found it hard to pull myself away and almost didn’t want it to end. I thought that the narrator, Grover Gardner, did an excellent job bringing this book to life for me. He made it easy to visualize the particular scenes and characters. A round of applause goes to Scott Turow for this well plotted legal thriller that held me captivated and listening for hours on end.
Rusty Sabich, now a seventy-seven year old retired judge, found himself living in a quiet lakeside community. He remembered how all those years ago he met his now fiancé, Bea, over a common desire to read the New York Times newspaper. Bea still held the position of principal at a local school. Rusty and Bea lived together but had never married, not for the lack of trying on Rusty’s behalf. Rusty was content with his life, though. Bea had made it that way for him. Rusty and Bea shared their home with Bea’s adopted son, Aaron. It hadn’t been easy for Aaron growing up as the only black kid in this primarily white community. Aaron found solace in his relationship with Mae, a girl he met at school. From an early age, the two were drawn to each other. Mae accepted Aaron for who he was and understood him the way no one else did and Aaron felt the same way about Mae. Aaron found himself serving out a probation sentence for a drug offense. Rusty and Bea agreed to take responsibility for Aaron’s actions in following the restrictions that were imposed upon him as part of the probation. All was going well until Aaron and Mae decided to go camping together in order to have some private time to discuss something that weighed heavily on both of them. Aaron knew that leaving home and driving were two things that went against his probation agreement. That trip changed the trajectory of Aaron’s life. Shortly after Aaron’s return without Mae, Mae’s body was discovered. When the local police determined that Mae had been murdered, Aaron was charged with first degree murder. Rusty, although reluctant at first, agreed to defend Aaron in court. Could Rusty provide enough doubts in the jurors’ minds that they will not be able to find Aaron guilty beyond reasonable doubt?
I really enjoyed all the legal drama that took place in the courtroom scenes in Presumed Guilty. Scott Turow has proven once again what a masterful storyteller he is. I felt as if I was in the courtroom with Aaron, the jurors, Bea and all the others. The ending was a surprise for me. I didn’t see it coming but it was very satisfying. I look forward to reading/listening to more books by Scott Turow in the future. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rusty Sabich, now a seventy-seven year old retired judge, found himself living in a quiet lakeside community. He remembered how all those years ago he met his now fiancé, Bea, over a common desire to read the New York Times newspaper. Bea still held the position of principal at a local school. Rusty and Bea lived together but had never married, not for the lack of trying on Rusty’s behalf. Rusty was content with his life, though. Bea had made it that way for him. Rusty and Bea shared their home with Bea’s adopted son, Aaron. It hadn’t been easy for Aaron growing up as the only black kid in this primarily white community. Aaron found solace in his relationship with Mae, a girl he met at school. From an early age, the two were drawn to each other. Mae accepted Aaron for who he was and understood him the way no one else did and Aaron felt the same way about Mae. Aaron found himself serving out a probation sentence for a drug offense. Rusty and Bea agreed to take responsibility for Aaron’s actions in following the restrictions that were imposed upon him as part of the probation. All was going well until Aaron and Mae decided to go camping together in order to have some private time to discuss something that weighed heavily on both of them. Aaron knew that leaving home and driving were two things that went against his probation agreement. That trip changed the trajectory of Aaron’s life. Shortly after Aaron’s return without Mae, Mae’s body was discovered. When the local police determined that Mae had been murdered, Aaron was charged with first degree murder. Rusty, although reluctant at first, agreed to defend Aaron in court. Could Rusty provide enough doubts in the jurors’ minds that they will not be able to find Aaron guilty beyond reasonable doubt?
I really enjoyed all the legal drama that took place in the courtroom scenes in Presumed Guilty. Scott Turow has proven once again what a masterful storyteller he is. I felt as if I was in the courtroom with Aaron, the jurors, Bea and all the others. The ending was a surprise for me. I didn’t see it coming but it was very satisfying. I look forward to reading/listening to more books by Scott Turow in the future. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 5, 2025
I've been really grumpy with my reads as my chronic pain has been pretty bad lately. I was struggling through majority of books. I was kind of dreading listening to this one as I knew how long it was.
HOWEVER, every second of this book was amazing. I admit, probably reading the physical copy book instead of listening to audio, might be a little more taxing. You just feel the imagery of the world in the court, the gasps, the sounds. You're just immersed in it. Mr. Turow definitely has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there, as long as you enjoy legal thrillers. If you want a thriller, this probably isn't for you. As a legal thriller, this is one of the best.
Heavy spoiler below, don't click
HOWEVER, every second of this book was amazing. I admit, probably reading the physical copy book instead of listening to audio, might be a little more taxing. You just feel the imagery of the world in the court, the gasps, the sounds. You're just immersed in it. Mr. Turow definitely has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there, as long as you enjoy legal thrillers. If you want a thriller, this probably isn't for you. As a legal thriller, this is one of the best.
Heavy spoiler below, don't click
September 2, 2025
Another well written and thoroughly enjoyable courtroom drama by one of the best in that genre.
February 10, 2025
Another excellent legal thriller by Turow, he writes these so well! I enjoyed reading of Rusty Sabich again, even though he’s in his 70’s now and taking on a defense case of someone close to him, he’s still sharp and can identify with being the accused.
November 1, 2024
That was long but worth every one of the 544 pages.
This is what you call a proper legal thriller. Whilst some people may not revel in the legal prose, I devoured it as a massive fan of this genre. With about 75% of the book covering the trial of Aaron, Rusty's de facto step-son, charged with the murder of his enigmatic on-off girlfriend Mae, this is definitely one for the purists.
The great thing about Turow's writing is how much you learn about the law and court proceedings - hearsay evidence, inadmissible evidence, leading questions - all whilst following a brilliant story. You feel educated as well as entertained.
Fantastic novel and a massive 5 stars
This is what you call a proper legal thriller. Whilst some people may not revel in the legal prose, I devoured it as a massive fan of this genre. With about 75% of the book covering the trial of Aaron, Rusty's de facto step-son, charged with the murder of his enigmatic on-off girlfriend Mae, this is definitely one for the purists.
The great thing about Turow's writing is how much you learn about the law and court proceedings - hearsay evidence, inadmissible evidence, leading questions - all whilst following a brilliant story. You feel educated as well as entertained.
Fantastic novel and a massive 5 stars
June 23, 2025
I got this book through Goodreads giveaways.
The writing style wasn't for me. There were a lot of information dumps, too much telling and too little showing.
The characters weren't formed so that I felt with them. The stepson being black to me felt forced like Turow was trying to get his affirmative action points. It all just had a 'I'm not racist. I have black friends' vibe.
I held on until chapter three when it became political. It wasn't that it became political, what doesn't these days? It was the vicious way the other side is portrayed, like there can't be concerns that are overblown. All concern has to be bad spirited.
I gave up on the book then.
#goodreadsgiveaways
The writing style wasn't for me. There were a lot of information dumps, too much telling and too little showing.
The characters weren't formed so that I felt with them. The stepson being black to me felt forced like Turow was trying to get his affirmative action points. It all just had a 'I'm not racist. I have black friends' vibe.
I held on until chapter three when it became political. It wasn't that it became political, what doesn't these days? It was the vicious way the other side is portrayed, like there can't be concerns that are overblown. All concern has to be bad spirited.
I gave up on the book then.
#goodreadsgiveaways
January 12, 2025
Scott Turow, the mastermind behind the hit legal thriller Presumed Innocent Series (Presumed Innocent #1) and the Apple TV series, (Innocent #2), is back with the highly anticipated #3, PRESUMED GUILTY. His return will thrill fans and attract new readers.
Turow's latest work is a gripping, emotionally charged legal thriller that delves into the dark side of a small town with hidden secrets and Rusty’s brilliant trial tactics. The story's intensity kept me hooked, and I found it just as compelling as the first two books in the series.
Audiobook...
The audiobook, narrated by the exceptionally talented Grover Gardner, is a true masterpiece. His stellar performance captivates you from the first page to the last, making it a must-listen for fans of the series.
About...
Jake Gyllenhaal, as Rusty Sabich on the TV series, is now older and a retired judge at age 77 in #3 PRESUMED GUILTY. He is winding down and soon to be married to Bea, and they reside on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest.
However, Rusty's laid-back, carefree retirement days will soon be front and center when he is faced with saving his newfound family.
Bea adopted her young adult son, Aaron (black, age 22), who lives under their supervision as he is on probation for drug possession. He and his girlfriend were planning a camping getaway.
However, he is missing and not answering his phone. His parole officer will check in, and Bea and Rusty are responsible for him. If he does not show up soon, he will return to prison.
He shows up but is not very forthcoming about his absence. He said he and his girlfriend, Mae, had a fight, and he hitchhiked home. While they were there, she was busy posting on social media and not knowing what Aaron had in mind for their getaway.
Mae is discovered dead, and Aaron is arrested for first-degree murder. Rusty does not want to represent him, but Bea desperately needs help. She believes her son is innocent, and the best attorney she knows is Rusty. She cannot trust his future with a pro bono attorney with no skills. The evidence is pretty stacked against him.
Rusty knows his way around a courtroom, but is he prepared to take Aaron's life and future into his own hands? What if he loses? Bea will never forgive him.
He also knows about being falsely convicted of murder himself years ago, so Rusty understands how the justice system works and feels for Aaron.
Can the system provide justice for those who are presumed guilty?
My thoughts...
PRESUMED GUILTY is another top-notch legal thriller masterpiece by the pro. Fans will love catching up with Rusty and seeing him in action in his old age, able to maneuver small-town politics, courtroom drama, and racial injustice while trying to balance his personal life.
It is intense, suspenseful, and twisty, with plenty of complex, emotionally charged courtroom drama to keep you gripped to the end. At first, you may think this may be a Gabby Petito case, but it is not, and so much more.
TV Series...
Presumed Innocent is an American legal thriller television series created by David E. Kelley, based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow. The series is the first television adaptation of the book, following the 1990 film adaptation starring Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy. It premiered on Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024. In July 2024, the series was renewed for a second season. On October 29, 2024, it was reported that the upcoming novel Dissection Of A Murder by Jo Murray is to be used as source material for the second season. I am hoping Presumed Guilty makes it to the screen.
PRESUMED GUILTY is an outstanding legal thriller and gripping family drama. I highly recommend reading and watching the first two in the series before reading #3 to get the characters' background, even though it can be read as a standalone.
If you have followed my Book Blog for the last eleven years, you know legal thrillers are my #1 genre, and Turow is tops! I am fully invested and a huge fan of the author & series. I binge-watched #1 and #2 and read e-book/listened to audio #3. Cannot wait to see #3 onscreen.
January is starting with a bang, and this is on my Top Books of 2025 list.
Recs...
The legal thriller is for fans of the author and those who enjoy smartly written legal thrillers, as well as works by David Baldacci, David Ellis, Greg Illes, Robert Dugoni, and John Grisham.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for an ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also ordered the hardcover copy for my home library.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Put Date: Jan 14, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars +
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Turow's latest work is a gripping, emotionally charged legal thriller that delves into the dark side of a small town with hidden secrets and Rusty’s brilliant trial tactics. The story's intensity kept me hooked, and I found it just as compelling as the first two books in the series.
Audiobook...
The audiobook, narrated by the exceptionally talented Grover Gardner, is a true masterpiece. His stellar performance captivates you from the first page to the last, making it a must-listen for fans of the series.
About...
Jake Gyllenhaal, as Rusty Sabich on the TV series, is now older and a retired judge at age 77 in #3 PRESUMED GUILTY. He is winding down and soon to be married to Bea, and they reside on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest.
However, Rusty's laid-back, carefree retirement days will soon be front and center when he is faced with saving his newfound family.
Bea adopted her young adult son, Aaron (black, age 22), who lives under their supervision as he is on probation for drug possession. He and his girlfriend were planning a camping getaway.
However, he is missing and not answering his phone. His parole officer will check in, and Bea and Rusty are responsible for him. If he does not show up soon, he will return to prison.
He shows up but is not very forthcoming about his absence. He said he and his girlfriend, Mae, had a fight, and he hitchhiked home. While they were there, she was busy posting on social media and not knowing what Aaron had in mind for their getaway.
Mae is discovered dead, and Aaron is arrested for first-degree murder. Rusty does not want to represent him, but Bea desperately needs help. She believes her son is innocent, and the best attorney she knows is Rusty. She cannot trust his future with a pro bono attorney with no skills. The evidence is pretty stacked against him.
Rusty knows his way around a courtroom, but is he prepared to take Aaron's life and future into his own hands? What if he loses? Bea will never forgive him.
He also knows about being falsely convicted of murder himself years ago, so Rusty understands how the justice system works and feels for Aaron.
Can the system provide justice for those who are presumed guilty?
My thoughts...
PRESUMED GUILTY is another top-notch legal thriller masterpiece by the pro. Fans will love catching up with Rusty and seeing him in action in his old age, able to maneuver small-town politics, courtroom drama, and racial injustice while trying to balance his personal life.
It is intense, suspenseful, and twisty, with plenty of complex, emotionally charged courtroom drama to keep you gripped to the end. At first, you may think this may be a Gabby Petito case, but it is not, and so much more.
TV Series...
Presumed Innocent is an American legal thriller television series created by David E. Kelley, based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow. The series is the first television adaptation of the book, following the 1990 film adaptation starring Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy. It premiered on Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024. In July 2024, the series was renewed for a second season. On October 29, 2024, it was reported that the upcoming novel Dissection Of A Murder by Jo Murray is to be used as source material for the second season. I am hoping Presumed Guilty makes it to the screen.
PRESUMED GUILTY is an outstanding legal thriller and gripping family drama. I highly recommend reading and watching the first two in the series before reading #3 to get the characters' background, even though it can be read as a standalone.
If you have followed my Book Blog for the last eleven years, you know legal thrillers are my #1 genre, and Turow is tops! I am fully invested and a huge fan of the author & series. I binge-watched #1 and #2 and read e-book/listened to audio #3. Cannot wait to see #3 onscreen.
January is starting with a bang, and this is on my Top Books of 2025 list.
Recs...
The legal thriller is for fans of the author and those who enjoy smartly written legal thrillers, as well as works by David Baldacci, David Ellis, Greg Illes, Robert Dugoni, and John Grisham.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for an ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also ordered the hardcover copy for my home library.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Put Date: Jan 14, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Jan 2025 Must-Read Books
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January 24, 2025
Scott Turow’s Presumed Guilty is a masterful continuation of his prowess in weaving complex legal dramas. Known for redefining the legal thriller genre with Presumed Innocent, Turow once again immerses readers into a world of moral ambiguity, courtroom theatrics, and flawed humanity. While this novel stands tall in its compelling storytelling, it leaves room for constructive critique. Here’s a detailed analysis of the novel's strengths and weaknesses, exploring why it is a worthy read for fans of legal and psychological thrillers.
Overview: The Return of Rusty Sabich
The novel brings back Rusty Sabich, a retired judge and central figure in Presumed Innocent. Now, in the twilight of his life, Rusty is grappling with second chances—both personally and professionally. Set in the idyllic Midwest, his peaceful retirement with Bea, his soon-to-be wife, is disrupted when Bea’s son, Aaron, becomes embroiled in a murder trial. Rusty is pulled back into the courtroom, not just to defend Aaron but to confront the systemic flaws in the justice system.
The story’s blurb sets up a high-stakes narrative. As much as the book is about solving the murder mystery, it is equally an exploration of justice, family dynamics, and the intricate web of personal choices.
Plot: A Slow Burn That Builds to a Riveting Crescendo
Turow crafts the narrative as a slow-burning thriller, which might test the patience of some readers initially but rewards them with a tightly wound climax. The disappearance of Mae, Aaron's troubled girlfriend, and her subsequent murder sets the plot in motion. The courtroom scenes, Turow’s hallmark, form the backbone of the novel. His deep understanding of legal procedures brings an air of authenticity to these scenes, but at times, the technicalities may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with legal jargon.
The story’s pacing fluctuates. The build-up to Aaron's trial is rich with psychological tension but occasionally meanders through subplots that feel tangential. However, once the trial begins, the book becomes unputdownable. Turow’s ability to inject suspense into legal arguments and witness examinations is unparalleled.
Critique: The book’s reliance on a slow build-up might deter readers seeking a faster-paced thriller. The midsection, while rich in detail, could have benefited from tighter editing.
Characterization: Flawed and Deeply Human
Rusty Sabich is the novel’s anchor, and Turow paints him with nuanced strokes. His struggle between loyalty to Bea and his doubts about Aaron’s innocence is a poignant exploration of human conflict. Rusty’s journey is not just about defending Aaron but also about reconciling his faith in the legal system with its evident shortcomings.
Aaron, as a character, is deliberately ambiguous. Is he an innocent young man with a troubled past or a manipulative figure hiding dark truths? This ambiguity is one of the novel’s strengths, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Bea’s role as a desperate mother adds emotional depth to the story, though her character sometimes leans toward melodrama.
Critique: While the primary characters are well-drawn, some supporting characters, such as Mae and the prosecution team, lack the depth that could have added more layers to the narrative.
Themes: Justice, Family, and the Complexity of Truth
At its core, Presumed Guilty is an exploration of justice and its imperfections. Turow questions the concept of being “presumed innocent” in a system that often operates on bias and circumstantial evidence. The courtroom becomes a microcosm of larger societal issues—prejudice, corruption, and the human tendency to jump to conclusions.
The novel also delves into family dynamics, particularly the strain that secrets and past traumas can impose on relationships. Rusty and Bea’s relationship, though central, is a bittersweet reminder of how love often collides with personal ethics and loyalties.
Critique: While the themes are powerful, Turow occasionally overexplains them, reducing their impact. Subtlety would have enhanced the narrative’s emotional resonance.
Writing Style: Legal Precision Meets Poetic Flourish
Turow’s writing combines the precision of a legal brief with the lyrical quality of literary fiction. His descriptions of the Midwest are evocative, grounding the story in a vivid sense of place. The courtroom scenes are meticulously detailed, reflecting Turow’s legal expertise. However, some passages, particularly those delving into Rusty’s introspection, border on verbosity.
Critique: The prose, while elegant, occasionally becomes dense, particularly during introspective monologues. A more streamlined approach would have made the narrative more accessible.
Strengths of the Novel
1. Authentic Legal Drama: Turow’s experience as a lawyer shines through, making the courtroom scenes both realistic and riveting.
2. Complex Characters: Rusty Sabich remains one of the most layered protagonists in legal thrillers.
3. Thought-Provoking Themes: The book challenges readers to think deeply about justice and morality.
4. Suspenseful Climax: The resolution of Aaron’s trial is both surprising and satisfying, with twists that feel earned.
Weaknesses of the Novel
1. Pacing Issues: The slow build-up might alienate readers seeking immediate thrills.
2. Overexplained Themes: At times, Turow underestimates the reader’s ability to grasp nuances.
3. Underdeveloped Subplots: Certain storylines, such as Mae’s backstory, feel underexplored.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to Turow’s Legacy
Presumed Guilty is a compelling legal thriller that showcases Scott Turow’s mastery of the genre. While not without its flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It is both a gripping courtroom drama and a profound meditation on justice, loyalty, and the human condition.
For readers willing to invest in a slow-burn narrative that rewards patience with a powerful payoff, Presumed Guilty is a must-read. Fans of Turow’s earlier works will appreciate his return to the world of Rusty Sabich, while newcomers will find much to admire in this thought-provoking tale.
Overview: The Return of Rusty Sabich
The novel brings back Rusty Sabich, a retired judge and central figure in Presumed Innocent. Now, in the twilight of his life, Rusty is grappling with second chances—both personally and professionally. Set in the idyllic Midwest, his peaceful retirement with Bea, his soon-to-be wife, is disrupted when Bea’s son, Aaron, becomes embroiled in a murder trial. Rusty is pulled back into the courtroom, not just to defend Aaron but to confront the systemic flaws in the justice system.
The story’s blurb sets up a high-stakes narrative. As much as the book is about solving the murder mystery, it is equally an exploration of justice, family dynamics, and the intricate web of personal choices.
Plot: A Slow Burn That Builds to a Riveting Crescendo
Turow crafts the narrative as a slow-burning thriller, which might test the patience of some readers initially but rewards them with a tightly wound climax. The disappearance of Mae, Aaron's troubled girlfriend, and her subsequent murder sets the plot in motion. The courtroom scenes, Turow’s hallmark, form the backbone of the novel. His deep understanding of legal procedures brings an air of authenticity to these scenes, but at times, the technicalities may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with legal jargon.
The story’s pacing fluctuates. The build-up to Aaron's trial is rich with psychological tension but occasionally meanders through subplots that feel tangential. However, once the trial begins, the book becomes unputdownable. Turow’s ability to inject suspense into legal arguments and witness examinations is unparalleled.
Critique: The book’s reliance on a slow build-up might deter readers seeking a faster-paced thriller. The midsection, while rich in detail, could have benefited from tighter editing.
Characterization: Flawed and Deeply Human
Rusty Sabich is the novel’s anchor, and Turow paints him with nuanced strokes. His struggle between loyalty to Bea and his doubts about Aaron’s innocence is a poignant exploration of human conflict. Rusty’s journey is not just about defending Aaron but also about reconciling his faith in the legal system with its evident shortcomings.
Aaron, as a character, is deliberately ambiguous. Is he an innocent young man with a troubled past or a manipulative figure hiding dark truths? This ambiguity is one of the novel’s strengths, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Bea’s role as a desperate mother adds emotional depth to the story, though her character sometimes leans toward melodrama.
Critique: While the primary characters are well-drawn, some supporting characters, such as Mae and the prosecution team, lack the depth that could have added more layers to the narrative.
Themes: Justice, Family, and the Complexity of Truth
At its core, Presumed Guilty is an exploration of justice and its imperfections. Turow questions the concept of being “presumed innocent” in a system that often operates on bias and circumstantial evidence. The courtroom becomes a microcosm of larger societal issues—prejudice, corruption, and the human tendency to jump to conclusions.
The novel also delves into family dynamics, particularly the strain that secrets and past traumas can impose on relationships. Rusty and Bea’s relationship, though central, is a bittersweet reminder of how love often collides with personal ethics and loyalties.
Critique: While the themes are powerful, Turow occasionally overexplains them, reducing their impact. Subtlety would have enhanced the narrative’s emotional resonance.
Writing Style: Legal Precision Meets Poetic Flourish
Turow’s writing combines the precision of a legal brief with the lyrical quality of literary fiction. His descriptions of the Midwest are evocative, grounding the story in a vivid sense of place. The courtroom scenes are meticulously detailed, reflecting Turow’s legal expertise. However, some passages, particularly those delving into Rusty’s introspection, border on verbosity.
Critique: The prose, while elegant, occasionally becomes dense, particularly during introspective monologues. A more streamlined approach would have made the narrative more accessible.
Strengths of the Novel
1. Authentic Legal Drama: Turow’s experience as a lawyer shines through, making the courtroom scenes both realistic and riveting.
2. Complex Characters: Rusty Sabich remains one of the most layered protagonists in legal thrillers.
3. Thought-Provoking Themes: The book challenges readers to think deeply about justice and morality.
4. Suspenseful Climax: The resolution of Aaron’s trial is both surprising and satisfying, with twists that feel earned.
Weaknesses of the Novel
1. Pacing Issues: The slow build-up might alienate readers seeking immediate thrills.
2. Overexplained Themes: At times, Turow underestimates the reader’s ability to grasp nuances.
3. Underdeveloped Subplots: Certain storylines, such as Mae’s backstory, feel underexplored.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to Turow’s Legacy
Presumed Guilty is a compelling legal thriller that showcases Scott Turow’s mastery of the genre. While not without its flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It is both a gripping courtroom drama and a profound meditation on justice, loyalty, and the human condition.
For readers willing to invest in a slow-burn narrative that rewards patience with a powerful payoff, Presumed Guilty is a must-read. Fans of Turow’s earlier works will appreciate his return to the world of Rusty Sabich, while newcomers will find much to admire in this thought-provoking tale.
January 14, 2025
I have read this author before and enjoyed his books but this one was a disappointment. This one was really slow and never grabbed me. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
October 28, 2024
In this, the third novel featuring Rusty Sabich, he is retired from his judgeship, living lakeside with fiancée Bea and her adopted son, Aaron, in a small midwest town. Aaron has a tempestuous love life with Mae, rogue daughter of the county prosecutor and granddaughter of Rusty’s best friend. Aaron is on probation for earlier drug charges, but has seemed to have turned his life around. When he disappears for a few days, he is violation of a condition of his probation, but reappears saying he went camping with Mae, they had a fight, he took her phone and hitch hiked home.
When Mae is found murdered some days later, Aaron is charged with the crime. Bea begs Rusty to defend her son. Against his better judgement and because they cannot seem to find a suitable defense attorney, Rusty takes the case.
Turow once again demonstrates that he is master of the legal thriller. This tale is well written, with twists and turns and lots of courtroom suspense. Characters are well developed and the reader may learn a bit about legal proceedings. The book is long, but engrossing and a very worthwhile, satisfying read. This would make a great streaming series. Can’t wait for it!
Thanks to #NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.
January 29, 2025
I can see why people think of Scott Turow as having changed the legal thriller genre - the courtroom part of this book was definitely the strongest! It did take too long to get there, IMHO; I think a good amount of the first third of Presumed Guilty could have been cut.
Ultimately not the best fit for me personally but I'd recommend to fans of legal thrillers.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a free copy of this book.
Ultimately not the best fit for me personally but I'd recommend to fans of legal thrillers.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a free copy of this book.
May 10, 2025
After the events in Innocent, lawyer and judge Rusty Sabich has left the city and started a new life up-state in the Skageon Region, a rural area close to areas of wilderness. He’s been there for some years now, semi-retired but still working occasionally as a mediator and arbitrator. And he has found love again with Bea, a teacher some twenty years younger than him. He is at peace with himself and happier than he ever expected to be. But when Bea’s son Aaron is accused of murder, Bea begs him to take on his defence. Rusty is torn, not because he thinks Aaron is guilty, but because he fears that if he loses the case, his relationship with Bea will not survive. However, he soon realises that if he refuses to take the case, Bea may never be able to forgive him for that either. So once again he returns to the courtroom, bringing back memories of the past when he too was accused of murder…
This is Turow on his very best form, and that means this is as good as the legal thriller gets. Although it’s being billed as Presumed Innocent 3, it is actually Kindle County 13 even if it doesn’t take place in Kindle County. It is the third book in which Rusty Sabich is the main character, but Turow fans will know that different characters often come to the fore throughout the series – it is the legal world of this fictional Midwestern city and state that is the constant rather than one individual lawyer. And the characters who don’t appear in any given book often get mentioned, so that we keep in touch with their lives. (I was pleased to hear that Sandy Stern is still living happily in his nursing home, for instance – the man is so real to me after all these years that I worry about him as if he is an actual person that I know. I don’t think I can give higher praise to an author than that.)
A good deal of the first part of the book is given over to bringing the reader up to date with Rusty’s life since we last met him fifteen years or so ago. This was wonderful for those of us who have already grown to care about him – it’s good to learn that he’s been able to put the past behind him and find some joy in his later life. But I wondered if it meant it might not work as a standalone – if it relied on the reader’s previous attachment to the character. However, reviews seem to suggest that new readers on the whole find it as interesting as existing fans.
It is odd that I love Turow so much. He does almost everything that I most often complain about in thrillers – first person present tense, over 600 pages, slow, slow burn and full of painstaking detail about legal issues – and yet I find his books totally absorbing and an utter pleasure to read. The stories are always interesting, but it’s really the depth of the characterisation that makes them work so well – that, and the completely authentic feel of the courtroom scenes. Turow is a practising lawyer himself and while there are dramatic elements in his trial scenes, they never cross the line into implausibility.
Aaron has had a troubled youth, becoming an addict and getting into trouble with the law. He is Bea’s adopted son, a black boy brought up in a white family and in a community that is overwhelmingly white. With the benefit of experience, Bea now admits that her youthful idealism that race doesn’t matter may have been naive – perhaps she didn’t know how to guide her son past the pitfalls of racism that a black mother would have been more aware of. But she loves Aaron with all her heart and he is a loving son. In the last year he has been clean, fulfilling the requirements of his probation and looking set for a better future. So the accusation that he took the girl he loves into the wilderness and murdered her there is shocking and Bea refuses to believe it. But if he didn’t kill Mae, then who did? Rusty knows it’s not his job to find the killer – merely to sow enough doubt over Aaron’s guilt to have him acquitted. But the best way to prove Aaron’s innocence is to uncover the real murderer, or at least to give the jury options…
The courtroom scenes are brilliant. We are there for every moment and every word. We don’t know any more than the jury does whether Aaron is guilty, so we’re paying hard attention to each bit of evidence. When the prosecutor makes his opening statement it seems open and shut. How will Rusty cast doubt over each of these elements that point the finger so decisively towards Aaron? We know what the jury does not – that Rusty can’t be sure himself of Aaron’s innocence. He’s a lawyer doing a job – Aaron deserves the best defence he can give regardless of guilt or innocence. But we hope Aaron is innocent – we hope it for his sake, for Bea’s sake and, most of all, for Rusty’s sake. Doesn’t he deserve a happy ending for once?
One of the best in a series that has produced so many bests. I’ve run out of superlatives for Turow, so I’ll simply call this one superlative! Nobody does it better than Turow.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
This is Turow on his very best form, and that means this is as good as the legal thriller gets. Although it’s being billed as Presumed Innocent 3, it is actually Kindle County 13 even if it doesn’t take place in Kindle County. It is the third book in which Rusty Sabich is the main character, but Turow fans will know that different characters often come to the fore throughout the series – it is the legal world of this fictional Midwestern city and state that is the constant rather than one individual lawyer. And the characters who don’t appear in any given book often get mentioned, so that we keep in touch with their lives. (I was pleased to hear that Sandy Stern is still living happily in his nursing home, for instance – the man is so real to me after all these years that I worry about him as if he is an actual person that I know. I don’t think I can give higher praise to an author than that.)
A good deal of the first part of the book is given over to bringing the reader up to date with Rusty’s life since we last met him fifteen years or so ago. This was wonderful for those of us who have already grown to care about him – it’s good to learn that he’s been able to put the past behind him and find some joy in his later life. But I wondered if it meant it might not work as a standalone – if it relied on the reader’s previous attachment to the character. However, reviews seem to suggest that new readers on the whole find it as interesting as existing fans.
It is odd that I love Turow so much. He does almost everything that I most often complain about in thrillers – first person present tense, over 600 pages, slow, slow burn and full of painstaking detail about legal issues – and yet I find his books totally absorbing and an utter pleasure to read. The stories are always interesting, but it’s really the depth of the characterisation that makes them work so well – that, and the completely authentic feel of the courtroom scenes. Turow is a practising lawyer himself and while there are dramatic elements in his trial scenes, they never cross the line into implausibility.
Aaron has had a troubled youth, becoming an addict and getting into trouble with the law. He is Bea’s adopted son, a black boy brought up in a white family and in a community that is overwhelmingly white. With the benefit of experience, Bea now admits that her youthful idealism that race doesn’t matter may have been naive – perhaps she didn’t know how to guide her son past the pitfalls of racism that a black mother would have been more aware of. But she loves Aaron with all her heart and he is a loving son. In the last year he has been clean, fulfilling the requirements of his probation and looking set for a better future. So the accusation that he took the girl he loves into the wilderness and murdered her there is shocking and Bea refuses to believe it. But if he didn’t kill Mae, then who did? Rusty knows it’s not his job to find the killer – merely to sow enough doubt over Aaron’s guilt to have him acquitted. But the best way to prove Aaron’s innocence is to uncover the real murderer, or at least to give the jury options…
The courtroom scenes are brilliant. We are there for every moment and every word. We don’t know any more than the jury does whether Aaron is guilty, so we’re paying hard attention to each bit of evidence. When the prosecutor makes his opening statement it seems open and shut. How will Rusty cast doubt over each of these elements that point the finger so decisively towards Aaron? We know what the jury does not – that Rusty can’t be sure himself of Aaron’s innocence. He’s a lawyer doing a job – Aaron deserves the best defence he can give regardless of guilt or innocence. But we hope Aaron is innocent – we hope it for his sake, for Bea’s sake and, most of all, for Rusty’s sake. Doesn’t he deserve a happy ending for once?
One of the best in a series that has produced so many bests. I’ve run out of superlatives for Turow, so I’ll simply call this one superlative! Nobody does it better than Turow.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
March 31, 2025
There's an obvious temptation to view Scott Turow bringing Rusty Sabitch back to the printed page as an author striking while the iron is hot. Many of us were hooked by the Apple Plus TV series last year and while we've had a second installment with Rusty in the interim, it feels like there was a bigger marketing push for this one, even down to the cover feeling in the same vein as Turow's debut legal thriller all those years ago.
But to simply chalk Presumed Guilty up as taking advantage of an opportunity would be to dismiss one of the better legal thrillers I've read in a long while.
Rusty has retired from his beloved Kindle County to a lakeside community in the upper midwest. He's found new love, in Bea, the local school principal with an adopted son, Aaron, who's faced legal issues of his own relating to addiction issues. When Aaron and his on-again, off-again girlfriend go camping to discuss their future, Aaron returns a few days later without the girlfriend. Before long, Aaron is the prime suspect and facing serious charges relating to the girlfriend's death and his possible involvement.
As Rusty attempts to find legal representation for Aaron, every avenue appears to close or threatens to drain the resources of Bea's family. Bea askes Rusty to step in and represent Aaron in a fight to prove his innocence and save Aaron from life in prison or possibly worse. All the while, Aaron insists he's innocent and refuses to accept anything less than total exoneration.
And so begins another courtroom battle for Rusty, this time with seemingly everything hanging in the balance. Beyond the twist and turns of the case itself, Turow delves into larger issues such as the cost the legal system takes on all sides of a case (at one point, Rusty must cut all ties with his new best friend who is the victim's grandfather because of the tactics Rusty will have to use to save Aaron) to the question of what happens when the authorities focus on a particular narrative or suspect and start to avoid looking at other relevant clues and threads.
Turow asks a lot of uneasy questions and doesn't always provide easy answers. It all makes for a riveting narrative as we journey with Rusty through the complicated issues -- both legal and personal -- this case takes on for him.
Seeing Rusty in the role that Sandy Stern once played for him makes for a compelling hook. Add in a prosecutor by the name of Jackdorp who has local ties and is potentially being pressured by the victims' family (they have connections to the local law enforcement community) and you've got some absolutely riveting courtroom drama moments.
Turow hasn't lost his touch, either. The first-person narration of Rusty once again draws you in. This time around, he's not the unreliable narrator he was all those years ago. But he's still compelling as he's fighting for his fiancee's life and to keep the life he's built in this small community.
This is one of my favorite books I've read this year and one that has stayed with me after the verdict and the final page was turned. Definitely recommended.
But to simply chalk Presumed Guilty up as taking advantage of an opportunity would be to dismiss one of the better legal thrillers I've read in a long while.
Rusty has retired from his beloved Kindle County to a lakeside community in the upper midwest. He's found new love, in Bea, the local school principal with an adopted son, Aaron, who's faced legal issues of his own relating to addiction issues. When Aaron and his on-again, off-again girlfriend go camping to discuss their future, Aaron returns a few days later without the girlfriend. Before long, Aaron is the prime suspect and facing serious charges relating to the girlfriend's death and his possible involvement.
As Rusty attempts to find legal representation for Aaron, every avenue appears to close or threatens to drain the resources of Bea's family. Bea askes Rusty to step in and represent Aaron in a fight to prove his innocence and save Aaron from life in prison or possibly worse. All the while, Aaron insists he's innocent and refuses to accept anything less than total exoneration.
And so begins another courtroom battle for Rusty, this time with seemingly everything hanging in the balance. Beyond the twist and turns of the case itself, Turow delves into larger issues such as the cost the legal system takes on all sides of a case (at one point, Rusty must cut all ties with his new best friend who is the victim's grandfather because of the tactics Rusty will have to use to save Aaron) to the question of what happens when the authorities focus on a particular narrative or suspect and start to avoid looking at other relevant clues and threads.
Turow asks a lot of uneasy questions and doesn't always provide easy answers. It all makes for a riveting narrative as we journey with Rusty through the complicated issues -- both legal and personal -- this case takes on for him.
Seeing Rusty in the role that Sandy Stern once played for him makes for a compelling hook. Add in a prosecutor by the name of Jackdorp who has local ties and is potentially being pressured by the victims' family (they have connections to the local law enforcement community) and you've got some absolutely riveting courtroom drama moments.
Turow hasn't lost his touch, either. The first-person narration of Rusty once again draws you in. This time around, he's not the unreliable narrator he was all those years ago. But he's still compelling as he's fighting for his fiancee's life and to keep the life he's built in this small community.
This is one of my favorite books I've read this year and one that has stayed with me after the verdict and the final page was turned. Definitely recommended.
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