Scott Turow proves once again why he’s the king of the legal thriller with Presumed Guilty. This book pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. Rusty Sabich, now retired, finds himself back in the courtroom defending his fiancée’s son, Aaron, against a murder charge. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the tension is palpable as Turow expertly navigates themes of racial bias, small-town dynamics, and the complexities of the justice system.
The courtroom drama is riveting—Turow obviously has courtroom experience, but he also has a delightful sense of humor. Rusty’s internal conflict adds emotional depth, and the layered characters make them authentic and relatable. Aaron’s struggles as a Black man in a predominantly white small town are handled thoughtfully.
At 544 pages, some parts could’ve been trimmed. But the pacing, plot twists, and strong character development make it worth it. Rusty’s personal journey and the courtroom scenes are top-notch, showcasing Turow’s storytelling at its best.
The audiobook, narrated by Grover Gardner, is exceptional—his voice brings the characters to life and heightens the drama. As a fan of legal thrillers, I found Presumed Guilty to be a compelling addition to Turow’s work. It’s a book that not only entertains but also makes you think deeply about what justice really means in contemporary America. For those new to Turow or returning fans, this book reaffirms why Scott Turow is a master of the genre. 5 stars.
** Thanks to the publishers for complimentary copies of both the eBook and the audio version.