Scott Turow’s latest legal thriller, Presumed Guilty is a sequel to his groundbreaking 1987 novel, Presumed Innocent, and reintroduces readers to Rusty Sabich, a character who has become emblematic in legal fiction. In this sequel, Turow delves deeper into the complexities of justice, personal redemption, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships.

In Presumed Guilty Rusty Sabich is now 76, a retired judge seeking tranquility in the rural Midwest with his partner, Bea. Their serene life is disrupted when Bea’s son, Aaron, becomes entangled in a murder investigation following the disappearance and subsequent death of his girlfriend, Mae. Rusty’s decision to defend Aaron not only rekindles his love for the courtroom battle but also forces him to confront the biases and flaws inherent in the justice system—a system that once presumed him guilty.

Kindle County is a setting that has been central to Turow’s works, as it is again in this consummate legal thriller. This continuity offers a familiar backdrop, enriching the narrative with a sense of place that is both comforting and unsettling. The county’s evolving legal landscape serves as a mirror to Rusty’s personal journey, reflecting the changes and constants in both the legal system and his own life.

Turow’s mastery in understanding and creating courtroom conflict is evident throughout the novel. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the procedural intricacies of the legal system. This meticulous approach builds tension gradually, mirroring the slow grind of justice and the mounting pressure on the characters. The rural Midwestern setting adds a layer of isolation and introspection, contrasting with the high-stakes environment of the courtroom.

The tension escalates as Rusty navigates the challenges of defending Aaron, a young Black man, in a predominantly white community. Turow addresses themes of racial prejudice and societal bias, adding depth to the narrative and highlighting the multifaceted nature of justice. The courtroom scenes are particularly compelling, showcasing Turow’s ability to create legal proceedings that feel authentic and which are also fired with suspense.

While I really enjoyed the book, it is quite a long read at 544 pages. But that gives Turow scope to explore complex themes and character developments thoroughly. The detail of the case and the important information surrounding it, offers us a comprehensive understanding of the legal intricacies and personal stakes involved, and immerses us in the moral ambiguities and dilemmas that define this story.

The rural Midwestern setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it influences the characters’ interactions and the community’s perception of justice. The small-town atmosphere intensifies the scrutiny faced by Aaron and Rusty, amplifying the novel’s central conflicts. This rural, mainly white environment, also reflects the broader societal issues at play, including racial tensions and the challenges of fitting into a close-knit community.

Characterisation remains one of Turow’s strengths. Rusty’s evolution from a man once accused to a defender of the accused adds layers to his persona, showcasing his resilience and commitment to justice. Aaron’s portrayal as a young man caught between societal prejudices and his own mistakes evokes empathy, while Bea’s staunch and unwavering support for her son highlights the complexities of family loyalty and the emotional complexities that can bring.

The plot weaves these elements into a cohesive narrative that challenges readers to question their assumptions about guilt and innocence. The discovery of Mae’s body, the ensuing trial, and the revelations that unfold are crafted with precision, maintaining suspense and keeping us hooked, desperate to learn the outcome.

Turow’s writing style is both elegant and precise. His legal background enriches the narrative, providing authenticity to the courtroom scenes and legal strategies at play. The prose balances technical legal language with accessible storytelling, ensuring that readers without a legal background can easily follow the proceedings.

What I enjoyed most was the way in which the law is blended with really compelling storytelling and this integrates with the real life complexities of people and relationships. Turow’s skill in marrying these together extends beyond the courtroom, as he delves into the personal lives of his characters, exploring themes of justice, redemption, and moral ambiguity.

Verdict: Presumed Guilty displays Turow’s mastery of the legal thriller genre. By revisiting Rusty Sabich, Turow offers readers a nuanced exploration of justice, love and personal redemption. The depth and the authenticity of his legal and emotional landscapes are tremendously done. Turow invites readers to reconsider the notions of guilt and innocence, challenging them to navigate the grey areas that define our human condition. Through meticulous plotting, rich character development, and astute commentary on pertinent societal issues, this novel shows just why Scott Turow is a legend of the legal thriller.

Loved this reminder of Scott Turrow books back many years ago. Appealing as ever, I was surprised how well this prose worked in the modern context

Thank you NetGalley for the the ARC

Pithy, well-plotted but also a great character-driven thriller that had more than a touch of humanity and heart. Well worth the wait as the sequel to ‘Presumed Innocent’.

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.

An absolutely cracking legal thriller with an ending I didn't see coming. It's a case of is he guilty, not guilty all through the book. Terrific insight into the legal system. Full of good and bad characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. . It's a superb legal courtroom thriller.

Scott Turow knows exactly how to give just enough build up and back story to get the reader hooked and then comes the courtroom drama. Yes it’s long but not a wasted word and never a slow passage. I loved the characters especially Rusty who kept me calm and of course Aaron who warts and all won my admiration.

Presumed Guilty is a master class in writing a courtroom thriller. This is edge of your seat stuff as the case unfolds, twists and turns. But the real power in the story are the themes that are explored. It’s not just a case about a murder trial; Turow looks into familial relationships, loyalty versus honesty, betrayal, trust and so much more, it’s long and the first part is relatively slow. But the scene is being set, characters introduced and it gives substance and credibility to the real story; the drama in the court. I think Turow writes a better legal thriller than Grisham. His writing is powerful and he’s less in your face about contentious issues. I was late to his books and haven’t read both the earlier books, but will certainly do so. Reall enjoyed this.

Chess pieces are placed deliberately and move with steady precision in Scott Turow's hefty legal thriller Presumed Guilty.

Kindle County, a presciently named Midwestern town, is home to ex-judge and partially retired lawyer, Rusty. His wife-to-be, Bea, is a cheerful school principal and with her adopted adult son, Aaron, they enjoy a mostly idyllic existence. Aaron is on probation for drug possession and lives under their supervision. When he vanishes with girlfriend Mae but returns alone, a wild series of events pressures Rusty back into a sickly spotlighted legal coliseum.

The first quarter of the novel sets our board and very effectively creates stratospheric stakes for many characters. Life hangs quite literally in balance for several. Racial elements mostly work, but sometimes feel a little forced. It's not the worst thing if an author is trying to be WOKE and cherishes To Kill A Mockingbird. The COVID pandemic is considered and handled very well. We all lived through it, so refreshing to read it portrayed accurately.

Turow is a bona fide wonk and composes engaging courtroom scenes. It feels as if he wants to explain slight details and shorter chapters would serve as a useful heavier foot on the gas.

This is minor, but major plot points revolve around where a character hitchhikes. Uber drivers flourish in the tiniest of U.S. cities and it is anachronistic not to consider how anyone with a phone can move about anywhere, any time.

Turow/Rusty fans will leave satisfied as will those who do not often travel in this genre.

It’s some years since I read Presumed Innocent, and was blown away by its clever use of the unreliable narrator. For those unfamiliar with the book, or the film and TV adaptations, Rusty Sabich is a prosecutor accused of murder of a colleague (subsequently revealed to be his lover). He’s an engaging teller of his own story, so you want to believe in his innocence, but the evidence against him appears overwhelming, not least because he constantly misleads his lawyer, and even you, dear reader.

Presumed Guilty features Rusty in late life (he is also the protagonist in Innocent, published in 2010). Rusty is now retired as a judge in Kindle County and is living in the (fictional) Skageon Region with a new partner, Bea, and her son, Aaron. Aaron dropped out of college and is on probation for drugs offences, but appears to be turning his life around. Then he disappears for a weekend. When he returns, he says he has been with his girlfriend, Mae on a camping trip in the wilderness, but they argued. Mae is missing for some days and then is found dead in her car. Aaron is immediately suspected of her murder.

Despite the obvious pitfalls, Bea wants Rusty to defend Aaron and the judge and prosecutor agree. So he takes on the case, knowing that it means potential disaster, not just for Aaron and his freedom, but for his future relationship with Bea and the community he has come to call home.

The book description for Presumed Guilty gives away more than I would normally like, but I can understand why. It needs to reassure the reader they haven’t picked up the wrong book. The pace of Presumed Guilty at the beginning is incredibly gentle. It’s a richly character-driven account of a rural community, a mixture of affluent retirees, wealthy summer visitors, bootstrapping farmers and the quietly despairing left-behind. It focuses on late-life preoccupations and the slow-burn romance of Rusty and Bea. It has more the feel of an Elizabeth Strout or Emma Traub novel than a taut legal thriller. For all that, I found it very engaging and wanted to know what would come next.

At about 20% in, the book reverts to genre with the discovery of Mae’s body, the subsequent investigation, and the trial. There are the usual fascinating legal dynamics and reversals, the personalities of the different court staff. There is Rusty’s personal involvement and how the case impacts his relationships with Bea and Aaron. The murder highlights social and political tensions – Mae is the daughter of the prosecuting attorney for the county, part of a privileged legal dynasty. Aaron is Black, in a predominantly white, rural area (the implications of which are referenced in the title).

I love courtroom dramas and Turow is one of the best writers of them. Through Rusty’s eyes you see both the theatre of the trial and the people behind the roles. He manages to take the arcane details of procedure and not only make them clear to you, but to use them to heighten the tension, like a dancer performing a spectacularly technical move.

Presumed Guilty is not a genre-defining novel in the way that Presumed Innocent was, but it is a quietly absorbing read.

Having read Turow's works many years ago I looked forward to this book. However I found it really hard to get into the story and engage with the characters. It's a big novel and I couldn't do it justice!

Scott Turow, the master of legal thrillers, returns with Presumed Guilty, a gripping novel that explores justice, family, and the weight of past choices. Rusty Sabich, a retired judge looking for a peaceful life with his soon-to-be wife, Bea, is drawn back into the legal world when Bea’s troubled son, Aaron, is accused of murder. What begins as a simple plea for help turns into a harrowing journey through the flaws of the justice system and the complexities of Rusty’s own moral compass.

Turow crafts a compelling narrative that goes beyond a standard courtroom drama. While the legal proceedings provide plenty of tension, the heart of the story lies in Rusty’s internal struggle. He’s a man who has spent his life upholding the law, but now he must face the reality that the system may not be as fair as he once believed. His relationship with Bea, his doubts about Aaron, and his own past missteps all add layers of emotional depth.

The novel is a slow burn, focusing more on character development and legal intricacies than fast-paced action. Turow’s writing is as sharp as ever, balancing legal jargon with human drama in a way that keeps readers engaged. Fans of Presumed Innocent will appreciate the echoes of Rusty’s past, but Presumed Guilty stands firmly on its own.

This is a thoughtful, well-crafted legal thriller that challenges the reader to question the very notion of justice. While it may not have the pulse-pounding suspense of some of Turow’s earlier works, it delivers a deeply satisfying exploration of law, loyalty, and redemption.

I haven’t read ‘Presumed Innocent’ – saw the film and loved it – and have so enjoyed this sequel. Apart from the legal story, Scott Turow weaves and binds the complexities, colour, conflicts and confusion that comprise humans. The clues are a joy, so easily discarded, pulled to the fore with ease and discretion. The characters intrigue throughout: their pain at the sudden death of a difficult young woman – was she murdered or did she commit suicide? – the crushing of friendships harrowing, the devastating loss of trust, all described with skill and empathy. The courtoom rivalries and tension are simply splendid.
Terrific read on every multifaceted layer from a masterful storyteller,

Wow, just wow! This was an incredible read. The trend for thrillers in recent times has been for fast pace, constant action and short chapters but this is a far more traditional courtroom thriller and, in my opinion, all the better for it.

The plot returns us to Rusty Sabich, who we first met in the 1987 novel Presumed Innocent when he was a prosecutor accused of the murder of his colleague, and who is now a retired judge happily living with his soon to be wife in the rural Midwest. Life is happy and calm until his wife’s son is suspected of involvement in the disappearance of his on/off girlfriend. The son is on probation for drug offences and when her body is discovered after a few days, he is arrested for murder. Struggling to find legal help for her son, Rusty’s fiancé Bea begs him to help and the rest of the book is taken up with the court case.

I did read Presumed Innocent but that was many, many years ago and although I remember loving it, I don’t really remember the detail. It didn’t matter at all though. There is enough background given to make the situation clear but the story is very much about Rusty now and the previous book is relevant only through the impact of his own experiences. The character is very strongly written and completely believable so it’s fascinating to come back to him after so many years, during which he has aged in real time, and see what has happened in his life.

The book is written from Rusty’s viewpoint and very cleverly done – we are with him while the original crime is uncovered and remain with him throughout as he deals with his own emotions and doubts about the case, both about his stepson’s guilt or innocence and his own ability as an inexperienced defence lawyer. The evidence in the case, however, is presented to us in court so we are more in the role of the jury, not really knowing beforehand what information either the prosecution or defence is about to present. Added to that are subplots revolving around race, local politics, drugs and family relationships and it’s all utterly engrossing – it’s a long book but it didn’t drag for a second.

This is a real masterclass in the courtroom thriller, tightly plotted, absorbing and believable. Scott Turow is in a league of his own with this genre and I loved every page (and would love to see Harrison Ford back in the role for a good old fashioned film adaptation too!) Very highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

It has been many years since I have read a Scott Turow legal novel and this sequel to “Presumed Innocent” seems to have been an excellent place to rediscover the enjoyment.
In this book, Rusty, the lawyer accused in the earlier novel, is now living a life of semi retirement from his profession as a judge.
He is engaged to Bea and they live in a small town somewhere in the back woods of America. When Bea’s adopted son runs off with his girlfriend, possibly on a camping trip, Rusty and Bea are concerned. He is on probation for drug use and his girlfriend, Mae is an addict and a very bad influence.
Things quickly deteriorate as they cannot get hold of him on his phone and then finally, when he returns alone claiming an argument with Mae, alarm bells start to ring.
Mae remains missing for several weeks and then her body is found in her car. Aaron, Bea’s son is accused of her murder and she asks Rusty to defend him.
This is high stakes for everyone and secrets are gradually revealed, secrets that affect all the characters including Rusty himself. .Aaron is at a disadvantage as he is a young black man in an all white district -will he even get a fair trial?
Rusty does not know who to believe, if Aaron is innocent, who committed the crime? He suspects several people- even those closest to him and will his relationship with Bea even survive this tragedy.
This is a long and detailed novel with much legal content but it was so compelling I just couldn’t put it down. It gripped me from the very beginning and I must admit I had no idea if Aaron was innocent. There were so many twists and so much to understand about Rusty’s defence that it kept me guessing throughout.
I liked the character of Rusty- he understood how Aaron was feeling because he’d been in the same position. His defence of Bea’s son feels like a swan song for him, something that he just needs to do to finish his career in the law, fighting for the truth to come out in a justice system he truly believes in.
If you like legal thrillers you’ll love “ Presumed Guilty” I definitely recommend it as a five star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advanced copy.

Rusty, a retired judge takes on a seemingly impossible case defending his fiancée’s son on a murder charge. The story starts relatively slowly but by the time the trial begins the pace picks up superbly. The story of a young couple, one white from a rich family the other a black boy adopted at birth who fall head over heels in love at school but her rebellious nature and experimentation with drugs leads to inevitable trouble and finally tragedy. The detailed courtroom scenes are nothing short of harrowing but a superb read. Definitely the finest legal thriller I’ve read in a long time.

Aaron , a young black man, has a troubled relationship with Mae. In order to sort things out between them they go away camping for a few days in her car.Things do not go according to plan and after an argument Aaron snatches her phone and leaves to hitch hike home.He arrives home where he lives with his mother Bea and her boyfriend Russell(Rusty). A few days later Mae's body is found in her crashed vehicle miles from where they had been camping.
Aaron needs to be on his own so takes off in his Grandad's truck to be near where Mae's body was found.He is then arrested and charged with murder and he asks Rusty ( a retired Prosecutor) to defend him. Despite his and Bea's misgivings he agrees to do so. Mae's father who is in a position of authority in the area seems to have been obsessed with Aaron's guilt and has been pushing the police in that direction, causing them to cut corners in their investigations. Rusty and his investigators find witnesses and phone records that appear to show a different story and he puts this before the judge and jury and leaves them to decide on Aaron's guilt. So as not to spoil the story I will say no more except to stay things are not always as they seem as the truth is revealed at the end,

Wow! What a pager turner! An intense gripping courtroom drama, full of suspense and twists.
Rusty is a retired Judge, his fiancée’s son has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Rusty has a dilemma, Bea, his fiancée has asked him to defend her adopted son Aaron, Rusty knows this is a huge conflict of interest as Aaron is practically family, he also knows this will have a huge impact on his relationship with Bea. An old friendship of many years will also crumble apart.
The courtroom drama is so cleverly written you can feel the tension as the state lay out their case and even more so as Rusty puts up a defence and Aaron decides to take the stand.
Each chapter draws the reader into this compelling story which covers race, relationships, family, trust, love and hope.
This is my first book by Scott Turow and will certainly not be my last.
I had watched the Presumed Innocent drama so knew a little of Rusty and how he himself had stood in Aaron’s shoes.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Swift Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. I highly recommend this book, it is one of those books which requires a 6th star.

This was very good. I have read and enjoyed most of Scott Turows novels over the years and this was just as good as always. It isnt the fastest paced novel, but the pace suits the subject matter. Rusty is a strong main character and the story and subsequent trial he is involved in is gripping. Strongly recommended for those who like courtroom thrillers with a lots of twists.

Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent, published in 1987, is one of the seminal books in the modern American courtroom drama genre. That book introduced prosecutor Rusty Sabich who ends up on trial for the murder defended by another Turow favourite Sandy Stern and the town of Kindle County which would feature in a number of other Turow thrillers. Sabich, now a judge, was once again accused of murder in the follow up Innocent, set 22 years after the original. Sabich is back again in Presumed Guilty, not the accused this time, which makes a change.
Presumed Innocent does not ignore the passage of time. The opening finds Rusty in his 70s, retired from the bench and living in the country with a younger woman – Bea – a school principal who has a 22 year-old-adopted son Aaron. Aaron is on probation and is required to live with the pair and report in regularly. Only when the book opens Aaron has taken himself away and off the grid to be with his tempestuous on-again, off-again girlfriend Mae, and is not contactable. Mae is the daughter of the local chief prosecutor who swings the police into action when Aaron returns from the camping trip, claiming the two have had a bust up, but Mae does not. When Mae’s body is found, Aaron is arrested for her murder. Strapped for cash and desperate Bea asks Rusty to defend him. Despite a lack of experience as a defence attorney and knowing the damage it is likely do to all of his relationships whether he takes the case or not, Rusty agrees.
What follows is the type of absolutely classic courtroom drama at which Turow excels. There are opening statements, cross examinations, objections, points of law, explanations of various terms like hearsay and surprise witnesses. Despite being in the mind of the defence attorney, Turow really puts readers firmly on the jury, swinging their perception of the case with every evidentiary reveal. Although being in Rusty’s point of view, readers also get to see behind the curtain a little in terms of trial tactics. But Turow also explores the impact of this politically-based, antagonistic legal system on the victim’s family, the alleged perpetrator’s family and everyone around them.
As with the other books in this series, the personal, the professional, the political and the legal collide as the case puts pressure on everyone. Turow uses the legal drama to shine a light on American culture and society – issues like privilege and entitlement, race relations and the lasting impacts of military service. But Turow also centres the whole enterprise on the personal – including Rusty’s relationships with his old and new families and with his (former) best friend who is also the grandfather of the victim. And as readers have come to expect from Turow and this series in particularly builds to a killer reveal when Rusty is finally able to put all of the odd pieces together.
Presumed Guilty is a top notch legal drama and a fitting swansong for a character who helped kick off the modern American courtroom thriller and Turow’s fiction career.

I liked this book.
Courtroom fiction is not my favourite genre, but it is obvious that this is of the very best of that genre.
The road driven is long and winding, and full of interesting twists and turns.
There is plenty of inter-family feuding and there are many relationships discussed and developed.
Plenty of tricks and traps, and plenty of clever escapism.
I liked the characters and I liked the setting. I like learning about the peculiarities of the region in which the action was set, although the specific places were fictional it is obvious which region of the US it was set in.
The peculiarities of the US judicial system became evident throughout the courtroom scenes, and the preparation for the same.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.