REVIEW
“Presumed Guilty”
By: Scott Turow
Rating: 5/5
This is the third book in the series featuring attorney and Judge Rusty Sabich from “Presumed Innocent” and “Innocent,” both popular legal dramas. “Presumed Guilty,” the latest novel, is another gripping, emotionally charged legal thriller with small-town politics, racial injustice and captivating courtroom drama.
Now in his seventies, semi-retired Rusty Sabich is living in a small rural midwestern community with his much younger (of course) fiancé Bea, who is a school principal. She is divorced with an adopted son. Aaron is a low-key, artistic 22-year-old and one of the only Black residents in the community. He has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Mae, who he has loved since grade school. She is the daughter of a rich and powerful family that doesn’t approve of Aaron, blaming him for her drug addiction and bad behavior. Presently, Aaron is on probation for drug possession (the drugs belonged to Mae) and is under the supervision of Rusty and Bea.
Aaron and Mae go on a camping trip to discuss their relationship without telling anyone but end up having a big fight, which makes Aaron realize that he can no longer be with Mae. He is serious about maintaining his sobriety, and Mae obviously is not. He hitchhikes back home by himself.
Several weeks later, Mae still hasn’t returned home. When her body is found, Aaron is arrested for her murder. Bea begs Rusty to defend her son, and although reluctant to do so, he finally agrees. Rusty knows his way around the courtroom, but mostly as a prosecuting attorney. Is he prepared to take Aaron’s life into his own hands? How will this affect his relationship with Bea? And is it even possible for the system to provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty?
It is Rusty’s job to poke holes in the prosecution’s case against Aaron and provide jurors with enough contradictory information that they won’t find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The author walks readers through the details of legal procedures that require close attention. Rusty’s skill at cross-examining key expert witnesses is brilliant.
The book is rather long, with a large array of characters, but the courtroom scenes keep readers spellbound. The trial causes trauma for families and friends alike. Mae’s family is emotional and believes that Aaron killed their daughter. The close friendship between Rusty and Mae’s grandfather has been tarnished and may not recover. Supporting Aaron are Rusty’s son Nat and his granddaughters, as well as Aaron’s biggest fan, his grandfather, who is in attendance every day supporting him.
Rusty wins over the hearts of readers with his unwavering commitment to keeping Aaron out of prison. I stayed totally engaged right up until the surprising conclusion. If you are a fan of legal drama, don’t miss this book. I’m hoping for a television series.
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