Thanks to Hatchette Book Group for an ARC copy of Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow. Following up on Apple TV’s successful Presumed Innocent, time has elapsed and Rusty Sabitch is well into his seventies, semi retired, and in a new relationship with a much younger Bea. Bea’s divorced with an adopted Black son, Aaron, who’s a recovering addict. Aaron is in an on again off again long term relationship with Mae a fellow addict. After a camping weekend Aaron comes home and later Mae’s badly decomposed body is found. This is Kindle County and Mae’s prominent family is actively seeking a killer. Here ‘s where Turow’s writing excels. There’s no one better at courtroom drama with the right amount of legal procedures to keep the reader engaged but not overwhelmed than Turow. Add in his keen insight into to human nature and relationships and the stage is set. Well drawn characters and a riveting plot more hallmarks of Turow’s writing are well on display in Presumed Guilty. If there’s any weakness it’s in the ending. I felt it was a rush to finish the book and ended up skimming the last few chapters. Screenwriters may want to play a little here. Welcome back Rusty Sabitch!

Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced copy. Much like the original Presumed Innocent, the last installment Presumed Guilty has Rusty defending a young man that is presumed guilty, and he must find evidence to move the jury to find him innocent. And just like the original the real killer is a BIG surprise.

Wow, what a surprise! The first few pages were a little heavy on description and I thought I was headed for a "ripped from the headlines" (Laudrie/Petito murder/suicide) rehash. But no, this was an entirely fresh story that had me totally engrossed. Rusty Sabich is still a fascinating character, with new and poignant insights that come with age. The characters around him are well-developed and often surprising. The plot is briskly paced and I found myself (once again) staying up well into the wee hours to finish the book. Turow is back with a vengeance. You will not be disappointed!

There’s nobody like Turow for a taut, twisty legal thriller. This book will have you feeling some kind of way about the case of a dead girl, the young man accused, the families of both, and the mess of a trial they all endure. The upsetting part is the fact you don’t know how to feel about any of them, and that feeling persists even after you close the book.

This is the third book in this series and it does not disappoint. When a young woman goes missing and her body is found two weeks later, what first looks like an accident sudden turns into a murder. Her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Aaron, is charged with the murder. Aaron’s soon-to-be-stepfather, Rusty, agrees to take the case against his better judgement. Whatever the out come, this case threatens to turn everyone’s live upside down.

The characters are relatable and realistic, some you can’t help but admire and other you love to hate. Well written with interesting plot lines, this legal thriller will keep you guessing until the very end. Works well as a stand alone or with the other books in the series.