66 pages • 2 hours read
Presumed Innocent
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
496
Novel • Fiction
Kindle County • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Presumed Innocent, a 1987 crime novel by Scott Turow, tells the story of Rusty Sabich, a deputy prosecuting attorney in Kindle County, who is accused of murdering his former colleague Carolyn Polhemus. As Rusty investigates her death, he is indicted and must clear his name amidst a background of legal and personal challenges. The novel involves themes of rape and murder.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
121,132 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow delivers a gripping legal thriller that combines intricate courtroom drama with psychological depth. Critics praise its complex characters and realistic portrayal of the judicial system. However, some find its pacing uneven and the legal jargon challenging. Overall, it remains a compelling read with thought-provoking themes.
Who Should Read Presumed Innocent?
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow will captivate readers who enjoy legal thrillers with complex characters and moral dilemmas. Fans of John Grisham's The Firm or Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer will appreciate the intricate plot and courtroom drama. This book appeals to those interested in crime fiction and psychological suspense.
121,132 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Barbara Sabich
Barbara Sabich
Rusty’s wife, a brilliant mathematician, who struggles with her emotions and has a strong relationship with their son Nate.
Dan (Lip) Lipranzer
Dan (Lip) Lipranzer
Rusty’s best friend and fellow investigator, known for his loyalty, intelligence, and solitary nature.
Alejandro (Sandy) Stern
Alejandro (Sandy) Stern
A prominent defense attorney in Kindle County, hired by Rusty for his murder trial, known for his polite demeanor and strategic legal mind.
Nico Della Guardia
Nico Della Guardia
A competitive colleague of Rusty's who enters the political arena, maintaining a complex relationship with Rusty even during adverse circumstances.
Raymond Horgan
Raymond Horgan
The Kindle County Prosecuting Attorney and Rusty’s boss and mentor, who plays a significant performative role in both the courtroom and political arena.
Tommy Molto
Tommy Molto
Nico’s second-in-command, known for his driven personality, unwavering loyalty to Nico, and proactive role in building the case against Rusty.
Carolyn Polhemus
Carolyn Polhemus
The murder victim, depicted through flashbacks as a powerful, charismatic woman with a strong sense of ambition.
496
Novel • Fiction
Kindle County • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.