Presumed Innocent

Best of both worlds

This could have been two novels--the man obsessed with his former co-worker and mistress, or a fast-paced summer read mystery. The fact that Scott Turow pulled off both and put them together makes it understandable why this book was so successful on its first release. I really was expecting to breeze through it, like most mysteries out there that are so popular, but was surprised at how long the book was, comparatively. And, I did not expect the rich inner life of Rusty, and how he dealt with everything going on. I also did not predict whodunit. I love being surprised about those kind of things. The detail, the length of flashbacks, explanations, obsessing, lent so much to the mystery that one really invested in the characters. Most of the time, in mysteries, things just happen, and you race through the pages waiting for the next visceral thrill. You are excited, and your pulse races, but, when the book is over, you have nothing left to do, but come down from the thrill. At the end of Presumed Innocent, I felt how I do after a novel, wondering about the future of the characters, their families' + that pulse-racing thrill. It's a combination hardly ever experienced in popular thrillers. I can't wait to read the next Kindle County mystery.
My only qualms is that, it's not for those who want a quick mystery read, and some might think the book couldn't make up its mind. Also, all the "faggot" and "queer" jokes are a little jarring, until you realize it was written in 1988. Enjoy

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Good reading.

I love mysteries and "who-done-it" novels, and this one kept me guessing for most of the book. The story line was good, but the way it is written takes a bit of concentration to keep characters straight in the beginning. There is some pretty graphic writing with some of the scenes that I didn't find necessary to make the story interesting. On my personal scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate this one a 7.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

kept me glued till the end

the description of the human condition we all know but rarely give words was fantastic and hideous to read. the ending was fresh and chilling.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

TUROW SPINS HIS MAGIC

PRESUMED INNOCENT
Scott Turow
Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 987-0446-35986-3
464 pages
$7.99 - Paperback
Reviewer: Annie Slessman

Originally published in 1987, PRESUMED INNOCENT by Scott Turow can stand the test of time. It is a thrilling account of a Deputy District Attorney who finds himself on the opposite side of the table as a defendant who is fighting a murder charge.

Turow takes his time with his character introduction and then leads a reader into the complex mystery of who killed Carolyn Polhemus, a Deputy District Attorney. Carolyn is known in the legal community as a tough prosecutor who has a penchant for sharing her bed with multiple men. Her ambition and affairs come to light when another prosecutor is brought to trial for her death. The story becomes one that takes a reader through the inner workings of the legal system, the frail threads that binds human nature, and the conscious that plagues each and everyone of us on a daily basis.

It is a story well told with an ending that is neither obvious nor complacent. A reader is left with an I-Don't-Believe-It impression that will send them to the bookstore to buy Turow latest mystery, INNOCENT, published in May 2010.

Turow is a writer and attorney with seven best selling novels to his credit.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Gripping and classic legal thriller!

I first read Presumed Innocent almost fifteen years ago. I'd been thinking of going to law school and Presumed Innocent is on the list of books that many law schools send you the summer before you begin studying. I remember thinking that the book spent more time on legal technicalities than the other thrillers that I'd read. Reading Presumed Innocent with an eye to joining the profession gave it a certain air as well.

Now after years as an entirely different sort of lawyer, the detective work, legal technicalities and procedural law aspects continue to delight me. Though I've read the book and watched the movie and am vaguely aware that a twist is sure to come, Presumed Innocent draws me in as though it were completely new. Scott Turow's writing remains fresh and engaging.

Other reviewers have mentioned that the book has lost its impact for them, that they're not as impressed by it years later. I have a very different reaction to the book -- years later and after close to 15 years studying and practicing law, I find that Presumed Innocent has grown to be even more gripping and entertaining. Though you might have expected me to figure out the ending given that I'd read the book before and seen the movie, but the enjoyment comes from how Turow built up the suspense and described the trial. It's the execution of the concept that makes Presumed Innocent a legal thriller that will last for years to come. I'm very much looking forward to reading Turow's next book Innocent that comes out on May 4, 2010.

ISBN-10: 0446676446 - Paperback
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (December 1, 2000), 512 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Beautifully written, Turow has a command of the English language

This book is much more than a legal thriller. MUCH more. Turow delves into the depths of the human soul, ripping his characters apart and showing utter vulnerability and realism. The best parts of this novel to me were not the legal procedings, although they are definitely entertaining. I was more captivated by the lengthy moments of self reflection by the main character Rusty Sabich, as well as his ability to describe the motives behind each character with such psychological simplicity. Read it and you'll see what I'm talking about.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Captivating!

This book truly was a captivating story. I enjoyed it very much, and it had me guessing to the end. Did he do it, or didn't he? You'll just have to read for yourself.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Incredible Reading; Turow is a Master of his craft.

This novel is gripping and original,one of the best crime-drama novels I have ever read.It keeps you glued to the pages, reading and reading until atlast you learn the truth. Speaks highly of the cunning abilities of women, also and how their craftiness is often overlooked.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the all time greatest legal thrillers

You have to read this book. You will be shocked by the ending. It keeps you guessing right up until the last page. A classic 'whodunnit' This author is in a class by himself.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the greatest books I have ever read.

I loved this book. Although it isn't exactly a page turner, there is something that keeps you interested until the end. The ending is a shocker.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

No Presumptions Necessary

What a wonderful book! What characterizes this novel is Turow's careful attention to detail and his fine characterizations. Rusty Sabich, is a three dimensional character. Even the minor characters are interesting. Far superior to other novels in this genre, I highly recommend this book. Fine writing and thoughtful characterization is melded with edge-of-your-seat suspense and a thought provoking ending. I was also fascinated by the intricate workings of the criminal defense process. Mr. Turow has obviously been there and he give us a ring-side seat. Excellent!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very interesting after you wade through the beginning.

Scott Turow is obviously a brilliant writer (a little too smart for his own good) and this book is interesting. If you're an intellectual who is tired of the Southern idiom in Grisham's books, and you like courtroom drama, Turow is for you; however, the switching of names, sometimes using the first and sometimes using the last, was confusing. Also, brace yourself for one major disappointment where Turow cheats. Throughout the book, the reader sees from the main character's point of view. The main character is incredibly perceptive but never lets the reader inside his head to see who the murderer was. Only at the end, is the murderer revealed. This 'trick' reminds me of cheap movies that only show the murderer's feet, hiding his face, to artifically create suspense.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Bland and overhyped!

I’ve read that Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent was a classic and can’t miss read. After finding it at a library sale I had a chance to see if I agreed with popular opinion and to be blunt, I do not. I struggled immensely to et into this book. The characters were bland and the writing style was off-putting. I couldn’t even finish the novel. While I’m not proud of that, because that is rarely the case for me, that does illustrate how much of a let down this book was to me. Overall, definitely overhyped and not worth the effort.

Interesting but Trashy

interestig peremise but trashy delivery

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.