Innocent

Scott Turow
Grand Central Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780446562423
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (06/10) 


“Innocent” is the sequel to Scott Turow’s “Presumed Innocent” which was written over twenty years ago.  In “"Presumed Innocent,” Rusty Sabich was accused of murdering colleague Carolyn Polhemus with whom he was having an affair.  After being acquitted, Rusty became Chief Judge of the Third District Appellate Court and is presently a candidate for the state Supreme Court.  “Innocent” commences with a haunting scene in which Rusty’s wife Barbara lies dead in their bed.  However, instead of immediately calling the police, he waits nearly twenty-four hours before contacting anyone.  Was he in shock or was he trying to cover up something?  As he goes on trial for her murder, he finds himself up against Tommy Molto who was also the prosecutor in his previous trial.  Will Molto be more aggressive this time to get a conviction or will he play fairly?

Although reading “Presumed Innocent” would build up the suspense and help the reader recall the events of the Polhemus case, it is not necessary to do so to follow the proceedings of “Innocent.”  Turow gives enough information for the reader to connect the dots.  I found it exciting for Turow to use the same prosecuting attorney (Molto) for both cases.  I also found it ironic that Sabich, a judge who is supposed to interpret and uphold the law, keeps finding himself in trouble with the law.  I enjoyed the courtroom drama and watching as the evidence was presented just like they show on television.

In addition to Rusty Sabich and Tommy Molto, Turow created some intricate characters.  Rusty’s son Nat was very young during the first trial but he remembers how their lives were impacted.  Now he is torn between believing his father’s innocence and believing he killed his mother.  Anna Vostic was Rusty’s senior law clerk who has a few secrets she really does not want disclosed.  Turow allows the reader inside the minds of his characters which helps them seem more realistic.

“Innocent” by Scott Turow will appeal to a broad adult audience, especially ones who enjoy following a good trial and sifting through the evidence that is presented.  The conclusion of the story is somewhat surprising but it does wrap things up nicely.

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