Which are the best books by Scott Turow?
Scott Turow is an American author and lawyer, best known for his legal thrillers such as “Presumed Innocent,” “The Burden of Proof,” and “Identical.”
He attended Amherst College and Harvard Law School. After completing his law degree, he worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago before entering private practice.
In addition to his legal career, Turow has published numerous novels, which have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
He has received several literary awards for his work, including the Silver Dagger Award, the Heartland Prize, and the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
List of Top 10 Books by Scott Turow
I have made a list of the Top 10 books by Scott Turow. I hope this helps you in your selection process. Keep reading..!
1. Presumed Innocent (1987)
“Presumed Innocent” is Turow’s debut novel that tells the story of Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor in a fictional city in the United States who is charged with the murder of a colleague with whom he had an affair.
The novel explores the legal process, as Rusty’s colleagues and friends are pulled into the case and the personal toll the trial takes on Rusty and his family.
The novel was praised for its realistic portrayal of the legal system and its vivid characters, and it remains one of Turow’s most popular works.
Get the book here: Presumed Innocent
2. The Burden of Proof (1990)
“The Burden of Proof” follows the story of lawyer Alejandro “Sandy” Stern, whose wife, Clara, commits suicide.
As Sandy tries to come to terms with his grief, he discovers that Clara may have been hiding secrets from him, and he is drawn into a complex web of family dynamics and legal maneuvering.
The novel is a gripping exploration of loss, love, and the complexities of human relationships, and it received critical acclaim for its powerful emotional resonance.
Get the book here: The Burden of Proof
3. Pleading Guilty (1993)
“Pleading Guilty” is a legal thriller that centers on the character of Mack Malloy, a former lawyer turned corporate investigator who is hired by a law firm to look into a case involving embezzlement and murder.
As Mack delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy him.
The novel is a taut and suspenseful page-turner that showcases Turow’s mastery of legal and financial details, as well as his ability to create compelling characters.
Get the book here: Pleading Guilty
4. The Laws of Our Fathers (1996)
Set in the fictional Kindle County, Illinois, “The Laws of Our Fathers” tells the story of Judge Sonia “Sonny” Klonsky, who is presiding over a trial involving a man accused of murder during a 1960s riot.
As the trial unfolds, Sonny must confront her own past as a radical activist and deal with the emotional fallout from her relationships with the defendant and other key players in the case.
The novel is a sprawling and ambitious work that explores themes of memory, justice, and the legacy of the 1960s.
Get the book here: The Laws of Our Fathers
5. Personal Injuries (1999)
“Personal Injuries” follows the story of lawyer Robbie Feaver, who is caught up in a scandal involving payoffs to judges in personal injury cases.
As Robbie tries to navigate the legal system and save his own skin, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the FBI, the mob, and other shady characters.
The novel is a fast-paced thriller that showcases Turow’s skill at crafting complex and morally ambiguous characters, as well as his flair for intricate plotting and legal detail.
Get the book here: Personal Injuries
6. Reversible Errors (2002)
“Reversible Errors” is a legal thriller that follows the intersecting lives of three individuals: a judge, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney. The novel centers around the case of Rommy Gandolph, who has been on death row for 20 years for a triple murder.
Arthur Raven, a defense attorney who has been handling Romney’s appeals for the past ten years, uncovers evidence that could prove his client’s innocence. However, before he can present the evidence in court, a mistake by a young lawyer on his team causes a mistrial.
The case is assigned to Gillian Sullivan, a rookie prosecutor who is determined to get a conviction. Meanwhile, Judge Gillian Sullivan, who presided over the original trial and is now battling her own demons, must decide whether to grant Rommy a new trial.
Get the book here: Reversible Errors
7. Limitations (2006)
“Limitations” is a quiet and introspective novel about a middle-aged lawyer named George Mason, who is dealing with a personal crisis while trying to solve a decades-old mystery.
The novel takes place in Kindle County, the same fictional setting as many of Turow’s other novels. After his marriage falls apart, George decides to take a vacation to a small town in rural Illinois, where he spent his childhood summers.
While there, he reconnects with a childhood friend and his friend’s sister, who was paralyzed in a car accident many years ago. George becomes fascinated with the sister’s story and begins to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Get the book here: Limitations
8. Innocent (2010)
“Innocent” is a sequel to “Presumed Innocent.” The novel picks up more than 20 years after the events of the first book and finds Rusty Sabich, the novel’s protagonist, facing a new murder trial years after his first acquittal.
This time, Rusty is accused of killing his wife, Barbara. The novel explores Rusty’s complex relationships with his wife, his mistress, and his son, as well as his past mistakes and regrets.
Get the book here: Innocent
9. Identical (2013)
“Identical” is a twisty and suspenseful novel about identical twins, Paul and Cass Giannis. Paul, who is running for mayor of Kindle County, is accused of murdering his girlfriend 25 years ago.
The case is reopened after new DNA evidence is discovered, and Paul’s twin brother, Cass, a successful attorney, is drawn into the investigation.
As Cass delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy his family and his career.
Get the book here: Identical
10. Testimony (2017)
“Testimony” is a legal thriller that takes place at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The novel follows the story of Bill ten Boom, a former prosecutor who is summoned to The Hague to investigate a massacre that occurred in a small village in Bosnia more than a decade earlier.
Bill’s investigation takes him to the village where the massacre occurred and into the lives of the people who were affected by it. As he interviews witnesses and gathers evidence, he begins to uncover a web of lies and secrets that suggest a much larger conspiracy at play.
Get the book here: Testimony
FAQs
Who is Scott Turow?
Scott Turow is an American author and lawyer best known for his legal thrillers.
What are the 10 best books by Scott Turow?
A few of the best books by Scott Turow are: “Presumed Innocent,” “The Burden of Proof,” “Identical,” “Innocent,” and “Limitations.”
What themes does “Testimony” explore?
“Testimony” explores themes of justice, accountability, and the long-term effects of war and violence.
What is Scott Turow’s writing style?
Scott Turow’s writing style is often described as literary, with a focus on character development and psychological depth.
Is Scott Turow still writing?
Yes, Scott Turow is still writing. His most recent novel, “The Last Trial,” was published in 2020.
Summary
Scott Turow has established himself as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed authors of legal thrillers. His ability to combine intricate plots, nuanced characters, and legal concepts has garnered him a dedicated following and a reputation as a master of the genre.
Whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, suspenseful dramas, or complex character studies, Scott Turow’s books are sure to captivate and entertain.
With his expert use of legal terminology and his ability to craft intricate plots, Turow’s novels offer a unique and compelling reading experience that is not to be missed.
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