Scott Turow, the mastermind behind some of the most gripping legal thrillers, is back with a new novel—and he’s bringing along an old friend. Rusty Sabich, the retired prosecutor who first stole readers’ hearts in Presumed Innocent (1987), returns in Presumed Guilty. This time, Rusty, now 77, is stepping out of retirement to defend the son of his fiancée, who’s accused of a shocking crime.

Turow, 75, has always had a knack for weaving real-life emotions into his stories. This latest book was partly inspired by a heartbreaking conversation he had years ago with the mother of a young man he once defended. Despite her son’s guilt, her love for him was unwavering—a theme that resonates deeply in Presumed Guilty. The novel also draws from the tragic case of Gabby Petito, whose murder in 2021 sparked national outrage.

“I’ve always been struck by how devastating it is for parents when their child is accused of a serious crime,” Turow shared. “They’re torn between love and the horrifying realization that their child might be capable of something terrible.”

Presumed Guilty marks Turow’s 13th novel and the third to feature Rusty Sabich, a character who’s become a legend in the legal thriller genre. Fans will remember Rusty from Presumed Innocent, a book that redefined courtroom dramas and was later adapted into a hit movie and a recent mini-series starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

With its emotional depth, legal twists, and unforgettable characters, Presumed Guilty promises to be another page-turner from one of the genre’s greatest storytellers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Turow’s work, this is one book you won’t want to miss.