Innocent

By: Scott Turow

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann, Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The sequel to the genre-defining, landmark best seller Presumed Innocent, Innocent continues the story of Rusty Sabich and Tommy Molto who are, once again, 20 years later, pitted against each other in a riveting psychological match after the mysterious death of Rusty's wife.

Rusty is the prime suspect. Reunited with his charismatic lawyer Sandy Stern, he will do anything to convince his beloved son, Nat, of his innocence. But what is he hiding?

In an explosive trial which will expose lies, jealousy, revenge, corruption, and the darker side of human nature, Rusty Sabich and Tommy Molto will battle it out to finally discover the real meaning of truth, and of justice.

©2010 Scott Turow (P)2010 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Mesmerizing prose and intricate plotting lift Turow's superlative legal thriller, his best novel since his bestselling debut, Presumed Innocent....Once again, Turow displays an uncanny ability for making the passions and contradictions of his main characters accessible and understandable." (Publishers Weekly)

Engaging and enjoyable

Scott Turow unspools this story slowly using different points-of-view of different characters. Edward Hermann dies a terrific job, representing all the male characters. Because the female "voice" doesn't show up until later in the novel, it was disconcerting when Orlagh Cassidy popped up but she does a great delivery, too. I enjoyed this for both legs of a long trip - it made me look forward to getting back on the road!

Echoes of Sadness

Innocent by Scott Turow is a haunting tale of secrets, half-truths, and deceptions. The story is told from the points of view of the four major characters, which gives the reader greater insight into them. The story continues with Rusty Sabich who is accused of murdering his wife of more than 30 years. In one of the most poignant places in the dialogue, the son confronts his father with a half question". . . then I would have to believe that mom was a murderer." Of course, we(along with Rusty)know that mom was a murderer. But like Rusty, we want to spare Nat this painful truth. The various twists and turns, revelations, and near revelations kept me pushing toward the next chapter. A ghostly sadness provides a haunting backdrop to a story that began some twenty years earlier and threatens to end as tragically as the first one did. I found the story compelling and intriguing, particularly because it involves actions and motivations which define the human family.

A bit murky but good

I thought the writing was excellent, especially the unfolding of events as reported by witnesses during the trial, instead of in real time. The reader needs patience and must wade through the all the chatter in the first half of the book in order to get to the trial and see the complete picture of what actually happened. Interesting narrative technique.

I did find the attitudes toward women a bit dated. As in 1950's dated. It doesn't make sense any more in 2010 for a woman with a future in one of the most lucrative professions to hook up with someone 30 years her senior and to cultivate a relationship that has no possibility of long-term success and one that could negatively affect her career. It's not a relatable story line. Especially when that same woman, after defining Rusty as her crack and she'll just absolutely perish without him, goes for his son as her new drug. Successful women just don't need this any more and Turow should know that.

I also thought the death was ambiguous. I've read the ending 3-4 times and I still can't tell if it was a homicide that turned into a suicide, a planned suicide, or a complete accident. Surely Turow is a skillful enough writer to be more specific without sacrificing art.

Decent Story

This was not as good as Presumed Innocent yet it was still an interesting story. Some of the characters returned from the past and it was well read. I will say, it was not till the end that I figured it out. Scott Turow really knows how to keep one's interest!

Twist and turns

I love being kept on the edge of my seat while listening to a good book, and this really fits the bill. Great narration, story line that keeps you wanting more. Way to write!

Superb

Beautifully conceived and written, and I can't imagine better narration. I'm now close to the final chapter, not wanting it to end.

Very good read

I don't guees anything will ever compare to Presumed Innocent but still pretty good. Made much better by Mr. Hermans excellent narration.

Not Bad... Not Great

Well, Turow did finish the story. There really were not many compelling, likeable characters in this one.

Just OK

I think that this was a short story made into a much longer one that it had to be, but it was one of those that I found somewhat forget-able.

How did I miss this book!?

Amazing sequel! Actually it doesn't matter if you read the first one or not. This book is excellent! Turow writes with incredible atmosphere and the reading is spot on. A labyrinth of a story well told with unfolding pieces released one at a time, always keeping you guessing. Really really an excellent read. Leaves you eager to read another by this excellent author.