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TL;DR: Rusty Sabich, a respected deputy prosecutor in a Midwestern county, is assigned to investigate the murder of his colleague Carolyn Polhemus, with whom he had a secret affair. As the evidence begins to point to him, Rusty is charged with her murder. His trial reveals office politics, betrayal and a shocking truth about who really killed her.
Table of Contents
Presumed Innocent at a Glance
| Author | Scott Turow |
| First published | 1987 |
| Type | Legal thriller |
| Best for | readers who want a smart, twisty courtroom thriller |
Presumed Innocent is the debut novel of Scott Turow, published in 1987. It is credited with helping launch the modern legal thriller. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes murder, sexual content and an affair.
Main Characters
- Rusty Sabich: A deputy prosecutor accused of murder.
- Carolyn Polhemus: A prosecutor who is murdered.
- Barbara Sabich: Rusty's wife, a mathematician.
- Sandy Stern: Rusty's brilliant defense attorney.
- Raymond Horgan: The district attorney and Rusty's boss.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The murder
Carolyn Polhemus, an ambitious prosecutor, is found raped and murdered in her apartment. District Attorney Raymond Horgan, in a tough reelection race, assigns the case to his top deputy, Rusty Sabich.
Secrets
Rusty had an obsessive affair with Carolyn, which she ended. He hides this as he investigates. Horgan loses the election to his rival, Nico Della Guardia, and Rusty becomes a suspect.
Charged
Evidence points to Rusty: his fingerprints on a glass, his blood type and phone records. He is charged with murder and hires Sandy Stern, a skilled defense lawyer.
The trial
During the trial, Stern exposes weaknesses in the prosecution, including a missing glass and corruption in the office linked to a bribery case Carolyn was involved in. The judge dismisses the case, and Rusty is free.
The truth
Rusty later discovers the real killer was his wife, Barbara, who learned of the affair. She staged the crime to look like a rape and tried to frame no one, expecting Rusty to investigate. Rusty decides to keep her secret for the sake of their son.
5 Key Takeaways
- The justice system can be manipulated.
- Secrets have consequences.
- Appearances can hide the truth.
- Ambition shapes legal and political decisions.
- Guilt and innocence are not always simple.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Being presumed innocent is a fragile protection.
- The people closest to us can be the most surprising.
- Truth and justice are not always the same.
Who Should Read Presumed Innocent?
Read Presumed Innocent if you enjoy legal thrillers with psychological depth. It suits adults.
About Scott Turow
Scott Turow is an American lawyer and novelist born in 1949 in Chicago. He worked as a federal prosecutor before becoming a bestselling author. His nonfiction book One L described his first year at Harvard Law School. Presumed Innocent was followed by a sequel, Innocent, and adapted into a 1990 film and a 2024 Apple TV+ series.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Presumed Innocent:
- Why does Rusty hide his affair?
- Why does Rusty keep Barbara's secret?
- How does the novel portray the justice system?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Presumed Innocent is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Presumed Innocent, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is smart, absorbing and has a famous twist ending.
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What to Read Next
- The Burden of Proof by Scott Turow: Sandy Stern's story
- The Firm by John Grisham: a lawyer trapped by his firm
- Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver: a classic courtroom drama
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Presumed Innocent about?
A prosecutor is accused of murdering his colleague and former lover.
Who wrote it?
Scott Turow, in 1987.
Who killed Carolyn?
Rusty's wife, Barbara.
Is Rusty convicted?
No. The case is dismissed.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 1990 film with Harrison Ford and a 2024 TV series.
What age is it for?
Adults.
How long is it?
About 430 pages.
Who is Sandy Stern?
Rusty's skilled defense lawyer.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, Innocent (2010).
Where is it set?
In fictional Kindle County, in the Midwest.
Who is Raymond Horgan?
The district attorney and Rusty's boss, who loses his reelection.
What evidence points to Rusty?
His fingerprints on a glass, his blood type and phone records.
Why is the ending famous?
Because the real killer is revealed only in the final pages.
Who are the main characters in Presumed Innocent?
The main characters are Rusty Sabich, Carolyn Polhemus, Barbara Sabich, Sandy Stern and Raymond Horgan. Rusty Sabich: A deputy prosecutor accused of murder. Carolyn Polhemus: A prosecutor who is murdered. Barbara Sabich: Rusty's wife, a mathematician.
Is Presumed Innocent worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a smart, twisty courtroom thriller. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.