Scott Turow, known for his legal thrillers, has recently published a sequel to the blockbuster "Presumed Innocent" That novel was a best-seller and the subsequent movie starring Harrison Ford was well received. Although 23 years have lapsed since "Presumed Innocent" debuted, readers have enthusiastically greeted the new installment.
"Innocent" re-introduces us to Rusty Sabich, now older and an appellate court judge. In the first novel, he was accused and tried for the murder of his mistress. That case was eventually dropped for lack of evidence, but the shadow of guilt has never disappeared, especially with law-enforcement.
When Rusty's wife suddently dies, it is first deemed natural causes. But some uncertainty by Tommy Molto, prosecuting attorney, has him subtly looking into Barbara's death.
Shortly before Barbara dies, Rusty was seriously involved with a younger, beautiful assitant. That and the fact that his marriage was tumultuous, caused by Barbara's manic-depressive mood swings, finds Rusty charged with murder yet again.
Interestingly, Rusty is not arrested until completing a successful campaign for a state Supreme Court seat. Soon, everything meaningful in his life is at risk. He has lost his wife and mistress, seriously damaged his relationship with his adult son, his career is in shreds, and he faces possible life in prison.
Courtroom drama is where Turow shines, and the trial is replete with witnesses, evidence, motive, and so many twist and turns, that readers themselves are unsure of of Rusty's guilt or innocence.
The layout of the book is intriguing with the author moving back and forth chronologically. Each chapter is from the viewpoint of a different character.
Turow has been compared with John Grisham, yet except for the similar subject matter, their writing style differs. Turow produces a more detailed slow-moving plot with intricately drawn characters. Grisham has also published dozens of novels, while Turow's more complex novels number only a handful.
This is a must-read for those who enjoy crime and courtroom drama. I just wish Turow hadn't waited quite so long to create this sequel! On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it an 8.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Many novels by Anna Quindlen deal with people living ordinary lives until extraordinary circumstances change things forever.
In "Every Last One" we meet the family of Mary Beth Latham. Mary Beth and husband Glen are typical American parents dealing with the problems of raising children in modern society. Mary Beth does her best to meet the needs of 3 teen-agers, worrying about their social and self-esteem issues.
Then, suddenly and tragically, their familial structure is altered forever. A homicidal intruder murders Glen and two of Mary Beth's children. The third son is on a ski vacation with friends. Mary Beth is critically injured from brutal knife wounds.
While the physical scars are slow to heal, the emotional toll seems impossible to overcome. For months Mary Beth exists in a meaningless fog, unsure how to overcome her tremendous loss.
When we learn of a shocking revelation from her past, we come to realize that even normal appearing families may harbor secrets. Other facts come to light that make some sense of the brutal crime.
The first half of this fascinating novel introduces us to a very likable Latham clan. We become acquainted in detail with each family member, as well as their friends, relatives and some acquaintances not so well thought of. All characters are so realistically portrayed, that when the unspeakable happens, we truly experience the horror and fear it produces. You may find your heart beating a little more rapidly upon hearing sounds in the night. Even though you have read many murder mysteries and police novels, none will produce the reaction you experience in this gripping tale.
Quindlen is a talented writer who will catch you up in a seemingly pleasant tale, only to blast you with the unexpected. Don't expect to finish it, and toss it aside. This one will roll around in your head for quite some time. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it an 8.
In "Every Last One" we meet the family of Mary Beth Latham. Mary Beth and husband Glen are typical American parents dealing with the problems of raising children in modern society. Mary Beth does her best to meet the needs of 3 teen-agers, worrying about their social and self-esteem issues.
Then, suddenly and tragically, their familial structure is altered forever. A homicidal intruder murders Glen and two of Mary Beth's children. The third son is on a ski vacation with friends. Mary Beth is critically injured from brutal knife wounds.
While the physical scars are slow to heal, the emotional toll seems impossible to overcome. For months Mary Beth exists in a meaningless fog, unsure how to overcome her tremendous loss.
When we learn of a shocking revelation from her past, we come to realize that even normal appearing families may harbor secrets. Other facts come to light that make some sense of the brutal crime.
The first half of this fascinating novel introduces us to a very likable Latham clan. We become acquainted in detail with each family member, as well as their friends, relatives and some acquaintances not so well thought of. All characters are so realistically portrayed, that when the unspeakable happens, we truly experience the horror and fear it produces. You may find your heart beating a little more rapidly upon hearing sounds in the night. Even though you have read many murder mysteries and police novels, none will produce the reaction you experience in this gripping tale.
Quindlen is a talented writer who will catch you up in a seemingly pleasant tale, only to blast you with the unexpected. Don't expect to finish it, and toss it aside. This one will roll around in your head for quite some time. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it an 8.
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