The central plot of Scott Turow’s legal thriller Presumed Innocent revolves around the investigation into the murder of Carolyn Polhemus, a fellow prosecutor. The narrative follows Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor himself, who becomes the prime suspect. The story explores the complexities of the legal system, the ambiguities of evidence, and the potential for both corruption and miscarriage of justice. The reader is taken through a labyrinthine process of examining clues, alibis, and motives, as the narrative meticulously dissects the characters and their relationships to the victim.
Understanding the intricacies of this investigation is key to appreciating the novel’s themes. The narrative’s power comes from the gradual revelation of information, mimicking the process of a real criminal investigation. This approach creates suspense and encourages the reader to actively participate in the deductive process. Presumed Innocent, published in 1987, became a bestseller and was adapted into a successful film, demonstrating the enduring fascination with legal dramas and the exploration of guilt and innocence. The novel’s structure, focusing on the process of investigation rather than simply revealing the killer’s identity, set a precedent for many subsequent legal thrillers.