Scott Turow Books in Order (May 2025)

Last Updated on May 8, 2025

Scott Turow, a Chicago-born author and lawyer, is widely regarded as the “godfather of the legal thriller” for his gripping, character-driven novels that delve into the complexities of the American justice system. Born on April 12, 1949, Turow graduated from Amherst College (1970), studied at Stanford’s Creative Writing Center, and earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (1978). His career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago (1978–1986), where he prosecuted high-profile corruption cases, informs the authenticity of his fiction. Turow’s debut novel, Presumed Innocent (1987), redefined the genre, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller and inspiring adaptations, including a 1990 film and a 2024 Apple TV+ series. With 13 fiction novels, three non-fiction books, and contributions to anthologies, his works have sold over 30 million copies, translated into 40+ languages. This article lists all of Turow’s books in publication order, organized by series, standalones, non-fiction, and anthologies, with summaries, publication dates, and reading guidance.

Why Read Scott Turow’s Books?

Turow’s novels, primarily set in the fictional Kindle County, Illinois, blend courtroom drama, psychological depth, and moral ambiguity, distinguishing him from plot-driven peers like John Grisham (Mystery Sequels). His Kindle County Legal Thriller series (13 books) features recurring characters like Rusty Sabich and Sandy Stern, exploring human stakes—love, betrayal, justice—through first-person or close third-person narration. His sole standalone, Ordinary Heroes, shifts to historical fiction, while non-fiction like One L offers a raw look at legal education. Awards include the 1987 CWA Silver Dagger (Presumed Innocent), the 2003 RFK Book Award (Ultimate Punishment), and the 2014 ITW ThrillerMaster. Most Kindle County books are standalone, but publication order is recommended for character arcs and spoilers. With Presumed Guilty (January 2025) continuing the Presumed Innocent trilogy, Turow’s “unputdownable” storytelling (FictionDB) captivates fans of literary thrillers.

Scott Turow’s Books in Publication Order

Turow has published 18 books: 13 in the Kindle County Legal Thriller series (including three in the Presumed Innocent subseries), one standalone novel, three non-fiction books, and contributions to anthologies. Below is the complete list in publication order, as of May 8, 2025, with upcoming releases noted. Fiction is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux or Grand Central Publishing; non-fiction by various publishers.

Non-Fiction (1977–2003)

Turow’s three non-fiction works offer personal and professional insights into law and justice.

One L (September 1977, Putnam)
Turow’s debut chronicles his grueling first year at Harvard Law School, capturing the competitive pressure and emotional toll of legal education. A “virtual bible” for law students (AddAll), it’s a candid memoir praised for its clarity and introspection.
Ultimate Punishment: A Lawyer’s Reflections on Dealing with the Death Penalty (October 2003, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Drawing from Turow’s two years on Illinois’ Commission on Capital Punishment, this essay collection explores the death penalty debate. Turow navigates moral and legal complexities, reflecting on his pro bono defense of death-row inmates, including freeing Alejandro Hernandez after 11 years. Winner of the 2003 RFK Book Award.
Hard Listening: The Greatest Rock Band Ever (of Authors) Tells All (July 2013, Coliloquy, co-authored with Mitch Albom, Dave Barry, others)
An interactive e-book detailing Turow’s experiences with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a band of authors including Stephen King. Mixing essays, photos, and music, it’s a lighthearted look at literary camaraderie, not a legal work.

Kindle County Legal Thriller Series (1987–2025)

A 13-book series set in fictional Kindle County, Illinois, featuring attorneys, prosecutors, and judges navigating legal and personal dramas. Each book is a standalone crime and investigation, but publication order is recommended due to recurring characters (e.g., Rusty Sabich, Sandy Stern) and spoilers for earlier roles (TLBranson). The Presumed Innocent subseries (three books) is included.

Presumed Innocent (August 1987, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Prosecutor Rusty Sabich investigates colleague Carolyn Polhemus’ murder during his boss’s re-election campaign, only to become the prime suspect. His affair with Carolyn complicates his defense. A genre-defining bestseller, #1 on New York Times (1987), adapted into a 1990 film (Harrison Ford) and 2024 Apple TV+ series (Jake Gyllenhaal). Won the 1987 CWA Silver Dagger.
The Burden of Proof (June 1990, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Defense attorney Sandy Stern, from Presumed Innocent, faces his wife Clara’s suicide and a federal probe into his brother-in-law Dixon Hartnell’s brokerage. Secrets unravel in this #1 New York Times bestseller, adapted into a 1992 ABC miniseries. A “mesmerizing” exploration of family and deceit (FictionDB).
Pleading Guilty (June 1993, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Ex-cop turned lawyer Mack Malloy investigates a missing partner and $5.6 million from a law firm’s settlement. His probe uncovers corruption, narrated in a raw, first-person style. A New York Times bestseller, ranked #6 on Japan’s Kono Mystery ga Sugoi (1996).
The Laws of Our Fathers (October 1996, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Judge Sonia “Sonny” Klonsky, from The Burden of Proof, presides over probation officer Nile Eddgar’s trial for a drive-by shooting tied to his activist father. Set in Kindle County, it weaves 1960s radicalism and personal histories. Turow’s “most powerful” novel (FictionDB), a New York Times bestseller.
Personal Injuries (October 1999, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Charismatic lawyer Robbie Feaver, caught bribing judges, wears a wire for the FBI, supervised by agent Evon Miller. Their converging stories expose greed and betrayal. Named Time’s Best Fiction Novel of 1999, nominated for the 1999 Hammett Prize.
Reversible Errors (November 2002, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Attorney Arthur Raven defends death-row inmate Rommy Gandolph, convicted of a 1991 triple murder. New evidence pits Raven against the original detective, Larry Starczek, and judge, Gillian Sullivan. A race to uncover truth, nominated for the 2002 Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Adapted into a 2004 CBS miniseries.
Limitations (November 2006, Picador)
Judge George Mason faces a career-defining appeal in a sexual assault case while grappling with personal threats and ethical dilemmas. Originally serialized in The New York Times Magazine, it’s a compact Kindle County tale.
Innocent (May 2010, Grand Central Publishing)
Presumed Innocent sequel. Rusty Sabich, now 60 and a chief judge, is accused of murdering his wife, Barbara, by prosecutor Tommy Molto, reigniting their rivalry. A psychological courtroom drama, adapted into a 2011 TNT series. Nominated for the 2010 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger.
Identical (October 2013, Grand Central Publishing)
State Senator Paul Giannis runs for mayor while his twin, Cass, is released after pleading guilty to a 1980s murder. Ex-FBI agent Evon Miller and PI Tim Brodie investigate, uncovering family secrets. Inspired by Greek myth, a New York Times bestseller.
Testimony (May 2017, Grand Central Publishing)
Former prosecutor Bill ten Boom investigates a Bosnian refugee camp’s disappearance at The Hague, exposing war crimes and deceit. A departure from Kindle County, it’s a “gripping” global thriller (The Real Book Spy, 2017 Best Legal Thriller).
The Last Trial (May 2020, Grand Central Publishing)
Sandy Stern, now 85, defends lifelong friend Dr. Kiril Pafko, accused of murder via insider trading and fraudulent drug trials. Stern’s final case tests loyalty and truth. A New York Times bestseller, praised for its “high-stakes” drama (OrderToRead).
Suspect (September 2022, Grand Central Publishing)
PI Clarice “Pinky” Granum and Chief Lucia Gomez investigate a police chief accused of soliciting sex for promotions. Their probe reveals corruption in Kindle County’s Highlands. A “riveting” modern thriller (ReadersVibe).
Presumed Guilty (January 14, 2025, Grand Central Publishing)
Third in the Presumed Innocent subseries. Rusty Sabich, now retired, faces a new murder accusation tied to a staffer’s death during his boss’s failed re-election. A “vintage Turow” courtroom drama (scottturow.com), continuing Rusty’s saga.

Standalone Novel (2005)

Turow’s only novel outside Kindle County, a historical thriller.

Ordinary Heroes (November 2005, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Stewart Dubinsky uncovers his father David’s WWII past as a JAG lawyer, including a court-martial and a love affair with Gita Lodz, a resistance fighter. Set in 1944 Europe, it explores heroism and family secrets. A New York Times bestseller.

Anthology Contributions (2000–2020)

Turow contributed short stories or edited mystery anthologies, often with legal themes. These are supplementary to his main bibliography.

Guilty as Charged (January 2000, Pocket Books, contributor)
Turow’s short story in this mystery anthology explores legal intrigue, joined by authors like Jay Brandon. A “gripping” collection (OrderToRead).
The Best American Mystery Stories 2006 (October 2006, Houghton Mifflin, editor)
Turow curates 20 mystery tales, including Elmore Leonard’s, with his introduction. Showcases genre diversity (FictionDB).
A Family Affair (October 2007, Forge Books, contributor)
Turow’s story, co-written with daughter Eve Turow, joins 13 mystery tales by authors like Sharyn McCrumb. Focuses on family dynamics (AddAll).
California Schemin’ (October 2020, Hanover Square Press, contributor)
Turow’s story in this Bouchercon 2020 anthology, edited by Art Taylor, features Kindle County intrigue. Nominated for the 2021 Anthony Award (BookNotification).

Reading Scott Turow’s Books: Tips and Guidance

Kindle County Series: The 13-book series (Presumed Innocent to Presumed Guilty) should be read in publication order (4–16) for the best experience, as recurring characters like Rusty Sabich, Sandy Stern, and Tommy Molto reappear in new roles, with spoilers for earlier books (TLBranson). Each novel is a standalone crime, so out-of-order reading is possible but less rewarding. The Presumed Innocent subseries (4, 11, 16) must be read in order: Presumed Innocent (1987), Innocent (2010), Presumed Guilty (2025) for Rusty’s arc.
Standalone Novel: Ordinary Heroes (17) is unconnected to Kindle County and can be read anytime. Its WWII setting suits historical fiction fans.
Non-Fiction: One L (1) is a great starting point for law students or those curious about Turow’s origins. Ultimate Punishment (2) appeals to death penalty debate readers, while Hard Listening (3) is a niche read for literary music fans.
Anthologies: Stories in Guilty as Charged (18), A Family Affair (20), and California Schemin’ (21) are short, Kindle County-based, and supplementary. The Best American Mystery Stories 2006 (19) is an edited collection, not a Turow story.
Content: Legal thrillers feature moderate violence (murders, corruption), psychological suspense, and mild romance, suitable for adults and mature teens. No graphic content. Themes explore justice, morality, and human flaws, with “complex, well-fleshed-out characters” (Mystery Sequels).
Starting Point: Begin with Presumed Innocent (4) for its genre-defining impact (4.10 Goodreads score), The Burden of Proof (5) for Sandy Stern’s depth, or One L (1) for non-fiction insight. Reversible Errors (9) is a fan favorite for death-row drama (Ranker).
Adaptations: Presumed Innocent (1990 film, 2024 Apple TV+), The Burden of Proof (1992 ABC), Reversible Errors (2004 CBS), and Innocent (2011 TNT) are adapted. Books remain true to Turow’s vision, with the 2024 series modernizing Presumed Innocent.
Publication vs. Chronological: Publication order (as listed) matches chronological order for Kindle County, except Ordinary Heroes (1944 setting). Non-fiction and anthologies are standalone.

Where to Find Scott Turow’s Books

Available in hardcover ($21–30), paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Edward Herrmann, Robert G. Slade, and others), and large print through:

Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, PangoBooks.
Libraries: Most stock Presumed Innocent, The Burden of Proof, and One L.
Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Libby, OverDrive. Many titles are on Kindle Unlimited.
Official Website: scottturow.com for signed copies, excerpts, and Presumed Guilty promotions.
Secondhand: ThriftBooks, PangoBooks for used copies ($3–10). Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15 (ThriftBooks).

Follow Turow on X (@ScottTurow) or his newsletter for updates on events or reprints.

Why Scott Turow’s Books Resonate

Turow’s 18 books, with Presumed Innocent earning 2,066+ Amazon reviews and a 4.3/5 rating, resonate for their “riveting suspense and indelible characters” (FiftyTwoReads). The Laws of Our Fathers and Reversible Errors rank high on Ranker for their intricate plots (Ranker). Fans on X praise his “addictive” style, with one reader binge-ordering four books after The Burden of Proof (Mystery Sequels). Critics note Turow’s focus on “human stakes” over Grisham’s plot-driven clarity, though some find his dense prose demanding (Mystery Sequels). His Chicago roots, pro bono work (freeing Alejandro Hernandez), and roles as Authors Guild President and Illinois Ethics Commission Chair add authenticity. Living in Chicago with his family, Turow’s Order of Lincoln (2000) and 30-year bestseller streak cement his legacy.

Final Thoughts

Scott Turow’s bibliography, from One L (1977) to Presumed Guilty (2025), offers a masterclass in legal thrillers and reflective non-fiction. Start with Presumed Innocent for its iconic courtroom drama, One L for a law school memoir, or Reversible Errors for a death-row race. Read the Kindle County series (4–16) in publication order to follow Rusty Sabich, Sandy Stern, and others, with the Presumed Innocent trilogy (4, 11, 16) in sequence. Ordinary Heroes stands alone for historical fiction fans, while non-fiction and anthologies add depth. With no new books announced beyond Presumed Guilty, now is the perfect time to explore Turow’s world of law, morality, and suspense. His “peerless” novels (FiftyTwoReads) will keep you up late, desperate to know who did it.