Legal thrillers make for exciting reads because they combine the page-turning intensity of mystery books with the thrilling, rapid-fire back-and-forth of courtroom drama. One of my personal favorite tropes within the genre has always been the classic “guilty or not” mystery. Authors like Michael Connelly and Scott Turow are masters of this, weaving fascinating and intricate characters and plots that keep readers guessing until the last page.
While the genre is full of great books, from John Grisham’s library to lesser-known gems, I narrowed the options down to six reads, ranging from genre pillars to new releases and indies. These selections are perfect for both newcomers and veterans alike, and I’m positive you’ll be rooting for these characters and following their stories from their engaging beginnings to their shocking conclusions. Without further ado, here are six legal thrillers that will keep you guessing on the matter of “guilty or not.
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer (Orion, 2014) by Michael Connelly
Mickey Haller is a cynical defense attorney defending the scum of Los Angeles. He works out the back of his Lincoln town car, driving from courthouse to courthouse. Haller isn’t too concerned about guilt or innocence; he believes the law to be more about negotiation and manipulation. When Louise Roulet, a rich womanizer and real estate agent from Beverly Hills, is charged with assaulting a woman in a bar, he enlists Haller’s help. At first, Haller is ecstatic, a high paying client and an open and shut case. But when he and his investigator start digging, the two quickly realize they are in way over their heads. As his dream client’s innocence becomes less and less certain, Haller will have to decide what’s more important to him: the truth, or his own life.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl (Ballantine Books, 2014) by Gillian Flynn
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with his bizarre daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy’s diary reveal the aggressive perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media — as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents — the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies and deceits. Nick is suspiciously evasive, and he’s definitely bitter — but is he really a killer?
Accusation by Paul Batista
Accusation (Oceanview Publishing, 2022) by Paul Batista
In this book, Batista tackles the #MeToo movement as famous actor Julian is accused of preying upon actresses up for supporting roles in his films. Six women are said to have come forward claiming sexual harassment. Julian and his wife, Veda, a star pop singer in her own right, vehemently deny the charges. As the matter escalates into a media circus, Julian enlists the help of smart, powerful, tough-as-nails defense counsel Raquel Rematti — a trademark character for Batista making her third appearance in one of his seven books. When the accusers begin to turn up dead, the pressure only rises, and new questions are raised: How well do we know the ones we love, and what is the truth in the face of power?
For more information, check out our review.
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Presumed Innocent (Grand Central Publishing, 2017) by Scott Turow
When beautiful and ambitious Carolyn Polhemus is found murdered in her apartment, Rusty, chief deputy prosecuting attorney of Kindle County, Illinois, takes the case. The many nights they’ve spent together make it an easy decision. However, as evidence of the affair comes to light, Rusty goes from lead prosecutor to prime suspect, and soon he’s on trial for his life. Is he an innocent bystander or a cold-blooded killer?
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
The Perfect Marriage (Bloodhound Books, 2020) by Jeneva Rose
Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C., though the same cannot be said for her husband, Adam, a struggling writer who has had little success in his career. Out in the secluded woods, at Adam and Sarah’s second home, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers. Then one morning, everything changes. Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. She had been found stabbed to death in Adam and Sarah’s second home. Sarah soon finds herself playing the defender for her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress, but is he guilty?
An Innocent Client (Phoenix Flying LLC, 2013) by Scott Pratt
When a handsy preacher visits a Tennessee strip club, and is found brutally murdered the next morning, Angel, a waitress from the club is arrested and charged with the crime. Despite his better judgement, and the odds stacked against her, grizzled and cynical criminal defense lawyer, Joe Dillard, takes on the case. Dillard wants to quit doing criminal defense but can’t resist the chance to represent someone who might actually be innocent, the sort of vindication he’s been looking for all along. Will Angel be the truly innocent client Joe so desperately wants before he retires?
