Ever since the mammoth success of PRESUMED INNOCENT, Scott Turow not only has continued to release top-rate legal thrillers, he has composed his own fictional world that still touches upon that first big bestseller.

This time around, in SUSPECT, we are regaled with the special skills of Clarice “Pinky” Granum, a talented private investigator who also happens to be the granddaughter of famed defense attorney Sandy Stern. Pinky has a magenta mohawk, facial piercings and a slew of tattoos covering her body. Her appearance may lead some to underestimate her, but in reality she is sharp as a tack and really good at her job.

"SUSPECT is full of plot twists and surprises, but make no mistake that this is Pinky’s novel, and she is an extremely likable and unique protagonist."

Pinky’s latest case finds her working for attorney Rik Dudek, who has taken on the defense of an old colleague from his law enforcement days, Lucia Gomez. The current police chief in the city of Highland Isle, Lucia has a pristine record and the respect of all those around her. But that’s about to change as three male police officers have come forward to accuse her of soliciting them for sex in exchange for various promotions.

While Lucia admits to being a woman with sexual proclivities and desires, she firmly denies these allegations. Rik needs Pinky to do a deep dive into the case and see what she can come up with. However, Pinky has no idea just how deep this dive is going to get or what feathers will be ruffled. All she knows is that her findings will stir the pot and bring to light certain influential figures who may have more than a little interest in seeing Lucia go down.

Pinky’s investigation keeps coming back to the same person: Moritz Vojczek, aka the Ritz, a powerful businessman involved in both legal and illegal businesses. When Pinky learns that one of her neighbors, for whom she has developed feelings, may be working a surveillance job against the Ritz, the situation gets quite interesting. The only issue will be Pinky’s ability to prove intent and find solid evidence that the Ritz is behind the defaming of Lucia.

SUSPECT is full of plot twists and surprises, but make no mistake that this is Pinky’s novel, and she is an extremely likable and unique protagonist. Still, as a young person, she may not have the experience to handle the deep, dark secrets she uncovers about those who may pose more of a threat to her than she can imagine. Hopefully, Turow has more storylines with Pinky at the center for us to enjoy in the not-too-distant future.