Pleading Guilty

Pleading Guilty cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 8731
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781447245049
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2014-05-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Mack Malloy, a former cop and recovering alcoholic, is a partner in a high-powered law firm. When a star litigator from his firm vanishes with over five million dollars of a client's money, Mack is drawn into a dangerous investigation. His journey takes him deep into the city's underbelly, where he must confront his own demons and the corruption that surrounds him. The novel is praised for its powerful prose and vivid portrayal of ambition and corruption, making it a standout in the legal thriller genre. Mack's final, desperate crusade to reinvent himself is both courageous and deeply personal, adding layers of complexity to the story. The New York Times lauds Turow's work as an 'arresting performance' with 'tough, vivid urban poetry.'

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-12-22
suspenseful 3.00

The book is a suspenseful procedural with a compelling heroine. It is a professional-grade read that leaves room for more stories.

This book is a suspenseful procedural that keeps readers engaged with its twisty plot and well-developed characters. The heroine is particularly compelling, with a mix of compassion and attitude that makes her a standout character. The author's writing is professional-grade, and the story is well-crafted, leaving readers wanting more. The setting and atmosphere are vividly described, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book. However, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in certain sections, but the story's twists and turns make it a rewarding read.


Quick quotes

    A suspenseful, professional-grade north country procedural whose heroine, a deft mix of compassion and attitude, would be welcome to return and tie up the ...

    The book is quite frankly poorly written - the author wanders off the plot so often that you lose tract of the plot and characters - and could have used a good ...

    Some Turow books are very good reads and others are just okay. For me, this was just okay. None of the characters were very believable or likeable.

The Independent · 1993-10-23
thrilling 3.50

The book is a classic legal thriller with a gripping plot and well-developed characters. It effectively blends legal drama with personal intrigue.

This book is a standout in the legal thriller genre, thanks to its intricate plot and compelling characters. The author masterfully weaves together legal drama and personal intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The protagonist's journey is particularly engaging, as they navigate the complexities of the legal system and their own moral dilemmas. However, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in certain sections, but overall, it's a thrilling read that showcases the author's skill in crafting suspenseful narratives.


Quick quotes

    Pleading Guilty bears the hallmarks of the blockbusting legal thriller - portentous title with a hint of moral questionability behind the corporate crispness.

    A depressing one, too.

    Turow is a master at ...

The New York Times · 1993-06-03
compelling 3.50

The book is an arresting performance with a depressing tone. It is a compelling read despite its flaws.

This book is a compelling read that captures the essence of a legal thriller with its arresting performance. The author delves into the complexities of the legal system and the personal struggles of the characters, creating a rich and engaging narrative. However, the book has a depressing tone that might not appeal to all readers. The flaws in the plot and character development are evident, but the overall story is gripping and keeps readers invested until the end. The author's prose is powerful and vivid, adding depth to the story.


Quick quotes

    "Pleading Guilty," for all its faults, is an arresting performance.

    And, let the reader be warned, a depressing one, too.

    Turow's prose is powerful . . . a tough, vivid urban poetry, singing of ambition and corruption . . . an arresting performance.

Appears in Lists