Presumed Guilty

by Junius Podrug

Presumed Guilty is a dramatic courtroom thriller set in the new Russia, where a young American gets framed for murder and caught up in a ruthless legal system. A system where the phrase "beyond a reasonable doubt" works against her. A system where there is no jury. All of which add up to a nightmare that will make her wish she had never returned to Moscow.

When Laura Fitzpatrick was bundled out of the Russian captial, a frightened and abused seven-year-old , she had refused to believe the "official" explanation of her American mother's "accidental" death. Years later Lara is a prosecutor with the San Francisco district attorney's office when she receives the photograph of a brutally murdered woman. Somebody wants her back in the city that holds the key to her mother's death. Travelling to Moscow, Lara soon finds herself alone in a cold, dark city, where she quickly becomes the target of a psychopath's sexual obsession.

The events surrounding her mother's death are buried in files nobody wants Lara to see, but her passions are ignited by Yuri, a tough homicide detective, while Alexei, the boldest of the New Russian Rich, introduces her to the life of the wealthy and famous. The two men become her only hope when her attempts to prove her mother was murdered end up getting Lara charged with murder herself. And in Russia's legal system, she is presumed guilty the moment she is detained.

Genres: Mystery

415 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Nicolette McClintic · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite crime novels I have ever read. Cold and distant Russia is the perfect setting for this brutal, chilling read.

[Anna ZAYACHKOWSKY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. A mystery. Tells about the legal system in Russia.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns for this persistent prosecutor.

[Anna Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Presumed Guilty four stars because I liked how the author tied in flashbacks from the main character, Laura's, past. Although, I would love to ask the author why he chose to write a book along these lines. While reading the book it was really interesting, and I was more and more intrigued every time I turned the page because you see Laura experience more and more throughout her time back in Russia. Laura lived in Russia as a young seven-year-old girl, but was brutally raped and was almost murdered on the day her mother was killed. Laura has returned to Russia to find out the truth about her past and who it really was that hurt her all those years ago. There are very mysterious events occurring throughout the book, and it had some really good twists. Being set in Russia in the late 90's it gave me some insight to how the Russian government worked too. I found that really interesting. Laura was thrown in so many different directions throughout the book, and I loved reading what she experienced not only as an adult but as a young girl. I really admired how, no matter what Laura went through, she never gave up. The ending couldn’t have been better too and it didn't leave you on your toes like some books do. I loved the theme of the book as well, because to me it was to never give up even when everyone around you is telling you to do so.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4 stars because I liked that the author included flash backs to tie the whole story together. Through this book my eyes have been opened to the horrors Russian citizens go through if they are suspected of a crime. The main character, Laura, goes through horrible experiences as a child and later in life becomes a suspect of murder. The overall theme of this book, is not everything is what it seems; Laura learns this through many difficult situations. This book includes many flash backs and switches narrators between the characters; which gives a refreshing view of the story. The changing view points told the story very well and it added mystery to the book, because you have to figure out who's view you're reading. This book had me on the edge of seat the entire time because you don't want anything to happen to the main character and she's constant danger. Laura went through major character development through this book and I admire her for that. She was hurt as a child but still made a good life for herself and found love. The end of the book was actually quite satisfying because once again not everything is what it seems. Yet, my one question for the author is why did so many people have to die for the story to be told?

[Ima · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love thrillers that take place in Russia--this was exciting.

[Patti McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better as the book moved along, but I cheated and read the last 5 pages when I reached the middle to see if it was worth finishing.

[Jessica Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best bookI've ever read.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little hard to get into, but an overall not bad read. (At least that is what I said about on November 14th, 2004! on BookCrossing)

[Justin Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book. I am curious to know if the judicial system in Russia is really like it was portrayed in this book. If so, I doubt I will ever vacation there.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

great