Event and Book

The National Writers Series is pleased to present Scott Turow, a writer and former practicing lawyer, who is the author of thirteen bestselling works of fiction, including Presumed Innocent and most recently, Suspect. Our guest host for this event is none other than David Baldacci!

Please join us for this virtual event, featuring his new book, Presumed Guilty. This is a virtual only event.

Presumed Guilty is a sequel to Presumed Innocent, the book that redefined the legal thriller and served as the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever, judge and lawyer Rusty Sabich returns to the courtroom to defend his step-son against a murder indictment as the boy’s life—and perhaps Rusty’s last chance at happiness—hang in the balance.

Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears.

Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae. Dayslater, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first-degree murder.

Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.

TICKET INFORMNATION:
This is a full book bundled event, meaning each ticket comes with a hardcover copy of Presumed Guilty. The book reflects a 20 percent discount from its $30 retail price. All tickets are subject to ticket fees and shipping costs if you choose to have your booked shipped to you from Horizon Books. Presumed Guilty publishes Jan. 14 and will not b available until after this date.

VIRTUAL TICKETS (ticket fees not included):

Why do I have to buy a book with my tickets?
NWS will often include a book with every ticket (or two tickets). We sometimes bundle a book with a ticket to lure a high-profile author to our fine small town. This is now a common practice with authors on book tours—their publishers require the bundle, not only to introduce the author to his or her readers, but also to sell books. Please note, all books are 20 percent off.

Is this event kid friendly?
Most of our events are not appropriate for children.

Do I have to watch the livestream the night of the event?
No. You can watch the livestream of Turow’s event anytime after the show. 

Scott Turow, a writer and former practicing lawyer, is the author of thirteen bestselling works of fiction, including Presumed Innocent and most recently, Suspect. Mr. Turow has also published two nonfiction books, including One L, about his experience as a law student. His books have been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than thirty million copies worldwide, and have been adapted into movies and television projects. He has frequently contributed essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, the New Yorker, and the Atlantic.

Guest Host David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.