If you love a good courtroom scene, these sharp legal thriller books will keep you turning pages to find out who’s innocent and who’s guilty.
You say you solved whodunit but can you prove it in a court of law?
I loved watching Law & Order growing up. The combination of solving a crime through detective work and then proving it in a court of law always fascinated me. Which is probably why I absolutely love legal thriller books.
When I was a newlywed, I bought every single John Grisham book I could find at the thrift store. Who wouldn’t when they were only 25 cents each? It’s the suspense of a young lawyer trying to prove a broader conspiracy.
From gritty legal thriller to literary fiction involving trials, my list of the best legal thriller books run the range of the genre. You might be interested in a podcaster covering a trial, a prosecutor defending his own son, a serial killer who sneaks onto a jury, or an all-to real case that tears a family apart.
However you like your thriller books, these legal thrillers will keep you turning the pages to find out what the verdict will be.
Best Legal Thriller Books
A Time To Kill
John Grisham
John Grisham’s debut novel didn’t receive much attention until after he published the bestsellers The Firm and The Pelican Brief, but it’s my favorite of his legal thriller books. After the brutal rape of a 10-year-old girl, her father seeks his own justice and murders the rapists. With the Mississippi town aflame, young attorney Jake Brigance must decide how much he is willing to risk to defend the father. Just be warned, the beginning of the book is horribly graphic and extremely hard to read.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
Although not exactly a “thriller,” there’s a good reason that practically every school makes you read this book. Voted the Great American Read and considered one of the best modern classics, To Kill A Mockingbird is a timeless tale that everyone should read. The story of young Scout and Jem watching their father, Atticus Finch, defend an innocent black man will make you want to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Presumed Innocent
Scott Turow
As chief prosecutor for Kindle County, Rusty Sabich is used to putting others behind bars. When Carolyn, another prosecuting attorney, is murdered, Rusty is initially tagged to work the case. But quickly Rusty finds himself accused of the murder after his affair with Carolyn and ensuing obsession come to light. With sharp courtroom scenes and stunning flawed characters, Presumed Innocent is considered one of the best legal thriller books of all time.
Thirteen
Steve Cavanagh
In a high-profile trial, ex-con turned defense lawyer Eddie Flynn must earn an acquittal for a Hollywood star accused of killing his wife and his head of security. In the murder trial of the century, it’s not the man on the stand people should be worried about but a serial killer who has snaked his way onto the jury to ensure a conviction.
Anatomy of a Scandal
Sarah Vaughan
When a government minister is accused of rape, a courtroom drama ensues. Sophie Whitehouse knows her charming successful husband James isn’t perfect. While she’s disappointed in his affair, she knows he couldn’t be capable of rape. On the flip side, Kate, the lawyer in charge of prosecuting the crime, is convinced James is guilty. Which one is right?
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
For years, Kya Clark has survived alone in the marshes of the North Carolina coast. Dubbed “The Marsh Girl” by the locals, she raises herself in nature after her family abandons her. Now, as she comes of age, she begins to yearn for something more than her loneliness – maybe even a connection with the locals. Told in flashbacks as Kya stands trial for murder, Where the Crawdads Sing is an exquisite tale that everyone should read.
Best John Grisham Books
The Firm
John Grisham
Over the years, I’ve read most of John Grisham’s books, so you could say I am a bit of a fan. I particularly love his early books, and for one of the best legal thrillers, I recommend The Firm, a tale of a young lawyer caught up in a shady law firm. At first, Mitch McDeere loves the lavish pay and perks that come with his job. When the FBI ask him to become an informant, Mitch must use all his street smarts to outwit his corrupt company without becoming beholden to the FBI. If you haven’t read John Grisham before, this is a great place to start.
The Pelican Brief
John Grisham
Americans are stunned to find two Supreme Court Justices murdered in their homes in the middle of the night. In New Orleans, young law student Darby Shaw compiles a long-shot legal brief about the assassinations. Suddenly, those closest to Darby are killed. On the run, Darby turns to a cutthroat DC reporter as they unravel a conspiracy touching all levels of government.
The Rainmaker
John Grisham
In his final semester of law school, Rudy Baylor is required to give free legal advice to a group of senior citizens. When an elderly couple comes in claiming their insurance company refuses to pay for treatments for their son’s leukemia, Rudy is shocked to uncover a scheme of massive insurance fraud. But can a broke law student who hasn’t even passed the bar yet go toe-to-toe with the most powerful defense attorneys in the nation?
The Guardians
John Grisham
In one his more recent legal thrillers, John Grisham takes on the fictional case of a wrongfully convicted man. Over two decades ago, a jury convicted Quincy Miller for the murder of his lawyer Keith Russo. However, someone framed Miller, and Cullen Post, the founder of innocence group Guardian Ministries, takes up his case. As Post works to overturn Miller’s conviction, he realizes much more is going on. Powerful people do not want the truth of Russo’s murderer revealed, and they are willing to do anything to keep their secrets.
The Boys from Biloxi
John Grisham
In the 1960s, Keith and Hugh were best friends and baseball all-stars. But as they grow older, their lives take different trajectories. Keith’s father becomes a legendary prosecutor determined to clean up Biloxi and Hugh’s dad works his way up to become the head of the local mob. As both boys follow in their father’s footsteps, they find themselves on opposite sides of the law.
Recent Legal Thrillers to Read
The Family Chao
Lan Samantha Chang
The Chao family has been running a delicious Chinese restaurant in Haven, Wisconsin, for decades, so the townspeople have mostly ignored the whispers about their unhappy marriage. When the three grown sons reunite in Haven and their father is found dead, the ensuing trial shows that each son has his own motives for murder.
The Truth About the Devlins
Lisa Scottoline
TJ Devlin is the black sheep in a family of lawyers. Recently out of prison and rehab, TJ’s only option is to get a job at the family law firm as an investigator. When TJ’s oldest brother John admits to killing a client, an accountant John accused of embezzling, TJ seizes the chance to earn the family’s respect by saving his brother. Soon TJ and John are caught in a web of deception and the truth that might save the family will probably tear them apart first.
A Calamity of Souls
David Baldacci
In Southern Virginia in 1968, white lawyer Jack Lee has never done anything to fit racism until he decides to take on the case of a Black man accused of murdering a wealthy elderly couple. With the stakes so high, Jack enlists help from Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago who has dedicated her life to achieving equality and justice for all. With completely opposite personalities, Jack and Desiree must work together to save an innocent man from the electric chair in a court system that is not known for fairness.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Kimberly McCreight
A student at NYU, Cleo knows her emotional and risky behavior makes her a disappointment to her mother, Kat. When Cleo returns home one day, she finds Kat has disappeared, leaving a bloody shoe behind. Soon Cleo discovers that Kat isn’t just a corporate lawyer mother but is her firm’s fixer, willing to stop at nothing to protect Cleo from Kat’s ex-husband, Cleo’s dangerous new beau, and threats from Kat’s past.
House of Glass
Sarah Pekkanen
Stella Hudson works as an attorney in child custody cases, appointed to look after the rights of the child. Because of her own childhood trauma, she doesn’t take on young clients but makes an exception for Rose Barclay. Amidst her parents’ bitter divorce, Rose witnessed her nanny fall to her death and is the only one who can confirm if it was murder but refuses to speak. As Stella digs into the wealthy Barclay family, she quickly learns they are hiding deep secrets in their house that is surprisingly absent of any glass.
Bestselling Legal Thriller Books
The Lincoln Lawyer
Michael Connelly
With little care for innocence or guilt, criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller is excited by the potential of a big score on an easy case when a rich playboy is accused of murder. Until things become much less cut and dry and Mickey must use all his wits in the face of pure evil like he’s never seen. A bestselling gritty legal thriller, The Lincoln Lawyer has a realistic and compelling mystery that will keep you intrigued throughout all the twists and turns.
Confessions of an Innocent Man
David R. Dow
Life is perfect for Rafael Zettah, a Houston pilot and chef who is married to a beautiful and kind billionaire. When his wife is murdered, Rafael unexpectedly finds himself convicted of her death despite his alibi. Released from death row at the last minute, Rafael plots revenge against the corrupt system that stole his life away from him.
Defending Jacob
William Landay
For twenty years, Andy Barber has faithfully worked as an assistant district attorney in his Massachusetts county. When a shocking crime tears apart his New England town, Andy is aghast to find his own fourteen-year-old son the suspect in the murder of a fellow student. Now, under the weight of media scrutiny, Andy and his wife must come to terms with how well they actually know their son.
Snow Falling on Cedars
David Guterson
On the remote San Piedro Island in the Puget Sound, Japanese American Kabuo Miyamoto is charged with the murder of a local fisherman found mysteriously drowned. During the trial, San Piedro is forced to reconcile with its dark past, an entire community of Japanese Americans forced into exile during World War II.
Exciting Legal Thrillers
The Night Swim
Megan Goldin
Rachel Krall, the host of a popular true-crime podcast, gets more than she expected when she reports on a rape trial in a small town. A mysterious woman named Hannah is stalking Rachel, leaving her notes begging her to investigate the death of Hannah’s sister twenty-five years ago. Could that cold case be connected to the current trial? Captivating from start to finish, the coverage of the rape trial gives the feel of a good legal thriller, keeping you wondering how the jury will decide. Add in the cold case, and you’ll be guessing how the two cases connect.
The Intern
Michele Campbell
Harvard law student Madison Rivera lands her dream internship with charismatic Judge Kathryn Conroy. As long as no one realizes that Judge Conroy has been assigned to her brother Danny’s case. When Madison dives into the judge’s glamourous world, a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the two women ensues.
While Justice Sleeps
Stacey Abrams
Young law clerk Avery Keene is trying to balance her work with legendary Justice Howard Wynn with her troubled family life. When Justice Wynn falls into a coma, Avery is surprised to learn she is named his legal guardian and power of attorney. As politicians vie to replace the ailing judge, Avery learns that Justice Wynn was researching a dangerous merger that involves a conspiracy at the highest levels of government.
The Holdout
Graham Moore
During a tense murder trial, high school teacher Bobby Nock is accused of murdering a wealthy white student. Initially the lone “not guilty” vote, juror Maya Seale swings her fellow jurors to acquit. During a reunion of the jurors ten years later, a fellow juror turns up dead in Maya’s room. Now, Maya is the main suspect, and it’s her turn to prove her innocence. The Holdout will keep you guessing whodunit, then and now. The action keeps the narrative moving along at a fast clip while the flashbacks help you understand how Maya was able to sway so many jurors.
Reputation
Sarah Vaughan
As a female politician, Emma knows it only takes one slip-up to ruin your reputation. Using her position as an MP, Emma is determined to fight for female victims and pass a law against revenge porn, even though it brings a slew of threats, both online and in person. When her teenage daughter lashes out at a high school bully, the consequences could be disastrous as Emma is put on trial for the death of a reporter who threatened to publish the story. Not only did Vaughan write a compelling narrative but also she managed to hit home on her main themes, violence against women and how our reputation affects our actions.
The Good Daughter
Karin Slaughter
After killing their mother, an attacker drags two young sisters into the woods. One runs for her life and the other does not. Twenty-eight years later, defense attorney Charlotte is the first person on the scene of a school shooting in their hometown. Now, Charlotte and Samantha are forced to relive that horrible moment and confront the truth they have never shared.
Mistaken Identity
Lisa Scottoline
At first, trial lawyer Bennie Rosato thinks nothing of the claims of Alice, a local woman who insists she is innocent of the cold-blooded murder she is accused of. Then Bennie meets an incarcerated woman claiming to be Alice’s long-lost twin. Now Bennie takes the case of mistaken identity and uncovers corruption that goes much further than she imagined.
Legal Thriller Books Not to Miss
The Widows of Malabar Hill
Sujata Massey
In 1921, Oxford-educated Perveen Mistry becomes the one of the first female lawyer in India when she joins her father’s law firm. When a wealthy mill owner dies, Perveen is shocked to find that all three of his widows have signed their inheritance away to a charity. Since the three Farad widows live in seclusion, Perveen suspicions of foulplay seem correct when someone is murdered.
Next of Kin
Kia Abdullah
Leila Syed is shocked when her brother-in-law frantically calls claiming her nephew isn’t at his nursery. Rushing to her car, Leila finds she didn’t drop Max off that morning and has tragically left him in her hot car all day. Was Max’s death intentional or accidental? Leila’s trial for Max’s death will tear her family apart but there is more to the story than meets the eye.
When We Were Bright and Beautiful
Jillian Medoff
When Billy, a junior at Princeton, is accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend, his family vow to do anything to defend him. Although Billy’s white privileged background fits the stereotype, Billy’s sister Chloe knows he couldn’t have done it. Reeling from her own bad breakup, Chloe must decide how many of her own secrets she is willing to reveal to save Billy.
The Frozen River
Ariel Lawhon
From the author of Code Name Hélène, comes a new historical mystery based on the true story of a fearless midwife determined to find justice. In 1789, Martha Ballard is asked to determine the cause of death of a man found buried in the ice. As a local midwife, Martha knows all the town’s secrets, including that this man was one of the men accused of a heinous rape four months ago. As the trial nears, Martha believes the two cases are connected and her detailed diary ends up as pivotal evidence that might tear the whole town, and her family, apart.
Miracle Creek
Angie Kim
In a small Virginia town, Korean immigrants Young and Pak Yoo run a medical center with a hyperbaric chamber called the Miracle Submarine – a pressurized oxygen chamber patients can use to treat illnesses like decompression sickness, but that many use in an attempt to treat such conditions as autism and MS. When a fire causes the chamber explodes, killing two, an intense murder trial begins revealing secrets and lies from all involved. Angie Kim’s debut novel will keep you guessing at who started the fire, but more importantly, it will draw you into the moral decisions the flawed characters have to make.
What Are Your Thoughts on Legal Thriller Books?
Do you love them or do you hate them? Do you agree or disagree with my list of legal thriller books? What thrillers did I forget to add to my list? Which legal thrillers on my list did you find overrated? As always, let me know in the comments!
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