Maybe this is the best way to do a sequel! Wait two decades. Though Linda Greenlaw's "Seaworthy" (reviewed here last month) was only a decade after "Hungry Ocean," whereas "Innocent" is the two decade removed follow-up to Turow's powerful fictional premiere - "Presumed Innocent" - both share a maturity and life-worthy POV that sets them apart from the deluge of tag-along stories from lesser authors.

"Innocent" is a wonderful, and better that the first, successor to "Presumed Innocent." (Remember Harrison Ford in the movie version?) Though neither challenge Turow's best -- Burden of Proof -- both share with "Burden" one of the most compelling characters this side of Lisbeth Salandar. Sandy Stern. While ostensibly a supporting character, Sandy and his daughter, Marta, grab our attention more than the flinty main character. Sandy, now in failing health, brought on by all those Cubanos,is the moral center of "Innocent." If he can believe in Rusty's innocence then perhaps we should, as well.

Bolstered by a strong and VERY revealing ending, Turow forces us to continue our examination of our basic concepts of guilt and innocence. Instead of opposite threads, perhaps they are more intimately woven.

If you want a strong good read, but are looking for something shorter than the 1500 page Larrson Millennium Trilogy, you can't go wrong with this sequel, which requires no prior knowledge of the original, "Presumed Innocent," to fully enjoy.