Legal Thriller Authors

There are many authors who write legal thrillers. Here is a list of both well-known and lesser-known authors, but your reading choices are not limited to just those on this page. Try out an author new to you and discover your new favorite.

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Well-Known Authors for Legal Thrillers

Scott Turow

Turow worked as a lawyer for a decade before writing full-time, and has written 13 fiction and three nonfiction books, which have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 30 million copies.[2] Turow’s novels are set primarily among the legal community in the fictional Kindle County. Films have been based on several of his books. Read any his many legal thrillers.

Kindle County Series #1 of 12 legal thrillers including:

Presumed Innocent #1

Burden of Proof #2

Pleading Guilty #3

John Grisham

John Grisham is the author of forty-seven consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system. Read any of these legal thrillers.

The Firm and The Exchange

The Whistler and The Judge's List

The Boys from Biloxi

A Time to Kill (Jake Brigance Series)

Rogue Lawyer

Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline has been a prominent figure in the world of legal thrillers since her debut novel, “Everywhere That Mary Went,” was published in 1994. A former lawyer, Scottoline’s novels often feature strong, independent female protagonists who face personal and professional challenges in the pursuit of justice. Her work has garnered numerous awards and has been praised for its engaging storytelling and refreshing diversity of characters. Read any of her legal thrillers.

Rosato & Associates 11-Book Series

Rosato & DiNunzio 6-Book Series

Final Appeal

Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly’s iconic protagonist Mickey Haller, known as the “Lincoln Lawyer,” has attracted a global following. While his novels extend beyond the courtroom to encompass various aspects of crime fiction, Haller’s legal-focused stories have placed Connelly firmly in the legal thriller genre. With gripping narratives that intrigue and engage audiences worldwide, Connelly’s work transcends borders and showcases the universal appeal of legal thrillers.

Read any of his popular novels.

The Lincoln Lawyer (7-B0ok Series)

Legal Thriller Books to Explore

Check out these other legal thrillers.

Guilt by Association (Marcia Clark, series starter)

Without a Doubt (Marcia Clark)

Blood Defense (Marcia Clark, series starter)

Final Jeopardy (Linda Fairstein)

While Justice Sleeps (Stacey Abrams, series starter)

A Covenant with Death (Stephen Becker)

Defending Jacob (William Landay)

The Emperor of Ocean Park (Stephen L. Carter)

The #1 Lawyer (James Patterson and Nancy Allen)

The Southern Lawyer (Peter O'Mahoney, series starter)

A Patriot's Act (Kenneth Eade, series starter)

Burden of Proof (Robin James, series starter)

Best Sellers in Legal Thriller

Have you read any of these best-sellers in the legal thriller genre?

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