While maintaining many similarities to the book, the show did have some difference, particularly with the ending. The novel’s conclusion makes it seem as though Jacob has killed again after the girl that he meets on vacation ends up deceased.
Originally set to be made into a feature film, Defending Jacob ultimately ended up coming to life in the form of a miniseries.
That being said, the Apple TV+ series is an adaptation of the 2012 novel of the same name.