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The Lincoln Lawyer #6
The Law of Innocence
Defense attorney Mickey Haller is pulled over by police, who find the body of a client in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is charged with murder and can't make the exorbitant $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge.
Mickey elects to defend himself and must strategize and build his defense from his jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Center in downtown Los Angeles, all the while looking over his shoulder--as an officer of the court he is an instant target.
Mickey knows he's been framed. Now, with the help of his trusted team, he has to figure out who has plotted to destroy his life and why. Then he has to go before a judge and jury and prove his innocence.
Mickey elects to defend himself and must strategize and build his defense from his jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Center in downtown Los Angeles, all the while looking over his shoulder--as an officer of the court he is an instant target.
Mickey knows he's been framed. Now, with the help of his trusted team, he has to figure out who has plotted to destroy his life and why. Then he has to go before a judge and jury and prove his innocence.
12 pages, Audio CD
First published August 25, 1998
About the author
Michael Connelly
397 books31.4k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,025 reviews
November 29, 2020
Wow! What a great read. This one is going to be my favorite of the year in the mystery/Legal Thriller category. Five and a half stars out of five. Full disclosure Connelly is one of my go-to favorites and it’s hard not to be a little biased. I like this book better than the last four or five of his Bosh novels. In this book he sets a dynamic conflict in the first few pages and initiates a great plot that never slows to give the reader a pause to take a breath. This is a mystery and not crime novel. We don’t know “who-dunit” even when it’s over at the end (one of the only problems with this book—small one). The reason I think I like the Lincoln Lawyer books, so more is due to writing craft. The Bosh books are third person and there is a feel of distancing between the character and the reader. The Lincoln Lawyer books are first person, up close and personal. So well done. What also makes this book such a dynamic page-turner is the micro conflicts. They are set up and executed with verve and great skill. As the plot winds out and Connelly feeds the reader information on the over arcing plot, the micro-conflicts are worthy of their own brilliant short story status.
The only criticism is the ending, it’s a little too deus ex machina. I was only quasi-satisfied but that might just be me expecting more from one of my favorite authors.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
The only criticism is the ending, it’s a little too deus ex machina. I was only quasi-satisfied but that might just be me expecting more from one of my favorite authors.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
October 24, 2020
Michael Connolly brings back defence lawyer, Mickey Haller, the half brother of Harry Bosch, a Los Angeles set nail biting legal thriller, a compulsive courtroom drama that sees Haller becoming uncomfortably closely acquainted with his clients experience as he finds himself framed for murder. Haller is stopped by a police officer due to his missing rear licence plates. When the officer opens the boot of the car, there is a dead body which turns out to be a former client of Haller's, the multiple convicted con man, Sam Scales, a man Haller had eventually stopped representing, owing money Haller had given up on. Before he knows it, Haller finds him incarcerated in a jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Centre, under constant threat, paying for protection from black prisoner, Bishop. In a situation where the stakes have never been higher, Haller opts to defend himself.
With the prosecution led by Dana 'Death Row' Berg, Haller has a supporting team who are rock solid in their belief in his innocence, his law partner, Jennifer Aronson, investigator Dennis 'Cisco' Wojciechowski, and later joined by Harry Bosch, lending his considerable expertise. Haller needs all the help he can get, he is hamstrung by being in jail, which takes a considerable toll on his health, as the weight begins to drop off his body. Haller is surprised by just how much support and loyalty he receives, including a grateful former client offering to pay bail, his law student daughter, Hayley, and his ex-wife, prosecutor Maggie McPherson. With Berg intent on doing everything she can to ensure he is convicted of murder with what appears to be a slam dunk case, Haller has to work out who set him up, amidst all the obstacles that litter his path, his life in constant danger.
As always, Connelly's research is impeccable, illustrated with his attention to detail, the legal process in the American justice system and the courtroom is riveting as it is applied to Haller. Haller is not just chasing a not guilty verdict, he needs to apply the law of innocence, which states you not only have to prove you are innocent but identify the actual guilty party of the crime of which you stand accused. In the novel, the first inklings of the horrifying Covid 19 pandemic, beginning at Wuhan in China, that will go on devastate the country and the world, are interspersed in a narrative that concludes with self isolation and lockdown. Connolly can be relied on to write a compulsive, entertaining and riveting crime thriller, as he demonstrates once again here, with well plotted and adrenaline fuelled storylines that had me glued to the pages until I had finished. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
With the prosecution led by Dana 'Death Row' Berg, Haller has a supporting team who are rock solid in their belief in his innocence, his law partner, Jennifer Aronson, investigator Dennis 'Cisco' Wojciechowski, and later joined by Harry Bosch, lending his considerable expertise. Haller needs all the help he can get, he is hamstrung by being in jail, which takes a considerable toll on his health, as the weight begins to drop off his body. Haller is surprised by just how much support and loyalty he receives, including a grateful former client offering to pay bail, his law student daughter, Hayley, and his ex-wife, prosecutor Maggie McPherson. With Berg intent on doing everything she can to ensure he is convicted of murder with what appears to be a slam dunk case, Haller has to work out who set him up, amidst all the obstacles that litter his path, his life in constant danger.
As always, Connelly's research is impeccable, illustrated with his attention to detail, the legal process in the American justice system and the courtroom is riveting as it is applied to Haller. Haller is not just chasing a not guilty verdict, he needs to apply the law of innocence, which states you not only have to prove you are innocent but identify the actual guilty party of the crime of which you stand accused. In the novel, the first inklings of the horrifying Covid 19 pandemic, beginning at Wuhan in China, that will go on devastate the country and the world, are interspersed in a narrative that concludes with self isolation and lockdown. Connolly can be relied on to write a compulsive, entertaining and riveting crime thriller, as he demonstrates once again here, with well plotted and adrenaline fuelled storylines that had me glued to the pages until I had finished. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
October 4, 2020
Mickey Haller never thought in a million years that he’d have to defend himself. That day, however, has arrived.
When Mickey Haller is stopped during what appears to be a routine traffic stop, he initially thinks nothing of it, until a search of his trunk reveals the dead body of one of Haller’s former clients inside.
The next thing Haller knows, he’s in prison garb and awaiting a speedy trial. Fortunately for Haller, he has an entire team on his side including two ex-wives and his half-brother and retired Police Detective, Harry Bosch. Now he just has to prove “The Law of Innocence,” meaning that in order to prove that he didn’t do it, he has to prove who did.
The court battle ensues with Haller, his law partner, Jennifer, and his ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, on his side against the prosecution which has it out for him from the get-go. The arguments are brilliantly plotted, and the action is wholly compelling.
For those who love courtroom thrillers, "The Law of Innocence" delivers!
What I loved most, besides the appearance of Harry Bosch, was how the predicament Haller was put in changed his persona. Haller is known for being big, brash, and larger than life. He is a showman in the courtroom: he often throws in a lot of antics and they tend to work to his advantage. Here, because he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit, he understands the perspective of the clients he has represented all his life. That turn of events shows a softer, more humane side of him and it made me like him more as a character. I have never quite liked Mickey Haller and yet the way he was portrayed in this novel endeared him to me. I loved seeing him interact with his ex-wife Maggie and have high hopes for the two of them.
For me, the characters truly brought this novel home. I have read every single book Michael Connelly has ever written (having started in the late 90’s) and I feel like I know the characters really well and think of them as friends. (Can I just say that the reappearance of Maggie McPherson was something else?!)
What I also really appreciated about this novel is the fact that it is the first one I’ve read that includes Covid-19 in the storyline. Michael Connelly incorporated the virus in a very realistic way, which I must give him kudos for. I hope that other authors will follow suit.
A huge thank you goes out to Edelweiss, Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, and Michael Connelly for the arc of this book which will be published on November 10, 2020.
*Review originally published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine on 10.2.20.
Also published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.4.20
When Mickey Haller is stopped during what appears to be a routine traffic stop, he initially thinks nothing of it, until a search of his trunk reveals the dead body of one of Haller’s former clients inside.
The next thing Haller knows, he’s in prison garb and awaiting a speedy trial. Fortunately for Haller, he has an entire team on his side including two ex-wives and his half-brother and retired Police Detective, Harry Bosch. Now he just has to prove “The Law of Innocence,” meaning that in order to prove that he didn’t do it, he has to prove who did.
The court battle ensues with Haller, his law partner, Jennifer, and his ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, on his side against the prosecution which has it out for him from the get-go. The arguments are brilliantly plotted, and the action is wholly compelling.
For those who love courtroom thrillers, "The Law of Innocence" delivers!
What I loved most, besides the appearance of Harry Bosch, was how the predicament Haller was put in changed his persona. Haller is known for being big, brash, and larger than life. He is a showman in the courtroom: he often throws in a lot of antics and they tend to work to his advantage. Here, because he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit, he understands the perspective of the clients he has represented all his life. That turn of events shows a softer, more humane side of him and it made me like him more as a character. I have never quite liked Mickey Haller and yet the way he was portrayed in this novel endeared him to me. I loved seeing him interact with his ex-wife Maggie and have high hopes for the two of them.
For me, the characters truly brought this novel home. I have read every single book Michael Connelly has ever written (having started in the late 90’s) and I feel like I know the characters really well and think of them as friends. (Can I just say that the reappearance of Maggie McPherson was something else?!)
What I also really appreciated about this novel is the fact that it is the first one I’ve read that includes Covid-19 in the storyline. Michael Connelly incorporated the virus in a very realistic way, which I must give him kudos for. I hope that other authors will follow suit.
A huge thank you goes out to Edelweiss, Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, and Michael Connelly for the arc of this book which will be published on November 10, 2020.
*Review originally published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine on 10.2.20.
Also published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.4.20
September 26, 2020
Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors - I’m a fan of each of his main characters. This is the first time we’ve heard from Micky Haller in a while (although he’s made appearances in others of MC’s series). This time, he’s in quite a fix. He’s pulled over for a traffic stop and a body is found in the trunk of his car. He’s obviously being framed, but by whom?
The book moves at a super swift pace. With Connelly, you never know where he’s going to take you. It’s never a straight line to the finish. And even as he hones in on who may be to blame, how will he prove it? Because let’s face it, just because he’s innocent won’t mean he couldn’t be found guilty. “The only way to prove I didn’t do it is to prove who did...that’s the law of innocence.”
Harry Bosch even makes an appearance, investigating angles to help his half brother.
There’s lots of legal meat here in addition to the mystery aspect. It worked perfectly to keep my interest (no mean feat these days). I tore through this book in less than two days. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engrossing legal thriller.
In an interesting turn, this is the first fiction I’ve read that incorporates the Corona-19 Virus. It makes me wonder how many more will as time goes on.
My thanks to netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.
The book moves at a super swift pace. With Connelly, you never know where he’s going to take you. It’s never a straight line to the finish. And even as he hones in on who may be to blame, how will he prove it? Because let’s face it, just because he’s innocent won’t mean he couldn’t be found guilty. “The only way to prove I didn’t do it is to prove who did...that’s the law of innocence.”
Harry Bosch even makes an appearance, investigating angles to help his half brother.
There’s lots of legal meat here in addition to the mystery aspect. It worked perfectly to keep my interest (no mean feat these days). I tore through this book in less than two days. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engrossing legal thriller.
In an interesting turn, this is the first fiction I’ve read that incorporates the Corona-19 Virus. It makes me wonder how many more will as time goes on.
My thanks to netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.
November 12, 2020
I’m gonna explain why I gave this book two stars. It can be summed up in these words, Trump derangement syndrome. It’s a shame that Connelly decided to bring that out on this latest book about Mickey with Harry thrown in. Shame. I guess I’ll be honest and note that I have seen hints of idiotic liberal tendencies in a few books, like that one with renee ballard where he described the homeless crisis in LA and it was glossed over as no big whoop even tho they shit in the streets and a blight on the city. But whatever. And then in the last book about the reporter it did have a few jabs about the way reporters are referred to as fake news, which to be honest most are!!!
But I’ll tell you that I was very excited to have another installment of the Bosch universe as I have read and enjoyed every other one immensely. I preordered like a good girl and even got the audiobook so I could listen while I exercised. I can’t even say I didn’t enjoy the story to a certain extent and the writing is good along with good dialogue. But I read books to escape the craziness of everyday life and when the digs about the Coronavirus started in the early chapters I wondered where that was going. I wish I could warn authors to NOT WRITE THIS AS A STORYLINE. I’m so burned out about the effing coronavirus I certainly do not wanna read about it when I’m trying to escape!!! It’s thrown at us in every goddamn aspect of our lives, why the eff did Michael Connelly think I wanted that mixed in with Mickey haller?!?? This avid reader and supporter of all thing Connelly did not.
Anyway, I automatically remove stars from ANY book I read if they mention my beloved president in a negative way, so since he mentioned it several times, stars are removed for that along with the goddamn coronavirus mention. Literally, if I never heard the words again I would be happy.
I also felt that maybe the plot wasn’t as well explained as I would have liked. The bad guy wasn’t really as well incorporated into the story as I would have liked. Maybe he was explained in previous books more, but I can’t remember and a little clarification would have been nice along with a little more explanation of why he framed Mickey. Those are just a few of my problems.
I guess I am just overwhelmingly disappointed that Connelly threw in so many Democratic talking points especially when it comes to the effing coronavirus that I will be disappointed in Connelly for a very long time. What a shame.
But I’ll tell you that I was very excited to have another installment of the Bosch universe as I have read and enjoyed every other one immensely. I preordered like a good girl and even got the audiobook so I could listen while I exercised. I can’t even say I didn’t enjoy the story to a certain extent and the writing is good along with good dialogue. But I read books to escape the craziness of everyday life and when the digs about the Coronavirus started in the early chapters I wondered where that was going. I wish I could warn authors to NOT WRITE THIS AS A STORYLINE. I’m so burned out about the effing coronavirus I certainly do not wanna read about it when I’m trying to escape!!! It’s thrown at us in every goddamn aspect of our lives, why the eff did Michael Connelly think I wanted that mixed in with Mickey haller?!?? This avid reader and supporter of all thing Connelly did not.
Anyway, I automatically remove stars from ANY book I read if they mention my beloved president in a negative way, so since he mentioned it several times, stars are removed for that along with the goddamn coronavirus mention. Literally, if I never heard the words again I would be happy.
I also felt that maybe the plot wasn’t as well explained as I would have liked. The bad guy wasn’t really as well incorporated into the story as I would have liked. Maybe he was explained in previous books more, but I can’t remember and a little clarification would have been nice along with a little more explanation of why he framed Mickey. Those are just a few of my problems.
I guess I am just overwhelmingly disappointed that Connelly threw in so many Democratic talking points especially when it comes to the effing coronavirus that I will be disappointed in Connelly for a very long time. What a shame.
May 7, 2021
4.0 stars “The Law of Innocence” by Michael Connelly is the latest in the Mickey Haller aka The Lincoln Lawyer series of books. Connelly is one of the few authors I know that writes both legal thrillers and police detective mysteries equally well. In fact, I can’t decide whether I like the Lincoln Lawyer series or Harry Bosch series better, as both are very well written and interesting in different ways. “Innocence” is a very well written novel in which Mickey represents himself after he is charged with murder when a dead body is found stuffed in the trunk of his car. As usual the author does an excellent job writing detailed narratives that accurately reflect the stress and gamesmanship involved in high stake jury trials. Since the story is told from Haller’s point of view, it is entertaining to see how he motivates himself by viewing himself as the poor, oppressed little guy going against the State who in his mind has all of the advantages and plays dirty. Meanwhile, Haller is pulling the same tricks which lead to entertaining back and forth courtroom flurries between Haller and the prosecutor on the case. The stress level is amped up because a loss for Haller means a life behind bars. Only a huge letdown of an ending which robbed the reader from getting a Scopes Monkey trial confrontation of the two lawyers from the witness stand keeps this book from a five star rating.
November 29, 2020
One star:
Slight Spoilers:
The novel was good until he insulted folks that supported Trump as being dumb. It a fiction novel. If I want politics, I read it. I do not give a d**# what your views are. This was the one that I felt this author just turn the knife in the back of certain readers:
Toward the end, when Haller is kicking jurors because they have a Trump bumper stickers. Haller thinks that all Trump supporters are stupid and blind(not in those words; Page 265 of hard cover-“That a person would continue to support the president....” ) The message was clear because he repeat it.
Yes, he made other references of his political views. This is America. Our veterans and soldiers fought for what we have. Our freedom, believes, etc. I still feel that author should respect all his fans.
I will not waste my time commenting further.
🇺🇸 and the flag for Blue Lives Matters( I do not have the emjo for them)
Slight Spoilers:
The novel was good until he insulted folks that supported Trump as being dumb. It a fiction novel. If I want politics, I read it. I do not give a d**# what your views are. This was the one that I felt this author just turn the knife in the back of certain readers:
Toward the end, when Haller is kicking jurors because they have a Trump bumper stickers. Haller thinks that all Trump supporters are stupid and blind(not in those words; Page 265 of hard cover-“That a person would continue to support the president....” ) The message was clear because he repeat it.
Yes, he made other references of his political views. This is America. Our veterans and soldiers fought for what we have. Our freedom, believes, etc. I still feel that author should respect all his fans.
I will not waste my time commenting further.
🇺🇸 and the flag for Blue Lives Matters( I do not have the emjo for them)
November 12, 2020
2 new Michael Connelly books in 2020... yes please! Especially when they both bring back characters that we haven't seen for a while. Fair Warning earlier this year saw the return of Jack McEvoy and now we have a new Mickey Haller book - who said 2020 was all bad?
The Lincoln Lawyer is back. After a night celebrating another not guilty verdict, Mickey Haller is heading home. He is soon pulled over by police for an apparent missing license plate. But the cop sees something dripping from the boot of the Lincoln and opens it up. Mickey is arrested for murder and finds himself on the other side of the bars. Unable to make bail, he works his own case from inside the walls of Twin Towers with the help of his team.
The Law of Innocence sees the whole gang together - Harry Bosch (Mickey's half brother), Cisco and his ex-wife Maggie just to name a few. As always he is fearless in his pursuit for the truth, even more so seeing as it is his life on the line. Set just before the global pandemic of 2020, it is a fast paced page turner and this long time Michael Connelly fan was in heaven. This one might be my new favourite Lincoln Lawyer book!
Mickey is a wonderful character and it was great to see him centre stage again. He is a shrewd lawyer and he will need every trick in his book for this case. His reputation proceeds him and will call in any favours he can.
I know that I gush over Michael Connelly books but they are seriously good and I cannot recommend them more. Do yourself a favour and get to know Mickey Haller and his friends, you will not be disappointed.
A huge thank you to the lovely people at Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this fantastic book to read.
The Lincoln Lawyer is back. After a night celebrating another not guilty verdict, Mickey Haller is heading home. He is soon pulled over by police for an apparent missing license plate. But the cop sees something dripping from the boot of the Lincoln and opens it up. Mickey is arrested for murder and finds himself on the other side of the bars. Unable to make bail, he works his own case from inside the walls of Twin Towers with the help of his team.
The Law of Innocence sees the whole gang together - Harry Bosch (Mickey's half brother), Cisco and his ex-wife Maggie just to name a few. As always he is fearless in his pursuit for the truth, even more so seeing as it is his life on the line. Set just before the global pandemic of 2020, it is a fast paced page turner and this long time Michael Connelly fan was in heaven. This one might be my new favourite Lincoln Lawyer book!
Mickey is a wonderful character and it was great to see him centre stage again. He is a shrewd lawyer and he will need every trick in his book for this case. His reputation proceeds him and will call in any favours he can.
I know that I gush over Michael Connelly books but they are seriously good and I cannot recommend them more. Do yourself a favour and get to know Mickey Haller and his friends, you will not be disappointed.
A huge thank you to the lovely people at Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this fantastic book to read.
February 11, 2024
Mickey gets arrested for murder.
And COVID is coming...
I thought the addition of the oncoming pandemic was an interesting backdrop. Not only is the clock ticking for the trial, but the reader is aware that the clock is ticking for the inevitable shutdown. And Connelly laces the legal thriller with just enough phrases like, did you hear about that virus that hit China?, to keep you biting your nails (after you wash your goddamn hands!) throughout the whole book.
Ok, so remember that client of Mickey's that always had some horrible scam going?
Donate to the burial fund of such-n-such school shooting!
Or.
Click here to send money to the survivors of such-n-such natural disaster!
Yeah, that guy is the one found stuffed into the truck of Haller's Lincoln during a "routine" stop.
He's kinda ripe, as he's apparently been sort of marinating in the trunk for a few days.
Mickey's family & friends circle the wagons in his defense.
Lorna, Cisco, & Jennifer are of course ready to go. But his half-brother Bosch steps up to help investigate, and his ex-wife Maggie takes a break from the prosecution table to help him head up his defense, as well. An old girlfriend (that you didn't realize was an ex until the book started) comes back into town to show her support. And (along with Bosch) his cyber-pimp client help put up $$ to spring him from the pokey.
It's a love fest.
Naturally, all the prosecutors think he's guilty as hell. Even though this looks like a COMPLETE setup to anyone with eyeballs. I have to say, by the end of the book you basically just yelling OH, COME ON! at the justice system.
So yeah. It's a little OTT.
And yet.
I liked this one.
Side Note: The author lets his political bias show through in this one. And fair. It's his book, and I don't necessarily disagree with him. But it's pretty apparent by the end of the book that Connelly isn't a Trumper, so if you think that might hamper your enjoyment of the story this is fair warning.
The ending is sweet and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future brings for the Lincoln Lawyer.
Recommended for fans of legal thrillers.
And COVID is coming...
I thought the addition of the oncoming pandemic was an interesting backdrop. Not only is the clock ticking for the trial, but the reader is aware that the clock is ticking for the inevitable shutdown. And Connelly laces the legal thriller with just enough phrases like, did you hear about that virus that hit China?, to keep you biting your nails (after you wash your goddamn hands!) throughout the whole book.
Ok, so remember that client of Mickey's that always had some horrible scam going?
Donate to the burial fund of such-n-such school shooting!
Or.
Click here to send money to the survivors of such-n-such natural disaster!
Yeah, that guy is the one found stuffed into the truck of Haller's Lincoln during a "routine" stop.
He's kinda ripe, as he's apparently been sort of marinating in the trunk for a few days.
Mickey's family & friends circle the wagons in his defense.
Lorna, Cisco, & Jennifer are of course ready to go. But his half-brother Bosch steps up to help investigate, and his ex-wife Maggie takes a break from the prosecution table to help him head up his defense, as well. An old girlfriend (that you didn't realize was an ex until the book started) comes back into town to show her support. And (along with Bosch) his cyber-pimp client help put up $$ to spring him from the pokey.
It's a love fest.
Naturally, all the prosecutors think he's guilty as hell. Even though this looks like a COMPLETE setup to anyone with eyeballs. I have to say, by the end of the book you basically just yelling OH, COME ON! at the justice system.
So yeah. It's a little OTT.
And yet.
I liked this one.
Side Note: The author lets his political bias show through in this one. And fair. It's his book, and I don't necessarily disagree with him. But it's pretty apparent by the end of the book that Connelly isn't a Trumper, so if you think that might hamper your enjoyment of the story this is fair warning.
The ending is sweet and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future brings for the Lincoln Lawyer.
Recommended for fans of legal thrillers.
June 20, 2022
I have read 36 books by Michael Connelly and enjoyed every one. He is a master at writing legal and police procedurals. I rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up. I read this book in 3 days, reading the last 200 pages in 1 day.
This book has Mickey Haller arrested for murder. He knows that he is being framed and sets out to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. In the the process of doing this, he tangles with the FBI, the LAPD, the LA Sheriff's Dept and the opposing DA prosecuting his case. He knows that he must go beyond a not guilty verdict if he is to preserve his reputation as an honest lawyer.
One quote: "The law of innocence is written. It will not be found in a leather-bound codebook. It will never be argued in a courtroom. It cannot be written into law by the elected. It is an abstract idea and yet it closely aligns with the hard laws of nature and science. In the law of physics, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world."
This was a library book.
This book has Mickey Haller arrested for murder. He knows that he is being framed and sets out to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. In the the process of doing this, he tangles with the FBI, the LAPD, the LA Sheriff's Dept and the opposing DA prosecuting his case. He knows that he must go beyond a not guilty verdict if he is to preserve his reputation as an honest lawyer.
One quote: "The law of innocence is written. It will not be found in a leather-bound codebook. It will never be argued in a courtroom. It cannot be written into law by the elected. It is an abstract idea and yet it closely aligns with the hard laws of nature and science. In the law of physics, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world."
This was a library book.
January 30, 2021
Lawyer up.
The Lincoln Lawyer is back and this time he’s defending himself against the most egregious of crimes, murder.
He knows he didn’t do it but can he convince others beyond a reasonable doubt?
Micky won’t be satisfied to be absolved by just a Not Guilty verdict, he wants to prove his innocence and to do that, he needs to uncover the killer. Enter conspiracy theory. Yes!
This was my first read of 2021 and I was excited to revisit an author I’ve read since Chasing the Dime in 2002. I’ve sought out numerous Michael Connelly books since and love the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series.
The Law of Innocence is dense with legal and courtroom maneuvering and mixing in thrills and police procedural. The result is a tightly woven and intriguing story keeping me entertained through the entirety.
I loved this and recommend it to those liking mystery, police procedure, and of course legal dramas.
The Lincoln Lawyer is back and this time he’s defending himself against the most egregious of crimes, murder.
He knows he didn’t do it but can he convince others beyond a reasonable doubt?
Micky won’t be satisfied to be absolved by just a Not Guilty verdict, he wants to prove his innocence and to do that, he needs to uncover the killer. Enter conspiracy theory. Yes!
This was my first read of 2021 and I was excited to revisit an author I’ve read since Chasing the Dime in 2002. I’ve sought out numerous Michael Connelly books since and love the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series.
The Law of Innocence is dense with legal and courtroom maneuvering and mixing in thrills and police procedural. The result is a tightly woven and intriguing story keeping me entertained through the entirety.
I loved this and recommend it to those liking mystery, police procedure, and of course legal dramas.
November 20, 2020
I’m a huge fan of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series. I have not read any of his Lincoln Lawyer stories until now, “The Law of Innocence”. Defense attorney Mickey Haller is known as the Lincoln Lawyer because he does most of his work in the back seat of one of his two Lincoln Continentals. I was intrigued, because I’ve regarded Connelly as being more of a police procedural novelist, and this seemed like he went to “the dark side” in that Connelly’s protagonist is a defense attorney, who has represented some of the scum of the earth. It’s not easy to find a defense attorney likeable, and to be fair, Connelly didn’t try and write Haller into an angelic sort. By his own admission in the story, Haller was chasing the dollar and representing some questionable characters.
In this story, Haller is stopped by a LAPD officer after a questionably legal reason for the stop. The Officer finds a dead body in Haller’s and it’s oozing blood from his trunk. So, it’s a bit of a stretch that a lawyer would knowingly be driving around with a dead body in his trunk, much less with a body that’s been in there for over 24 hours (and noticeably oozing blood). Well, he’s charged for the murder and sent to the correctional center in LA. He cannot make bail and needs to defend himself from jail.
Connelly makes many jabs at police corruption. In addition, he doesn’t characterize the prosecuting attorney well. I guess because I’m a Bosch lover, it was difficult to have the police and distract attorneys characterized so poorly. I didn’t expect Connelly to make the reader dislike police. Mostly only corrupt police were characterized in this one. Connelly did bring Bosch in as an ally who helps with the case. Bosch plays a tiny side part in the novel.
That said, the court drama part of the story is fantastic. I listened to the audible audio narration while driving cross counry, and listening to Peter Giles narrate the story made the cross country drive easier. Yes, Haller is questionable, and some of his court antics are questionable, but Connelly knows how to make characters a bit sleezy and yet likable enough that you root for their exoneration. It’s great, but I miss Bosch…..
In this story, Haller is stopped by a LAPD officer after a questionably legal reason for the stop. The Officer finds a dead body in Haller’s and it’s oozing blood from his trunk. So, it’s a bit of a stretch that a lawyer would knowingly be driving around with a dead body in his trunk, much less with a body that’s been in there for over 24 hours (and noticeably oozing blood). Well, he’s charged for the murder and sent to the correctional center in LA. He cannot make bail and needs to defend himself from jail.
Connelly makes many jabs at police corruption. In addition, he doesn’t characterize the prosecuting attorney well. I guess because I’m a Bosch lover, it was difficult to have the police and distract attorneys characterized so poorly. I didn’t expect Connelly to make the reader dislike police. Mostly only corrupt police were characterized in this one. Connelly did bring Bosch in as an ally who helps with the case. Bosch plays a tiny side part in the novel.
That said, the court drama part of the story is fantastic. I listened to the audible audio narration while driving cross counry, and listening to Peter Giles narrate the story made the cross country drive easier. Yes, Haller is questionable, and some of his court antics are questionable, but Connelly knows how to make characters a bit sleezy and yet likable enough that you root for their exoneration. It’s great, but I miss Bosch…..
November 17, 2020
Michael Connelly just HAD TO introduce political opinion and directly insult half of the people who buy his books. He introduces Juror 68, an Afghanistan war hero's widow, who, he informs you in detail, is [ or must be!] opinionated, uninformed, ignorant stubborn and unfit to serve on a jury because Haller's unscrupulous legal technique of spying on potential jurors reveals she has a Trump bumper sticker. He lost my respect with this absolutely jarring chapter, and made me hate his protagonist and begin to dislike Connelly.
I have read all of Connelly's books and stories, but now I think I will skip the next one. The good old West Coast elitist club just can't keep their politics out of their writing, just like the East Coast ones. With Juror 68, Connelly committed his own version of literary seppuku half way through the book. He didn't have to do it. But, he could not resist the temptation.
NOT REALLY A SPOILER BUT: By the way, even with all the borderline ethical behavior by Haller, this one peters out into nothingness when the everything seems to go away at the mushed up silly ending. And by the way Michael, I am glad your Bosch series was cancelled.
I have read all of Connelly's books and stories, but now I think I will skip the next one. The good old West Coast elitist club just can't keep their politics out of their writing, just like the East Coast ones. With Juror 68, Connelly committed his own version of literary seppuku half way through the book. He didn't have to do it. But, he could not resist the temptation.
NOT REALLY A SPOILER BUT: By the way, even with all the borderline ethical behavior by Haller, this one peters out into nothingness when the everything seems to go away at the mushed up silly ending. And by the way Michael, I am glad your Bosch series was cancelled.
December 11, 2020
Michael Connelly is back with his favourite lawyer, whose office is a Lincoln that travels around the streets of Los Angeles, helping those in need. Michael ‘Mickey’ Haller has quite the reputation in his profession, though he is sure to have made some enemies. When he’s taken into custody for murder, Haller will have to use all his skills to defend himself, showing that The Law of Innocence is not just a textbook sentiment. Perfect for fans of Connelly’s loosely interconnected series, as well as though who love a great courtroom thriller.
After celebrating another win, defence lawyer Mickey Haller is headed home, only to be stopped by a traffic cop. What begins as a routine missing plate, soon gets out of hand when blood is seen dripping from the bumper. Before long, the body of Sam Scales is found in Haller’s trunk and the hotshot lawyer is dragged off to jail, about to face a murder charge. While Haller professes his innocence, many feel that this could be a form of retribution for a past client’s not listening to his lawyer.
As Haller tries to work all angles and defend himself, he elicits the help of those in his office, as well as former LAPD Detective Harry Bosch to make sense of it all. It’s proven that the body was dumped and killed in Haller’s garage, but there’s much more to the story than meets the eye, including an angle that has the FBI playing coy.
While Haller is not faring well in prison, his sharp mind helps develop a reasonable defence that seems to be winning over the judge. However, the prosecution refuses to let egg settle on its face and pulls a fast one, citing new and damning charges that all but ensure that Haller will spend a long time in prison. This is not how Mickey Haller imagined spending the winter of 2020.
Working with a co-counsel he knows well, Haller must prove his innocence to a panel of jurors who appear eager to hear what the state has to say. It’s sure to be a cutthroat trial where innocence will come second to the ability to spin tales. Haller has everything to lose as he finds himself in the hot seat, somewhere he’s not used to sitting.
I have always enjoyed the work of Michael Connelly, who is able to develop a story that hits the reader in the gut, using many of his great characters to entertain the reader. This piece, which seeks to put savvy defence lawyer Mickey Haller in the shoes of his clients, opens up some new and exciting avenues for the curious reader.
Mickey Haller is a great protagonist in this piece. He shows off his style and pizzazz, but is also relatable as he does what he knows best, defence work. Like his half-brother, Bosch, Haller gets to the root of the issue and uses those around him as inspiration. A father who is trying to ensure his daughter respects him, Haller seeks to show that there are time when the law is not entirely fair, though he never disparages the system in which he earns his living. Forced to use all he knows to save his own skin, Haller will have to show just how conniving he can be when his life’s on the line.
Connelly keeps things interesting with a slew of other characters, some of whom series fans will know well, peppered throughout the narrative. As with many of his novels, Connelly has crafted the perfect mix of good and bad people to push the story along, all connected to the trial in some form. There are some great subplots that emerge in this novel, utilising these supporting characters to offer poignant angles Haller himself could not develop alone. With a cameo appearance by Harry Bosch, fans of that series get a little dose of their favourite retired LAPD detective.
While the ‘Harry Bosch World’ series is long and drawn-out, those that focus on Mickey Haller have been limited. I love Harry Bosch and all he brings to the table, but his half-brother also have some quirks that are worthy of the spotlight. Michael Connelly does well with this novel to develop a strong legal thriller and propels the story forward with a paced narrative that is full of legal jargon. The reader can easily feel as though they are part of the action, with wonderful banter, both in and outside the courtroom. Chapters of various lengths keep the piece from getting too laborious, though there are times when detail takes time to come to fruition, something that Connelly knows well. This is also the first book I have read where the author uses COVID-19 as an interesting ‘window dressing’ to the larger narrative. Well done and placed perfectly so as to involve but not interfere with the overall delivery. I cannot wait to see what else Michael Connelly has for us, as fans await the next season of Bosch on Amazon Prime.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, for another winner. I loved the concept and thoroughly enjoyed Bosch’s cameo within the story.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After celebrating another win, defence lawyer Mickey Haller is headed home, only to be stopped by a traffic cop. What begins as a routine missing plate, soon gets out of hand when blood is seen dripping from the bumper. Before long, the body of Sam Scales is found in Haller’s trunk and the hotshot lawyer is dragged off to jail, about to face a murder charge. While Haller professes his innocence, many feel that this could be a form of retribution for a past client’s not listening to his lawyer.
As Haller tries to work all angles and defend himself, he elicits the help of those in his office, as well as former LAPD Detective Harry Bosch to make sense of it all. It’s proven that the body was dumped and killed in Haller’s garage, but there’s much more to the story than meets the eye, including an angle that has the FBI playing coy.
While Haller is not faring well in prison, his sharp mind helps develop a reasonable defence that seems to be winning over the judge. However, the prosecution refuses to let egg settle on its face and pulls a fast one, citing new and damning charges that all but ensure that Haller will spend a long time in prison. This is not how Mickey Haller imagined spending the winter of 2020.
Working with a co-counsel he knows well, Haller must prove his innocence to a panel of jurors who appear eager to hear what the state has to say. It’s sure to be a cutthroat trial where innocence will come second to the ability to spin tales. Haller has everything to lose as he finds himself in the hot seat, somewhere he’s not used to sitting.
I have always enjoyed the work of Michael Connelly, who is able to develop a story that hits the reader in the gut, using many of his great characters to entertain the reader. This piece, which seeks to put savvy defence lawyer Mickey Haller in the shoes of his clients, opens up some new and exciting avenues for the curious reader.
Mickey Haller is a great protagonist in this piece. He shows off his style and pizzazz, but is also relatable as he does what he knows best, defence work. Like his half-brother, Bosch, Haller gets to the root of the issue and uses those around him as inspiration. A father who is trying to ensure his daughter respects him, Haller seeks to show that there are time when the law is not entirely fair, though he never disparages the system in which he earns his living. Forced to use all he knows to save his own skin, Haller will have to show just how conniving he can be when his life’s on the line.
Connelly keeps things interesting with a slew of other characters, some of whom series fans will know well, peppered throughout the narrative. As with many of his novels, Connelly has crafted the perfect mix of good and bad people to push the story along, all connected to the trial in some form. There are some great subplots that emerge in this novel, utilising these supporting characters to offer poignant angles Haller himself could not develop alone. With a cameo appearance by Harry Bosch, fans of that series get a little dose of their favourite retired LAPD detective.
While the ‘Harry Bosch World’ series is long and drawn-out, those that focus on Mickey Haller have been limited. I love Harry Bosch and all he brings to the table, but his half-brother also have some quirks that are worthy of the spotlight. Michael Connelly does well with this novel to develop a strong legal thriller and propels the story forward with a paced narrative that is full of legal jargon. The reader can easily feel as though they are part of the action, with wonderful banter, both in and outside the courtroom. Chapters of various lengths keep the piece from getting too laborious, though there are times when detail takes time to come to fruition, something that Connelly knows well. This is also the first book I have read where the author uses COVID-19 as an interesting ‘window dressing’ to the larger narrative. Well done and placed perfectly so as to involve but not interfere with the overall delivery. I cannot wait to see what else Michael Connelly has for us, as fans await the next season of Bosch on Amazon Prime.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, for another winner. I loved the concept and thoroughly enjoyed Bosch’s cameo within the story.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 20, 2021
On his way home from celebrating another case win, Mickey Haller - the Lincoln Lawyer - is stopped by an L.A. police officer. At first it seems that this is a routine pull over, his rear licence plate seems to be missing. But then the truculent cop spots something else – is that blood dripping from the boot of his car onto the asphalt? When the boot is opened the body of a man can clearly be seen, Haller’s day has turned bad.
Mickey finds himself in lock-up and more bad news quicky follows: his bail is set at an unmanageable figure by a judge he’d crossed sometime in the past. It looks like here he’s going to stay. He’s facing a murder charge and as evidence is gathered it becomes clear that Dana Berg, known by members of the downtown defence bar as Death Row Dana, is going to live up to her reputation for seeking the maximum available penalty. Moreover, Haller has decided to defend himself in court and he’s claimed his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial, but how is he going to pull his defence case together whilst locked up in jail?
To me there’s nothing more comforting than settling down with a Michael Connelly novel. I trust him implicitly to nurse me through a complex narrative without getting me lost in a mire of names or confused by the fine detail. He’s truly the master storyteller. And I do love a good courtroom yarn! Haller pulls together a team that will ultimately comprise a bunch of characters regular readers will be familiar with, including two ex-wives and his half-brother Harry Bosch. I found this to be a truly immersive experience, I was totally captivated from the start and when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about the story and wishing time would pass more quickly so I could get back to the book. I’m not the fastest reader but I was done in half a dozen sittings over the course of a few days.
I suppose I knew we'd end up where we did but not how we'd get there. And that's the case with most crime fiction, which means that for me the enjoyment is primarily in the journey more than the destination. Connelly manages to maintain both pace and suspense whilst sprinkling the tale with some nifty surprises and top end dialogue. As you'd expect, his set piece courtroom scenes are terrific. Yes, this is another book fans of the genre really should not miss.
Some afterthoughts:
1. It’s another quality book from a writer at the top of his game. In my mind he’s never written a bad book - and I can think of few other writers I’d grant the same accolade.
2. The power of television and film was demonstrated to me by the fact that when I thought of Haller he wore the head of Matthew McConaughey and when Bosch arrived on the scene I saw and heard Titus Welliver. I think it’ll ever be thus.
3. A few new release books I’ve read recently are haunted by the menace of Covid-19 lurking in the background. It’s here too.
4. I remain fully in awe of how well MC has manages to have his key series characters – Haller, Bosch, Jack McEvoy, Renee Ballard and the late Terry McCaleb - maintain lead status in their own books whilst merging seamlessly into each other’s lives. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
My sincere thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mickey finds himself in lock-up and more bad news quicky follows: his bail is set at an unmanageable figure by a judge he’d crossed sometime in the past. It looks like here he’s going to stay. He’s facing a murder charge and as evidence is gathered it becomes clear that Dana Berg, known by members of the downtown defence bar as Death Row Dana, is going to live up to her reputation for seeking the maximum available penalty. Moreover, Haller has decided to defend himself in court and he’s claimed his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial, but how is he going to pull his defence case together whilst locked up in jail?
To me there’s nothing more comforting than settling down with a Michael Connelly novel. I trust him implicitly to nurse me through a complex narrative without getting me lost in a mire of names or confused by the fine detail. He’s truly the master storyteller. And I do love a good courtroom yarn! Haller pulls together a team that will ultimately comprise a bunch of characters regular readers will be familiar with, including two ex-wives and his half-brother Harry Bosch. I found this to be a truly immersive experience, I was totally captivated from the start and when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about the story and wishing time would pass more quickly so I could get back to the book. I’m not the fastest reader but I was done in half a dozen sittings over the course of a few days.
I suppose I knew we'd end up where we did but not how we'd get there. And that's the case with most crime fiction, which means that for me the enjoyment is primarily in the journey more than the destination. Connelly manages to maintain both pace and suspense whilst sprinkling the tale with some nifty surprises and top end dialogue. As you'd expect, his set piece courtroom scenes are terrific. Yes, this is another book fans of the genre really should not miss.
Some afterthoughts:
1. It’s another quality book from a writer at the top of his game. In my mind he’s never written a bad book - and I can think of few other writers I’d grant the same accolade.
2. The power of television and film was demonstrated to me by the fact that when I thought of Haller he wore the head of Matthew McConaughey and when Bosch arrived on the scene I saw and heard Titus Welliver. I think it’ll ever be thus.
3. A few new release books I’ve read recently are haunted by the menace of Covid-19 lurking in the background. It’s here too.
4. I remain fully in awe of how well MC has manages to have his key series characters – Haller, Bosch, Jack McEvoy, Renee Ballard and the late Terry McCaleb - maintain lead status in their own books whilst merging seamlessly into each other’s lives. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
My sincere thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2020
3.5
Michael Connelly's many thrillers have shown his considerable knowledge of police procedure and impressive insight into a flawed legal system and court proceedings. I regret I am in the minority in my reaction to this book. I found the investigation by Mickey Haller's loyal team, the court preparations, jury selection, and legal arguments to be clever but tedious until near the end. In the past, I have found Haller not particularly likeable, too self-absorbed, and proud of his ability to outsmart the prosecutors and free his guilty clients using every trick in the book. However, Haller was visualized in my shallow mind as Matthew McConaughey from the Lincoln Lawyer movie. That was a definite plus!
After celebrating the latest not guilty verdict in a local bar, Haller proceeds to drive home. He had not been drinking. He is stopped by a policeman who noticed a missing rear licence plate which must have been removed earlier. The body of one of his ex-clients, Sam Scales, is found in the trunk of his Lincoln. This man had been a multiple convicted con-man who was dropped by Haller as a client and had refused to pay for his latest representations in court.
Haller finds himself in jail for murder with an exorbitant bail amount for his release. He is losing an unhealthy amount of weight, is in danger from other prisoners and guards, and must pay a large, black prisoner weekly for protection. The prosecutor for the upcoming trial is the tough Dana 'Death Row' Berg who is determined to do everything in her power to convict Haller for murder.
Mickey Haller is relying on the Law of Innocence. To prove himself innocent of the charges he must identify the people who framed him and whoever killed Sam Scales. Fortunately, he has a loyal, supportive team outside the prison who fervently believe in his innocence. These include his half-brother, retired detective Harry Bosch, investigator Cisco, his law partner Jennifer Aronson, and Maggie, his ex-wife and prosecuting attorney. They learn of an extensive national con which has been covered up, identify some of the people involved, and learn that the FBI has been investigating under the radar.
Haller never gets to reveal this in court, and how it may prove his innocence. He is exonerated of any guilt by a team from various legal branches. All the while, there are news flashes of a pandemic in Wuhan, China and the speculation it has reached America. Haller begins to see some people wearing face masks. By the time he regains his freedom he is in lockdown with some of his favourite people, and is finding the stores depleted of many essential supplies. I wished the plague had occured earlier in the story, but it gave a realistic background to the dread occuring in the world outside of prison. There is plenty to explore in a further book.
Michael Connelly's many thrillers have shown his considerable knowledge of police procedure and impressive insight into a flawed legal system and court proceedings. I regret I am in the minority in my reaction to this book. I found the investigation by Mickey Haller's loyal team, the court preparations, jury selection, and legal arguments to be clever but tedious until near the end. In the past, I have found Haller not particularly likeable, too self-absorbed, and proud of his ability to outsmart the prosecutors and free his guilty clients using every trick in the book. However, Haller was visualized in my shallow mind as Matthew McConaughey from the Lincoln Lawyer movie. That was a definite plus!
After celebrating the latest not guilty verdict in a local bar, Haller proceeds to drive home. He had not been drinking. He is stopped by a policeman who noticed a missing rear licence plate which must have been removed earlier. The body of one of his ex-clients, Sam Scales, is found in the trunk of his Lincoln. This man had been a multiple convicted con-man who was dropped by Haller as a client and had refused to pay for his latest representations in court.
Haller finds himself in jail for murder with an exorbitant bail amount for his release. He is losing an unhealthy amount of weight, is in danger from other prisoners and guards, and must pay a large, black prisoner weekly for protection. The prosecutor for the upcoming trial is the tough Dana 'Death Row' Berg who is determined to do everything in her power to convict Haller for murder.
Mickey Haller is relying on the Law of Innocence. To prove himself innocent of the charges he must identify the people who framed him and whoever killed Sam Scales. Fortunately, he has a loyal, supportive team outside the prison who fervently believe in his innocence. These include his half-brother, retired detective Harry Bosch, investigator Cisco, his law partner Jennifer Aronson, and Maggie, his ex-wife and prosecuting attorney. They learn of an extensive national con which has been covered up, identify some of the people involved, and learn that the FBI has been investigating under the radar.
Haller never gets to reveal this in court, and how it may prove his innocence. He is exonerated of any guilt by a team from various legal branches. All the while, there are news flashes of a pandemic in Wuhan, China and the speculation it has reached America. Haller begins to see some people wearing face masks. By the time he regains his freedom he is in lockdown with some of his favourite people, and is finding the stores depleted of many essential supplies. I wished the plague had occured earlier in the story, but it gave a realistic background to the dread occuring in the world outside of prison. There is plenty to explore in a further book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2021
The Law of Innocence is the sixth book in Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller series. Mickey Haller many remember is the Lincoln Lawyer, an attorney, who operated his practice out of the backseat of his Lincoln town car. He was portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in the movie, under the same title. Now we are stuck with these crazy Lincoln commercials with McConaughey trying to be cool. Anyway, Mickey Haller is the “brother from another mother” of Harry Bosch from that series also written by Connelly.
Haller had been out celebrating a NG (not guilty verdict) with some of his attorney friends, in a local bar. When he left the bar he was almost immediately pulled over by the police. He had not been drinking alcohol so he thought he would soon be on his way. The police said he had pulled him over for not having a back license plate. Haller said one of his buddies had probably removed it as a joke. While at the back of the car the police noticed something leaking out of the trunk. Hey, that looks like blood. Haller refused to open the trunk, but the officer restrained him and opened the truck to see if someone was inside hurt.
The officer found a dead body in the car, who we later find out is a former client of Haller’s. The client was a professional con man. This client also failed to pay off the money he owed to Haller for services. Haller is arrested for murder and prosecutor Dana Berg wants to sent him to jail and wants bail set at $5,000,000. The judge lowered bail to $2,500,000. This meant Haller must come up with $250,000 to get out of jail. That is a lot of money and you don’t get it back after trial. Haller decides to be his own lawyer and is sent to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, in Los Angeles. Twin Towers is the setting for a large part of the story. Haller is housed with what they call “keep-away” status which is a step above being in the general population, but, he still has to hire someone to watch his back. Jail is a dangerous place.
Haller feels he has to find out who killed his former client in order to be found NG. The prosecution believes they have the killer. If you think practicing law out of the back of one’s car is tough, practicing from jail is worse Haller has his legal associate, his investigator, and his half brother Bosch helping him to find out who committed this murder. He also has two ex-wives helping him.
Lots of ups and downs for Haller in this story. Not only was the dead body found in Haller’s car, but forensics can prove the victim was actually killed in the trunk while it was in Haller’s garage. Haller tricks the prosecution into using tainted information, now jail guards have a beef against him. He briefly is released from jail and gets sent back. He is attacked on the prison bus and ends up in the hospital. His last girlfriend comes back to him and leaves again. One of his exes takes leave from the prosecutor’s office to co-counsel with him. His daughter is very supportive. I think the judge was great. She kept things moving and was fair.
I enjoyed this story. Lots of twists and turns. Highly recommended.
Haller had been out celebrating a NG (not guilty verdict) with some of his attorney friends, in a local bar. When he left the bar he was almost immediately pulled over by the police. He had not been drinking alcohol so he thought he would soon be on his way. The police said he had pulled him over for not having a back license plate. Haller said one of his buddies had probably removed it as a joke. While at the back of the car the police noticed something leaking out of the trunk. Hey, that looks like blood. Haller refused to open the trunk, but the officer restrained him and opened the truck to see if someone was inside hurt.
The officer found a dead body in the car, who we later find out is a former client of Haller’s. The client was a professional con man. This client also failed to pay off the money he owed to Haller for services. Haller is arrested for murder and prosecutor Dana Berg wants to sent him to jail and wants bail set at $5,000,000. The judge lowered bail to $2,500,000. This meant Haller must come up with $250,000 to get out of jail. That is a lot of money and you don’t get it back after trial. Haller decides to be his own lawyer and is sent to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, in Los Angeles. Twin Towers is the setting for a large part of the story. Haller is housed with what they call “keep-away” status which is a step above being in the general population, but, he still has to hire someone to watch his back. Jail is a dangerous place.
Haller feels he has to find out who killed his former client in order to be found NG. The prosecution believes they have the killer. If you think practicing law out of the back of one’s car is tough, practicing from jail is worse Haller has his legal associate, his investigator, and his half brother Bosch helping him to find out who committed this murder. He also has two ex-wives helping him.
Lots of ups and downs for Haller in this story. Not only was the dead body found in Haller’s car, but forensics can prove the victim was actually killed in the trunk while it was in Haller’s garage. Haller tricks the prosecution into using tainted information, now jail guards have a beef against him. He briefly is released from jail and gets sent back. He is attacked on the prison bus and ends up in the hospital. His last girlfriend comes back to him and leaves again. One of his exes takes leave from the prosecutor’s office to co-counsel with him. His daughter is very supportive. I think the judge was great. She kept things moving and was fair.
I enjoyed this story. Lots of twists and turns. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2020
Not worth the wait (7 years!)
Interesting case, if you read the blurb, Haller (the good guy) was definitely setup and charged with murder. So how will he get himself out of it? This was suppose to be exciting, unfortunately "The Law of Innocence" has a very disappointing court scene with a laughable verdict. Bosch made a small cameo.
Not quite 3 stars because of the ending. Would be 3 stars if some major character got covid - that would make it more interesting.
Interesting case, if you read the blurb, Haller (the good guy) was definitely setup and charged with murder. So how will he get himself out of it? This was suppose to be exciting, unfortunately "The Law of Innocence" has a very disappointing court scene with a laughable verdict. Bosch made a small cameo.
Not quite 3 stars because of the ending. Would be 3 stars if some major character got covid - that would make it more interesting.
November 10, 2020
The Law of Innocence is the sixth instalment in The Lincoln Lawyer series, set in Los Angeles, and featuring defence lawyer Mickey Haller, half brother to recently retired Detective Harry Bosch. This time Haller finds himself in a sticky situation; driving home after a win in court, and a subsequent celebration at the Redwood, he is pulled over in a traffic stop by a LAPD cruiser due to a missing rear license plate. Officer Milton decides to have a look in the boot of the car and discovers the body of a deceased man. The victim turns out to be a former client of Haller, convicted con man Sam Scales, who had still owed money to him for previous representation. He swiftly finds himself in the back of the patrol car and placed in a cell at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown LA. Haller decides that he will defend himself in what has quickly become the fight of his life and begins to make plans. He has to prove his innocence but the only way to do so is to find out who framed him and collect the evidence to prove it in court. To make matters worse the prosecuting attorney is Dana 'Death Row' Berg, a tough and renowned mover and shaker from the Major Crimes Unit, who is convinced of Haller's guilt and is determined to put him away.
This is one of the best courtroom dramas/legal thrillers that I have read in a very long time. Riveting from the start, impeccably plotted and intricate in its detail, you can tell that extensive research went into making this as authentic and true to life as possible. As a law graduate I know that lawyers are crafty and their job is really to play the system; Connolly illustrates this with both Haller, who isn't frightened to get his hands dirty and skirt the moral periphery to prove his innocence and Dana Berg, the prosecutor in Haller's case who will use any and all tactics to ensure Haller is convicted; they're a good match for each other! It's completely absorbing and the anxiety felt by Haller is perfectly depicted over his high stakes dilemma; the tension and suspense is palpable and seeps through the pages. The twists, turns and episodes of misdirection are plentiful and unpredictable throughout, and I found myself rushing through it feverishly; almost with as much urgency as Haller trying to save himself. This is compulsive, scintillating and thoroughly entertaining crime fiction, which is a rollercoaster of highs and lows with an adrenaline pumping plot. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
This is one of the best courtroom dramas/legal thrillers that I have read in a very long time. Riveting from the start, impeccably plotted and intricate in its detail, you can tell that extensive research went into making this as authentic and true to life as possible. As a law graduate I know that lawyers are crafty and their job is really to play the system; Connolly illustrates this with both Haller, who isn't frightened to get his hands dirty and skirt the moral periphery to prove his innocence and Dana Berg, the prosecutor in Haller's case who will use any and all tactics to ensure Haller is convicted; they're a good match for each other! It's completely absorbing and the anxiety felt by Haller is perfectly depicted over his high stakes dilemma; the tension and suspense is palpable and seeps through the pages. The twists, turns and episodes of misdirection are plentiful and unpredictable throughout, and I found myself rushing through it feverishly; almost with as much urgency as Haller trying to save himself. This is compulsive, scintillating and thoroughly entertaining crime fiction, which is a rollercoaster of highs and lows with an adrenaline pumping plot. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
November 15, 2020
Mickey Haller is back! And this time he is defending himself...
Michael Connelly is one of my all-time favorite authors! I love all his characters, the courtroom drama, the investigation. Mickey Holler is pulled over one night on the way home. The cop explains he is pulling him over because he does not have a back license plate, but what is that dripping out of his trunk? When i the trunk is popped open and a body is found, Mickey knows he’s been framed. But by who? And why? Finding himself in a Downtown LA jail Mickey is determined to defend himself, using his jail cell as his office. He knows his reputation will require him not only to prove his innocence, but also prove who committed the murder.
All the gang is here, old characters and new. Even some surprises. Of course I was thrilled to see my favorite detective ever Harry Bosch, Mickey‘s half brother. Once again I was completely caught up in this intriguing investigation. I also always love to watch Mickey in action in the courtroom - not going to lie can’t help but picture Matthew McConaughey. The story takes place in the beginning of 2020 and it was interesting how the onset of the coronavirus was woven into the story, with an epilogue that really brought it home. Another stellar book from this amazing storyteller.
This book in emojis 🚨 🩸 👩🏻⚖️ ����
*** Big thank you to Orion for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
November 14, 2020
Guilty of Writing a Bad Book
I was so disappointed with this book. Connelly's determination to contemporize the story by inserting his own views on the election and the pandemic only undermined what was a weak and contrived plot with a weak and contrived ending. He churned this book out for all the wrong reasons and it shows. The Lincoln lawyer deserved better and so did his readers.
I was so disappointed with this book. Connelly's determination to contemporize the story by inserting his own views on the election and the pandemic only undermined what was a weak and contrived plot with a weak and contrived ending. He churned this book out for all the wrong reasons and it shows. The Lincoln lawyer deserved better and so did his readers.
September 12, 2024
Catching Up…
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
Well-paced. Gripping. Page-turner.
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
Well-paced. Gripping. Page-turner.
October 23, 2020
Mickey Haller is back, with his most important capital murder client yet .... Mickey Haller.
I tell you, I have loved Michael Connelly for years and when he has a SECOND new book out this year, AND I get to preview it early, it is like Christmas coming early. And though I usually prefer the Bosch books, I dare to say that this is Connelly’s best Mickey Haller book yet. I mean, is there a better setup than the police pulling over the Lincoln Lawyer only to find a body in his famous trunk? And that’s just the beginning!
The story from there is Connelly’s usual brand of fantastic, but with even more intensity and higher stakes, because this time the life Mickey is saving in court is his own. Connelly lays out his usual perfectly written and fastidiously researched tale. As a former criminal lawyer, I can tell you that not only I, but many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle comprise an ongoing fanclub for Connelly for just how right he always gets criminal procedure, police procedure, and the law and justice in general. I sure wish every cop I ever worked with was like Harry Bosch and I also wish I had an opportunity to go up against (and probably be wrecked in court by) the great Mickey Haller.
This is a great, nuanced work with cameos from all of our favorites (Bosch, Cisco) and some particularly wonderful scenes. I loved watching Mickey pick his own jury and also loved a totally ingenious bail argument that I’m sure defense attorneys around the country will soon be stealing. But most of all I loved the reinvigoration of an old relationship of Mickey’s. No spoilers, but if you know you know and you’ll love it as I did. Though this isn’t the first Lincoln Lawyer book, it works perfectly as a standalone and is, in my opinion, even better than the original first Lincoln Lawyer book.
An easy five stars, and one of my favorite books this year — this book has heart, gravity and import. You will learn and feel as you read about the wrongful accusation against a character you know and love. It is also amazing, and equally compelling, how Connelly worked the pandemic into the plot. Highly recommended to both new readers and Connelly fans.
Huge thanks to Little, Brown, NetGalley, and the amazing Michael Connelly for his brilliant ongoing perspective on justice and the law.
I tell you, I have loved Michael Connelly for years and when he has a SECOND new book out this year, AND I get to preview it early, it is like Christmas coming early. And though I usually prefer the Bosch books, I dare to say that this is Connelly’s best Mickey Haller book yet. I mean, is there a better setup than the police pulling over the Lincoln Lawyer only to find a body in his famous trunk? And that’s just the beginning!
The story from there is Connelly’s usual brand of fantastic, but with even more intensity and higher stakes, because this time the life Mickey is saving in court is his own. Connelly lays out his usual perfectly written and fastidiously researched tale. As a former criminal lawyer, I can tell you that not only I, but many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle comprise an ongoing fanclub for Connelly for just how right he always gets criminal procedure, police procedure, and the law and justice in general. I sure wish every cop I ever worked with was like Harry Bosch and I also wish I had an opportunity to go up against (and probably be wrecked in court by) the great Mickey Haller.
This is a great, nuanced work with cameos from all of our favorites (Bosch, Cisco) and some particularly wonderful scenes. I loved watching Mickey pick his own jury and also loved a totally ingenious bail argument that I’m sure defense attorneys around the country will soon be stealing. But most of all I loved the reinvigoration of an old relationship of Mickey’s. No spoilers, but if you know you know and you’ll love it as I did. Though this isn’t the first Lincoln Lawyer book, it works perfectly as a standalone and is, in my opinion, even better than the original first Lincoln Lawyer book.
An easy five stars, and one of my favorite books this year — this book has heart, gravity and import. You will learn and feel as you read about the wrongful accusation against a character you know and love. It is also amazing, and equally compelling, how Connelly worked the pandemic into the plot. Highly recommended to both new readers and Connelly fans.
Huge thanks to Little, Brown, NetGalley, and the amazing Michael Connelly for his brilliant ongoing perspective on justice and the law.
November 11, 2020
So I have read every Michael Connelly book. I am a huge fan. That is why this review makes me so sad to write. The story is good and engaging as usual and incorporates familiar characters that add to the plot. What I take exception to is the injection of political nonsense that added nothing to the storyline. It was gratuitous, obvious, and indicates that he believes his readers are ignorant to this type of message. Mr.Connelly must know he has readers of all types. I am relieved I borrowed this from the library and did not purchase it as I usually would. I will not buy anymore of his books because of this stunt. So unfortunate that an otherwise intelligent and talented author shows he is small minded and ridiculous.
April 26, 2024
Най-интересната книга от серията за Мики Холър до сега!
Преди няколко седмици изгледахме и втория сезон на сериала направен за патилата му и се надявам този роман да влезе в някой от следващ��те сезони.
Мики е обвинен в убийството на бивш клиент и за да се спаси от доживотна присъда трябва да впрегне целия си талант и всичките си приятели, за да избегне тази зла участ.
Перфектен съдебен трилър, от един от най-добрите автори от жанра!
Цитат:
"Nobody ever said the law is fair, Hay."
Преди няколко седмици изгледахме и втория сезон на сериала направен за патилата му и се надявам този роман да влезе в някой от следващ��те сезони.
Мики е обвинен в убийството на бивш клиент и за да се спаси от доживотна присъда трябва да впрегне целия си талант и всичките си приятели, за да избегне тази зла участ.
Перфектен съдебен трилър, от един от най-добрите автори от жанра!
Цитат:
"Nobody ever said the law is fair, Hay."
November 19, 2020
I didn't like that we were lectured to numerous times about the fact that conservatives are bad, and any thoughts about the right are ignorant and only the minds who rule in California can possibly know what is best for us. If you want to write a political essay, Connelly, go right ahead, but don't pass it of as fictional entertainment. This has NEVER been an issue in your writing before, but if this is what we can expect from now on, I won't be supporting you any further. I've been reading the Harry Bosch series from the beginning but I've never felt personally insulted like I was reading this. I get one man's opinion doesn't matter, since you've shown such disdain for my political leanings, but I guess you've gone Hollywood, so you won't even notice us leaving.
December 5, 2020
I am a Harry Bosch fan. But, when Connelly spun-off the Lincoln Lawyer Series with Bosch’s half-brother as, Micky Haller, a defense attorney I became a fan. Besides, Bosch often did some detective work for Haller.
The book is well written. The characters are interesting and the suspense kept me up reading. In this story Haller is charged with murder and he decides to defend himself with the help of his firm and Bosch. The courtroom drama is great. If you enjoy Connelly’s writing, you definitely must read this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-seven minutes. Peter Giles does a great job narrating the book. Giles is a Canadian actor and has narrated the entire Lincoln Lawyer Series.
The book is well written. The characters are interesting and the suspense kept me up reading. In this story Haller is charged with murder and he decides to defend himself with the help of his firm and Bosch. The courtroom drama is great. If you enjoy Connelly’s writing, you definitely must read this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-seven minutes. Peter Giles does a great job narrating the book. Giles is a Canadian actor and has narrated the entire Lincoln Lawyer Series.
January 17, 2021
Story loses a star for being overly long that subtracted from it being a better. Had excess unnecessary tortuous violence been omitted, 5 stars would have been earned. Alas, 7 of 10 stars
June 28, 2021
There's a famous old adage suggesting that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. But when L.A. attorney Mickey Haller--the Lincoln Lawyer--is arrested on a trumped up charge of murder, he refuses to place his fate in anyone's hands other than his own.
One night after leaving a party celebrating his latest courtroom triumph, Haller (who is completely sober) is pulled over by a traffic cop. He knows he hasn't violated any laws, but when the cop walks him around to the rear of the car, he sees that his rear license plate has mysteriously gone missing--hence the traffic stop. When the cop sees something dripping from the trunk, he opens the trunk and discovers the body of one of Haller's former clients who has been shot to death, apparently in the trunk.
There's evidence linking Haller to the crime and he quickly finds himself in the L.A. County Jail with bail set at $5 million. That's out of the question and so Haller will have to remain in jail at risk of life and limb, while he tries to plot out his defense. He's assisted by the usual team, and his half-brother, former L.A.P.D. homicide detective Harry Bosch, also lends a hand. If Haller doesn't want to be dogged by this stigma for the rest of the life, he can't just get himself off on a technicality; he has to rely on the "Law of Innocence" and prove who really did commit the crime for which he has been framed.
Inevitably, the plot and Haller's defense will both take a lot of interesting twists and turns. As usual in a Michael Connelly novel, the action is very propulsive, pulling the reader along and making this one, at least, stay up deep into the night to finish the novel. Connelly is best known for his great police procedurals, but he's proved that he has the chops to write great legal thrillers as well. The court scenes are very good, and all the legal maneuvering sounds totally credible.
If I have any complaint about the book, it's a very minor one, and involves the fact that Harry Bosch is used very sparingly in the story. Connelly has written several novels that feature the two half-brothers working together and when Bosch was first introduced here, I expected that his role would be larger. I regret that it wasn't, but again that's a very small concern and I enjoyed this book a lot.
One night after leaving a party celebrating his latest courtroom triumph, Haller (who is completely sober) is pulled over by a traffic cop. He knows he hasn't violated any laws, but when the cop walks him around to the rear of the car, he sees that his rear license plate has mysteriously gone missing--hence the traffic stop. When the cop sees something dripping from the trunk, he opens the trunk and discovers the body of one of Haller's former clients who has been shot to death, apparently in the trunk.
There's evidence linking Haller to the crime and he quickly finds himself in the L.A. County Jail with bail set at $5 million. That's out of the question and so Haller will have to remain in jail at risk of life and limb, while he tries to plot out his defense. He's assisted by the usual team, and his half-brother, former L.A.P.D. homicide detective Harry Bosch, also lends a hand. If Haller doesn't want to be dogged by this stigma for the rest of the life, he can't just get himself off on a technicality; he has to rely on the "Law of Innocence" and prove who really did commit the crime for which he has been framed.
Inevitably, the plot and Haller's defense will both take a lot of interesting twists and turns. As usual in a Michael Connelly novel, the action is very propulsive, pulling the reader along and making this one, at least, stay up deep into the night to finish the novel. Connelly is best known for his great police procedurals, but he's proved that he has the chops to write great legal thrillers as well. The court scenes are very good, and all the legal maneuvering sounds totally credible.
If I have any complaint about the book, it's a very minor one, and involves the fact that Harry Bosch is used very sparingly in the story. Connelly has written several novels that feature the two half-brothers working together and when Bosch was first introduced here, I expected that his role would be larger. I regret that it wasn't, but again that's a very small concern and I enjoyed this book a lot.
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March 17, 2021
Excellent read - 4.5^5.0Stars - I Really Liked It!
The Law of Innocence (Lincoln Lawyer #6) by Michael Connelly
Audiobook - 12:27 Hours - Narrator: Peter Giles
From my “Reading Activity”:
March 10, 2021:
“Although "Mickey Haller" is not my favourite Michael Connelly character, I am thrilled to be reading a new book by this outstanding author!”
March 15, 2021:
“Thank Odin for Michael Connelly! What an excellent legal procedural! Only my need for sleep has made me stop listening with a mere 52 minutes to go...😴😴”
I was really quite enchanted by "The Law of Innocence". I am a fan of legal procedurals and this story almost filled the full five stars bill for me, but not quite. I particularly enjoyed the court scenes and the interaction between Haller and his team members, including the beloved Harry Bosch, and between the prosecutor and her investigating detectives, and I loved the judge!
What bugged me? Well, when I had “...a mere 52 minutes to go...😴😴”, I fell asleep looking forward to a cracker-jack finale, but it wasn't to be; in fact the way Mickey's trial was handled in the last stage of the book was a touch disappointing. No spoilers of course, but plausibility, already somewhat stretched, was now in denial.
Secondly, I thought the introduction of the Covid-19 disaster and the way it was handled (or not) by Donald Trump was a gratuitous attempt to add a political dimension to the book. Personally I think Trump is an unmitigated arsehole and all power to those Americans who kicked him out of office, but the addition of this material seemed to me like it was 'post-facto', that is, it was not contemporaneous. It simply sounded like it was integrated after the book had been written and, as such, it was unnecessary and added nothing of value to the story.
I thought the narrator, Peter Giles, was very good. He didn't attempt too many vocal interpretations, but I clearly understood which character was saying what and to whom he/she was saying it.
The Law of Innocence (Lincoln Lawyer #6) by Michael Connelly
Audiobook - 12:27 Hours - Narrator: Peter Giles
From my “Reading Activity”:
March 10, 2021:
“Although "Mickey Haller" is not my favourite Michael Connelly character, I am thrilled to be reading a new book by this outstanding author!”
March 15, 2021:
“Thank Odin for Michael Connelly! What an excellent legal procedural! Only my need for sleep has made me stop listening with a mere 52 minutes to go...😴😴”
I was really quite enchanted by "The Law of Innocence". I am a fan of legal procedurals and this story almost filled the full five stars bill for me, but not quite. I particularly enjoyed the court scenes and the interaction between Haller and his team members, including the beloved Harry Bosch, and between the prosecutor and her investigating detectives, and I loved the judge!
What bugged me? Well, when I had “...a mere 52 minutes to go...😴😴”, I fell asleep looking forward to a cracker-jack finale, but it wasn't to be; in fact the way Mickey's trial was handled in the last stage of the book was a touch disappointing. No spoilers of course, but plausibility, already somewhat stretched, was now in denial.
Secondly, I thought the introduction of the Covid-19 disaster and the way it was handled (or not) by Donald Trump was a gratuitous attempt to add a political dimension to the book. Personally I think Trump is an unmitigated arsehole and all power to those Americans who kicked him out of office, but the addition of this material seemed to me like it was 'post-facto', that is, it was not contemporaneous. It simply sounded like it was integrated after the book had been written and, as such, it was unnecessary and added nothing of value to the story.
I thought the narrator, Peter Giles, was very good. He didn't attempt too many vocal interpretations, but I clearly understood which character was saying what and to whom he/she was saying it.
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