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The Lincoln Lawyer #5
The Gods of Guilt
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2014)Mickey Haller gets the text, "Call me ASAP - 187," and the California penal code for murder immediately gets his attention. Murder cases have the highest stakes and the biggest paydays, and they always mean Haller has to be at the top of his game.
When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.
When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.
389 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2013
About the author
Michael Connelly
434 books30.8k 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 4,361 reviews
September 12, 2019
This is another excellent Mickey Haller courtroom drama from Michael Connelly. As the book opens, Mickey is called to the L.A. jail to represent a pimp who is accused of killing one of the women he "represents" in a dispute over money. The pimp had booked a date for the woman at an expensive hotel. But the woman calls the pimp and tells him that there was no one in the room and that she has come home empty-handed.
The pimp admits going to her apartment and arguing with her, insisting that she was simply holding out the money on him. He even admits to putting his hands around the victim's throat, but insists that she was alive and well when he left her.
The cops believe they have an open-and-shut case, and when Mickey is called in, things are not looking good. They get even more complicated when it turns out that the victim was a former client of Mickey's. Mickey always had something of a soft spot for the woman, whom he knew by another name. He believed, mistakenly, that she had taken the stake Mickey gave her, left the life and started anew. He's embarrassed to discover that he's been played.
Mickey takes the case, and no reader will be surprised to learn that it quickly becomes even more complicated than it initially appeared on the surface. Even more surprisingly, Mickey's client may actually be innocent. Proving that, however, will not be all that easy and along the way, Mickey makes some very powerful enemies and may put himself and those around him in grave danger.
As always in a book by Michael Connelly, there's plenty of action, great dialogue and tension that builds to the proverbial shattering climax. The courtroom scenes are especially gripping and confirm Connelly's position as a major player in the legal thriller genre.
The pimp admits going to her apartment and arguing with her, insisting that she was simply holding out the money on him. He even admits to putting his hands around the victim's throat, but insists that she was alive and well when he left her.
The cops believe they have an open-and-shut case, and when Mickey is called in, things are not looking good. They get even more complicated when it turns out that the victim was a former client of Mickey's. Mickey always had something of a soft spot for the woman, whom he knew by another name. He believed, mistakenly, that she had taken the stake Mickey gave her, left the life and started anew. He's embarrassed to discover that he's been played.
Mickey takes the case, and no reader will be surprised to learn that it quickly becomes even more complicated than it initially appeared on the surface. Even more surprisingly, Mickey's client may actually be innocent. Proving that, however, will not be all that easy and along the way, Mickey makes some very powerful enemies and may put himself and those around him in grave danger.
As always in a book by Michael Connelly, there's plenty of action, great dialogue and tension that builds to the proverbial shattering climax. The courtroom scenes are especially gripping and confirm Connelly's position as a major player in the legal thriller genre.
November 19, 2013
Excellent, as usual. And a lot of fun, too. I go back and forth between which series is my favorite, but after reading this, I think Mickey Haller wins.
The great thing about the author (other than his terrific books) is that he is a HUGE library supporter. Whenever I've asked Mike to do something for my library charity, he's always stepped up. Also, I think he is quite handsome, which is always a plus in an author.
The great thing about the author (other than his terrific books) is that he is a HUGE library supporter. Whenever I've asked Mike to do something for my library charity, he's always stepped up. Also, I think he is quite handsome, which is always a plus in an author.
December 12, 2013
I am once again stating my bias against people telling what the book was about. Don't do that! It is never part of a review. Always assume that the reader knows what the book is about and wants to know what you think of the book. Ok?
Having said that, I have spent far too much time this past month or so reading sequels. I have said in earlier reviews that sequels seldom if ever live up to the original, yet that never seems to be a concern. Today's authors are well paid by publishing companies for mega bucks sales of sequels by popular authors.
Michael Connelly is one such author who has thrived on sequels of more than one character. His most recent income producer is the Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller. In this 5th visit to Haller's world all of the previous characters are back and involved in an intricate courtroom dilemma.
In this go-around, it is obvious to me that Connelly has skills, yet the writing is formulaic and routine. There is nothing more than reporting and explaining. It is like reading a text book or law book that give lengthy, cogent, verbose explanations of a topic. He throws that in with some dialogue and characterization and produces a best seller.
I mourn for this generation and wonder if this is a precursor of times to come. When books like The Hunger Games, and Game of Thrones, and Twilight, and Harry Potter become this generations masterpieces, what could possibly be next. Who are todays great writers? Are they included in the above bibliographies?
Where have all the writers gone?
Having said that, I have spent far too much time this past month or so reading sequels. I have said in earlier reviews that sequels seldom if ever live up to the original, yet that never seems to be a concern. Today's authors are well paid by publishing companies for mega bucks sales of sequels by popular authors.
Michael Connelly is one such author who has thrived on sequels of more than one character. His most recent income producer is the Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller. In this 5th visit to Haller's world all of the previous characters are back and involved in an intricate courtroom dilemma.
In this go-around, it is obvious to me that Connelly has skills, yet the writing is formulaic and routine. There is nothing more than reporting and explaining. It is like reading a text book or law book that give lengthy, cogent, verbose explanations of a topic. He throws that in with some dialogue and characterization and produces a best seller.
I mourn for this generation and wonder if this is a precursor of times to come. When books like The Hunger Games, and Game of Thrones, and Twilight, and Harry Potter become this generations masterpieces, what could possibly be next. Who are todays great writers? Are they included in the above bibliographies?
Where have all the writers gone?
July 5, 2021
In this 5th book in the 'Mickey Haller' series, the attorney defends a pimp. The book can be read as a standalone.
Attorney Mickey Haller has problems.
He regularly represents (and gets off) criminal lowlifes and a released drunken driver killed a classmate of Mickey's 16-year-old daughter, who no longer wants anything to do with him.
Lacking good cases Mickey is also low on cash and drinking too much. Things start to look up when Andre La Cosse, a 'cyberpimp' who runs websites for prostitutes, is accused of murdering a client, Giselle Dallinger.
Turns out Giselle is really Gloria Dayton, a woman Mickey represented on a drug charge eight years before. At the time Mickey got Gloria off by arranging for her to give up a member of a Mexican drug cartel who's now serving a life sentence.
The Mexican criminal claims a gun was planted in his apartment at the time and is appealing his sentence. As Mickey prepares to defend the cyberpimp his investigations reveal that Gloria may well have helped set up the cartel member at the behest of a DEA agent. Moreover, Mickey comes to believe Gloria's death may be related to this involvement with the DEA.
Pursuing this line of inquiry Mickey is soon harassed, threatened, and attacked.
Eventually the La Cosse murder case gets to court and Connelly presents a lot of detailed courtroom activity including legal motions, questioning and cross-examination of witnesses, interactions with the judge, and so on.
This is interesting but does seem to go on and on at times. When Mickey (the first person narrator of the story) says at one point that 'the jury seems to be getting bored' I empathized with the sentiment.
All in all this was a compelling mystery, well-written with interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. Good book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
December 8, 2013
Definitely entertaining. I had some smiles.
Boy can this author write. I can’t believe after doing so many books, he still comes up with such a good story, and well done, and entertaining. He does NOT use artificial devices to create mystery and suspense. He does NOT use flashbacks, jumping around in time, stopping scenes in the middle to create temporary cliffhangers. There’s no stupidity or characters doing things out of character to create conflict. It’s just a good story, in chronological order, good characters, good dialogue, and I loved the COMPLETE ENDING. It wrapped up well, questions were answered. I had a smile on my face all during the last chapter. Yes that means it was a happy ending. YAY!
I mention things he does NOT do because I am tired of other authors using those gimmicks. And in my opinion the best writing does not use them. And Connelly should be a role model for any suspense author (including romantic suspense which I love but frequently is not well done).
Some fun things in this story: I was intrigued with a scene where two characters were making their way into an unspoken agreement, acting it out on the fly, in front of others, without letting others know what they were doing, and also unsure of it themselves. I chuckled at Mickey’s comments about his clip on ties. I liked this neat character Legal Segal.
I normally do not like first person stories. But Connelly’s I do.
One minor complaint. Someone hired or forced Sewel to stab someone. I wanted to know more about that, who and how.
The narrator Peter Giles was very good.
OTHER BOOKS:
I think I’ve read all of Michael Connelly’s full length novels. For a list of my reviews of his other books see my review of The Black Box http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Mickey Haller. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 46 mins. Swearing language: the f-word once or twice. Sexual content: none, although the subject matter includes prostitutes and pimps. Setting: current day Los Angeles, California. Book copyright: 2013. Genre: legal suspense.
Boy can this author write. I can’t believe after doing so many books, he still comes up with such a good story, and well done, and entertaining. He does NOT use artificial devices to create mystery and suspense. He does NOT use flashbacks, jumping around in time, stopping scenes in the middle to create temporary cliffhangers. There’s no stupidity or characters doing things out of character to create conflict. It’s just a good story, in chronological order, good characters, good dialogue, and I loved the COMPLETE ENDING. It wrapped up well, questions were answered. I had a smile on my face all during the last chapter. Yes that means it was a happy ending. YAY!
I mention things he does NOT do because I am tired of other authors using those gimmicks. And in my opinion the best writing does not use them. And Connelly should be a role model for any suspense author (including romantic suspense which I love but frequently is not well done).
Some fun things in this story: I was intrigued with a scene where two characters were making their way into an unspoken agreement, acting it out on the fly, in front of others, without letting others know what they were doing, and also unsure of it themselves. I chuckled at Mickey’s comments about his clip on ties. I liked this neat character Legal Segal.
I normally do not like first person stories. But Connelly’s I do.
One minor complaint. Someone hired or forced Sewel to stab someone. I wanted to know more about that, who and how.
The narrator Peter Giles was very good.
OTHER BOOKS:
I think I’ve read all of Michael Connelly’s full length novels. For a list of my reviews of his other books see my review of The Black Box http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Mickey Haller. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 46 mins. Swearing language: the f-word once or twice. Sexual content: none, although the subject matter includes prostitutes and pimps. Setting: current day Los Angeles, California. Book copyright: 2013. Genre: legal suspense.
June 2, 2024
A dead hooker's cyber-pimp is charged with murder.
Should be another fat payday for Mickey Haller.
Lots to like with this one.
First, the last book left you thinking that Harry was going to really flip things over in his life and run for District Attorney.
I closed the book thinking that we might see a different kind of Lincoln Lawyer in the next book.
Once again, Connelly surprised me.
This book opens with the reader learning that not only did he lose the race, his reputation was smeared and his wife and daughter left LA because of it.
In a shocking turn of events, his ex-wife is mad at him. Again.
Spoiler Alert: I do not like Mickey's ex-wife.
Second, remember ol' Glory Days? That hooker that Mickey had a soft spot for a few books back?
Yeah, that's who this client supposedly killed.
Ouch.
But he takes the case anyway because Mickey thinks the guy didn't do it AND he wants to make sure the right person goes to jail for this shit.
Third, we get to know his half-brother Bosch a bit more in this one, as he plays a prominent role in this book.
I'm trying not to give spoilers, so I'll just say this was good stuff.
Maybe my favorite book in the series so far?
And can I just say that the books are so much better than the Netflix show? Because they are. Mickey is just too nice in the show. Who wants to watch a show about a nice lawyer?
Recommended.
Should be another fat payday for Mickey Haller.
Lots to like with this one.
First, the last book left you thinking that Harry was going to really flip things over in his life and run for District Attorney.
I closed the book thinking that we might see a different kind of Lincoln Lawyer in the next book.
Once again, Connelly surprised me.
This book opens with the reader learning that not only did he lose the race, his reputation was smeared and his wife and daughter left LA because of it.
In a shocking turn of events, his ex-wife is mad at him. Again.
Spoiler Alert: I do not like Mickey's ex-wife.
Second, remember ol' Glory Days? That hooker that Mickey had a soft spot for a few books back?
Yeah, that's who this client supposedly killed.
Ouch.
But he takes the case anyway because Mickey thinks the guy didn't do it AND he wants to make sure the right person goes to jail for this shit.
Third, we get to know his half-brother Bosch a bit more in this one, as he plays a prominent role in this book.
I'm trying not to give spoilers, so I'll just say this was good stuff.
Maybe my favorite book in the series so far?
And can I just say that the books are so much better than the Netflix show? Because they are. Mickey is just too nice in the show. Who wants to watch a show about a nice lawyer?
Recommended.
May 11, 2015
This is the fifth novel in the Lincoln Lawyer series which began relatively slow, however, once all the players were in place, it soon picked up for the remaining half of the book. A riveting courtroom drama unfolds as defense attorney Mickey Haller presents his case to the jury to save an innocent man accused of murder. Michael Connelly builds the suspense to the final pages as Haller ruthlessly takes apart key witnesses bit by bit with skill and aplomb.
December 19, 2017
Mickey Haller’s still having a tough time professionally and personally following his crushing campaign loss. So when he got a call to represent a man accused of murder, he knew it was the cash cow he needed. But the more he investigated the case, the more he was convinced beyond a doubt that his client was innocent. And, the former client that recommended him just happens to be the murder victim.
Poor Mickey can’t get a break...the proverbial step forward, two back seems to be his life’s purpose. This was a very interesting case with lots of shadows and hidden agendas. The term "Gods of guilt" has a particularly close meaning to Mickey and he’s determined to fight with everything he’s got to save his client. The case exacts some personal costs that were heartbreaking. As usual, Mickey’s lawyering was outstanding and made this hard to put the book away. Peter Giles was back as the narrator and of course he delivered a great performance. Not sure if this book ends the series but it sure felt like it. I hope not.
Poor Mickey can’t get a break...the proverbial step forward, two back seems to be his life’s purpose. This was a very interesting case with lots of shadows and hidden agendas. The term "Gods of guilt" has a particularly close meaning to Mickey and he’s determined to fight with everything he’s got to save his client. The case exacts some personal costs that were heartbreaking. As usual, Mickey’s lawyering was outstanding and made this hard to put the book away. Peter Giles was back as the narrator and of course he delivered a great performance. Not sure if this book ends the series but it sure felt like it. I hope not.
July 1, 2017
Fantastic series! thriller, none stop action,this book is full of demented,dangerous cast of well developed characters,nice storyline and writing (paperback!)
November 6, 2023
Un thriller captivant. Demonstrate nevinovăției unui client duce la demascarea corupției din rândul celor care trebuie să aplice legea. O luptă juridică foarte bine realizată.
February 5, 2021
They just keep getting better!! Mickey Haller never lets me down! I’m listening to the audiobooks & they’re really good.. I would definitely suggest starting with the first 1 though. While each could be read as a standalone- there is a core group of (fantastic!) characters & I feel like their evolution adds another level to these legal thrillers.
September 25, 2019
The 5th in the Mickey Haller series, The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly sees the murder of a person he thought he’d helped several years earlier. Mickey had given her money to escape the life she’d been living as a prostitute, to head to Hawaii and new beginnings. But what Mickey learned started more feelings of guilt – did he ultimately get her killed? With his associates Cisco, Lorna, Jennifer and Earl, Mickey set out to discover the truth about his old client – also to find who had murdered her…
Although to me, there was a little too much court detail and not enough action, I still enjoyed the story. Discovering that “gods of guilt” is the title lawyers call the jury at court cases was an interesting tidbit! Harry popped his head into this one too 😉 Recommended.
Although to me, there was a little too much court detail and not enough action, I still enjoyed the story. Discovering that “gods of guilt” is the title lawyers call the jury at court cases was an interesting tidbit! Harry popped his head into this one too 😉 Recommended.
December 10, 2013
This might be the best of the Haller series and maybe of the rest of Connelly's books too. Mickey is representing someone accused of killing a former client, her pimp. The investigation has great action and discloses corruption in the law enforcement community that led to the charge. The resulting trial is extremely well drawn, ending in a realistic surprise. A few technical legal flaws don't subtract from the crackerjack whole.
March 17, 2023
EXCERPT: I approached the witness stand with a warm and welcoming smile. This, of course, belied my true intent which was to destroy the woman who sat there with her eyes fixed on me. Claire Welton had just identified my client as the man who had forced her out of her Mercedes E60 at gunpoint on Christmas Eve last year. She said he was the one who then shoved her to the ground before taking off with the car, her purse, and all the shopping bags she had loaded into the back seat at the mall. As she had just told the prosecutor who questioned her, he had also made off with her sense of security and self-confidence, even though for these more personal thefts he had not been charged.
ABOUT 'THE GODS OF GUILT': Mickey Haller gets the text, "Call me ASAP - 187," and the California penal code for murder immediately gets his attention. Murder cases have the highest stakes and the biggest paydays, and they always mean Haller has to be at the top of his game.
When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.
MY THOUGHTS: Michael Connelly has written an interesting case with many twists and turns. Haller is unorthodox. He doesn't actually have an office and works out of his car. He takes great liberties with the letter of the law, and stands up in court for the accused that, usually, no one else would defend.
An entertaining read, even if I didn't always agree with his ethics. It was good to catch up with 'Micky Mouth' again and his team.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheGodsofGuilt
I: @michaelconnellybooks
T: @Connellybooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #legalthriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. He lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
ABOUT 'THE GODS OF GUILT': Mickey Haller gets the text, "Call me ASAP - 187," and the California penal code for murder immediately gets his attention. Murder cases have the highest stakes and the biggest paydays, and they always mean Haller has to be at the top of his game.
When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.
MY THOUGHTS: Michael Connelly has written an interesting case with many twists and turns. Haller is unorthodox. He doesn't actually have an office and works out of his car. He takes great liberties with the letter of the law, and stands up in court for the accused that, usually, no one else would defend.
An entertaining read, even if I didn't always agree with his ethics. It was good to catch up with 'Micky Mouth' again and his team.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheGodsofGuilt
I: @michaelconnellybooks
T: @Connellybooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #legalthriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. He lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
August 25, 2019
Things are not going well for Mickey. He recently got a client off on a DUI charge because of a technicality. As a result he lost his bid for District Attorney. Technicality or not this client killed two people including a friend of his daughter. Now his daughter, Hayley, has shut him out of his life. As far as she is concerned he represents the dregs of society. He substitutes the days he used to spend with her drinking. Cash is low. He is seeking clients rather than clients seeking him. Then he gets a text from Lorna, his office manager, "Call me ASAP - 187". This is the California penal code for murder and murder cases mean a big payday.
The accused, Andre La Cosse, is a pimp who has been arrested for the murder of an escort, Giselle Dallinger. La Cosse had booked a date for Giselle at an expensive hotel. She claims there was no one there and therefore no money. La Cosse thinks she was holding out and admits going to her apartment and arguing with her over the money. He even admits to grabbing her by the throat but insists he did not kill her. Mickey agrees to take the case but of course things are not that simple. It turns out that Giselle was a former client of Mickey's. Someone that had a hold on him. Someone he had a soft spot for. Someone that he had put on a plane and thought had started a new life.
Eight years ago Mickey helped arrange a deal for Giselle in which she helped put away Hector Moya, a Mexican drug dealer and cartel member, for life. Now Moya is claiming he was setup and Mickey realizes he may have been played. He finds that between the cartel and DEA he has made some powerful enemies and not only is he in danger but those close to him too.
There is plenty of tension in and out of the courtroom that will keep the reader turning the pages. The Gods of Guilt refers, of course, to the members of the jury who decide a persons guilt or innocence but in this story Mickey has to deal with his own gods of guilt.
"Everybody has a jury, the voices they carry inside."
The accused, Andre La Cosse, is a pimp who has been arrested for the murder of an escort, Giselle Dallinger. La Cosse had booked a date for Giselle at an expensive hotel. She claims there was no one there and therefore no money. La Cosse thinks she was holding out and admits going to her apartment and arguing with her over the money. He even admits to grabbing her by the throat but insists he did not kill her. Mickey agrees to take the case but of course things are not that simple. It turns out that Giselle was a former client of Mickey's. Someone that had a hold on him. Someone he had a soft spot for. Someone that he had put on a plane and thought had started a new life.
Eight years ago Mickey helped arrange a deal for Giselle in which she helped put away Hector Moya, a Mexican drug dealer and cartel member, for life. Now Moya is claiming he was setup and Mickey realizes he may have been played. He finds that between the cartel and DEA he has made some powerful enemies and not only is he in danger but those close to him too.
There is plenty of tension in and out of the courtroom that will keep the reader turning the pages. The Gods of Guilt refers, of course, to the members of the jury who decide a persons guilt or innocence but in this story Mickey has to deal with his own gods of guilt.
"Everybody has a jury, the voices they carry inside."
April 19, 2014
I enjoyed this as a solid entry in the legal thriller series set in Los Angeles featuring Mickey Haller, the man tagged as the “Lincoln Lawyer” for keeping an office in his car. His major case this time around involves a website manager for call girl operations (virtual pimp) who stands accused of killing one of his women over a money dispute. It turns out the call girl is someone whom he cared for and thought he had set on the path to a normal life years ago. Signs suggest she had been working as a snitch for a DEA agent. Wonder of wonders, he suspects his client is innocent, and his failing health in jail has Haller pulling out all the stops to win his case.
As Haller and his team begin to develop a plausible alternative to help sustain reasonable doubt they stir up a number of shadowy enemies who are desperate to foil his investigation. He takes a risky plunge at enlisting the help of a mobster in prison. A tragic blow to his team proves what a hardball game he is playing in. He gets on a bit of a downbound train. His teenaged daughter won’t speak to him because of a moral judgment over his defense of so many despicably guilty clients.
But his team hums with a collaborative genius. His crafty investigator Cisco designs a trap for the bad guys to reveal themselves. His young female associate pulls off a critical argument with a judge to open a door to a Trojan Horse strategy in their presentation. Yet there is no slam dunk on this case, and the endgame has some shocking surprises.
I am a biased reader, as Connelly has become an author I feel compelled to read all he writes. As with his other hero, DetectiveHarry Bosch, Mickey Haller has become like a family member. I am a little disappointed that his relationship with his ex-wife and prosecuting attorney, Maggie McPherson, is in the deep freeze in this book. My average rating reflects a relative scaling among all the great and nearly great reads from this author. Legal thriller fans are unlikely to be disappointed.
As Haller and his team begin to develop a plausible alternative to help sustain reasonable doubt they stir up a number of shadowy enemies who are desperate to foil his investigation. He takes a risky plunge at enlisting the help of a mobster in prison. A tragic blow to his team proves what a hardball game he is playing in. He gets on a bit of a downbound train. His teenaged daughter won’t speak to him because of a moral judgment over his defense of so many despicably guilty clients.
But his team hums with a collaborative genius. His crafty investigator Cisco designs a trap for the bad guys to reveal themselves. His young female associate pulls off a critical argument with a judge to open a door to a Trojan Horse strategy in their presentation. Yet there is no slam dunk on this case, and the endgame has some shocking surprises.
I am a biased reader, as Connelly has become an author I feel compelled to read all he writes. As with his other hero, DetectiveHarry Bosch, Mickey Haller has become like a family member. I am a little disappointed that his relationship with his ex-wife and prosecuting attorney, Maggie McPherson, is in the deep freeze in this book. My average rating reflects a relative scaling among all the great and nearly great reads from this author. Legal thriller fans are unlikely to be disappointed.
November 22, 2022
Great American crime fiction. Riveting characters and a pulsing plot. This is the final Lincoln Lawyer novel, but I look forward to reading more of the Bosch books.
January 3, 2015
Grabbed this book because of the Lincoln Lawyer movie. Didn't disappoint. It is so good.
Will search for his other books. Thumbs up!
Will search for his other books. Thumbs up!
November 29, 2020
4 star
Update 11-29-20
I reread this book to refresh my memory for the last eat in this series. I still would give it 4 stars. I liked how the author wraps the title I his novel.
🇺🇸🐼🦋💀
Update 11-29-20
I reread this book to refresh my memory for the last eat in this series. I still would give it 4 stars. I liked how the author wraps the title I his novel.
🇺🇸🐼🦋💀
April 27, 2024
According to Mickey “The Lincoln Lawyer” Haller, the most important person in the courtroom is not the judge, nor the prosecuting attorney nor the defense attorney. It’s not even the defendant.
The most important person in the courtroom is the juror. One of twelve. Each one holds the life (and sometimes death) of the defendant in his or her hands. They are what Haller calls “the gods of guilt”. As defense attorney, it is his job to convince these twelve gods that the defendant is—-if not necessarily innocent—-not guilty of the crime that they are charged with.
Michael Connelly’s fifth Lincoln Lawyer novel, “The Gods of Guilt” may be his most intense and tightly written thriller yet.
Haller’s latest trial is a murder trial. The victim is a prostitute. His defendant is a pimp, named Andre La Cosse. La Cosse may not be an upstanding citizen, but he insists that he is no killer. He further insists that he is being framed, for reasons he can’t begin to suspect.
Every defendant says the same thing, but Haller discovers some interesting facts about the case that make him start believing in La Cosse’s innocence. The first piece of information that Haller finds interesting is that the victim—a prostitute that he knew as Gloria Dayton, a.k.a. Glory Daze—-was someone he knew years ago. While there was nothing untoward about their relationship, Haller felt a strong kinship with Gloria, and he helped her out of a situation by buying her a plane ticket to Hawaii and a new identity. So, what brought her back to L.A.? And why would La Cosse kill his best money-making prostitute?
When a disbarred attorney, a Mexican drug cartel killer serving time, and a shady DEA agent somehow enter the picture, Haller starts putting the puzzle pieces together. Unfortunately, this case may be hazardous to his health, and the people he cares most about.
As always, Connelly creates a plot that twists and turns in totally unexpected directions. He also adds more depth to a character that continues to grow on me. Haller may be a sleazy ambulance-chaser who sucks at life, but he’s a likable enough one, and he’s a character you can’t help rooting for.
The most important person in the courtroom is the juror. One of twelve. Each one holds the life (and sometimes death) of the defendant in his or her hands. They are what Haller calls “the gods of guilt”. As defense attorney, it is his job to convince these twelve gods that the defendant is—-if not necessarily innocent—-not guilty of the crime that they are charged with.
Michael Connelly’s fifth Lincoln Lawyer novel, “The Gods of Guilt” may be his most intense and tightly written thriller yet.
Haller’s latest trial is a murder trial. The victim is a prostitute. His defendant is a pimp, named Andre La Cosse. La Cosse may not be an upstanding citizen, but he insists that he is no killer. He further insists that he is being framed, for reasons he can’t begin to suspect.
Every defendant says the same thing, but Haller discovers some interesting facts about the case that make him start believing in La Cosse’s innocence. The first piece of information that Haller finds interesting is that the victim—a prostitute that he knew as Gloria Dayton, a.k.a. Glory Daze—-was someone he knew years ago. While there was nothing untoward about their relationship, Haller felt a strong kinship with Gloria, and he helped her out of a situation by buying her a plane ticket to Hawaii and a new identity. So, what brought her back to L.A.? And why would La Cosse kill his best money-making prostitute?
When a disbarred attorney, a Mexican drug cartel killer serving time, and a shady DEA agent somehow enter the picture, Haller starts putting the puzzle pieces together. Unfortunately, this case may be hazardous to his health, and the people he cares most about.
As always, Connelly creates a plot that twists and turns in totally unexpected directions. He also adds more depth to a character that continues to grow on me. Haller may be a sleazy ambulance-chaser who sucks at life, but he’s a likable enough one, and he’s a character you can’t help rooting for.
September 6, 2016
This is another excellent legal thriller from Michael Connelly. I rate it 4.5 stars out of 5(rounded down to 4). Mickey Haller is contacted by Andre La Cosse, arrested for murder of a prostitute named Giselle Dallinger. Mickey soon realizes that this murdered prostitute is Gloria Dayton, a former client. Andre then tells him that it was Gloria who recommended him, calling him"Mickey Mantle." Mickey soon realizes that this is connected to a case involving Hector Moya, a cartel drug dealer who Mickey was instrumental in putting in prison with info from Gloria in return for a plea deal for Gloria.
Hector Moya is still in prison and has his lawyer subpoena Mickey. As the tension builds while Mickey unravels the tangled threads in these interrelated cases, there are powerful and dangerous people who want him to drop the case. He is threatened and then attacked. How he wins his case is a suspenseful read. The courtroom scenes are riveting. I recommend it to legal thriller fans.
One quote: "Your father always called the jurors the gods of guilt. You remember that?"
Hector Moya is still in prison and has his lawyer subpoena Mickey. As the tension builds while Mickey unravels the tangled threads in these interrelated cases, there are powerful and dangerous people who want him to drop the case. He is threatened and then attacked. How he wins his case is a suspenseful read. The courtroom scenes are riveting. I recommend it to legal thriller fans.
One quote: "Your father always called the jurors the gods of guilt. You remember that?"
August 2, 2016
Totally shredded my nerves.
Mickey Haller represents a cyber-pimp accused of murder. He and his team believe the guy is innocent but the case against him seems convincing. This book had an irresistible combination of investigation, bad-guy confrontation and strategy. I should probably read more lawyer books because I loved the courtroom scenes.
Connelly writes a great thriller :D
Mickey Haller represents a cyber-pimp accused of murder. He and his team believe the guy is innocent but the case against him seems convincing. This book had an irresistible combination of investigation, bad-guy confrontation and strategy. I should probably read more lawyer books because I loved the courtroom scenes.
Connelly writes a great thriller :D
November 7, 2016
I'm tired of starting these reviews with the same old thing, but here goes: Well narrated, good characterization, must be read in order, excellent attention to detail, & a fine story over all. Sorry, but the rest is just details that you should really read for yourself. Mickey is on his game with plenty of twists & turns. The ending is a blast. Need I say more?
If this is the first one of Connelly's books you're thinking of reading - Put The Book Down! Get The Black Echo, the first Harry Bosch book instead. Connelly has built an interconnected universe among most of his characters that's just wonderful to read chronologically. A lot of details pop that way & it makes for a richer story.
The Black Echo has my review & contains my chronology of the Harry Bosch Universe which includes the Mickey Haller series as well as several others. It varies from the GoodReads in several ways, some important, some not. Important differences are the inclusion of the Cassie Black novel & all the short stories. Unimportant is the numbering of this as Mickey Haller #5 rather than #6. He has such a small role in Nine Dragons that it wasn't originally counted as one of his books, so I didn't either. You should read that book in the universe order, anyway.
Partial chronology:
23 - The Drop (Harry Bosch #17), 2011
23.5 - Blood Washes Off, 2011 - Harry Bosch Short Story, published in The Rich and the Dead (May 2011)
24 - The Black Box (Harry Bosch #18), 2012
24.5 - A Fine Mist of Blood, 2012 - Harry Bosch Short Story, published in Mystery Writers of America Presents Vengeance(April 2012)
24.6 - The Safe Man: A Ghost Story (2012) (SS) Stand alone, not part of this universe.
25 - The Gods of Guilt (Mickey Haller #5 – Harry Bosch appeared only briefly), 2013
25.5 - Switchblade, 2014 (Harry Bosch #18.5)
26 - The Burning Room (Harry Bosch #19), 2014
26.1 - The Crooked Man, 2014 (Harry Bosch short story, published in In the Company of Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon)
27 - The Crossing (Harry Bosch #20), 2015
28 - The Wrong Side of Goodbye (Harry Bosch #21), 2016
28.5 - “Burnt Matches,” featuring Mickey Haller, to be published in The Highway Kind: Tales of Fast Cars, Desperate Drives and Dark Roads (coming October 2016)
* “Nighthawks,” featuring Harry Bosch, to be published in In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper (coming December 2016)
Currently, this is the end of the road. I'll be sad when I reach it.
If this is the first one of Connelly's books you're thinking of reading - Put The Book Down! Get The Black Echo, the first Harry Bosch book instead. Connelly has built an interconnected universe among most of his characters that's just wonderful to read chronologically. A lot of details pop that way & it makes for a richer story.
The Black Echo has my review & contains my chronology of the Harry Bosch Universe which includes the Mickey Haller series as well as several others. It varies from the GoodReads in several ways, some important, some not. Important differences are the inclusion of the Cassie Black novel & all the short stories. Unimportant is the numbering of this as Mickey Haller #5 rather than #6. He has such a small role in Nine Dragons that it wasn't originally counted as one of his books, so I didn't either. You should read that book in the universe order, anyway.
Partial chronology:
23 - The Drop (Harry Bosch #17), 2011
23.5 - Blood Washes Off, 2011 - Harry Bosch Short Story, published in The Rich and the Dead (May 2011)
24 - The Black Box (Harry Bosch #18), 2012
24.5 - A Fine Mist of Blood, 2012 - Harry Bosch Short Story, published in Mystery Writers of America Presents Vengeance(April 2012)
25 - The Gods of Guilt (Mickey Haller #5 – Harry Bosch appeared only briefly), 2013
25.5 - Switchblade, 2014 (Harry Bosch #18.5)
26 - The Burning Room (Harry Bosch #19), 2014
26.1 - The Crooked Man, 2014 (Harry Bosch short story, published in In the Company of Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon)
27 - The Crossing (Harry Bosch #20), 2015
28 - The Wrong Side of Goodbye (Harry Bosch #21), 2016
28.5 - “Burnt Matches,” featuring Mickey Haller, to be published in The Highway Kind: Tales of Fast Cars, Desperate Drives and Dark Roads (coming October 2016)
* “Nighthawks,” featuring Harry Bosch, to be published in In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper (coming December 2016)
Currently, this is the end of the road. I'll be sad when I reach it.
April 17, 2014
The long-awaited return of the Lincoln Lawyer brings Connelly fans a new gift. With a new, off-the-cuff defense to prepare, Mickey Haller is up to his neck in issues. After receiving a call from a man who's charged with murder, Haller agrees to meet him, only to realise the victim is a long-time acquaintance and former client. After agreeing to defend him, Haller begins poking around to determine how valid the story and alibi appear to be. A 'virtual pimp' is surely not a profession the jury will easily digest, but a man's innocence is on the line. When Haller begins to peel back the onion, he discovers there is more to the murder than a simple 'workplace' disagreement, years in the making. Dirty cops are nothing new to Haller, but when trying to make his case, he ends up butting heads wherever he turns and the list of tainted officers piles up. Seeking legal assistance in the oddest of places may be Haller's only avenue to success. If that were not enough, Haller is forced to battle for his daughter's attention, who has given up on him for defending the scum of the earth. With a stellar courtroom segment, Connelly matches many of the legal greats for his paced and detailed presentation. A wonderful ending that leaves gasps on the reader's lips, both virtual and audible.
A long-time Connelly fan, I was not left disappointed with the latest instalment. Using the quick wit for which Mickey Haller is known and the quirky antics of the lawyer without an office, Connelly presents an entertaining tale that shows the depth of his legal knowledge and the needed attention that makes a legal thriller successful. Presenting a personal side to his characters has always helped Connelly present a likeable leading male, be it Haller or Bosch, and takes the story to another level. I could almost see a screen adaptation at numerous points throughout, as Connelly paints a riveting picture of a legal team tapping into the last of their skills in order to bring justice to the forefront. Well written with just the right amount of legal sway to catapult this book to the top of the genre's list.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, on another wonderful novel. You never cease to amaze me with your writing abilities.
A long-time Connelly fan, I was not left disappointed with the latest instalment. Using the quick wit for which Mickey Haller is known and the quirky antics of the lawyer without an office, Connelly presents an entertaining tale that shows the depth of his legal knowledge and the needed attention that makes a legal thriller successful. Presenting a personal side to his characters has always helped Connelly present a likeable leading male, be it Haller or Bosch, and takes the story to another level. I could almost see a screen adaptation at numerous points throughout, as Connelly paints a riveting picture of a legal team tapping into the last of their skills in order to bring justice to the forefront. Well written with just the right amount of legal sway to catapult this book to the top of the genre's list.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, on another wonderful novel. You never cease to amaze me with your writing abilities.
July 19, 2022
The Gods of Guilt is Connelly's fifth book in the Lincoln Lawyer series about LA attorney Mickey Haller. The other books in the series are The Lincoln Lawyer, The Brass Verdict, the Reversal, and the Fifth Witness. Haller, in these books, is a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants criminal defense lawyer who does not normally maintain an office like a normal lawyer, but instead works out of the back of his Lincoln which is driven by a former client who does that in order to work off his legal bills. Connelly is a former crime reporter both in Miami and for the LA Times and his familiarity with his beat is evident in his writing. His familiarity with the Los Angeles courtrooms is so good that it is surprising that he never practiced. These books, like Connelly's Harry Bosch novels, are good, easy reading that flow from page one to the end generally with a speed approaching that of the cars in the Indy 500. Gods of Guilt, a phrase that refers to the jury who determines guilt or not guilty, is a worthy addition to this series.
In this story, Haller receives a text about a new client who has been arrested for murder, but he doesn't know who this person is. It turns out that the client is some sort of internet pimp who operates websites and billing for call girls and that one of his associates, the person who was murdered, is a former client of Haller's. He knew her as Gloria Dayton, but she goes by the name Giselle and also by the name of Glory Days. The signs all point to his client's guilt. They argued over money after a job. His client put her in a chokehold. Motive, means, and opportunity are there. However, as Haller gets involved in the case, he becomes convinced that there is more to this than meets the eye. Gloria, before she disappeared some years ago and changed her name, was a DEA informant and she gave the information that put away a high-placed cartel guy for life.
The story charts Haller's investigative efforts as he races from courtroom to federal prison and tries to figure out how to put on a defense that will exonerate his client. The courtroom scenes in the trial are convincingly real. Some of the cover-up in the plot is a little far- fetched, but perhaps, without it, there wouldn't be as much of a plot.
In this story, Haller receives a text about a new client who has been arrested for murder, but he doesn't know who this person is. It turns out that the client is some sort of internet pimp who operates websites and billing for call girls and that one of his associates, the person who was murdered, is a former client of Haller's. He knew her as Gloria Dayton, but she goes by the name Giselle and also by the name of Glory Days. The signs all point to his client's guilt. They argued over money after a job. His client put her in a chokehold. Motive, means, and opportunity are there. However, as Haller gets involved in the case, he becomes convinced that there is more to this than meets the eye. Gloria, before she disappeared some years ago and changed her name, was a DEA informant and she gave the information that put away a high-placed cartel guy for life.
The story charts Haller's investigative efforts as he races from courtroom to federal prison and tries to figure out how to put on a defense that will exonerate his client. The courtroom scenes in the trial are convincingly real. Some of the cover-up in the plot is a little far- fetched, but perhaps, without it, there wouldn't be as much of a plot.
May 7, 2014
Yes...a 5. Now while I can't say this is at the top of my 5 star list nor does it make my favorites list I had to rate a bit above other 4 star books. I have grown to like the Mickey Haller books and this one is (I think) the best so far.
Mickey can't really seem to win in life even if he does win in the courtroom. Shut out by his daughter because of events from the last book. Frozen out by his ex-wife because her career's in the cra**er due to supporting him for DA just before he crashed and burned in the election, and the new DA exiles her to no man's land in a back office of the DA's office...Mickey is a bit down.
Still dealing with his repeat clients and finding his most lucrative business right now coming from clients with mortgage problems things need to look up.
And a big criminal case falls into his lap, for a man he actually begins to believe is innocent...innocent of the murder of another of Mickey's clients. The victim of this crime is a woman Mickey tried over and over to help out of the dead end life she was living...
The story here (as I've said about a few other books) draws you in from the get-go and is well constructed. If it has a flaw it might be that Mr. Connelly draws it out just a little too long. I think the climax could and maybe should have come earlier and the book be a little shorter. Not a big problem.
Recommended. Enjoy.
Mickey can't really seem to win in life even if he does win in the courtroom. Shut out by his daughter because of events from the last book. Frozen out by his ex-wife because her career's in the cra**er due to supporting him for DA just before he crashed and burned in the election, and the new DA exiles her to no man's land in a back office of the DA's office...Mickey is a bit down.
Still dealing with his repeat clients and finding his most lucrative business right now coming from clients with mortgage problems things need to look up.
And a big criminal case falls into his lap, for a man he actually begins to believe is innocent...innocent of the murder of another of Mickey's clients. The victim of this crime is a woman Mickey tried over and over to help out of the dead end life she was living...
The story here (as I've said about a few other books) draws you in from the get-go and is well constructed. If it has a flaw it might be that Mr. Connelly draws it out just a little too long. I think the climax could and maybe should have come earlier and the book be a little shorter. Not a big problem.
Recommended. Enjoy.
January 10, 2016
Another superb crime and legal thriller by a master of the genre. All of the elements, including the interpersonal, make this an engrossing read. Connelly does not disappoint.
October 8, 2014
9/10
Whilst probably not the best Michael Connelly book I've read, and saying that probably not even the best in this series, any book which I am able to read in a day holds a special ranking up there. I was travelling back from New England to Ye Olde England and was able to read this on my journey. Through the jet lag and turbulence I powered on and completed the book just as I arrived home.
This book has the same format as the previous books in the series in that there is a case which is shrouded in mystery and it is up to Haller and team to dig into it and find out the truths to protect their client. Lots has happened in the time since the last book to this book but there isn't any massive info dumps on this but nicely placed droplets throughout to fill it all in.
This was a nice mystery, if not the most complex and difficult to follow. All loose ends were tied up come the end and there was even a little cameo from Harry Bosch. I'm glad I read this and I will definitely be reading more from this author. I recommend this series to those interested in legal thrillers and also the film with Matthew McConaughey, The Lincoln Lawyer, which could have been the start of him picking good films.
If you like this try: "Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow
Whilst probably not the best Michael Connelly book I've read, and saying that probably not even the best in this series, any book which I am able to read in a day holds a special ranking up there. I was travelling back from New England to Ye Olde England and was able to read this on my journey. Through the jet lag and turbulence I powered on and completed the book just as I arrived home.
This book has the same format as the previous books in the series in that there is a case which is shrouded in mystery and it is up to Haller and team to dig into it and find out the truths to protect their client. Lots has happened in the time since the last book to this book but there isn't any massive info dumps on this but nicely placed droplets throughout to fill it all in.
This was a nice mystery, if not the most complex and difficult to follow. All loose ends were tied up come the end and there was even a little cameo from Harry Bosch. I'm glad I read this and I will definitely be reading more from this author. I recommend this series to those interested in legal thrillers and also the film with Matthew McConaughey, The Lincoln Lawyer, which could have been the start of him picking good films.
If you like this try: "Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow
February 23, 2023
I wouldn't say I have Mickey Haller fatigue, but I'm beginning to notice some repeat offenses.
In this one, Haller takes the case of a digital pimp accused of murdering his digital lady of the evening - a very special one: Mickey used to represent her court, and they even became good friends. What Haller's team uncovers includes mafia ties, Sinaloa assassins, and dirty cops. This may be Mickey's most dangerous case yet.
Okay, here are my irks. Mickey never seems to see the forest for the trees, and I'm surprised I've just noticed how oblivious he can be to potential consequences. For example, in The Gods of Guilt he discovers someone has affixed a tracker to the undercarriage of his Lincoln Town Car. Instead of taking it off, he decides he doesn't need to hide where he goes. This unfortunate and arrogant decision leads to a fatal outcome for someone he cares about.
Mickey also whines. A LOT. About his ex-wife(s), his daughter's hatred of him, his cases, his lot in life... you'd be inclined to think he wasn't responsible for any of it.
Just like there's no such thing as an ugly baby, it's nearly impossible to dislike a Mickey Haller book. The courtroom drama is just too darn good. The outside plots are okay, but my favorite is when Mickey really nails the bad guys on the witness stand. Overlooking small annoyances is an acceptable price to pay for all the good stuff.
In this one, Haller takes the case of a digital pimp accused of murdering his digital lady of the evening - a very special one: Mickey used to represent her court, and they even became good friends. What Haller's team uncovers includes mafia ties, Sinaloa assassins, and dirty cops. This may be Mickey's most dangerous case yet.
Okay, here are my irks. Mickey never seems to see the forest for the trees, and I'm surprised I've just noticed how oblivious he can be to potential consequences. For example, in The Gods of Guilt he discovers someone has affixed a tracker to the undercarriage of his Lincoln Town Car. Instead of taking it off, he decides he doesn't need to hide where he goes. This unfortunate and arrogant decision leads to a fatal outcome for someone he cares about.
Mickey also whines. A LOT. About his ex-wife(s), his daughter's hatred of him, his cases, his lot in life... you'd be inclined to think he wasn't responsible for any of it.
Just like there's no such thing as an ugly baby, it's nearly impossible to dislike a Mickey Haller book. The courtroom drama is just too darn good. The outside plots are okay, but my favorite is when Mickey really nails the bad guys on the witness stand. Overlooking small annoyances is an acceptable price to pay for all the good stuff.
August 11, 2018
Well, alls well that ends well I suppose. But I thought Mickey Holler was going to bring everyone down with his antics and tight plays.
Actually, well is a relative term. More was lost than was gained.
This was my first Michael Connelly and I can see why he is a beloved mystery author. I never knew what would happen next!
I’d like to thank Thomas and Michael from The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group for recommending this book. You guys made me feel welcome!
Actually, well is a relative term. More was lost than was gained.
This was my first Michael Connelly and I can see why he is a beloved mystery author. I never knew what would happen next!
I’d like to thank Thomas and Michael from The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group for recommending this book. You guys made me feel welcome!
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