The Brass Verdict: A Novel (Mickey Haller) by Michael Connelly
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Book Reviews of The Brass Verdict: A Novel (Mickey Haller)
Book Review: A great read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd been looking forward to reading the second Mickey Haller novel for some time and finally got around to it this week. All I can say is that it was a great continuation of a series that promises to be as rich and rewarding to read as the Bosch series by Connelly.
There are several layers to the novel, each interesting in its own right, that make this one a mystery novel that goes beyond the 'mystery novel' label; elevating it to the level of kickass literature.
One layer of the novel is, of course, the mystery itself; which I will not give away but I can guarantee you that The Brass Verdict is on par with Connelly's best. And that is saying something.
Another layer is where Haller tries to get his life back on track after recovering from an addiction; reconnecting with his Family and getting started all over with his law practice.
Yet another layer, which doesn't take up much space but it is interesting nonetheless for the reader of the Bosch series, is seeing Harry Bosch through the eyes of his half-brother. Personally, I was afraid that Connelly might mess up by having the two half-brothers meet but no, he didn't. I'm very curious where Connelly will take the Bosch - Haller connection next as I thought it was great to see the two very interesting characters interact. Great job Connelly did on that one so far.
In closing, TBV is going to keep you up reading through the night when you should be asleep, so you might want to read this one over the weekend. :)
Book Review: His best, bar none
Summary: 5 Stars
This is his very best and having read them all I don't say that lightly. One of the complaints of readers everywhere is that there are not enough solid, courtroom novels available. The Brass Verdict certainly fills that perceived void. Not only is it an excellent sequel to The Lincoln Lawyer, it also includes an extended appearance by Harry Bosch.
This is Mickey Haller's story, not Harry's, but Harry is featured in a pivotal way and the close of the novel, in which the two come together in striking ways, is pure gold. The groundwork for future collaborations has been laid, definitively.
The most striking thing about the novel is not the fact that the characters are engaging, the story compelling and the plotting pure magic. It is the fact that Connelly is in full command of lawyer and courtroom lore. This is Steve Martini-level in its knowledge of courtroom procedure/maneuvering/lingo, but it is superbly written, desperately plausible, and, in just about every way, brilliantly executed.
The Brass Verdict also includes a very important revelation which I will not spoil for the reader. I don't want to sound cute. Read the book for yourself. You won't be angry at me and you won't be disappointed. I don't go to Connelly expecting the stylistic depths of a Chandler or James Lee Burke. I go to him for pitch-perfect plotting, an attractive protagonist, and a riveting story. They're all here, along with a title whose explanation (in the course of the narrative) is superb.
Book Review: Everyone lies! Truth is this is a super read
Summary: 5 Stars
Connelly fans will love having two of his best characters in a single book. Defense Attorney Michael Haller has been on a one-year sabbatical. Going through rehab after becoming addicted to painkillers cost him his wife, almost cost him his daughter-and if he hadn't come to his senses, it would have cost him his life and career.
He's ready to slowly come back when a lawyer friend, Jerry Vincent is murdered, and because he had agreed to be his backup, Vincent's 31 cases fall into his lap. This includes the murder trial of the decade in LA-that of Walter Elliott, movie magnate, accused of murdering his wife and her lover just days after her prenuptial agreement was fully vested.
When he arrives at Vincent's office, the LAPD is already going through his confidential files. Here Haller has his first run in with Bosch, the lead detective going through the files. But as it turns out they each need information on cases they're involved in, and each may be able to help they other. If they can trust one another, that is.
Preparing for the Elliott case will take all the experience Haller and his team can muster, and then some. For the reader that likes to figure it out, the opening paragraph of this book should serve as a warning: Everyone lies. Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Witnesses lie. The victims lie. This book is a contest of delightful lies. See if you can separate out the truth.
Armchair Interviews says: Connelly fans will be thrilled.
Book Review: Verdict is Good Stuff, but Not Connelly's Best
Summary: 5 Stars
When I heard that "The Brass Verdict" featured both detective Harry Bosch and counselor Mickey Haller I was pretty interested. Of course I am always interested when Michael Connelly puts out a new book since he is one of my top five favorite authors still writing. Make no mistake, though, this is a Haller book. Detective Bosch's appearances are pretty brief.
Haller has been preparing himself to get back in court after battling his addiction problems. The murder of a colleague thrusts him back into the action when he finds that the deceased lawyer has named Mickey as his backup on all of his cases.
One of the defendants that Haller inherits is a movie mogul who is accused of the brutal murder of his wife and her lover. Haller does not trust the director and begins to feel like there are several things amiss with this case. The director seems far too sure that his case will be won in court.
And why was Haller's colleague murdered? Bosch is the detective assigned to the case of the murdered lawyer and he comes to Haller seeking information. Haller wants to help because he feels like he is at risk, but legally he can't open his case files to Bosch which creates tension.
This is a very good book, but I would probably rank "The Brass Verdict" in the bottom third of Connelly's fiction. But, hey, a below-average Connelly is better than the best efforts of 90% of all other published writers!
Book Review: One more irresistible lead character for Connelly
Summary: 5 Stars
I have no excuse for ot keeing up with connelly's books. For some reason, I haven't read any cince CITY OF BONES and I obviously have some catching up to do.I do wish I'd read THE LINCOLN LAWYER first, but will catch that one soon. In the meantime, I'm glad I've met his first leading lawyer protagonist, Mickey Haller, and the bonus of Hieronymous Bosch makes this an even more delightful find.I'm sure anyone reading this review is already aware of the basic plot, the fact that Haller's colleague Jerry Vincent is murdered and Haller inherits his caseload including a major murder case in which he's defending a movie producer. Connelly's insight into the working of a major trial and the thinking of the lawyer who's not necessarily convinced of his client's innocence is the focal point here. The growing complication that Haller might be in jeopardy from Vincent's killer is well handled along with the engrossing description of the central trial. I find no fault in the plotting, but some could feel overwhelmed by the number of twists in the final two parts of the book, but everything is so expertly woven together, I still was hypnotized by the sequence of events and surpriss. Some will be anticipated, but I doubt anyone will be prepared for all of them. Connelly does leave one wondering it Haller will be back, but considrring one important revelation at the end, I'm sure he will be. And I'm looking forward to his return.