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: "Everyone lies. Police, attorneys, witnesses, even the defendant -- they all lie."
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm not a big fan of the "police procedural" subcategory of mystery novels, so while I like Connelly's work, I've never read any of his Harry Bosch stories. In this one, a sequel to _The Lincoln Lawyer,_ Bosch appears as a supporting character -- but he's still in the background compared to Mickey Haller, hard-working defense attorney and (now) recovering prescription drug addict (after having been shot in the first book). Mickey's been getting himself clean and has taken no clients in more than a year, and now he's about to get back into things, when a whole caseload drops unexpectedly into his lap. Jerry Vincent, an attorney with whom he had a reciprocal practice-support agreement, has been murdered and Mickey has to get up to speed in a hurry. The prize is the case of Walter Elliot, a big-name movie producer accused of killing his wife and her lover. Elliot seems to have no doubts whatever that he will be cleared at trial. His certainty puzzles Haller until various other details begin to turn up -- some of which make him wonder if whoever hit Vincent might be watching him, too. Meanwhile, Bosch is investigating the Vincent murder but he also has something going with the FBI that he won't tell Haller about. Connelly does an excellent job of explaining the lawyer business as well as legal proceedings and strategies -- especially jury selection -- using both the main story and the various side cases a working attorney has to juggle. In fact, that's often the most fascinating part of the book. Considering the way this one ends, it's unclear whether Mickey Haller and his three Lincoln towncars will star in another novel (there's also a neat little tying-together of Haller and Bosch at the very end, which seems to promise more contact in the future), but I'll certainly be watching for it, just in case.Book Review: The Verdict: Not entirely thrilling, but worthwhile!(3.5 stars)
Summary: 3 Stars
I've had mixed feelings about the previous Connelley works I've read, but I enjoyed 'The Brass Verdict.' The premise was interesting, with a trial overlapping an investigation for another murder, and the characters were all well-developed. Connelley gave us some interesting insights into Mickey Haller(the scenes with his daughter and ex-wife were worthy of the extra half-star on this review!) I hadn't read 'The Lincoln Lawyer', but the author's recap of Mickey's history and that story's events were blended seamlessly into this story.
I'm not particularly a fan of Harry Bosch, although, to be fair, in the previous Bosch books I read, he was out of his traditional homicide element, and was working as a 'cold case' guy, or for the FBI. If the homicide detective is the 'old Harry' that other reviewers like, then I'll try to track down one of his more 'traditional' cases. His 'extended cameo' in this story added to the action without dominating it. I can see why fans of Harry might have been disappointed he didn't have more to do, but labeling this 'A Harry Bosch novel' would be misleading.
As for the trial, Connelley certain can't be accused of leaving out any procedural details! The ending was a problem, though, with far too much new info pulled out of thin air and piled into a few pages! The plot twists were somewhat predictable, but in the end, I came away liking Mickey in spite of his shortcomings, and even appreciating Bosch a bit more.
I still wouldn't give Connelley quite as much praise as others have given him, but after wondering if he'd ever write anything I could read without getting bored or frustrated with, he delivered a (mostly) fast-paced legal adventure.
I may not yet be a 'Connelley Convert', but I'll give him another chance!
Book Review: The Proving Grounds
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Brass Verdict" is methodical, detailed, rich and smart. Michael Connelly pulls off what few writers even attempt--slowing the action down. It's okay if Mickey Haller purposely goes off by himself to think--we want to go with him and listen to him process the information he's accumulated. Why? Because the stakes are clear and they are high, as they always are when there's a prominent dead guy and a prominent suspect and a prominent made-for-TV trial and the suspect is being defended by lawyer with the odds stacked heavily against him.
In "The Brass Verdict" and many other books, Connelly has a terrific ability to honor and respect the reader. You follow every detail as it's acquired, evaluated and stored for future use. The fun of "The Brass Verdict" unfold is watching criminal defense lawyer Haller corner and pressure Harry Bosch. Connelly fans have spent so much time looking through Bosch's eyes as he squeezes down on suspects and witnesses that it's entertaining to watch him squirm for once (okay, that's a stretch). Through Haller, Connelly provides up-close-and-personal access to the rules, ethics and theater of the court process. Because the plot isn't going at warp speed, you get the sensation of being inside the inner machinations of courts and cops. There are a few clichés, such as the recovering addict storyline, but even they are grounded in a calm reality. There's a scene in a restaurant between Bosch and Haller that's tense and powerful as one of Bosch's little "games" comes clear.
When the big reveal comes, Haller is one step ahead (at least he was one step ahead of me) and steps onto the real "proving grounds" to state his case. The jolt is enjoyable as the final pieces fall into place. Nifty.
Book Review: Haller and Bosch.....together!
Summary: 4 Stars
Mickey Haller first appeared in Connelly's 2005 novel The Lincoln Lawyer. I had followed the Harry Bosch detective series ( 13 up to now ) since 1993 and wasn't too sure about a 'new' character, but was happily proven wrong. Haller is back in The Brass Verdict. The best part? Harry Bosch is featured as well!
Defense lawyer Mickey Haller inherits a dead colleague's law practice and with it what could be his biggest case ever. His client, Walter Elliot, wants the case to proceed quickly, so Haller is playing catchup. But is his client holding something back? The dead colleague, Jerry Vincent, was murdered and Detective Harry Bosch is on the case. Can Vincent's murder and Elliot's case be tied together? Haller and Bosch may have to put their heads together for this one. The ending was fantastic setting up what I hope will be many more books where both characters are featured.
Connelly's writing skillfully captures both courtroom and police investigation scenes and dialogue. The legal aspect is never dry and the investigation side always keeps you guessing. His characters are believable and human. The personal lives and relationships of the main and supporting characters greatly enhance the whole storyline. It was interesting to see Harry Bosch through Haller's eyes. It was a bit of a different Bosch than I have become accustomed to. But that too is part of Connelly's skill - keeping us on our toes and never, never letting us become bored of his writing!
I always anticipate starting a new book by one of my favourite authors and try to stretch it out and 'make it last'. But yet again it didn't work - I burned through this new release in just over a day. Sigh.....another year till the next one.
Book Review: Review
Summary: 4 Stars
After been on sabbatical for about two years, prominent defense attorney, Mickey Haller finds himself in business again. A former colleague of his, Jerry Vincent has been murdered. Now Haller may have just inherited, what could be considered the biggest case of his career. He client is famous Hollywood movie producer, Walter Elliot. Walter has been accused of killing his wife and her lover. Also, Haller is helping to solve the murder of his friend Walter. Someone doesn't like Mickey sticking his nose in places where it doesn't belong. For all of Haller's troubles, he now has Vincent's killer after him.
Police detective, Harry Bosch is on the case to solve the murder of Walter Vincent. IT seems Vincent was dealing something shady on the side. Bosch and Haller don't really like each other but they do respect one another. Mickey is adamant about not backing down, even if it means partnering up with Bosch.
You could call me a late bloomer of author, Michael Connelly. I have seen his books everywhere but just never read one till Truck Music. After reading Truck Music, I just fell in love with this author and his writing style. He had me hooked. The Brass Verdict is only the second book I have read by Mr. Connelly. I plan to go back and check out all the rest of his novels. One of the reasons, I like reading this author's books is because of the main character, Harry Bosch. Harry is this brass, loud mouth, in your face, gives it as good as he can dish it kind of guy. Not many people can write a character like this, who is annoying. Another reason I enjoyed this book is because it reminded me of The Runaway Jury meets Law and Order. I look forward to more great reads by Mr. Connelly.