Review: The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

From the Publisher:

Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is back in the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.

Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the stakes rise, these two loners realize their only choice is to work together.

Bringing together Michael Connelly's two most popular characters, The Brass Verdict is sure to be his biggest book yet.


My Take:

I read the first Mickey Haller book, The Lincoln Lawyer, a while back and I thought it was OK, nothing great, but OK. So I was expecting a good book with this one. What I got, however, was a fantastic book. I was blown away by how this book grabbed my attention and just would not let go. I could not read it fast enough.

The main character, Mickey Haller, went through quite a few changes, mostly occurring between the first novel and this one. As this novel progresses you uncover the story of what transpired while we were away. I really enjoyed Haller's return to practicing law and the challenges and triumphs associated.

I was also pleasantly surprised to have Harry Bosch play such a large role in this story. I knew from talking with friends that he was a part of the novel, but I expected it to be a trivial part. I also knew about how Harry and Mickey were related, but it was still nice to see how that transpired between the two of them.

The court case was a lot of fun. This felt like a John Grisham novel in places, only with a lot more edge. The movie producer Mickey defends is a real piece of work. All along you are never quite sure when he is telling the truth. I will not spoil anything, but I did not see that ending coming. I had one idea in my head right when the shocker occured.

The Brass Verdict was the winner of the 2009 Anthony Award for Best Novel.


About the Author:

Michael Connelly writes mostly detective novels and is probably most known for his series featuring L.A. homicide detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch. Connelly began his writing career as a crime reporter for various newspapers. His first novel, The Black Echo, was published in 1992 and won an Edgar Award for best first novel. Connelly has written more than twenty novels, with fifteen starring Harry Bosch. His latest novel, 9 Dragons, was published in October of 2009.