Michael Connelly (1) (1956–)
Author of The Lincoln Lawyer
For other authors named Michael Connelly, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Michael Connelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1956. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1980 where he majored in journalism and minored in creative writing. After graduation, he worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, specializing in the show more crime beat. In 1986, he interviewed survivors of a plane crash with two other reporters and the magazine story subsequently written on the crash was on the short list for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. This story led to a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times. After three years there, he began writing his first novel. His first novel, The Black Echo, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for best first novel. He is the author of the Harry Bosch series, the Jack McEvoy series, and the Mickey Haller series. He has won numerous awards including the Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry 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). (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by Michael Connelly
Angle of Investigation (Christmas Even / Father's Day / Angle of Investigation) (2013) 409 copies, 10 reviews
In the Shadow of the Master: Classic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe (2009) — Editor; Contributor — 206 copies, 3 reviews
The Blue Religion: New Stories about Cops, Criminals, and the Chase (2008) — Editor; Introduction & Contributor — 173 copies, 7 reviews
Written In Blood Volume 1: Power in the Blood / Blood of the Lamb / The Body and the Blood — Introduction — 6 copies
Dark Sacred Night [excerpt] 5 copies
[Title missing] 5 copies
Father's Day [short story] 3 copies
One Dollar Jackpot [short story] 2 copies
Suicide Run [short story] 2 copies
The Closers / Chasing the Dime / The Brass Verdict / The Last Coyote / Trunk Music / City of Bones (2000) 1 copy
Christmas Even [short story] 1 copy
Operation Brisket 1 copy
The Black Echo / The Concrete Blonde / Angels Flight / City of Bones / Lost Light / Two Kinds of Truth / The Late Show (2020) 1 copy
The Black Echo / The Poet / Trunk Music / Angels Flight / The Closers / The Lincoln Lawyer (2005) 1 copy
The Black Echo, Part 1 of 2 1 copy
Associated Works
In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper (2016) — Contributor — 287 copies, 16 reviews
Books to Die For: The World's Greatest Mystery Writers on the World's Greatest Mystery Novels (2012) 279 copies, 10 reviews
The Lineup: The World's Greatest Crime Writers Tell the Inside Story of Their Greatest Detectives (2009) — Contributor — 242 copies, 5 reviews
The Dark End of the Street: New Stories of Sex and Crime by Today's Top Authors (2010) — Contributor — 97 copies, 22 reviews
The Highway Kind: Tales of Fast Cars, Desperate Drivers, and Dark Roads (2016) — Contributor — 58 copies, 3 reviews
Alive in Shape and Color: 16 Paintings by Great Artists and the Stories They Inspired (2019) — Contributor — 53 copies, 3 reviews
Reader's Digest Select Editions 2005 v05 #281: The Closers / The Ladies of Garrison Gardens / Heartbreak Hotel / Julie and Romeo Get Lucky (2005) — Author — 48 copies
Between the Dark and the Daylight and 27 More of the Best Crime and Mystery Stories of the Year (2009) — Contributor — 44 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Select Editions 2009 v02 #302: Brass Verdict / Crossroads / Guilty / Hannah's Dream (2009) 16 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Chasing the Dime / Under an English Heaven / Cut Throat / Daddy's Little Girl (2002) 11 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Afghan • Sun at Midnight • Echo Park • Messenger of Truth (2007) 8 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Nine Dragons • Lady Killer • Present Danger • Water, Stone, Heart (2010) — Author — 7 copies
Livros Condensados: O Miradouro | O Jardineiro Francês | A Última Aula | A Orquestra de La Salva o Mundo (2010) — Author — 5 copies
Australian Reader's Digest Select Editions: Dead Simple • The Double Eagle • Diving Through Clouds • The Closers (2008) — Author — 5 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Nine Dragons • The Murder of King Tut • Present Danger • Kisses on a Postcard (2010) — Author — 5 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Overlook • The Last Testament • Left For Dead • No Time For Goodbye (2007) 5 copies
Livros Condensados: Ao Rubro | Simplesmente Pai | Gelo Negro | Caça aos Cêntimos (2003) — Author — 4 copies
Livros Condensados: Stinger | Lua Vazia | A Lágrima do Diabo | A Catarata do Anjo (1998) — Author — 4 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Miracle in the Andes • The Lincoln Lawyer • The Wedding Officer • The Black Sun (1900) 4 copies
Livros Condensados: Sem Apelo Nem Agravo | A Estação de Waterloo | Cidade dos Ossos | Adeus, Paraíso (2005) 4 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Crisis Four • White • Void Moon • The Soldier's Return (2000) — Author — 3 copies
Selecções do Livro: Nos Meandros da Lei / Mau Tempo no Verão / O Homem do Quadro / Céu Azul 3 copies
Power in the Blood (Special 20th Anniversary Edition): Newly Revised Edition with an Introduction by Michael Connelly (2017) — Introduction — 3 copies
Livros Condensados: Os Finalizadores | Blue Bistro | Mergulhar Na Sombra | Muito Honestamente (2007) — Author — 2 copies
Goed fout : fragmenten uit misdaadverhalen van bekroonde auteurs — Contributor — 2 copies
Murder by the Book [2006, season 1] 2 copies
Het Beste Boek 247: Echo park / Kom niet aan mijn kinderen / Marley & ik / Getrouwd met een vreemdeling 2 copies, 1 review
Advogado de porta de cadeia / Os anjos de Morgan Hill / O vale do tiranossauro / Sobrevivendo com lobos — Contributor — 1 copy
Divisão em Chamas; Lar, Doce Lar; A Inesperada Herança do Inspetor Chopra; A Minha Não Muito Perfeita Vida — Contributor — 1 copy
Fiction Favorites: Resurrection Walk / A Change of Plans / The Second Stranger / The Mystery Guest (Vol. 400) — Author — 1 copy
Fekete doboz | Az ígéret | Bob, az utcamacska | Szomjúság — Contributor — 1 copy
Allons voir plus loin, veux-tu?/Darling Lilly/Pour toi, Nicolas/Sur le Chemin des Dames, Les Enfants de la Patrie (2004) — Contributor — 1 copy
Livros Condensados: Zona de exclusão | Siga as estrelas | Lua errante | O filho de Eddie (2001) — Author — 1 copy
Kirjavaliot - Musta kaupunki, Hiljaisuuden lapset, Sininen vyöhyke, Muistatko minut? (4-in-1) — Contributor — 1 copy
The Scarecrow / Half Broke Horses / Thirteen Hours / From Cradle to Grave — Contributor — 1 copy
SELEÇÕES DE LIVROS VOLUME 40 1 copy
Select Editions: The Brass Verdict • Moscow Rules • Remember Me? • The Crossing (2009) — Contributor — 1 copy
Australian Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Overlook / No Time for Goodbye / The Last Testament / Garden Spells (2007) 1 copy
Das Versprechen des Opals, Unbekannt verzogen, Sternschnuppensommer, Nordwestwärts nach Nome von Gay und Laney Salisbury (2005) 1 copy
Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Brass Verdict | Fathers and Sons | Moscow Rules | The Crossing Places (2009) — Contributor — 1 copy
Livros Condensados: Garotinha do papai | Cidade dos ossos | Cartas de Sam para Jennifer | Teia de falsidade (2005) 1 copy
Válogatott könyvek 2013/5 Michael Connely - Zuhanás; Nichplas Sparks - Vissza hozzád; Patricia MacDonald - Kétségek között; Alan Titchmarsh - Kísért a múlt (2013) — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest 2012/5: Nine Dragons / Lethal / The Peach Keeper / Women & Children First (2012) 1 copy
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 285 : Die letzte Spur. Frühstück mit Elefant. Kalter Tod. Die Engel von Morgan Hill. (2009) 1 copy
Encounters: Real Life Reading: The Lincoln Lawyer | The Wedding Officer | The Blue Bistro | The Black Sun (2007) — Author — 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Connelly, Michael
- Birthdate
- 1956-07-21
- Gender
- male
- Education
- University of Florida (BA|1980 - Journalism)
- Occupations
- journalist
author
writer
novelist - Organizations
- Mystery Writers of America (President|2003 - 2004)
Los Angeles Times
Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel
Daytona Beach News-Journal - Awards and honors
- Edgar Award for Best First Novel (1992)
Anthony Award (1997, 2003, 2009)
Macavity Award (1999, 2006)
Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award (2006)
Shamus Award (2006)
Dilys Award (1996, 1997) (show all 18)
Nero Award (1997)
Barry Award (1998, 2003)
Audie Award (2004, 2007, 2011, 2017, 2021)
Ridley Award
Maltese Falcon Award (1995)(Japan)
.38 Caliber Award (France)
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière (1999)
Premio Bancarella Award (2000)
Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award (2022)
Cartier Diamond Dagger (2018)
RBA Prize for Crime Writing (2012)
Premi Pepe Carvalho (2009) - Agent
- Philip Spitzer (Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency)
- Short biography
- Michael Connelly is the bestselling author of over thirty novels and one work of nonfiction. With over seventy-four million copies of his books sold worldwide and translated into forty foreign languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. A former newspaper reporter who worked the crime beat at the Los Angeles Times and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Connelly has won numerous awards for his journalism and his fiction. His very first novel, The Black Echo, won the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Connelly's 1998 novel, Blood Work. In March 2011, the movie adaptation of his #1 bestselling novel, The Lincoln Lawyer, hit theaters worldwide starring Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller. His most recent #1 New York Times bestsellers include Dark Sacred Night, The Late Show, Two Kinds Of Truth, The Late Show, The Wrong Side Of Goodbye, The Crossing, The Burning Room, The Gods of Guilt, The Black Box, and The Drop. Michael is the executive producer of BOSCH, an Amazon Studios original drama series based on his bestselling character Harry Bosch, starring Titus Welliver and streaming on Amazon Prime. He is also the executive producer of the documentary films, SOUND OF REDEMPTION: The Frank Morgan Story and Tales Of the American. He spends his time in California and Florida.
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Places of residence
- Gainesville, Florida, USA
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Los Angeles, California, USA
Tampa Bay, Florida, USA - Map Location
- Estats Units
- Associated Place (for map)
- Florida, USA
Members
Discussions
For fellow Michael Connelly Fans - Who should I turn to next? in Crime, Thriller & Mystery (April 23)
Chat in Book Discussion : Blood Work by Michael Connelly (September 2025)
Chat in Book Discussion : Trunk Music by Michael Connelly (November 2024)
Chat in Book Discussion : The Poet by Michael Connelly (January 2024)
Let’s Meet the Author in Book Discussion : The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly (March 2023)
Reviews
This is classic Bosch, the lone wolf (though Coyote is more appropriate), scouring the past - his own and the victim's. A dog uncovers a set of bones in Laurel Canyon which turn out to be human. Evidence on the body points at least two decades back. The victim engaged in a high-risk lifestyle, largely due to a fractured home life. Bosch sees himself in the victim, both aiding the investigation and sending Bosch back to his own fractured youth. Along the way, Bosch gets involved with a rookie show more and, like most Bosch personal relationships, it ends badly - the specific ending of the relationship is the only detail that largely stretches the bounds of credibility. But it's a failing easily forgiven, as this is one of the standouts in the series so far.
5 bones!!!!!
Highly recommended show less
5 bones!!!!!
Highly recommended show less
Eleanor Wish is one of my favorite recurring characters, so I was terribly happy to find her doing well, even if she's kept the birth of her daughter a secret from Bosch. Was it the danger of exposing Maddie to Bosch the reason for the secret? Or the danger of exposing herself to Bosch behind the choice? Either way, infusing Bosch's life with a child was a great choice for Connelly, as it forces the issue on Bosch's path to the light. And it sets Bosch up for some difficult decisions, not show more all he'll get right.
This is the first story for Bosch in his retirement work as a private dick. And he goes to an old, unsolved one from his early days in the LAPD - some of the best novels so far are ones that require Bosch to peer back into his past at mistakes and missed opportunities. But it also highlights his investigative acumen in resurrecting these cold cases. This one features the murder of a Hollywood production assistant, a armored car heist, and a harrowing shooting that leaves one detective dead and another permanently disabled.
Occasionally, Connelly forces us into Bosch's dark interior world with a first person narrative - it's not a place all the books could, or should, live. But the occasional visit gives us a better understanding of the demons that live there in his mind.
5 bones!!!!! show less
This is the first story for Bosch in his retirement work as a private dick. And he goes to an old, unsolved one from his early days in the LAPD - some of the best novels so far are ones that require Bosch to peer back into his past at mistakes and missed opportunities. But it also highlights his investigative acumen in resurrecting these cold cases. This one features the murder of a Hollywood production assistant, a armored car heist, and a harrowing shooting that leaves one detective dead and another permanently disabled.
Occasionally, Connelly forces us into Bosch's dark interior world with a first person narrative - it's not a place all the books could, or should, live. But the occasional visit gives us a better understanding of the demons that live there in his mind.
5 bones!!!!! show less
Michael Connelly’s “The Lincoln Lawyer” is probably the most convincing legal thriller I’ve ever read. Mickey Haller’s world comes alive on the pages - his “office” the back seat of a Lincoln, his (sometimes questionable) clients, and his approach which is an exquisite mix of street-smart savvy, courtroom elegance, and hard-earned cynicism.
Each twist lands, every setback ratchets up the tension, and Mickey’s voice carries the narrative with wit, weariness, and surprising show more vulnerability. He is far from the “white-knight” lawyer - constantly dancing on the edge between pragmatism and principle - but it is the flashes of conscience and dry humour that give Haller real depth.
»My greatest fear had been realized, realized for two years but I hadn’t known it. Not until now. I had been presented with innocence but I had not seen it or grasped it. Instead, I had thrown it into the maw of the machine like everything else. Now it was a cold, gray innocence, as dead as gravel and hidden in a fortress of stone and steel. And I had to live with it.«
Connelly’s supporting cast is just as convincing - whether it is the investigator, Raul, the ex-wives (especially Maggie!), or the primary client here whose story is never quite what it seems, each adds momentum to the story.
Perhaps most impressive is the way Connelly melds hardboiled crime, legal manoeuvring, and a thoughtful exploration of justice and morality - without sacrificing entertainment. “The Lincoln Lawyer” brims with energy, depth, and an appeal which makes for compulsive reading.
Whether you are new to courtroom thrillers or a seasoned crime fiction reader, for me, this was an absolute page-turner and a remarkably strong series opener.
Compared to Connelly’s Harry Bosch, Mickey Haller is - at least in this first instalment - less gritty and slightly more “glossy”. I greatly enjoyed it.
Five stars out of five.
Blog | Goodreads | Hardcover | Facebook | Twitter | Mastodon | Instagram | Threads | StoryGraph | LibraryThing | Medium | Matrix | Tumblr
Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam show less
Each twist lands, every setback ratchets up the tension, and Mickey’s voice carries the narrative with wit, weariness, and surprising show more vulnerability. He is far from the “white-knight” lawyer - constantly dancing on the edge between pragmatism and principle - but it is the flashes of conscience and dry humour that give Haller real depth.
»My greatest fear had been realized, realized for two years but I hadn’t known it. Not until now. I had been presented with innocence but I had not seen it or grasped it. Instead, I had thrown it into the maw of the machine like everything else. Now it was a cold, gray innocence, as dead as gravel and hidden in a fortress of stone and steel. And I had to live with it.«
Connelly’s supporting cast is just as convincing - whether it is the investigator, Raul, the ex-wives (especially Maggie!), or the primary client here whose story is never quite what it seems, each adds momentum to the story.
Perhaps most impressive is the way Connelly melds hardboiled crime, legal manoeuvring, and a thoughtful exploration of justice and morality - without sacrificing entertainment. “The Lincoln Lawyer” brims with energy, depth, and an appeal which makes for compulsive reading.
Whether you are new to courtroom thrillers or a seasoned crime fiction reader, for me, this was an absolute page-turner and a remarkably strong series opener.
Compared to Connelly’s Harry Bosch, Mickey Haller is - at least in this first instalment - less gritty and slightly more “glossy”. I greatly enjoyed it.
Five stars out of five.
Blog | Goodreads | Hardcover | Facebook | Twitter | Mastodon | Instagram | Threads | StoryGraph | LibraryThing | Medium | Matrix | Tumblr
Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam show less
I have been eagerly awaiting the fourth book - The Dark Hours - in Michael Connelly's Ballard and Bosch novels. And IMO, this is the best one yet!
It's New Year's Eve and Renée is again working the night shift - by choice. By tradition, revelers shoot their guns into the air at midnight in Los Angeles. Sounds like a recipe for disaster doesn't it? Uh huh, it results in one of the first homicides of the new year. Here's the thing - the bullet may be tied to an unsolved case - one worked by show more Harry Bosch. Now retired, Bosch has become a mentor and a sometime off the books partner of Renée.
I'm always so happy to see Harry again. He's like an old war horse that just keeps riding into battle. His experience, (usually) calm demeanor and drive for answers and justice keep him going. "Everybody counts or nobody counts" Renée is fearless and has that same drive for justice. Her determination has not endeared her to her fellow cops. Connelly has woven current events and happenings and the turbulent state of policing and politics into the narrative. While others do just the bare minimum, Renée never lets up. In addition to the New Year's Eve case, she's also trying to find a pair of serial rapists who've been labeled as The Midnight Men. A lot goes on on the late show....
Connelly's crime novels are second to none. The characters, the settings, the details, the plotting - all of it makes for fantastic reading. And yes, lots of action.
The dynamic between these two really works. In the final pages, I thought I saw where the Ballard and Bosch books might be headed in the fifth book, but Connelly throws in an alternative. I can't wait to see which way things end up.
Highly recommended! show less
It's New Year's Eve and Renée is again working the night shift - by choice. By tradition, revelers shoot their guns into the air at midnight in Los Angeles. Sounds like a recipe for disaster doesn't it? Uh huh, it results in one of the first homicides of the new year. Here's the thing - the bullet may be tied to an unsolved case - one worked by show more Harry Bosch. Now retired, Bosch has become a mentor and a sometime off the books partner of Renée.
I'm always so happy to see Harry again. He's like an old war horse that just keeps riding into battle. His experience, (usually) calm demeanor and drive for answers and justice keep him going. "Everybody counts or nobody counts" Renée is fearless and has that same drive for justice. Her determination has not endeared her to her fellow cops. Connelly has woven current events and happenings and the turbulent state of policing and politics into the narrative. While others do just the bare minimum, Renée never lets up. In addition to the New Year's Eve case, she's also trying to find a pair of serial rapists who've been labeled as The Midnight Men. A lot goes on on the late show....
Connelly's crime novels are second to none. The characters, the settings, the details, the plotting - all of it makes for fantastic reading. And yes, lots of action.
The dynamic between these two really works. In the final pages, I thought I saw where the Ballard and Bosch books might be headed in the fifth book, but Connelly throws in an alternative. I can't wait to see which way things end up.
Highly recommended! show less
Lists
First Novels (1)
Wishlist (1)
Read in 2011 (1)
Edgar Award (1)
TDCD BOOK LIST (1)
Sense of place (1)
Fiction on Fire (1)
A Novel Cure (1)
Favorite Series (1)
READ IN 2021 (1)
Books Read in 2018 (27)
Five star books (2)
Great Audiobooks (2)
Legal Stories (3)
To Read (3)
Jarett's Books (12)
Best Crime Fiction (15)
READ IN 2022 (1)
Page Turners (1)
Movies/Shows (1)
Thieves (2)
Awards
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 141
- Also by
- 102
- Members
- 156,029
- Popularity
- #39
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 4,105
- ISBNs
- 3,509
- Languages
- 29
- Favorited
- 362














































































