The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller Book 1) (edition 2005)

Down the Lincoln Lawyer rabbit hole I go. . . . Read my full review here. ( )

This was my first novel by Connelly but it won't be my last. I wasn't convinceed that Haller had met the truly innocent client, but Haller almost believed it. Gripping right to the end. ( )

So many library patrons have told me I have to read Michael Connelly that I finally gave in and was pleasantly surprised. Suspenseful, full of behind-the-scenes (and depressing) details about the justice system. ( )

Slick lawyer, Mickey Haller uses his Lincoln as an office for several reasons including the fact that he doesn't make much money on the cases that he takes until his friend, bail bondsman, Fernando Valenzuela, refers him to the family of Louis Roulet, who has been charged with the assault of a local prostitute. Mickey thinks that this case might be the answer to his financial problems as well as developing new contacts and attracting a different kind of client. Things change when he begins to suspect that Roulet was involved in a case from his past, which might mean he advised an innocent man to take a deal and go to prison for a crime he didn't commit.

The Lincoln Lawyer is about the character of Mickey Haller, who is suitably greedy and self centered, but does show that he cares about some of the people in his life including his ex-wife and his daughter. The action and suspense build to a climax that is at the same time expected and unexpected, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. Overall, The Lincoln Lawyer is a skillfully twisty mystery with well developed characters and an expertly paced plot. ( )