Michael Connelly Delivers with The Fifth Witness

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Recently, I was sent an advanced reading copy of Michael Connelly’s upcoming suspense novel, The Fifth Witness (April 5, 2011, Little, Brown & Company) and I’m thrilled to report that defense attorney Mickey Haller (introduced in one of my all-time favorites, The Lincoln Lawyer) is at his charming, cunning, and conflicted best in this new story.

Like so many others, Mickey’s had a rough time in a tough economy, so he’s back out scrambling for business from the back seat of the Lincoln Towncar once more serving as his office. He’s gotten into the foreclosure game, helping clients delay the loss of their homes for as long as possible. When one such client, the vocal, high-maintenance Lisa Trammel is accused of murdering a banker she blames for her misfortunes, Mickey is dragged into a high-profile case he’s not quite sure he believes in. But as he’s always telling the new first-year female associate he’s hired, criminal defense attorneys can’t afford to grow a conscience. Their role is to offer every client the strong defense they’re guaranteed by the Constitution.

When his investigation turns up evidence that the victim was involved in a financial scheme of his own, Mickey begins, reluctantly, to believe he might have a real rarity – a client who is actually innocent. And after a savagely beating at the hands of thugs-for-hire, Haller is determined to do whatever it takes to see his client walk—no matter what tricks and tactics he must employ or whether his actions will finally destroy his last chance of rekindling the relationship with “Maggie McFierce,” his prosecutor ex-wife.

With its unforgettable and complex protagonist, its myriad twist and turns, and an ending you’ll never see coming, The Fifth Witness easily claims a place among the very best of the talented Michael Connelly’s creations. Whether you’re brand new to the Mickey Haller character or you’ve enjoyed The Lincoln Lawyer series from the start, The Fifth Witness has everything it takes to keep you turning pages far into the night.

I highly recommend ordering a copy today, or look for it in stores beginning April 5th.

- Colleen Thompson

Comments

Joni Rodgers said…
Thanks for the great review, Colleen. I really enjoyed Lincoln Lawyer and Brass Verdict.