The Lincoln Lawyer (The Lincoln Lawyer #1), by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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 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.
