The Brass Verdict: Book Review

By Wendy Robards

The Brass Verdict, by Michael Connelly.

Everybody lies. Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Clients lie. Even jurors lie. There is a school of belief in criminal law that every trial is won or lost in the choosing of the jury. I've never been ready to go all the way to that level but I do know that there is probably no phase in a murder trial more important than the selection of the twelve citizens who will decide your client's fate. -From The Brass Verdict, page 239-

Defense attorney Mickey Haller unexpectedly gets thrust back into the legal arena (after a year recovering from prescription drug addiction) when his colleague Jerry Vincent is found murdered in a parking garage. Vincent's entire caseload -- including accused double murderer Walter Elliot (a famous movie studio executive) -- is transferred to Haller in Vincent's will. Haller eagerly steps into Vincent's shoes, but quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems...and Vincent's killer may be one of his own clients. Detective Harry Bosch is the lead investigator on the case and is himself somewhat of an enigma. Before the novel comes to a close, both Bosch and Haller will need to cooperate from both sides of the law in order to catch the killer.

Michael Connelly's novel is fast-paced and gripping, with twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the end. This book is a continuation of Connelly's previous novels (which I have yet to read). But it is not necessary to have read Connelly's work beforehand in order to enjoy The Brass Verdict.

Connelly has a firm grasp of the legal system and creates memorable (and believeable) characters who are not always predictable. His dialogue is tight and compelling.

For readers who love suspenseful legal thrillers, The Brass Verdict is one they will enjoy. This was my first Connelly novel, but I would not hesitate to pick up another of his books. The Brass Verdict was released October 14th through Little, Brown and Company. Connelly's previous novels include The Lincoln Lawyer, Chasing the Dime, Void Moon, Blood Work, and The Poet. For more information about the author, visit his website.

Recommended.

Four stars out of five.

Catch all of Wendy Robard's reviews in her fabulous blog, "Caribousmom".