Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Fifth Witness

The Fifth Witness
by Michael Connelly, April 2011, Little Brown and Co.

If you read Michael Connelly you’ll love the Fifth Witness, if you don’t give it a try, it is highly enjoyable.

If you read this blog (and I hope there are some readers out there) you know I like Michael Connelly mysteries. I have read more of his books in the last year than any other author and I look forward to each new one. He has created a vibrant legal/political/police community in San Francisco. Each book in the series not only provides an engrossing, tightly plotted mystery but also expands and develops the characters in this locale. Mickey Haller is front and center in The Fifth Witness. Connelly introduced Mickey in Lincoln Lawyer (soon to be a major motion picture with Matthew McConaughey). Mickey is a defense attorney trying to rebuild his life and his legal business. Mickey is a twice divorced and a recovering alcoholic. He has a young daughter and two ex-wives with whom he is on good terms. In the Fifth Witness Mickey continues to conduct his legal business in the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, but today his business is primarily representing homeowners in the midst of home foreclosures. One of Mickey’s clients, Lisa Trammel is accused of the murder of the banker who is overseeing her foreclosure. We are treated to what feels like a real life look at a legal defense – a client who is not likeable, wrangling between the defense and the prosecution, an annoying media presence, and cynicism all around. Haller and most of his team are convinced that Trammel is guilty but they continue to provide a first rate defense.

Several story lines emerge that get Haller and his team investigating the foreclosure apparatus and the nefarious characters who work in it. Evidence that is uncovered supports Trammel’s innocence. .. Let me say no more and ruin the suspense. If you read Michael Connelly you’ll love the Fifth Witness, if you don’t give it a try, it is highly enjoyable.
I read an advance reader copy of this story provided by the publisher

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a good book. I find Michael Connolly for me is hit or miss. Thanks for the review and addition to Mt. TBR! :)

Zibilee said...

I have not read any Connelly yet, but this one sounds like sonmething I could get into. Thanks for giving me the scoop on this book. I am also going to add it to the ever growing pile!