I've never been a huge fan of lawyer books, but Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch have put an end to that. The courtroom drama is fantastic and this is a great thriller and a real page turner. Highly recommend. I also loved Michele Cozzens' It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club

This book is simultaneously way too clever and sloppily written. This was very annoying, and created the impression that the book was written in a hurry.

An example of the sloppiness - the main character, Mickey Haller, repeatedly refers to a lawyer's "preemptory" challenges of prospective jury members. There is no such thing. They are "peremptory" challenges. This kind of mistake is right up there with having a character pull out a silenced revolver. As the main character is a notorious defense attorney, this is just inexcusable.

The plot takes twists and turns which could lead to some interesting and untidy events, but the problem of a possible lurking assassin is taken care of in a paragraph, leading us to a pretty unbelievable and unnecessary denouement. Sorry if this is vague, but I didn't want to put in a spoiler.

If you're a Connelly fan, this book will most likely be a drag.

Another page turner. Not quite as good as the Lincoln Lawyer. But a good read nevertheless.

I have waited for this book for years! I have read every book by Michael Connelly ever wrote and loved them all, this book fell flat. I was so disappointed there was no suspense, no character development, nothing. I always (I am a Librarian) recommend Michael to my patrons, but I won't recommend this one. Hopefully the future will bring back what was captured in the past.

The Brass Verdict is a great tale of courtroom drama.It also has a police present and focuses on the two strong characters, both attorney and detective.

I thought this was one of the authors strongest and most interesting stories and recommend it to all Michael Connelly readers

Not that impressed. Suddenly Harry Bosch is working homicides again without any mention as to why he left closed cases and I'm not that big of fan of Micky Haller. Very disappointed that Harry Bosch was cast into a supportive role and that role was very minor. And suddenly he and Mike Haller are step-bothers.

I am sorry to say I was just not drawn into this plot. Of course, there were those tense scenes in which I felt the jolt of excitement I remember feeling when reading the Lincoln Lawyer. However, for a significant part of this novel I felt as if I was reading a text book. Several of the scenes were too drawn out and boring. Now, I realize in my last review of a Connelly novel I stated the read was too short. It almost appears as if the author realized this as well, perhaps negative feedback, and tried to overcompensate by writing an overly long novel that, at times, was almost exhausting to get through. Sorry for the negative review but Connelly is one of my favorite authors so I am confident his next work will coicide with some of his best accomplishements.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, I hope we can see more of teaming up between
Harry Bosh and the Lincoln Lawyer in the future

Michael Connelly has done it again. Equal to if not exceeding his prior best. His abilty to keep you involved in trying to solve or resolve his conflict is amazing. He was able to keep the detective character (Bosch)in an important yet not so involved role with suspense and his distinctive personality.

Part of the Michael Connelly fan legion, I've read'em all. "The Brass Verdict" might be his best, a highly entertaining read.

Connelly consistently delivers in his novels and The Brass Verdict is no exception, LA defense attorney Mickey Haller returning to work with a vengeance after recovering from a serious wound and a stint in treatment for an addiction to pain killers. Rehabilitating his reputation, Haller gets an unexpected bonus that comes at the cost of another lawyer's life. When Jerry Vincent is shot and killed by an unknown assailant prior to a big murder trial, Haller is the beneficiary of all Vincent's cases. Plunging back into practice with perhaps more clients than he can successfully manage, Mickey gathers his team, office manager and ex-wife, Lorna, private investigator and Lorna's fiancé, Cisco, the three prioritizing Jerry's cases, the most pressing a notorious double murder. Independent film mogul at Archway Pictures, Walter Elliot is a larger-than-life defendant accused of slaying his wife and her lover in a jealous rage.

Elliot is adamant in his innocence, wary about trusting an attorney he doesn't know, but unwilling to delay the trial. Mickey faces an uphill battle with this demanding client, controlling Elliot's outsized ego paramount if he is to deliver an acquittal: the man's lifestyle does little to engender sympathy. Focusing on this case, the others in various stages of resolution, Connelly sets up a tight scenario, a contest of strong personalities as Haller jockeys to remain alpha dog for the duration of the trial. And when veteran LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch steps in to investigate Vincent's murder, Mickey is reluctant to open the dead man's files to the police. Past retirement, Bosch is world-weary and impatient, Haller an obstacle to finding Vincent's killer. To that end, Bosch reveals enough information to scare Haller into cooperating, if only to protect himself from the same fate as the hapless Vincent.

This is a taut, perfectly paced tale, an escalating murder trial with a continuing threat that keeps Mickey off balance as the two men, detective and attorney, dance awkwardly around the issues that divide them. Neither wants to reveal too much to the other, yet Bosch needs Haller for answers and Haller needs Bosch for the questions that may ultimately save his life. Connelly skillfully provides an intimate look into the workings of the Los Angeles Criminal Courthouse, the judges, assistants, prosecutors and internal machinations of the criminal justice system. With implied menace and over-the-top personalities, this is a legal page-turner that is unpredictable and entertaining. An unlikely pair, Bosch and Haller are a curious team, their constant sparring failing to obscure a grudging friendship. Luan Gaines/ 2008.

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/08)

When you start any of Michael Connelly's books, you better make sure that the rest of your schedule has been cleared for the day. Once you start, there is little - with the exception of a hurricane, fire or an earthquake - that will persuade you to put it down. From the first sentence to the last, the book pulls you like a strong undercurrent. The tension is palpable. You hold your breath till it hurts. Every sentence hits. Most of them hit hard. The story doesn't just move you, it sucks you in. The characters are brilliantly drawn. The situations - no matter how outrageous - are still believable. Every word matters. When a book is written by a master story teller, it shows.

Take these two short excerpts, which are very high on my list of totally brilliant lines:

"Everybody lies.
Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Witnesses lie. The victims lie.
A trial is a contest of lies."

"Everybody lies.
Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Clients lie. Even jurors lie."

There you have it in a nutshell. When you forget about all of the fantastic twists and turns - of which there truly are many - those five lines, those twenty-nine words condense the essence of the book better than any drawn-out description ever could. But if you are really curious about the story, I'll give you a brief description. Mickey Haller, a defense attorney, inherited all of his deceased colleague's cases. Jerry Vincent met an untimely demise, and the authorities, represented by detective Hieronymus Bosch, are pretty certain one of his clients had him killed. Mickey Haller, together with his investigator Cisco and office manager Lorna, tries to reconstruct Jerry's agenda, since some of his files as well as his laptop are missing. Mickey starts meeting the potential clients, of which the most famous - and maybe the riskiest one - is a movie mogul, Walter Elliot. Walter has been accused of killing his wife, Mitzi, and her lover, Johan Rilz; but he refuses to admit his guilt. The trial gets under way, and surprises never cease.

For those readers who have read any of the Michael Connelly's books featuring Mickey Haller or Hieronymus Bosch, "The Brass Verdict" brings in an extra bonus twist. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. If this is your first time "meeting" Michael Connelly, get ready for a superbly written mystery, with a tight and super swift plot, engaging characters and flawless language.

Mickey Haller is a criminal defense attorney who knows the truth about his clients. He's recovering from being gut shot in a previous Connelly book when he inherits the cases of a former rival who was murdered. Taking the bull by the horns, Haller sorts the cases and quickly latches on to the most profitable one, that of a Hollywood Studio tycoon named Walter Elliot. Enter Harry Bosch, another of Connelly's characters, although in a somewhat lesser role. Still, the chemistry is good if volatile and the plot never slows down.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the honesty of Haller. So many bad things have been written about lawyers and their motivations that it was interesting to hear their side of the story. And it made me think, which is one of the things I look for in every book I read.

Thus, Connelly had me from the first page to the last, in and out of court as well as on the street. Justice is served in this book, though not always from the bench, which is a reflection of the world in which we live.

Have read all Michael Connelly's books and was really looking forward to this, his latest, featuring Harry Bosch. It is only at Chapter 32 - half way through- that Harry starts to appear on a regular basis. Up to this, he was only mentioned enough to let the reader know he was there somewhere in the distant background. Come on Michael, Harry is the STAR and should not be relegated to a bit-part. Perhaps things will improve in the last half - I hope so.

Michael Connelly
Little, Brown, & Co., 2008
ISBN: 9780316166294
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 11/08
4 Stars
Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch together....
Michael Connelly brings two of his famous characters together in one powerful mystery. Mickey Haller is a defense lawyer working on the biggest case of his career. Harry Bosch is a LAPD Detective investigating the murder of Jerry Vincent. When the killer goes after Haller, the two men join forces to solve the case.
Mickey is a lovable sleaze, and Bosch is abrasive; when paired together they are a dynamic duo. I do not usually read lawyer books, but I made an exception this time. I am glad I did. Connelly gives his characters depth. Their personalities are strong. The plot is multifaceted and stimulating. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending had a surprise twist. Fans of courtroom drama will not want to miss The Brass Verdict.

I gave this book 3 1/2 stars. Connelly brings together two of the best characters in police and courtroom thrillers - Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller. I was expecting a lot more but was let down specifically because I did not see the necessity of putting Harry Bosch into the story as his role could have been filled by any no name detective. The book is totally a Mickey Haller story and is told from his perspective. Harry Bosch is a minor character without the normal Harry tenacity we have come to know.

Mickey inherits a number of cases after one of his former law acquaintances is murdered. One of the cases is a high profile case involving one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. As things unfold, Mickey learns his predecessor was murdered because of this case.

The book lacks the tension of The Lincoln Lawyer but does have some good if brief courtroom exchanges. I still give Mr. Connelly the benefit of the doubt and do look foreward to his next effort. I hope it is a lot better than this one.

Michael Connelly's star rose to fame 18 novels ago. Over time he has written some of the best stand-alone thrillers and has made Harry Bosch a household name. In 2005 he introduced fans to a new character, attorney Mickey Haller, in the acclaimed THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Three years later, he gives us THE BRASS VERDICT, in which he brings Haller and Bosch together to work on overlapping cases. They know each other by reputation, and neither is particularly pleased to make each other's acquaintance.

Haller is slowly recovering from an alcoholic breakdown and a stint at a rehab center, which has taken a year of his life. His practice is gone and his reputation greatly tarnished. However, he did try to see his daughter when he could and managed to hold on to his three Lincoln Continentals, which he rotates and uses as his office. He has a driver take him from appointments to court appearances so he can keep working on the car's cushy backseat. His second ex-wife, Lorna Taylor, is his case and money manager, and prefers working at home. Her love interest is Cisco, the firm's investigator. Despite the seemingly "incestuous" nature of their personal situation, they all like each other and work well together. Haller has more headaches with his first ex-wife over their daughter, who loves both parents but is often disappointed by her father.

When the narrative begins, Haller is consoling himself with the "one-day-at-a-time" and "step-by-step" philosophy every recovering addict must live by. He has taken on a new client, Patrick, and is confident he can "save" him. When he finds Patrick sleeping in his car in the parking garage, does he realize that this young man needs help and support? After some thought, he offers Patrick the job of being his chauffer and invites him to crash at his house until he can find a place of his own. Haller is one of those people who thinks with his heart and his gut, which is what allows him to make these kinds of decisions off the cuff.

Then, out of the blue, Lorna calls to tell him that the chief judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Mary Townes Holder, called with a forthwith command. He is expected to make a "command appearance" behind the closed doors where the judge does most of her work.

Upon entering her chambers, Haller feels like a third grader who is sent to the principal's office for some unknown misbehavior that could bring wrath down on his head. The judge is a forbidding woman with an icy demeanor. And, beyond the obvious, he can sense she knows something concerns him; he just can't decide if he should worry or not. As she begins to explain her reasons for wanting to see him, he is overwhelmed by what he hears: attorney Jerry Vincent was murdered the night before. The two men knew each other, had worked together from time to time and were both well-known defense lawyers. Vincent, a former prosecutor, built a very lucrative defense practice. He had many high-flying clients, and when he died, he was defending movie mogul Walter Elliott, who is charged with killing his young wife and her lover. The case is very high profile, and everyone has been expecting fireworks to flare as the trial date approaches. Haller is a pragmatist who is attempting to rebuild his personal and professional life, but is only vaguely aware of the consequences Vincent's demise could have on him.

Years ago he and Vincent named each other as beneficiaries of their separate private practices, if either of them was unable to follow through on cases or was dead. This is one of the reasons the judge has summoned him --- to remind him of this old agreement. Haller has inherited Vincent's entire practice, or at least his current cases, if he can encourage the clients to maintain him as their new lawyer. He is stunned by the murder and overwhelmed by what it could mean for his recovery. But he feels up to the challenge. This is a good thing for him.

The judge is not going to make this transition easy for Haller. She talks to him as though he's "that naughty student in the dean's office." After an uncomfortable barrage of her questions and his answers, she signs an order transferring the practice to him. She goes on to tell him that she expects him to "heel" so that she can keep tabs on him and get a regular report showing how he is progressing. She certainly is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" in this deal, or so it would seem. When she wishes him luck as she dismisses him, she offers her private phone numbers if he needs her help. It's an odd thing for her to do, but that moment passes.

Haller's head is swimming, and he needs some time to acclimate himself to this turn of events. His first task is to tell the team and then hurry to Vincent's office before anyone, especially the police, start to go through the files themselves. When they all walk into the private space where the files are kept, they are too late. This is when Bosch and Haller find the detective going through the files (now his files) and tells him to stop and leave. They huff and puff at each other, each claiming his territory until Bosch finally does leave.

Through a myriad of important subplots, Bosch and Haller gravitate toward each other without any more melodrama or sentimentality. Ultimately, they find a measure of common ground. Both men are authentic in their roles, and as they discover certain things about themselves and each other, they are able to face the other with honesty by the end of the book. One of the subplots takes on the whole legal system, and these two are acutely aware of how easy it can be for powerful people to subvert it. By shining a light into the dark corners of this particular legal/police procedural, Connelly once again manages to create an epic rendering of the diabolical dramatics that sometimes move like snakes through a case and settle in the courtroom.

Haller is put off immediately by the way his new client, Walter Elliott, wants to run the case. Further, his absolute confidence that he will win is disarming and raises suspicions for Haller and Bosch. For both men, who have many years of exposure to courtroom antics, "something stinks in the state of" how this case is progressing. Haller knows he has to find "the magic bullet" that does not show its face until well into the trial. Indisputably, Elliott had gunshot residue on his person and clothes, but it was only transfer particles. Nevertheless, the case moves along, and Haller, Cisco and Bosch are digging as deeply as they can to flesh out this high roller.

As with any court case, little tidbits and big chunks of information are testified to and become part of the record. This is something attorneys know, and they pay complete attention to each witness watching and listening for the "tell." These are the tics, hesitations, sweats or any other body language a witness will unknowingly display. This is about the time Cisco brings the results of some of his investigations to Haller. Elliott is not what he appears to be; because of his bloated ego and high sense of pride, coupled with his great bankroll, he believes that his falsely created, solipsistic world is real. But is he guilty of the crime he is being tried for?

Connelly has crafted a novel that may eclipse some of his others. But that would be only because he once again shows how adept he is at controlling his prose, so that no extra word or superfluous paragraph takes up space. The tension that forces readers to turn pages as quickly as they can is generated by the plot, the characters, their personal lives, bringing his two leading characters together and the profound insights into the judicial system. Also, the totally unexpected ending feels just right. Nothing leads up to it, but it is a force that will make readers gasp.

--- Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum

This is a great read. I savored this book with two of Connelly's best characters. I was involved as of page 1 and stayed that way to the very end. A twist here, a turn there and wow was this a fun book. Thanks Mr. Connelly for another wonderful adventure -- and the surprise about Bosch and Haller at the end was stupendous, and endearing. The only disappointment is that the last page arrives too soon.

Criminal lawyer Mickey Haller made his sole debut in "The Lincoln Lawyer" - - - and he was an instant hit. Shuttling between the more than 40 courthouses, jails and other places Haller has to hit, he settled upon the ingenious scheme of having no real office. Instead, Haller uses the backseat of whichever of his three Lincolns Mickey is being chauffeured around in that day.

That's Mickey for you. The son of a legendary criminal defense attorney, Mickey is an original. Creative. Unorthodox. Ruthless. He doesn't care if his criminal defendant clients are guilty or innocent of the crimes they are chazrged with: he just wants to give them the very best defense he can under the laws of the United States.

Agree or disagree with Haller's philosophy, his antics in and out of the courtroom are the stuff of great legal thrillers. Mickey knows not only every facet of criminal law, but he is also something (in a good sense) of a con-man as he exploits the foibles and weaknesses of human nature to get a win. As Mickey puts it "[a] trial is a contest of lies". The trick, according to Mickey, is to be patient and wait for the right lie - and use it to rip the case open.

Mickey also has a lot of background clutter: three ex-wives, one of whom is his assistant, another the mother of the daughter he dotes on. Mickey is just coming off a year's sabattical for pain-killer addiction when he learns of the murder of a one time courtroom adversary, Jerry Vincent, who he had remained somewhat friendly with over the years. Haller inherits Vincent's 42 current criminal cases, including that of Hollywood mogul Walter Elliot who is accused of murdering his wife and her lover.

A case like that is called a "franchise" for its moneymaking potential to the lawyer.

So there youu have it. A brutally murdered lawyer, the murderer still on the loose. Mickey Haller, fresh out of an addiction and a rehab, sorting through his life problems; a week or so to prepare for the start of a murder trial, deling with the other newly inherited cases.

Haller has his hands full even with his ex-wife assistant Lorna, his investigator Cisco and his newly acquired chauffeur Patrick. And, of course, we have Harry Bosch, the oddball detective from other Connelly novels, who is a fully formed character in his own right. The inclusion of Bosch never comes off, even though Connelly resorts to some desperate surprises.

The story moves - and works well - on several levels. Courtroom thriller of the first order. Sort of a police procedural. Frail man coping with problems.

All in all, a great read. Not a page turner, but a great, satisfying read.

Jerry

This is a wonderful story. Keeps your interest throughout the book. Well written and comprable to the authors other best sellers.
A legal story that would excite all readers.

Mickey Haller of LINCOLN LAWYER fame is back. He's been away awhile because he'd been gut shot, then drug addicted, but he's been to rehab, however he might not be ready for what Chief Judge Holder has in mind for him. A decade and half earlier Mickey was a public defender and used to come up against a prosecutor named Jerry Vincent. Vincent isn't prosecuting anymore. In fact he's not doing much of anything. He's been murdered and Judge Holder wants Mickey to take over his cases.

And one of Vincent's cases is a big one. Walter Elliot of Archway Pictures has been accused of killing his wife and the guy she was cheating on him with. This could be Mickey's chance to get back on top of the game. However, Elliot of freed on bond and it looks like he might get off, in which case he won't need Mickey.

Mickey also has the Eli Wyms case, which he thinks is connected to the Elliot case. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but one thing for sure, after someone tries to kill Mickey he better find out just what's going on with both cases and to aid him in this effort is long time Connelly protagonist Harry Bosch and that just plain delighted me they way Connelly weaved Bosch into the fabric of this book.

And "The Brass Verdict" surprise ending delighted me too. This is a super Michael Connelly thriller, every bit as good as his last Mickey Haller outing, which was terrific. Every bit as good as any of his Harry Bosch novels too.

In the fashion of Michael Connelly, he does it once again...The Brass Verdict is another masterpiece. He knows how to weave plots and characters beautifully in his crime thrillers. I am a big fan of his books and this measures up. Won't disappoint...read this and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

This novel marks the return of Mickey Haller, "The Lincoln Lawyer". Haller inherits a "money" case when another lawyer is murdered. Like most of Connelly's protagonists Haller is a man with demons. "In court everybody lies...". Who is lying to who and about what is at the core of this plot. Harry Bosch is the lead detective on the murdered lawyer. The plotting is solid and intricate but the first person narrative used in the Haller novels does not quite lend itself to the depth of character development that is present in most of the Bosch novels. In the Bosch novels the "police procedural" aspect of the plot is always fascinating and it gives you a window into the workings of Harry Bosch's mind. Mr. Connelly is not as strong in the "court/ trial procedural". I really love Harry Bosch and in this book he is supporting character. As always with Mr. Connelly, the writing and plotting are excellent. All in all a good read.

Twists and turns in fabulous Connelly fashion. I really liked the interaction between 2 very complex characters.

I really liked this book for about 389 pages. It was a pretty straight forward legal mystery which was ending with a bang up trial and then the author had to do "his thing." As Connally readers know his "thing" is plot twists and turns that you didn't see coming and in this book, I have to admit that I never even suspected the final one and quite frankly I am not sure this wouldn't have been a pretty darn good book without it.

Now, having said that, I still gave the book four stars and I mean every one of them as it remains a very good read. Plot twists that irritate me a bit, may be someone else's cup of tea.

I thought with the first novel involving Mickey Haller that the author had found another character other than Harry Bosch to develop over time. Without giving anything away, I suspect this is the last of the Lincoln lawyer novels. I'm not even sure I understand why the author included Bosch as a character in the book as he added very little that any other detective could have done. There is a totally unnecessary plot twist involving Haller and Bosch at the end that I found a bit of a stretch, but again, I will leave that up to the reader as to whether they think it helps the book.

I have enjoyed every book this author has written and I also enjoyed this one. Just not every bit of it. You may.

Enjoyed this book, but Michal Connelly is at his best when he channels Bosch. I had hoped Bosch would be the main character, but he is not -- he only has a small role. This is a Mickey Haller book.

Hoping to revitalize his career when he inherits a high-profile defense case after a fellow lawyer is murdered, Mickey Haller discovers that he may be the next target and reluctantly teams up with LAPD detective Harry Bosch to find the killer. BT
Connelly combines his two favorite Protagonists, Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, and comes out with a fantastic thriller. Once I started reading it I new that Connelly had come out with another winner. Well written, as well as engrossing, this one was hard to put down. Keep it up Michael!

This book was a bit of a let down. There was way too much courtroom dialogue for my liking. After reading this book I much prefer the police procedural to the courtroom procedural. That being said, he really nails the courtroom procedural in this one. Seriously though, is there even a comparison between reading about Bosch being on the hunt for a murderer to reading about Haller's objections to GSR? I'll take breaking down doors over voir dir any day.

Maybe Connelly can make it up to the Bosch fans and rewrite the book from Bosch's perspective.

Connelly feels like he's having fun. And the reader benefits. A couple of twists make us feel like the author is trying to do the right thing. Some recent Bosch entries have been sub-par. This was good. The future bodes well. He must talk to a few lawyers, the details feel real.

THE BRASS VERDICT is a wonderful new thriller featuring Mickey Haller,an LA criminal defense attorney, first introduced in Connelly's excellent 2006 novel THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Haller is an appealing protagonist and Connelly has written a clever, intriguing plot with Hollywood connections for his new leading man. Harry Bosch, the LAPD police detective, author Connelly first found success with is also on hand though this is definitely Haller's show. Like in Connelly's other works Southern California is so well realized it is almost a supporting character and the human supporting characters are also superiorly portrayed. And this novel is a stand alone that will make perfect sense even if you have never read anything by Michael Connelly before though you may soon find yourself searching for his previous books since you will have discovered one of the best mystery writers currently working.

This is not top-shelf stuff. Sometimes even our tried and true favorite authors reach and stretch to concoct plots. Connelly's diehard fans will find this concoction hard to swallow. The pairing of Harry Bosch and criminal hotshot attorney Mickey Haller in this novel may be a good idea for some of his fans, but poor old Harry isn't our Harry. He seems like another person; he really needs his own books to live and breathe. There are many twists and turns in the plot toward the end which make it treacherous shoals for the critical reader to traverse.
In the fillet of sole chapter Mickey Haller's celebrity client, up for a double homicide, makes a revelation to Haller which I didn't for a minute think was possible, plausible or probable. Examine it closely and see if you don't see the holes in the explanation.
It's a very easy read, a good yarn, but certainly not up to Connelly standards. He was always good at tricky, intricate but plausible plotting. Here some of his plotting seems very contrived and ingeniously phony. Stray threads get tied together at the end a little too conveniently.
Connelly is going to keep you reading because of his narrative drive that propels you. I don't think I've ever read a book which gives such inside and seemingly authentic dope on the manner in which lawyers, courts, judges and cases are run and operate. The way lawyers have to juggle cases is fascinating stuff. Some of the characters seem like cardboard cutouts, and they are ushered on and off stage in a creaky manner. Still worth a read because it is Connelly after all.
Nine Lives Too Many
The Daemon in Our Dreams
The Rice Queen Spy
Clawed Back from the Dead

I haven't read The Lincoln Lawyer, but got enough background in this one to get the picture. There were so many twists in this story you needed a roadmap to follow it. I guess the jury tampering in the Elliot trial was not for Elliot's benefit just because it was a big money trial and the cons could benefit from it.

I was dissappointed in the end when Harry and Mickey were talking out on the deck that Harry didn't mention he had a daughter too. What happened to that story line? Hope we get more of Harry and his life's ongoing story in the next edition.

Michael Connell is a very good writer, his books are always exciting, from the first page to the last page. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.

The usual great stuff from Micheal Connelly. Perhaps a little too much courtroom/lawyer dialog at times, but a great interaction with Harry Bosch and the "Lincoln lawyer," Mickey Haller together in the same novel. Excellent characterization and a compelling story. A cool surprise at the end.

The Brass Verdict is a fast-paced murder mystery that is full of twists and turns. After a two-year break from practicing law, Mickey Haller goes from having 0 cases to 31 cases overnight. He quickly learns that some things are just too good to be true. He immediately tries to keep all his inherited clients, especially Walter Elliot. Not wanting to jeopardize Elliot's decision to keep him as his lawyer, Mickey reluctantly agrees to keep the trial date as scheduled despite not having much time to prepare. Mickey's decision will set a chain of events that will eventually lead to what really happened the night Elliot's wife and her lover were murdered.

The Lincoln Lawyer was the first book I read by Mr. Connelly. I did attend one of his book signings last year, mainly out of curiosity. I really enjoyed listening to him and wondered why I never picked up one of his books prior to The Lincoln Lawyer. Now I think I will have to add the Harry Bosch series to my TBR list. Having said that, I liked the "convenient" relationship between Mickey and Harry Bosch. Although Bosch was more of a supporting character, I was interested in learning more of his history. He appeared to be somewhat distant and often times withholding when interacting with Mickey. Overall, I really liked this book and could not figure out the motives behind the murders. Highly recommended.

After the frankly lousy "Crime Beat", one would have thought Michael Connelly would have "owed one" to his loyal readers! Well, you'd be wrong, or at least let down with "The Brass Verdict"! It's a shame, really, considering as how "The Lincoln Lawyer" was his best work, with or without Harry Bosch. We Connelly addicts would get together and blag on about how a Mickey Haller/Harry Bosch team-up would be the cat's meow and all of that, it just shows how wrong one can be. There is no chemistry between the protagonists, the villains are pretty transparent and unsurprising and plot development is telegraphed miles from home. The courtroom scenes grind the narrative to an entropic halt, Connelly being guilty of the excruciating, tedious, laying out of detail which Haller ascribes to Prosecuter Golantz, so much so that I was wondering whether or not I should quit the book! Regretably, I finished, reading my way to the "who cares??!!" finish. That's two strikes Mikey, now it's time to redeem yourself!

"Award winning author Connelly finally returns with attorney Mickey Haller who is defending an important Hollywood producer on murder charges. With a little covert help from Detective Harry Bosch, Haller sets things right in a classic courtroom novel."

This is better than "Lincoln Lawyer", but within the Harry Bosch series, it lacks the emotional depth that Harry's wonderfully complex personality gave to previous novels. However, there is a revelation at the end of the story which one could guess at, but it still remained a nice surprise.
Connelly's last book was a letdown. It was horrible. It felt rushed and short. In contrast, "The Brass Verdict" is fully complete and doesn't feel rushed at all. My only complaint is that I love the flawed, but heroic Harry Bosch character and would love to see Connelly write a new story that reflects his earlier novels. Maybe next time?
Until then, "The Brass Verdict" is a good novel to pass the time.

This is his very best and having read them all I don't say that lightly. One of the complaints of readers everywhere is that there are not enough solid, courtroom novels available. The Brass Verdict certainly fills that perceived void. Not only is it an excellent sequel to The Lincoln Lawyer, it also includes an extended appearance by Harry Bosch.

This is Mickey Haller's story, not Harry's, but Harry is featured in a pivotal way and the close of the novel, in which the two come together in striking ways, is pure gold. The groundwork for future collaborations has been laid, definitively.

The most striking thing about the novel is not the fact that the characters are engaging, the story compelling and the plotting pure magic. It is the fact that Connelly is in full command of lawyer and courtroom lore. This is Steve Martini-level in its knowledge of courtroom procedure/maneuvering/lingo, but it is superbly written, desperately plausible, and, in just about every way, brilliantly executed.

The Brass Verdict also includes a very important revelation which I will not spoil for the reader. I don't want to sound cute. Read the book for yourself. You won't be angry at me and you won't be disappointed. I don't go to Connelly expecting the stylistic depths of a Chandler or James Lee Burke. I go to him for pitch-perfect plotting, an attractive protagonist, and a riveting story. They're all here, along with a title whose explanation (in the course of the narrative) is superb.

Haller and Bosch Together: Literary Dynamite!
Absolutely outstanding read. Michael Connelly is the best mystery writer today. His energetic style and pointed prose makes for both a dynamic and informative story. What makes Mr. Connelly so enjoyable is that he teaches as he writes. One learns how both the legal and police fit into the overall judicial system. Both adversarial and symbiotic in nature, each feeds on the other to make our justice system work. Mr. Connelly takes the reader through the complexities of both while telling a complex mystery story of murder, lies, intrigue, deception, and personal loss. He shows how the system can work to successfully bring about justice. It is both ugly and messy but in the end the system does work-most of the time.
The story is also about 2 men, Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch, who fight their own demons and eventually come to an understanding of just who they are. This realization is multi-faceted and makes the story a swirling cauldron of doubt and self-actualization. I won't give away the dramatic conclusion but the literary road to get there is well worth the journey. Mr. Connelly in his wonderful story telling way presents a mystery that has many possibilities but only one reality. Nope, you can't guess the ending. Several times I thought I figured it out only to be fooled. Bravo Mr. Connelly, you done good real good.
As always Mr. Connelly character development was superb and the forte of this book. He has a way to keep developing his characters and flesh them out in such a way that they are the story. No superficiality here, depth and more depth piled on mystery.
No gratuitous sex, language, or violence.
I heartily recommend The Brass Verdict. A must buy. I eagerly await Mr. Connelly's next novel. The Mickey Haller character is wonderful and should provide many new mysteries. Just don't forget my good friend Harry Bosch-He may be getting older but there stories in them legs yet!!

The Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller, is back, still working out of his cars after a long hiatus. And if you're a Harry Bosch fan (as I am), he's back too, though in a smaller role.

Mickey Haller has inherited a practice from former prosecutor turned private attorney, Jerry Vincent. Vincent has been murdered and it could be because of a high profile case included in the inherited cases. Det. Bosch is investigating the murder and pushing Haller for his cooperation.

The plot of this engrossing book has been discussed several times so I'll just say I'm glad Mr. Connelly has combined the two personalities, and the result is a book I highly recommend. The twist at the end alone is worth the read.

Connelly's novels are anticipated, enjoyed, and often collected. The Brass Verdict goes on the list, and there are plenty of reviewers' opinions here to assist the buyer. I simply add two comments that collectors might appreciate.

First, we all miss Evan Hunter/Ed McBain. So let's be sure to credit him with the idea of bringing together his two best characters from separate serial novels to work a case together. Before Bosch and Haller and The Lincoln Lawyer, Matthew Hope in Calusa contacts Steve Carella at the 87th Precinct in the 1998 novel The The Last Best Hope. It excited fans of both series.

Second, typos bother most collectors when they appear in First Editions, and some perennial best-seller authors have books riddled with the typos that spell checkers miss. However, Connelly (once a crime beat reporter) and the editors of The Brass Verdict repeat a word choice error that should be fundamental to court room fiction. Haller keeps referring to his "preemptory" challenges during jury selection. Now if Bosch had used the word it would play as a cop's fractured syntax, but prosecutors and defense attorneys would always keep track of their "peremptory" challenges. As preemptory is also a word, the spell checker misses this error and it's repeated about 15 times. Grammar checkers can't recognize context yet, so they miss it too. How about highly paid editors? Do other collectors find this as disappointing as I do? As in, "it doesn't make me nauseous, but it nauseates me," exemplifies the most unedited word error in all of noveldom. Yet, it continues misused in book after book.

Michael Connelly's books are hugely important to readers and should get better support. The author's "any errors are mine" aside; didn't attorneys proof this novel?

This review might contain spoiler(s)...I'm desperately hoping that Mr. Connelly doesn't fall into the trap that other authors such as Stuart Woods has...that of writing for the buck versus the joy of writing. The Brass Verdict was disappointing, to say the least. I never thought I'd be bored with a Michael Connelly novel.
The parts of the book where Haller interacts or thinks about his client seemed cloned from one of Connelly's previous books.
In the past, Connelly's novels were so tightly written that nothing, absolutely nothing was wasted. Not so with the Brass Verdict.
Who didn't see it coming with Judge Holder?

Connelly fans will love having two of his best characters in a single book. Defense Attorney Michael Haller has been on a one-year sabbatical. Going through rehab after becoming addicted to painkillers cost him his wife, almost cost him his daughter-and if he hadn't come to his senses, it would have cost him his life and career.

He's ready to slowly come back when a lawyer friend, Jerry Vincent is murdered, and because he had agreed to be his backup, Vincent's 31 cases fall into his lap. This includes the murder trial of the decade in LA-that of Walter Elliott, movie magnate, accused of murdering his wife and her lover just days after her prenuptial agreement was fully vested.

When he arrives at Vincent's office, the LAPD is already going through his confidential files. Here Haller has his first run in with Bosch, the lead detective going through the files. But as it turns out they each need information on cases they're involved in, and each may be able to help they other. If they can trust one another, that is.

Preparing for the Elliott case will take all the experience Haller and his team can muster, and then some. For the reader that likes to figure it out, the opening paragraph of this book should serve as a warning: Everyone lies. Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Witnesses lie. The victims lie. This book is a contest of delightful lies. See if you can separate out the truth.

Armchair Interviews says: Connelly fans will be thrilled.

THE BRASS VERDICT is Michael Connelly's latest novel. The plot summary promises a thrilling ride featuring Mickey Haller from THE LINCOLN LAWYER and Connelly's great Harry Bosch. What you actually get is a Mickey Haller novel in which Bosch plays a minor roll. If it were a movie, Bosch would be on the screen about a fifth of the time. While I love Connelly's writing and Haller is a great character, I was disappointed to not see more Bosch.

Mickey Haller works alone. He and Jerry Vincent were friends and used each other as stand-ins and for referrals. When Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller discovers that he will inherit all of Vincent's cases. The big case is Walter Elliot. Elliot is a big shot Hollywood producer being accused of killing his wife and her lover. Haller sees this as a big pay day and a chance to make a name for himself. Bosch enters the scene trying to find out who killed Vincent. Haller doesn't want to be too helpful, as is the nature of the relationship between detectives and defense lawyers. The story continues with Haller trying to figure out what really happened with Walter Elliot, and what Vincent may have been involved in that got him killed.

Overall, THE BRASS VERDICT disappointed me. I think that is because my expectations are so high for a Connelly novel. As far as the pros go, this is a great legal novel told entirely from Haller's point of view. Haller, and his ex-wife/assistant and his investigator Cisco are all interesting. Patrick the chauffer adds to the novel as well. I was disappointed in the role Bosch had in the book, and not just because he wasn't in much of it. As you read the novel, you'll see there is a lot more going on on Bosch's side than is written about. I felt Bosch fans were teased by this. The fact that Haller and Bosch are half-brothers is mentioned and handled well.

Connelly is one of the best authors out there, so it is easy for me to say it is a great novel, one of the best, and yet still disappointing for Connelly fans. Definitely a must read though, and I can't wait for the next Bosch-centered novel.

Although I cannot say that I have read all of Connelly's works, I've tackled enough to be able to say that I personally feel that the Brass Verdict is one of his best efforts. I knew going in that this work features both of Connelly's two main characters -- the Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller and perennial favorite, detective Harry Bosch. Connelly effectively brings the two characters together in a fast-paced legal thriller, each with a unique perspective that at times is antagonistic, while at other times synergistic. All-in-all, this book was fantastic - completely captivating and nearly impossible to put down. Connelly pulls the story forward with strong character development, with the reader drawn into a range of emotions and motivations that spans the character set. Start to finish, this is a great story with surprises littered throughout until the final pages.

The Brass Verdict has it all....well-developed characters you like if they're good and despise if they're bad, a unique and interesting plot with many twists, and a pace that keeps you reading. It interfered with some other things in my life I should have been doing, so watch out once you pick it up. You will enjoy it.

Connelly's two series' protagonists - long-running Homicide detective Harry Bosch and the newcomer, defense attorney Mickey Haller - form an intriguing team in Connelly's latest thriller.

Haller, who first appeared in 2005's "The Lincoln Lawyer," takes center stage. After a year getting sober he's thinking about going back to work when he suddenly inherits a murdered colleague's entire case load - including the high-profile homicide of a celebrity producer's wife and her lover. The producer, Walter Elliot, has been charged with the killings.

Bosch is the lead detective in the shooting death of Elliot's original defense attorney, Michael Vincent, and Haller finds him going through Vincent's files when he arrives at the dead man's office to take over. There's the usual cops and lawyers hostility, spiced up by the fact (known to Bosch, not to Haller) that the two are half-brothers.

Although Haller puts a stop to the file rifling, there is give-and-take between them once Bosch points out that, absent an obvious motive for Vincent's murder, Haller could be next.

Meanwhile Haller is scurrying to get up to speed on the Elliot case. Trial date is less than a week away, Vincent's laptop and case notes were stolen when he was shot and Elliot, insisting on his innocence, has refused a continuance.

From the ins and outs of jury selection, witness lists, cross-examination, "magic bullets" and "everyone lies" philosophies, Connelly keeps the legal dance hopping. His prose is very clear and direct, making the legal complications all the more dazzling. The plot itself is fairly simple, even predictable, but Connelly fleshes out a classic framework with personal depth and unexpected detail. Readers will look forward to the next stage in the development of Haller and Bosch.

Mickey Haller first appeared in Connelly's 2005 novel The Lincoln Lawyer. I had followed the Harry Bosch detective series ( 13 up to now ) since 1993 and wasn't too sure about a 'new' character, but was happily proven wrong. Haller is back in The Brass Verdict. The best part? Harry Bosch is featured as well!

Defense lawyer Mickey Haller inherits a dead colleague's law practice and with it what could be his biggest case ever. His client, Walter Elliot, wants the case to proceed quickly, so Haller is playing catchup. But is his client holding something back? The dead colleague, Jerry Vincent, was murdered and Detective Harry Bosch is on the case. Can Vincent's murder and Elliot's case be tied together? Haller and Bosch may have to put their heads together for this one. The ending was fantastic setting up what I hope will be many more books where both characters are featured.

Connelly's writing skillfully captures both courtroom and police investigation scenes and dialogue. The legal aspect is never dry and the investigation side always keeps you guessing. His characters are believable and human. The personal lives and relationships of the main and supporting characters greatly enhance the whole storyline. It was interesting to see Harry Bosch through Haller's eyes. It was a bit of a different Bosch than I have become accustomed to. But that too is part of Connelly's skill - keeping us on our toes and never, never letting us become bored of his writing!

I always anticipate starting a new book by one of my favourite authors and try to stretch it out and 'make it last'. But yet again it didn't work - I burned through this new release in just over a day. Sigh.....another year till the next one.

I have read all of Mr. Connelly's books and I must say I enjoyed this one the best. The perspective of Harry Bosch from a defense attorney view was enlightening. It gave his anti-hero personality more depth. I loved the ending.