However, there is also the other side of the spectrum... those who see justice as being something malleable that changes shape depending on perspective. Mickey Haller is one such defense attorney, and in The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly he ends up taking a path most interesting.
The book, which is the first one in the series and was adapted into a major-motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey, introduces us to the world of the Lincoln Lawyer.
Working out of his, you guessed it, Lincoln, he spends his days driving from one point to the next, searching for the one big case that will give him the exposure he needs to really make it big, which hopefully means being promoted to defending rich mass murderers and internationally-notorious jewel thieves. Right out of nowhere, that case falls right into his lap: a rich boy from Beverly Hills is accused of assault and attempted murder on a prostitute.
At first, Haller dreads the possibility that the case may never make it to trial and that he won't get the recognition he so desperately seeks. Perhaps destiny heard him beckoning, a but couple a of twists and a murder later, Haller finds himself in the suspect's seat and caught in a moral dilemma as his client turns out to be anything but a dumb rich white kid too drunk on his own money.
To begin with, Connelly takes good care to introduce us to Haller's world, showing us the kinds of people he works with, where he spends his time, what he thinks of himself, the world around him, and of course, lady justice herself.
The character development is rather superb, as Haller already starts his journey rather fleshed-out, growing ever-more complex by the end of it. Watching him navigate and rationalize to himself the moral pickle he finds himself in is nearly as thrilling as seeing the case unfold.
Speaking of the main course, the case unfolds at a semi-quick pace, taking breaks wherever appropriate to ensure it all flows organically. This is one of those books where no matter how long it is, you'll feel like you are devouring it one page after the next; the writing is very smooth and the pacing matches whatever the situation may dictate. The client, Louis Roulet is a rather cunning and dangerous element, with it quickly becoming clear that he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
There are certainly a whole lot of twists and turns, many of which you won't see coming until they hit you right in the face. Everything happens intelligently and follows a very solid internal logic; there are no glaring plot holes to speak of (and otherwise), and characters react appropriately to situations.
Haller's meditations on humanity are interspersed throughout the novel and are actually quite gripping, elaborating on realizations we've likely often made but never really grasped or put into the right words.
Fans of the author and anyone looking for the best of the legal thriller genre must give this book a shot.
Favorite quote: "I view people two ways. They're either eye-for-an-eye people or they are turn-the-cheek people."
 | Michael ConnellyPersonal site Michael Connelly is perhaps one of the most popular modern writers, starting has career when he discovered Raymond Chandler’s writings at his university. To support himself, he worked at the local newspaper while specializing in crime, which shows in virtually all of his works touching on criminal subjects, such as The Black Box and The Lincoln Lawyer. |
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