The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
A Fine Detective Thriller by Author of The Scarecrow
Jul 12, 2009
Defense Attorney, Mickey Haller has weathered ill health and a stint in rehab during the last two years and is looking to gradually get back into the business of litigating cases. The gradually part goes out of the window when his former colleague, Jerry Vincent, is murdered and names Haller to take over his practice. Among the three dozen cases is a high profile murder case involving a prominent Hollywood producer, Walter Elliot, accused of killing his much younger wife and her lover.
A Killer on the Lose
As Haller struggles to get up to date on the Elliot case and several others that are set for trial in the next several weeks, he learns that Vincent was likely murdered because of something he learned preparing one of his cases for trial – cases on which Haller is now working. Enter Harry Bosch, the seasoned LAPD detective who has appeared in numerous Connelly novels. Bosch is an unlikely ally for a defense attorney, but Haller and Bosch form an uneasy, but mutually beneficial working relationship.
Complicating matters are inconsistencies in Elliot's story, his smug refusal to worry about the possibility of life imprisonment or worse, and recurring references to a "magic bullet." Elliott also insists that the trial continue without a postponement for Haller to prepare his case.
Haller as a Decoy
As the Elliott trial begins, Haller finds even more disturbing facts about his client and about Vincent's last days. So uneasy is he about what he's learned that he goes as far as to let Bosch use him as bait to bring out the truth and the real criminals.
The Brass Verdict is a classic Connelly novel, peopled with failed, but likable, heroes and enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled. Connelly is very good at writing to both longtime fans of the Bosch series and newcomers to his novels. Each book seems to offer new insight into Bosch's character, but they also can stand alone well.
About Michael Connelly
Connelly is a University of Florida graduate and former crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times. His 1992 novel, Black Echo, won the Mystery Writers Guild of American Edgar Award for best first novel. Since then he has written over 20 novels. His novel, The Scarecrow was published in early 2009 and 9 Dragons, a new Harry Bosch novel, will come out in October of 2009. Connelly lives in Florida with his family.
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If you enjoyed The Brass Verdict, consider reading:
- The Messenger by Daniel Silva
- Cross by James Patterson
- Hidden Assassins by Robert Wilson
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