Today’s book is The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connolly and was first published in 2005.
Strictly speaking, it’s a legal thriller, but I’d just bracket it under thriller that also overlaps with crime or mystery fiction.
You’re probably also aware that Netflix have adapted the series on the big screen, which has been a huge success so far.
Hollywood also made a film from it starring Matthew McConaughey.
It’s easy to see why. The first book in the series is action-packed, from beginning to end and is our true introduction to Mickey Haller as we know him today.
Haller is a big-city lawyer in LA and he’s unique because he plies his trade from the back of a Lincoln.
He’s a hustler who will go for a whole variety of cases. He will take anything he can get his hands on – anything to make ends meet – until one day the son of a very wealthy family asks Mickey to be his defence.
In lawyer terms this is termed a “franchise case”: one that offers financial stability for years to come.
This is a bizarre case, under a bizarre set of circumstances, and the client is of course claiming innocence.
Mickey appears to believe him as the evidence stacks up quickly, and he feels like he has the case in the bag, and it’ll be some very easy big bucks from the rich client.
Things then start to go sideways, and Mickey makes a chilling discovery.
The case has sinister undertones and things start to sour quickly; this book follows Haller on a fun but gripping journey as he tries to get to the truth and tries to find out who his client really is.
This is the first in the series and it serves as an introduction to the character of Mickey Haller, who is the protagonist.
He’s a likeable character with two ex-wives and a young daughter. They all play a part in the story as there are regular sidesteps into Haller’s personal life, which contribute greatly to his character development.
Haller has a bit of a brash edge to him as well: he comes across at times as cynical; he’s also straight-talking, dedicated to his work and often lacking a sense of humour. He takes no nonsense, and he knows it.
I imagine it’s a fair reflection of how stressful the job can be in real life, especially in a city like LA.
I hate to think the emotional rollercoaster a lawyer like Mickey Haller goes through based on the wide variety of clients he takes on.
The story is set in the sprawling world of Los Angeles. Haller works from the back of his Lincoln while his driver shuttles him between courthouses and prisons located in every corner of the city.
It’s worth mentioning here that this is part of Connolly’s “Harry Bosch Universe” and it’s number 16 out of (at the time of filming) a total of 39 novels.
Bosch isn’t mentioned in this book, but Connolly has made it a part of the series for a reason, which becomes obvious later.
I also stress you DON’T have to have read previous books in the Harry Bosch universe before starting The Lincoln Lawyer. While they take place in the same world, look at them as standalone series.
I’d put this under the umbrella of an immersive, medium to fast-paced “page-turner”. It’s easy to read and, while a legal thriller, the law vocabulary and language aren’t too complex for the average lay person.
I don’t have the first clue about California law – or any law for that matter – and had no problems understanding what was going on.
The book goes into a detailed analysis of courtroom incidents at times, and Connolly does it in a fun and absorbing way. He’s good a leaving chapters on cliffhangers, which tended to leave me craving more.
The Lincoln Lawyer is a thrilling book and had me completely engaged from beginning to end. Mickey Haller is a likeable character who, just like all of us, has his flaws.
His personal life and backstory are intertwined brilliantly with his legal work to create a healthy fusion of both character and plot development, which makes for a very well thought out story.
If I’m being a stickler, there are one or two discrepancies in the plot that don’t quite add up.
There are also several incidents where that voice in the back of my head would echo: “that would never happen in real life”, but I’m used to shutting it up and reminding myself that this a fun fiction novel.
Are thrilling page-turners ever totally realistic? I don’t think so, and these factors don’t really impact my overall opinion of the book.
This is the first book where Michael Connolly dips his toes into this genre and he has proven to be as adept as some of the greats, such as John Grisham.
It’s fun, gripping, and had me engrossed from beginning to end. I’ve used the words a couple of times, but I’d safely say it can be put in the category of “page turner”.
Connolly does a great job rounding off the novel. I’m obviously not going to spoil it, but it’s a different type of ending from what I expected, and what you so often get from this type of book.
I must give The Lincoln Lawyer nothing other than five beans!
If you don’t like books with certain farfetched parts of the plot, then maybe this isn’t for you.
But for anyone else who enjoys crime-fiction, thrillers, mysteries and particularly courtroom drama lovers, then I’d be very surprised if you didn’t thoroughly enjoy The Lincoln Lawyer.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you’ve watched the Netflix series or seen the movie, then don’t let that put you off reading the book!
If you think I’ve missed anything, or have anything else to add about this book, then please let me know in the comments! I’d love to know what you think.
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