Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Fifth Witness - Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly is one of my favourite authors. I wasn't too sure about the Mickey Haller character when he introduced this new series, but I'm an ardent fan now. The Fifth Witness is the fourth book featuring the lawyer who practices out of the back of his Lincoln.

The Fifth Witness finds Mickey working on stalling or nullifying home foreclosures. With the downturn in the economy, he's got no lack of business. Lisa Trammel was one of his first clients. Eight months later, she needs his criminal defense skills instead. She's been charged with the murder of one of the officers of the bank who were foreclosing on her. It doesn't look good for her, but Mickey follows his cardinal rule - don't ask if they did it.

Connelly has taken a very current issue and created an absolutely riveting, page turning tale. The characters are very well drawn. Lisa Trammel is unlikeable - her dialogue and actions paint a vivid image.The supporting cast at the office is quirky, eclectic and loyal. The secondary personal storyline involving Mickey's ex wife Maggie 'McFierce' reveals the 'other' side of Haller. I enjoyed the courtroom drama and antics - you can almost feel the atmosphere in Connelly's writing. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. And the end also provides the best teaser for the next Haller book!

Quite simply it was a five star read for me - well, actually a five star listen as I chose the audio version of this book. Peter Giles was the reader - for me he is the voice of Haller. His voice is slightly gravelly, a little time worn, very expressive and easy to understand. He easily conveys the emotion and action with his tone. Listen to an excerpt. Or read an excerpt of The Fifth Witness.

I haven't seen the movie of The Lincoln Lawyer yet starring Matthew McConaughey, but I plan to. I'm not sure how McConaughey will fit the mental image I've created. Has anyone seen the movie yet? What did you think?

5 comments:

Just Mom said...

I saw the movie last weekend and loved it. Of course, I hadn't read the book so didn't have any mental image to contend with. Matt doesn't look like himself in this movie. He starts out pretty good but ends up haggard not too far in - he wasn't the eye candy I was expecting!

bermudaonion said...

I'm a huge Mickey Haller fan after reading The Lincoln Lawyer. I want to continue with the rest of the series.

Thoughts of Joy said...

I read the book when it first came out and saw the movie right away, too. I thought they were both very good. I definitely don't think Matt's eye candy and don't really care for him in general either, but he did a good acting job. It's worth seeing.

Pam (@iwriteinbooks) said...

I haven't seen the movie (nor have I read the book) but anything starring Matthew might get me to the theater. ;O)

Luanne said...

It sounds like Matt does a good job - I'll definitely see it at some point. ( Too many books to read right now!)