The Stolen Hours - Allen Eskens

I read Allen Eskens' award winning debut novel, The Life We Bury, back in 2014 - and every book he's written since. They've all been fantastic reads and I can't recommend Eskens enough. 

His latest is The Stolen Hours. We first met Joe and Lila in The Life We Bury. It's Lila who takes center stage in this latest. She almost has her law degree and just needs to put in her time working with a prosecutor in the Hennepin County Attorney's office. Faithful readers will know of Lila's struggles to get this far. But the past comes barreling at her with a prosecutor who is determined to derail her dreams. Even worse is a suspect that Lila thinks has ties to her own past.

Lila is such a great character. She's so likeable and real - wounded, determined, clever and more. Eskens does a great job portraying her inner thoughts, struggles, trauma and memories realistically. The reader will be one hundred percent behind her. Joe makes a cameo and I hope Eskens has more in store for him. The supporting cast were just as well drawn, with Detective Nikki Vang returning and introducing prosecutor Andie Fitch. I hope she too is included in future novels.

I love a good mystery and courtroom battle. Eskens is a former defense attorney and that inside knowledge adds much to his plotting. The 'bad guy' in this case? A malevolent man named Gavin. He's quite sure he is smarter than the cops, his lawyer and the prosecutors. After all, he's been at this for awhile and has a foolproof plan if he's ever arrested. He's given a (chilling) voice with his own chapters. And I have to say that I was completely fooled by Eskens as to the whodunit! I love being unable to predict the final pages. 

Eskens' writing flows easily and makes for addictive reading - I devoured The Stolen Hours in a day. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Stolen Hours.

The Law of Innocence - Michael Connelly

I couldn't wait to read Michael Connelly's newest book - The Law of Innocence. It's a fantastic read (as I knew it would be) and one I finished far too quickly.

The Law of Innocence is the latest in the 'Lincoln Lawyer' series. Mickey Haller is headed home one night after celebrating his latest 'not guilty'. He's stone cold sober when he's pulled over, but cooperates - to a point. Then the cop pops the trunk - and discovers the body inside. Haller is innocent of course, but just like that, he's the one in jail and headed to trial. Mickey elects to represent himself - with some help from his regular team - and some additions. Fans of Connolly will be happy to see Harry Bosch as well. (Another fantastic series!)

And the title? "The law of innocence is unwritten. It will not be found in a leather bound codebook. It will never be argued in a courtroom....In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And the prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world." That's what Haller wants for himself. They've got to figure out who the real killer is.

Connelly is simply brilliant at plotting. The reader is along for the ride as Haller and team try to piece together the 'why' of the body in his trunk. They are hampered not just by Mickey being locked up, but also by the prosecutor, who is determined to make her mark by taking down the famed 'Lincoln Lawyer.' The courtroom and the machinations of a trial are eye opening. I was fascinated by the behind the scenes look.

I love the characters in this series as well. Mickey is such a strong personality and force of nature. But Connelly also gives him a human side, often shown through his daughter. Faithful readers will be surprised by some of the turns Haller's personal life takes.  The reappearance of a past player is very welcome. I look forward to the next book to see where things go. And being in jail gives Mickey a look at the other side of the bars...

The dialogue is so sharp and focused. The prose flow so easily and make for truly addictive reading. Connelly's background and skill are a big part of why his crime and legal thrillers ring so true. 

Who, or should I say what, also makes an appearance? Yup, Covid 19. And I loved the brief political opinion one character voices.

So very, very good on so many levels! See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Law of Innocence.