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The Brass Verdict (Harry Bosch Series #14 & Mickey Haller Series #2) [NOOK Book]
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Consistently exquisite prose and engrossing storylines play an integral role in his swelling success. However, Connelly believes that solid character development is the most important key. As he explained to MagnaCumMurder.com, "I think books with weak or translucent plots can survive if the character being drawn along the path is rich, interesting and multi-faceted. The opposite is not true."
A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connelly attended the University of Florida; there he discovered the works of Raymond Chandler -- author of many classic Los Angeles-based noir dramas such as The Big Sleep, The Long Goodbye, and Farewell, My Lovely. The cases of Philip Marlowe inspired Connelly to be a crime novelist -- and by studying journalism, he put himself in the perfect position. "I went into journalism to learn the craft of writing and to get close to the world I wanted to write about -- police and criminals, the criminal justice system," he told MagnaCumMurder.com.
After graduation, Connelly worked the crime beat for two Florida newspapers. When a story he and a colleague wrote about the disastrous 1985 crash of Delta Flight 191 was short-listed for the Pulitzer, Connelly landed a gig in Marlowe's backyard, covering crime for one of the nation's largest newspapers -- The Los Angeles Times. Three years later, Harry Bosch was introduced in The Black Echo, which earned Connelly the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Connelly has since won every major mystery honor, including the Anthony (The Poet, Blood Work) and the Macavity Award (Blood Work).
While Connelly has written stand-alone novels that don't feature his tragic protagonist Harry Bosch, he is best identified by his rigid, contentious and fiery -- but also immensely skilled and compassionate -- detective. According to The Boston Globe, the Bosch series "raises the hard-boiled detective novel to a new level...adding substance and depth to modern crime fiction."
Called "one of the most compelling, complex protagonists in recent crime fiction" (Newsweek) and "a terrific...wonderful, old-fashioned hero who isn't afraid to walk through the flames -- and suffer the pain for the rest of us" (The New York Times Book Review), Bosch faces unforgettable horrors every day -- either on the street or in his own mind. "Bosch is making up for wrongs done to him when he rights wrongs as a homicide detective," Connelly explained in an interview with his publisher. "In a way, he is an avenging angel."
Bosch is clearly a product of his deadly, unforgiving environment. "The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote that when you look into the darkness of the abyss the abyss looks into you. Probably no other line or thought more inspires or informs my work," said Connelly in the same interview. With each passing novel, Bosch looks deeper and deeper into the abyss; and readers continue to return to see just how far he will gaze.
"I wrote a mystery story as a class paper in high school. It was called The Perfect Murder. The protagonist's named was McEvoy, a name I later used for the protagonist in The Poet. Being a witness to a crime when I was 16 was what made me interested in crime novels and mystery stories."
"I wrote my first real murder story as a journalist for the Daytona Beach News Journal in 1980. It was about a body found in the woods. Later, the murder was linked to a serial killer who was later caught and executed for his crimes."
"Everything I want people to know about me is in my books."
Anonymous
Posted February 21, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Michael Connelly's "The Brass Verdict" is a well-written, taunt, suspenseful read. Defense attorney, Michael "Mickey" Haller inherits his murdered friend's high profile law firm. This no doubt comes with a high price complete with the case of the decade involving a Hollywood producer accused of murdering his wife and her lover. If that's not enough, enter Detective Harry Bosch who then squares off against Mickey Haller. It's Bosch versus Haller and neither is backing down. Haller then unwittingly becomes the bait and the story really breaks loose.
"The Brass Verdict" is an enjoyable read. The narrative is strong with an intriguing storyline and the characters are woven well throughout the book. It begins a bit slow up to about page 90 giving the reader a background of all of the cases. It feels at times that you're an employee at a law firm instead of a reader. If you are a bit bored, hang in there because it definitely picks up. I would consider this book a suspense or mystery instead of a thriller.
The only downside was that I guessed a major part of what was going to happen by page 100. However, there are still some great twists to give a satisfying ending to the story. Also, to all of you Bosch fans out there, beware; he is definitely a secondary character in this story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great suspenseful read.
-Jennifer Chase, author of thriller "Compulsion"
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book had me hooked from page one! The more and more I read the harder and harder it was for me to stop. The large number of twists and turns kept me reading until two in the morning. If you are a Connelly fan I urge...or rather...DEMAND that you read this book. You will not be disappointed.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 4, 2008
As an avid mystery reader and placing Michael Connelly in my top five authors list, I was disappointed in all aspects of this book. The character development lagged, their was a lack of humor, and the plot was not suspenseful. Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly is one of my favorite books. I have given it as gifts and reread it myself. Here's hoping Michael's next book is up to Lincoln Lawyer standards!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 30, 2008
Michael Connelly's 'The Brass Verdict' is, in my opinion, an amazing feat. First, let me confess that I am not a huge fan of 'lawyer' novels. That aside, I read Connelly's 'The Lincoln Lawyer' last year and was completely bowled over. With super tight plotting and no obscure judicial rumblings, Connelly deftly sliced and diced his way through a gripping tale. Now with his new book, 'The Brass Verdict', I am standing up cheering for more... yeah, you heard right. And I'm the reader who doesn't like lawyer books!
His main character, Counselor Mickey Haller is twice divorced but not bitter; likable in a principled way but willing to bend the rules and finally, he's kind of a wuss when it comes down to violence and sometimes it does come down to violence. All the supporting characters like his ex-wives, his investigator friend and even his chauffeur read like real people who help drive the plot forward, not just clichés who hang like drapes in the background.
His villains have been done before but, but what villains haven¿t? At least they ring true in the context of the story and there are always a few clever red herrings or plot twists scattered throughout, plus a few classic OMGs at the end. However, in The Brass Verdict, there's another unique twist: Harry Bosch, Connelly¿s stalwart hero in a dozen previous books, shows up as the head detective investigating a studio mogul's wife's murder. What is unusual is that we see a completely new Harry Bosch through Haller's eyes, and believe me, it's not one we've seen before, what with the "flat, cold eyes" and a nasty bag of tricks he uses to try and trick Haller into betraying the hallowed lawyer/client privilege. Things get even edgier when Haller¿s little girl wants to know why he always trys to get the bad guys out of jail, something all of us sometimes wonder about defense attorneys. There are also subplots of FBI subterfuge, mafia involvement, surfer hijinks but thankfully, no gooey love story tagged on to appease the dewy-eyed reader.
Indeed, there are a lot of courtroom scenes in this book, but they dovetail nicely into the plot and Haller's superb first person narrative plants you firmly at the defense table with all the info you need to have a pleasant and not overly taxing read. I think the verdict¿s clearly in - grab The Lincoln Lawyer first, read it, then go out and buy The Brass Verdict. You won¿t regret it.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 6, 2009
This was the first Michael Connelly book I read where the main character was not only Harry Bosch but shared by another character. It just proved to me that Michael Connelly's books are just as good regardless who his main character's are. He keeps you on the edge of your seat, and keeps you guessing all the way through the book.
He has become one of my favorite authors. After I read the 1st Harry Bosch novel, I was hooked and proceeded to read every one of his books prior to this one.
I cannot wait for the next.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 23, 2008
The book was simply excellent; I was surprised by some of the negative reviews. This is not a Bosch book, it¿s more of a Haller book, HB is there as a supporting cast. However, it was nice to see how the story was woven with both characters in the book. The book reads like early Grisham, and then some. If there¿s a candidate for a movie from the Connelly series, this is it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ReviewYourBook.com
Posted November 18, 2008
Michael Connelly
Little, Brown, & Co., 2008
ISBN: 9780316166294
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 11/08
4 Stars
Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch together¿.
Michael Connelly brings two of his famous characters together in one powerful mystery. Mickey Haller is a defense lawyer working on the biggest case of his career. Harry Bosch is a LAPD Detective investigating the murder of Jerry Vincent. When the killer goes after Haller, the two men join forces to solve the case.
Mickey is a lovable sleaze, and Bosch is abrasive; when paired together they are a dynamic duo. I do not usually read lawyer books, but I made an exception this time. I am glad I did. Connelly gives his characters depth. Their personalities are strong. The plot is multifaceted and stimulating. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending had a surprise twist. Fans of courtroom drama will not want to miss The Brass Verdict.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mickey Haller first appeared in Connelly's 2005 novel The Lincoln Lawyer. I had followed the Harry Bosch detective series ( 13 up to now ) since 1993 and wasn't too sure about a 'new' character, but was happily proven wrong. Haller is back in The Brass Verdict. The best part? Harry Bosch is featured as well!
Defense lawyer Mickey Haller inherits a dead colleague's law practice and with it what could be his biggest case ever. His client, Walter Elliot, wants the case to proceed quickly, so Haller is playing catchup. But is his client holding something back? The dead colleague, Jerry Vincent, was murdered and Detective Harry Bosch is on the case. Can Vincent's murder and Elliot's case be tied together? Haller and Bosch may have to put their heads together for this one. The ending was fantastic setting up what I hope will be many more books where both characters are featured.
Connelly's writing skillfully captures both courtroom and police investigation scenes and dialogue. The legal aspect is never dry and the investigation side always keeps you guessing. His characters are believable and human. The personal lives and relationships of the main and supporting characters greatly enhance the whole storyline. It was interesting to see Harry Bosch through Haller's eyes. It was a bit of a different Bosch than I have become accustomed to. But that too is part of Connelly's skill - keeping us on our toes and never, never letting us become bored of his writing!
I always anticipate starting a new book by one of my favourite authors and try to stretch it out and 'make it last'. But yet again it didn't work - I burned through this new release in just over a day. Sigh.....another year till the next one.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 22, 2008
I Also Recommend:
The Brass Verdict was so disappointing because it was so dull. Harry Bosch was barely in it and when he is there is always a verbal confrontation with Mickey Haller. The story should have been cut in half.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 17, 2010
I discovered this book (and author) while at Thrillerfest, a thriller writers workshop held in NYC for the past several years. During breaks between sessions, Barnes and Noble opens a store for the guests, both writers and speakers. Last year, I rubbed elbows with bestselling author, Steve Martini, who was checking out the competition and buying books like the rest of us mere mortals. He picked up "Brass Verdict" and I followed his lead.
"Brass Verdict" is a gritty legal thriller featuring a lawyer (Mickey Haller) and a police detective (Harry Bosch) who bring scum to justice. Each character has been featured in a Connelly series of his own, but in "Brass Verdict," the two work on the same case, not always together. Bosch is the investigating detective for the murder of a lawyer and Haller inherits the dead man's practice. That inheritance places Haller in danger and also gives him a chance to try his biggest case yet. Bosch will stop at nothing to catch the lawyer's killer and Haller just might be his prime suspect.
Bosch and Haller are both flawed in their own grumpy, wrinkled way, each has interesting baggage and the pairing of the two characters is terrific!
In the big reveal near the end of the book, we find out why they have been brought together in "Brass Verdict." The novel is so well crafted that I became a big Connelly fan and will now go back to the beginning of each of the series to find out how the characters may have changed in the intervening years.
Great read!
Rated R for mature readers
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.onno_tak
Posted April 27, 2009
I do not remember since Honore De Balzac," which I am fond of"
will keep me sleepless to finish his master pieces. As a fact
everyone of his books qualifies for this distinction.
I live with the characters,I feel what they feel and they are
so realistic the way presented to readers.
Are we in heaven or what?.
I have amassed all his books and proud of my collection.
Any connection you may have with him,please give my utmost
respects for the way he spins all his plots.
Respectfully yours.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I gave this book 3 1/2 stars. Connelly brings together two of the best characters in police and courtroom thrillers - Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller. I was expecting a lot more but was let down specifically because I did not see the necessity of putting Harry Bosch into the story as his role could have been filled by any no name detective. The book is totally a Mickey Haller story and is told from his perspective. Harry Bosch is a minor character without the normal Harry tenacity we have come to know.
Mickey inherits a number of cases after one of his former law acquaintances is murdered. One of the cases is a high profile case involving one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. As things unfold, Mickey learns his predecessor was murdered because of this case.
The book lacks the tension of The Lincoln Lawyer but does have some good if brief courtroom exchanges. I still give Mr. Connelly the benefit of the doubt and do look foreward to his next effort. I hope it is a lot better than this one.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 9, 2009
Great plot, with a few interesting twist along the way. Well worth your time.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I would be willing to say that I think Michael Connelly is one of the best mystery/crime/courtroom drama writers in the world. His book are always well thought out, expertly written, and very engaging to the reader. I finished this book in record time as I was trapped between the pages from beginning to end. I almost feel like I need to re-read THE LINCOLN LAWYER to remember correctly what happened to Mickey Haller. I liked the suprise revealed between Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch near the books end. I am eagerly awaiting the author's next book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 4, 2008
I was asked to read an excerpt several months ago, and was so captivated that I could hardly wait for the book to be released. If you liked the Lincoln Lawyer, you will love this one. Connelly's characters are so interesting and off-beat, that it takes the reader on a great journey, both personally and story wise
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 20, 2008
Let me begin by saying that I am a card carrying, dyed in the wool, Harry Bosch fan! I've read all of the series and couldn't wait for this one to come out. I was standing in the driveway waiting for "Mr. Brown" to deliver this book (audio book). That being said, I felt a little disappointed in this one. The plot seemed contrived to me and left me wanting more explanation. A superior court judge could pull $1000 bills out of her toilet and certainly wouln't threaten her livelyhood with the likes of Vincent. Come on, Mike! And while on the subject of believability, Hachett Audio, what ever made you think that the great Harry Bosch would speak with a lisp!!! Poor choice of reader for this genre. Not Michael Connelly's best effort in my opionion, with a focus on Mikey Haller and Harry Bosch, it just watered it down to no focus. Sorry, Michael, but I will still be waiting in the driveway for the next one so keep on keeping on.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 18, 2012
This was the second in the Mickey Haller series. I enjoyed the Lincoln Lawyer and then bought this one. I enjoyed it tremendously and plan to read the other two in the series. I would recommend this book. I am a lawyer and am very critical of books that are poor representations of the legal field, but this one is dead on.
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Posted December 29, 2011
Connelly is a good writer. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more in the Haller series.
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Posted December 14, 2011
LOVE ALL OF HARRY BOSCH SERIES
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ILOVEMYNOOKBV
Posted November 29, 2011
I just loved this book and after reading The Lincoln Lawyer and seeing the movie I can put faces to the charcters. It's like another layer of pleasure to the joy of reading an exciting book. I am a fan!!
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Overview
Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is back in the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the ...