I am in the process of catching up on Michael Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer series featuring defense attorney Mickey Haller. The Gods of Guilt is the fifth book in the series. As you can see form my previous reads, I have generally enjoyed the Lincoln Lawyer novels. I enjoyed this one, but I did feel like there were significant plot issues with this story. Haller and his team investigate the crime to develop an alternate theory to build their defense case on. In this story, the alternate theory involves corrupt law enforcement characters.
It felt like Connelly stretched “reality” in how the investigation by Haller’s team and the story developed. There also were several “side” threads that did not seem relevant to the plot or supported by the overall series arc. This include the introduction of a new character who was Mickey Haller’s father’s legal partner and mentor. It seems strange such a key character got introduced so late in the series arc. There is also reference to a movie being made about Haller. Unlike the film in the Bosch story arc, this one just doesn’t seem to fit. Not sure if those weaknesses just occurred in this book or indicate Connelly was starting to cut corners or distracted by his Hollywood involvement. I have already read a couple of Bosch novels that were released after this and didn’t see these types of issues. The next book up on my list is The Crossing, a 2015 Bosch novel featuring both Bosch and Haller. Will see if this was just an aberration or not.
Read more about the book on the author’s website.
The Gods of Guilt
By Michael Connelly
Mickey Haller gets the text, “Call me ASAP — 187,” and the California penal code for murder immediately gets his attention. Murder cases have the highest stakes and the biggest paydays, and they always mean Haller has to be at the top of his game.
When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.
Published December 2, 2013
401 pages (print)