Another Heart-Stopping Thriller from Michael Connelly: Read our Review of The Law of Innocence

Michael Connelly is the megastar bestselling author of the Harry Bosch thriller series, now also on TV. His books have sold more than 74 million copies worldwide, been translated into 40 languages and have won awards all over the world. Each and every time you pick up one of his books, you know he’ll deliver. His crime novels sit atop a very strong genre. If you’re new to his work, then you have a huge backlist to discover. If you’re already a fan, you never have to wait too long for a new novel – Connelly is prolific. Earlier this year, the gripping Fair Warning was released, where stalwart journalist Jack McEvoy – the hero of The Poet and The Scarecrow – tracked a serial killer who had been operating completely under the radar.

Now, only a few months later, we’re gifted with The Law of Innocence (also featuring Harry Bosch), the next instalment of the Mickey Haller series. (Don’t worry if the various series, and instalments in those series seem confusing at first. All of Connelly’s novels read well as standalones.)

In this, Mickey Haller, a defence attorney, is pulled over by police, and the body of a client is discovered in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is charged with murder and can’t make the exorbitant $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge.

Haller knows he’s been framed and elects to defend himself.

But it isn’t easy to build a defence from a cell in the Twin Towers Jail in downtown Los Angeles – as an officer of the court he is an instant target.

With the help of a handpicked team, including his half-brother Harry Bosch, Mickey races time to figure out who has plotted to destroy his life and why. And then he must go before a judge and jury to prove his own innocence.

I was riveted by the courtroom scenes, and Connelly’s understanding of legal procedure and the US justice system is outstanding. Set just before the global pandemic truly hit, unfolding events of 2020 make a modern and realistic backdrop. Many favourite characters make an appearance, adding to their multi layers for fans, but not confusing first timers.

This is another heart-stopping new thriller from Connelly. Tightly plotted, as always, with polished prose that propels you through plenty of twists and turns. One of the great things about Connelly’s crime novels is that despite having a page-turning formula down pat, even loyal readers can’t predict what will happen.

The Law of Innocence is another brilliant read from the master of crime.