Michael Connelly's The Fifth Witness

The Fifth Witness is the fourth book in the Mickey Haller series. This was a fun, fresh, and exciting legal story. When I started the book and realized that it was going to be centered on one trial and the ins and outs of this one trial, I admit, I thought to myself, “How is this going to work? This might turn into a tedious read.” However, Connelly proved me wrong (Wahoo!). I actually felt like I was part of the Mickey Haller legal team. I think that is one of the reasons I would recommend any of the Mickey Haller series and The Fifth Witness I would absolutely recommend. I would suggest to my dear readers that you read them in order, but you do not have to. I enjoy getting to know the Mickey Haller character on a personal level and not just as a lawyer. Reading them in order allows that character build up. I still feel like I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with Mickey Haller because of his smarmy lawyer antics and tricks but then he always redeems himself with the love and care he shows his family and team.

The Fifth Witness has a great build up. It is the piecing together of a puzzle. The fun part is, and one of the reasons I felt I was part of the legal team, because it felt like I was helping piece the puzzle together the same time Haller and his team were. We get to follow the investigation, discovery, inside and outside of the courtroom, all to try to find out how we are going to get a “not guilty” verdict for the defendant represented. The last few chapters of The Fifth Witness were great and I love them! Sorry, no spoilers!

I would recommend the Mickey Haller series as amusing, with creative strategies and exciting legal stories with high courtroom drama. Michael Connelly is definitely on a role with this series and I can’t wait for the next one. I loved that I started this book and ended up devouring it within days.  In the mean time, I will have to give Haller’s brother a shot with Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series.