The Gods of Guilt

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Peter Giles

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

INSPIRATION FOR THE ORIGINAL SERIES THE LINCOLN LAWYER–THE #1 TV SHOW ON NETFLIX

Defense attorney Mickey Haller is forced to bend the law until it breaks when he is hired to defend a man accused of killing a prostitute in this novel of courtroom suspense, the "best one yet" (The Washington Post).

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. The Gods of Guilt shows once again why "Michael Connelly excels, easily surpassing John Grisham in the building of courtroom suspense" (Los Angeles Times).

©2013 Michael Connelly (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The combination of this fast-paced courtroom drama and Giles's steady and consistent narration makes for an engrossing listening experience…Giles's rich portrayals help listeners differentiate the multiple characters as Haller becomes convinced that his client is not only innocent but also the victim of an elaborate setup involving local police and DEA agents." (AudioFile)

"Connelly knows when to put his foot on the gas and when to take it off. Once he has you on board, turning the pages, you won't want to climb off." (Boston Globe)

"Haller is the kind of slick, cynical showman who can't resist making high drama out of every legal procedure....There's always something deadly serious behind Connelly's entertaining courtroom high jinks" (New York Times Book Review)

Great story

Another hit for Michael Connelly. The Gods of Guilt is very good and fast read.

another winner for Connelly and Micky

It is amazing to me that Connelly can continue to produce "mysteries" which maintain suspense until the closing chapters. Perhaps a little license as far as capabilities of his "posse" but still entertaining

Great story, love the characters

Would highly recommend the Lincoln lawyer series. The author never disappoints. Looking forward to watching the Netflix series.

Spellbound

I just loved this audiobook! Captivated the entire time. Listened to this every time we had a break @ work.

God of Scribe

After reading all 5 Mickey Haller novels, I have come to 1 definitive conclusion. Michael Connelly has both a boundless and an immeasurably creative mind. I have read many 'courtroom' thrillers, and i would firmly place Connelly at the top of the list of authors in this genre. Whats crazy is this isn't even his bread and butter. Mickey Haller is the cherry to the Hieronymus Bosch sundae. Simply put, this man can write. All 5 Haller novels are easily worth a credit.

Connelly Connects Again

Michael Connelly has always been dependable in delivering a top notch Harry Bosh or Mickey Haller story. His detective and lawyer yarns have been so good, I never bothered to write a review in this forum. Most everybody loves chocolate, so why rave and try and convince more people to partake in this pleasure.

I've noticed a number of reviewers indicating that this book about the lawyer is not up to the standards of one or more previous books. My only question for them is - did they really read the same book that I did!

I was fascinated by the intricacies of the trial, I got choked up near the end of the book (good thing I was alone in my car at the time and nobody saw that), and was blindsided by how a major witness ended up testifying. This was very entertaining from start to finish.

The neat thing about a Mickey Haller book is you never know if his client is really guilty or innocent until you are well into the story. Mr. Connelly is willing to expose that person you have been rooting for as a villain. This author is also willing to show our hero lawyer as not so praiseworthy in defending and freeing obviously guilty criminals.

You will have to read "The Gods of Guilt" to find out if he pulls any of those stunts in his latest book. I'm sure the majority of you will be glad you did.

No Gods Here

Had "Gods of Guilt" been written by a lesser talent, it would be five stars all the way. But considering the source, it's a bit of a disappointment although well worth the credit.

Connelly debuted Mickey Haller as the star of "The Lincoln Lawyer," one of my favorite books in any genre. It's smoking good on every level. I listened to it twice, read it and watched the movie. Never a let down.

Since then, Haller has not been living up to his potential. If he were a property, he'd have moved from an ocean view to a tract home in the valley. Connelly's not giving him the wide view such a magnificent character deserves. In the first book, Haller lived in his head, and it was big lens. Since then, he's going through the motions. Where's the fabulous trickster sensibility? Greatly diminished.

"Gods of Guilt" (pretentious title for the jury) starts slow and gains speed. By the half-way point, I was engrossed without ever being in love.

Another thing. Without giving away anything about plots featuring Haller, it's safe to say this criminal defense attorney would be a wash-out at the personal injury bar. In "Lincoln Lawyer," he doesn't even consider the possibility of a big payday from a tort against himself. And the injury comes from a fabulously wealthy and totally guilty family.

This time out, Haller congratulates himself for getting a little money for a grievously injured client. Mickey: You got pocket change. Your client almost died in the hands of criminals, and you're boasting about what you got him? If those dollars were 1950 dollars, maybe. In the 21st century, for a guy who's supposed to be good at the bottom line, you're verging on malpractice.

Michael Connelly should consult with a few plaintiff lawyers before his character blows any more chances to get the money. John Grisham never makes these kind of mistakes, but then, he is a lawyer. For my money, Connelly is the better writer.

Bravo for narrator Peter Giles. Flawless.

Excellent entry in the series

This is an excellent entry in the Micky Haller series. As always, the story moves swiftly and without much cliche or cringe-inducing moments you typically expect from legal thrillers (things are going great, oh wait, twist!).

Great narration and a good tale -- my only gripe would be more with the series as a whole: each entry Connelly seems to "reboot" Micky. He may make out well in a book, but by the beginning of the next, expect him to be downtrodden again.

Gripping story

Gripping story. As it unfolds, I'm aware that it's following a formula, but it's a formula which works. Suspenseful. Characters believable. Surprises, but it stays on track. Very good narration. Overall a success.

Typical Connelly book

It’s a great series. It traps you like soap operas do.

It does seem like he’s getting tired of all the characters towards the end.... but I’d be surprised if there’s not another book where he ties it all together which Connelly seems to be one of the best at doing.