The Fifth Witness

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Peter Giles

In this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, after taking on a foreclosure case, defense attorney Mickey Haller fights to prove his client’s innocence—but first he must follow a trail of black market evidence to its sinister end. Inspiration for the #1 Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer.​

Mickey Haller has fallen on tough times. He expands his business into foreclosure defense, only to see one of his clients accused of killing the banker she blames for trying to take away her home.

Mickey puts his team into high gear to exonerate Lisa Trammel, even though the evidence and his own suspicions tell him his client is guilty. Soon after he learns that the victim had black market dealings of his own, Haller is assaulted, too—and he's certain he's on the right trail.

Despite the danger and uncertainty, Haller mounts the best defense of his career in a trial where the last surprise comes after the verdict is in. Connelly proves again why he "may very well be the best novelist working in the United States today" (San Francisco Chronicle).

You can't put this one down

Michael Connelly is one of the best mystery writers today. He not only can tell a story but he gives you characters you want to return to again and again. Harry Bosch is as good a detective as you can find. Cassie West almost makes you forget about Lisbeth Salander. And if you ever need a good lawyer, there is none better than Mickey Haller.

Haller has appeared in four Connelly books but does his best work in The Fifth Witness. The story is fast paced and has enough twists and turns for even the most demanding mystery reader. He give you plenty of characters to cheer and a few to boo. The end is not only satisfying but sets us up for a future Haller adventure. My only regret is that I can't give this book six stars.

I had all but given up on Michael Connelly

I've read almost all of his stuff, and was a big fan of his early work, but some of his recent efforts left me cold. However, I thoroughly enjoyed The Fifth Witness. The courtroom strategizing seemed smart and well informed, and the characters were fleshed out and believable - even Haller's despicable client. Feels like Connelly's got his mojo back.

Another great yarn from Michael Connolly but...

I would love to hear his next book read by someone whose delivery is more nuanced. This reader punches out every sentence using the same dramatic cadence. As much as I was riveted by the plot, the narration was an annoying distraction. Having just seen The Lincoln Lawyer, I would love to hear Mickey Haller portrayed by someone with real acting skills. Will Patton, perhaps?

Typical Mickey

In this story, Mickey decides to get a conscious. It follows the typical guidelines of the other stories with Mickey. Cannot wait to see if the new direction at the end wil pan out or not.

Always an adventure with Michael Connelly

Another great book by Michael Connelly. If I could meet just one author for an in-depth conversation in my lifetime, I would want it to be Michael Connelly. I'm fascinated by his plot and character development combined with such artful expression that by the time I finish any of his books, I still want it to continue. This book is no exception. Dive in!