A blog reviewing mystery books, with a listing of Saskatchewan mysteries, and a sprinkling of non-fiction books, especially history and biographies
▼
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
50. – 460.) The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly –
A master of crime fiction brings together his lawyer character, Mickey Haller, with his
detective character, Harry Bosch. Haller is recovering from rehab for
prescription drug addiction when friend and colleague, Jerry Vincent, is
murdered. He has named Haller as his successor and he inherits a franchise case,
the defence of movie mogul, Walter Elliott, to double murder charges (wife and
lover). Bosch is designated to investigate Vincent’s murder. The story focuses
on Haller’s defence. Bosch’s investigation weaves around the defence. Haller
learns Vincent had a “magic bullet” – evidence or a theory that will devastate
the prosecution. Haller finds the bullet. Connelly gives enough evidence and
confirmation when Haller has found it but I did not figure out the bullet.
While interesting the story is slower moving than most Connelly mysteries. As
the trial is about to begin the story takes off as twists starting occurring
that I never saw coming. The trial provides a vivid demonstration of how to
effectively present demonstrative expert evidence. The twists continue through
to the end of the book. As usual Connelly works in some personal history that
keeps me hooked on the characters. If the first 2/3 of the book had been as
good as the final 1/3 it would have been a great book. (I learned abit of
police jargon – the brass verdict is the street solution to solving/avenging a
murder.) Hardcover as always. (Dec. 6/08)
Bill - I have to say that I agree with you. The final third of the book is where it really comes to life. And you've put your finger on one of Connelly's real gifts: developing characters you really care about. I like the plot twists too of course but really it's the characters for me.
50. – 460.) The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly –
A master of crime fiction brings together his lawyer character, Mickey Haller, with his
detective character, Harry Bosch. Haller is recovering from rehab for
prescription drug addiction when friend and colleague, Jerry Vincent, is
murdered. He has named Haller as his successor and he inherits a franchise case,
the defence of movie mogul, Walter Elliott, to double murder charges (wife and
lover). Bosch is designated to investigate Vincent’s murder. The story focuses
on Haller’s defence. Bosch’s investigation weaves around the defence. Haller
learns Vincent had a “magic bullet” – evidence or a theory that will devastate
the prosecution. Haller finds the bullet. Connelly gives enough evidence and
confirmation when Haller has found it but I did not figure out the bullet.
While interesting the story is slower moving than most Connelly mysteries. As
the trial is about to begin the story takes off as twists starting occurring
that I never saw coming. The trial provides a vivid demonstration of how to
effectively present demonstrative expert evidence. The twists continue through
to the end of the book. As usual Connelly works in some personal history that
keeps me hooked on the characters. If the first 2/3 of the book had been as
good as the final 1/3 it would have been a great book. (I learned abit of
police jargon – the brass verdict is the street solution to solving/avenging a
murder.) Hardcover as always. (Dec. 6/08)
Bill - I have to say that I agree with you. The final third of the book is where it really comes to life. And you've put your finger on one of Connelly's real gifts: developing characters you really care about. I like the plot twists too of course but really it's the characters for me.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. In every book Connelly has one or more characters I find memorable.
ReplyDelete