The 5th Witness

Michael Connelly is one of the authors whose books I place on hold as soon as I know they are coming out and The 5th Witness is his newest.  The economic downturn has put a dent in the practice of successful defense attorney Mickey Haller, known to readers for working from his Lincoln town car. To keep his practice in business Mickey turned to providing foreclosure defense. When his very first foreclosure client, Lisa Trammel, is arrested for the murder of her bank's mortgage broker, Mickey finds himself back in the courtroom working on a highly publicized case.

Much of the book takes place in the courtroom focusing on the strategies and tactics of both the defense and prosecution.  If you enjoy great legal thrillers, this is a great choice. If you've read Connelly's previous books featuring Mickey, you'll be intrigued by his potential change in career direction introduced at the end. I know I'm looking forward to the next book featuring Mickey Haller. But next up for Connelly is a return to Harry Bosch in The Drop due out in November 2011.