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
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.
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"enjoyable from start to finish. a change in direction at the end. good ending. justice was served. looking foward to the next harry bosch book that's previewed at the end. also, the mention of who would play haller in a movie was a nice touch, since the movie has already been released. "
— Hrn1947 (4 out of 5 stars)
“Connelly is himself a master manipulator, and there’s always something deadly serious behind his entertaining courtroom hijinks. Here he describes the background of the real estate collapse, exposing the venality involved in mortgage foreclosures. And just to keep it light, he throws in a few inside jokes about Hollywood hustlers and the things they’ll do to get their hands on a hot property.”
— New York Times“About half the novel deals with the murder trial itself, and it’s here that Connelly excels, easily surpassing even John Grisham in the building of courtroom suspense. It’s clear that Connelly just loves this stuff…The idea that Connelly is very good comes as no surprise, but the consistency of his excellence is remarkable, given that he’s publishing two books a year right now. I picked up The Fifth Witness one night last week, intending just to get a feel for the story, and found I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it more than five hours later.”
— Los Angeles Times“The Fifth Witness deftly shows us the workings of a justice system fraught with peril inside and outside the courtroom…By the time this twist-filled legal ride is done, the parties involved have confronted the known and unknown alike.”
— Wall Street Journal“Connelly is a master at knowing when to shift focus. He knows when to put his foot on the gas and when to take it off. Once Connelly has you on board, turning the pages, you won’t want to climb off. As popular entertainment goes, it doesn’t get much better than this.”
— Boston Globe“As ever, Connelly makes Mickey the perfect conduit through the hazardous jungles of LA courtrooms and low-rent neighborhoods. But the social underpinnings here are what really engage the author: The Fifth Witness will not be comfortable reading for bankers, but neither is it indulgent toward those who feel that the world owes them a house and a living. Mickey may champion the latter, but he knows that most of his clients will end up on the scrapheap. This is as diverting an outing for Connelly’s hero as we have been granted.”
— Independent (London)“Superb storytelling, corkscrew twists, and a killer finale. Rush out and buy it—you won’t regret it for a moment.”
— Daily Mail (London)“Connelly demonstrates his versatility here. His latest legal thriller, replete with authentic characters and compelling dialogue, provides a fascinating glimpse of our justice system in action that’s sure to entertain.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune“Mickey Haller is an irresistible character: smart, cynical, funny, and always with a trick up his sleeve. Connelly, a former crime reporter, knows how to keep a story moving and give us characters to love and hate.”
— Charlotte Observer“Plot and judicial gymnastics are the focus here, making The Fifth Witness an easy, amiable read with a tang of venom for zest.”
— Oregonian“I’ve said many times that Connelly continues to show why he is one of the best—and most consistent—living crime writers. The Fifth Witness adds evidence to the case.”
— South Florida Sun-Sentinel“This is Connelly at his thought-provoking best.”
— People“Readers who love a good down-and-dirty courtroom battle will love this superb new novel featuring Mickey Haller.”
— Globe and Mail (Canada)“The book is a legal thriller to end all legal thrillers. I didn’t see the twists and turns coming at me, and was hard pressed to put the book down to sleep. I didn’t want it to end, a sure sign of a winning book.”
— Deadly Pleasures magazine“Keyed with suspense and last minute surprises, Michael Connelly’s latest courtroom procedural will keep you reading and guessing to the end. Editor’s recommendation.”
— Barnes & Noble editorial review“Compelling…Connelly has a sure command of the legal and procedural details of criminal court and even manages to make the arcane, shady world of foreclosure interesting…The plot is worthy of a master storyteller.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Crime-fiction megastar Connelly can always be counted on to try something a little differentHe accomplishes this with a particularly rich first-person narration in which Haller takes us through the courtroom drama as it happens, noting his blunders and praising himself for quick-thinking improvisations. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the plot is meaty…Combining ripped-from-the-headlines information on the mortgage crisis with a cast of characters that defies stereotypes at every turn of the plot, Connelly shows once again that he will never simply ride the wave of past success. And, neither, apparently, will Mickey Haller, as he reveals a shocking change of direction in the novel’s final pages.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Connelly brings back the Lincoln Lawyer for a satisfying case that pits him against a real-estate foreclosure mill…The courtroom scenes—thrust, parry, struggle for every possible advantage—are grueling enough for the most exacting connoisseur of legal intrigue.”
— Kirkus Reviews" The book was great! I have enjoyed listening to the Mickey Haller Series and I am looking forward to the Bosch Series next. "
— Lisa, 10/1/2018" This is a Mike Haller legal mystery which is exciting and is impossible to put down. "
— Rosemary, 2/17/2014" Another good story about a timely topic. Wow!!! The Lincoln Lawyer as the DA. Where will this lead... "
— Jack, 2/17/2014" a little slow in the beginning, but totally twisted ending! "
— Amy, 2/4/2014" I just love how Connelly always has a twist at the end that surprises me. Looking forward to the next installment. "
— Maria, 2/2/2014" It took a long time to get going and I'm not sure I always like Mickey. But now I do and can't wait for his next book. "
— Carrie, 1/30/2014" Very wordy and focused on the trial, which got boring. I did not like this one as much as The Lincoln Lawyer. "
— Margaret, 1/24/2014" I liked the book until the ending....it crossed a little beyond my level of possibility. Otherwise the book was entertaining and engrossing. My wife and I listened to the book on an audio download while traveling. The perfect book for the occasion. The Mickey Haller series is Michael Connelly's better books in my opinion. I recommend the book. "
— Terry, 1/23/2014" Holy cow! Did not see the twists at the end coming. "
— Jenny, 1/20/2014" I really like this character and look forward to the next book. "
— Liz, 1/14/2014" This is one of the best of the Series. "
— Mtafc, 12/28/2013" Excellent read. A great cast of characters. "
— Ronald, 11/5/2013" Great book, page turner, couldn't put it down. "
— Thomas, 11/4/2013" An outstanding read; my first but not my last Michael Connelly novel.... I just felt the very last chapter was a tiny bit disappointing or 'weak'.... Highly recommended if you like legal thrillers ! "
— Chris, 11/3/2013" Wow. I have really enjoyed the evolution of the Michael Haller character through the four books I've read so far. Hopefully, there will be more in the future. "
— Leslie, 8/25/2013" Another fun "Lincoln Lawyer" book....great characters and this was a really good who done it! "
— Judi, 8/15/2013" I read this before its predecessors. One word - SUPERB! Love Mickey Haller as a defense attorney. "
— Lori, 6/23/2013" Will there be another Haller book, the ending had been reasonably clear from early on. "
— David, 5/16/2013" Read out of order and it was still great "
— Becky, 4/17/2013" This book kept me captivated following the clever tactics and court strategies of Mickey Haller's legal defense in a murder case. This quest is a great roller coaster ride with an interesting ending. "
— Ron, 3/6/2013" Not my favorite. Too many trial details - not enough plot. "
— B.J., 12/18/2012" While a bit formulaic, there were enough twists to the story to make this a fun read with a good surprise at the end. "
— Pamela, 12/18/2012" Not as good as others in series, but I still liked it. I like Mickey. His client in this book was really annoying though. "
— Heather, 8/2/2012" Enjoyed . It was a mystery set in the trial courtroom with Michael haller, the character from Lincoln lawyer played by Matthew mcconaghy. Good twist at end. Nothing epic but fun. Would make a good sequel to Lincoln lawyer movie. "
— Trixer, 5/29/2012" Here again, I enjoyed the interaction in the courtroom. It does make me wonder, though, if that is the way most lawyers work. It sounds so much like "screw your opponent", lie, cheat, etc. No wonder lawyers get such a bad rap. "
— Sue, 4/17/2012" I enjoyed yet another Connelly novel. "
— Leon, 1/9/2012" i enjoyed it. He's not John Grisham but it was pretty good. I'll read the other books in the series. "
— Aparna, 10/11/2011" He's always got a great twist I didn't see coming! "
— Jasmine, 9/24/2011" A good page turner with a fun twist at the end. "
— Mike, 8/28/2011" If you liked Lincoln Lawyer you will like this "
— Jennie, 5/23/2011" My personal weakness for Michael Connelly's books probably nudged my rating up a star more than it deserves. But if you like courtroom drama with lots of twists, some predictable, some not, you won't go wrong here. "
— Diane, 5/23/2011" Another great page turner, the perfect vacation read. Not too much to think about, forgettable after a few weeks, but ver entertaining while I'm reading it! "
— Susan, 5/23/2011" Another win for Michael Connelly. Fast paced and laced with unforgettable dialogue. Connelly is quite simply the best! I didn't want it to end - looking forward to his next October 2011. "
— Julie, 5/22/2011" Connelly has gone flat. Lost his edge. "
— John, 5/22/2011" Never ask a question that you don't already know the answer to and never ask a client if they are innocent or guilty. Two hard and fast rules to follow if you are the Lincoln Lawyer. "
— Kathy, 5/21/2011" Good story. I like his books. Couldn't help but picture Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller because of hearing about the movie, The Lincoln Lawyer. Haven't seen that movie yet, but I want to. "
— Sandy, 5/20/2011" the 4th in the mickey haller series and another fun read. it was a bit slower moving than the previous two, but a bit more intrigue than fast paced drama! highly recommend the series! "
— Aleisha, 5/20/2011" This has quickly become my favorite series. A great lead character, tremendous supporting players, and razor sharp plots with great twists and turns. Connelly can really lay the groundwork for a great courtroom drama. I highly recommend this book and this series! "
— Chris, 5/19/2011" This is my favorite Mickey Haller so far. "
— Jocelyn, 5/19/2011Michael Connelly, author of suspense thriller and detective mysteries, was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 2023. He has written several #1 New York Times bestsellers and numerous titles that made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. He has won most every award given in the mystery and thriller genres, including the Anthony Award for Best Novel and the Barry Award for Best Novel. He is a former newspaper reporter who also won numerous awards for his journalism.
Peter Giles, a film, television, and voice actor, is best known in the audiobook industry for his superb narration of Michael Connelly's thrillers.