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).

Published
December 2, 2013
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Lincoln Lawyer

The series

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In the high-stakes world of criminal defense, few figures stand out like Mickey Haller. Operating from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car, Haller isn't your typical lawyer. A master at navigating the murky waters of the legal system, he defends clients who others wouldn’t touch, all while grappling with his own ethical dilemmas. As a former prosecutor turned defense attorney, Haller’s career is built on the premise that justice isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems.

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The Lincoln Lawyer series delves deep into the complexities of law, loyalty, and personal redemption. Each novel presents a new, high-profile case, but at its core, the series is about Haller’s ongoing internal battle—balancing the law with his conscience, family ties, and a career that sometimes veers into dangerous territory. From intense courtroom drama to thrilling suspense, these stories are as much about the characters as they are about the cases they take on.

The dark, gritty world of Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for Haller’s legal exploits, offering readers a rich, atmospheric setting where the line between right and wrong is often blurred. What makes the series so compelling isn’t just Haller’s brilliant legal mind, but the intricate web of personal connections and moral decisions he faces. Whether he’s defending a murder suspect or getting entangled in a larger conspiracy, Haller’s commitment to truth—no matter how elusive—is always put to the test.

While The Lincoln Lawyer books have found new life in their popular Netflix adaptation, the heart of the series still lies in Connelly’s expert storytelling, filled with twists, taut suspense, and a protagonist who keeps readers coming back for more. With each novel, Mickey Haller’s journey grows more complex, keeping readers hooked long after they’ve turned the final page.

Perfect for fans of legal thrillers and those who love a good mystery, the Lincoln Lawyer series offers more than just courtroom drama—it’s a deep dive into what happens when justice and personal loyalty collide.

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