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Best Hardboiled Books

December 2024

The Brass Verdict

Defense attorney Mickey Haller inherits a high-profile murder case when his colleague is killed. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption and danger. Teaming up with his half-brother, detective Harry Bosch, Mickey races against time to unravel the truth. Connelly’s gripping legal thriller keeps you guessing until the very end, blending courtroom drama with gritty police work. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish it!

The Fifth Witness

Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, finds himself defending Lisa Trammel, a homeowner fighting foreclosure, accused of murdering her banker. As the trial unfolds, Haller uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches far beyond the courtroom. With his razor-sharp wit and unorthodox tactics, Haller must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth. But as the stakes rise, he begins to question whether his client is truly innocent. Connelly’s gripping legal thriller keeps you guessing until the very end.

The Reversal

Veteran defense attorney Mickey Haller is recruited to change stripes and prosecute the high-profile retrial of a brutal child murder. After 24 years in prison, convicted killer Jason Jessup has been exonerated by new DNA evidence. Haller is convinced Jessup is guilty, and he takes the case on the condition that he gets to choose his investigator, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch. Together, Bosch and Haller set off on a case fraught with political and personal danger. Opposing them is Jessup, now out on bail, a defense attorney who excels at manipulating the media, and a runaway eyewitness reluctant to testify after so many years.

The Gods of Guilt

Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, is back in a gripping courtroom drama that tests his skills and conscience. Defending a former client accused of murder, Haller uncovers a web of lies and corruption that reaches into the highest levels of power. As he digs deeper, he confronts his own past mistakes and the moral ambiguity of his profession. With each twist, Haller must navigate the thin line between justice and guilt, all while facing the ultimate judges – the gods of guilt in the jury box.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Mickey Haller, a cynical defense attorney, operates his practice from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car. When he lands a high-profile case defending a wealthy playboy accused of murder, Haller senses something’s off. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies that threatens not just his client, but his own life. Connelly’s razor-sharp prose and intricate plot twists keep readers on edge, while Haller’s wit and moral ambiguity make him an unforgettable protagonist in this gripping legal thriller.

The Black Echo

Detective Harry Bosch, haunted by his past as a Vietnam tunnel rat, finds himself investigating a murder that hits too close to home. The victim, a fellow veteran, is found dead in a drainpipe, echoing the claustrophobic tunnels of their shared war experience. As Bosch digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to unravel his own fragile sense of justice. With each twist, Connelly masterfully blends gritty realism with heart-pounding suspense, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

Two Kinds of Truth

Harry Bosch, now a volunteer cold case detective, finds himself thrust into a dangerous investigation when a pharmacist is murdered. As he digs deeper, Bosch uncovers a sinister prescription drug ring and confronts ghosts from his past. With his half-brother Mickey Haller by his side, Bosch must navigate treacherous waters to unravel the truth. Connelly’s masterful storytelling keeps you on edge, blending gritty realism with heart-pounding suspense. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish. A must-read for crime fiction fans.

The Night Fire

Harry Bosch can’t shake his past. Haunted by an unsolved case from his LAPD days, he teams up with Renée Ballard to crack it wide open. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of corruption that reaches far beyond the streets of LA. With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, and the danger more palpable. Connelly’s masterful prose keeps you on edge, turning pages late into the night. It’s a gripping tale that reminds us why Bosch remains one of crime fiction’s most enduring heroes.

Troubled Blood

Private detective Cormoran Strike returns in this gripping cold case mystery. When a woman walks into his office seeking help finding her mother, who vanished 40 years ago, Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott are drawn into a twisting investigation that leads them through a labyrinth of psychics, serial killers, and witnesses with secrets to hide. As they unravel the threads of the decades-old disappearance, Strike and Robin must confront their own demons and navigate their complex relationship. Galbraith’s masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this an unputdownable thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Silkworm

Cormoran Strike returns in this gripping sequel, delving into the cutthroat world of publishing. When a controversial novelist vanishes, Strike and his assistant Robin unravel a twisted tale of jealousy and revenge. As they navigate London’s literary circles, they encounter eccentric characters and dark secrets. Galbraith’s sharp prose and intricate plotting keep you guessing until the very end. A thrilling mystery that’ll have you burning the midnight oil.