DEFENCE lawyer Micky Haller hasn t practised for a year, following rehab for a drug addiction. Just when he s thinking of getting back into the fray, a friend is murdered and leaves his caseload to Micky. At first, it seems like a heaven-sent gift – a plu

DEFENCE lawyer Micky Haller hasn't practised for a year, following rehab for a drug addiction.

Just when he's thinking of getting back into the fray, a friend is murdered and leaves his caseload to Micky.

At first, it seems like a heaven-sent gift - a plush office, some wealthy clients and a high profile case, which should get Micky some welcome publicity and announce his return to the courtroom.

But the police haven't caught the killer. What if Jerry Vincent's murder was something to do with one of the cases? Could Micky be next?

Michael Connelly's The Brass Verdict (�6.99, Orion) starts with the words: "Everybody lies. Cops lie. Lawyers lie. Witnesses lie. The victims lie."

So we know to be on our guard from the off.

It is more a legal procedural than a courtroom drama, full of interesting detail about the day-to-day work of an American defense attorney.

It is also a gripping thriller and brings Micky, who we first met in 2005's The Lincoln Lawyer - face to face with Connelly's best known creation, Det Harry Bosch.

And there's a surprising twist at the end, which is nothing to do with their investigations.

- LINDSAY JONES