If you’ve recently finished watching The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix and are eager to explore more of Mickey Haller's world, you're in for a treat. The Lincoln Lawyer book series by Michael Connelly offers an immersive deep dive into the character and his adventures.
Maybe you’ve also found yourself thinking a bit too much about Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, who plays Mickey on screen. And honestly, who could blame you? But if you’re ready to dive into the books, you might wonder: how do you read the series in order? Let's break it down, step by step.
The Lincoln Lawyer books in order
1. The Lincoln Lawyer
The first book of the series, published in 2005, introduces us to Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who works out of his Lincoln Town Car. Haller has a reputation for defending the worst criminals, but in this case, he believes his client may actually be innocent.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that things aren’t always what they seem. This novel isn’t the one the Netflix series directly adapts, but it sets the stage for Haller’s world. If you're a die-hard fan, it's worth reading for some deeper insights into the character.
2. The Brass Verdict
Now we’re getting into the book that heavily inspired the first season of The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. However, there are some big differences between the book and the show.
In the book, Mickey’s half-brother, LAPD detective Harry Bosch, plays a major role, but he doesn’t appear in the Netflix series due to Amazon owning the rights to Bosch’s character.
Instead, the show introduces LAPD Detective Griggs and expands the role of Cisco, Haller's investigator and ex-wife's husband. The plot of The Brass Verdict follows Mickey as he inherits a murder case from a colleague who was killed.
The case involves a famous Hollywood producer accused of killing his wife and her lover. As Haller investigates further, he uncovers a dangerous network of deceit and corruption.
3. The Reversal
In this third book, Mickey switches sides and works with Bosch to prosecute a man accused of murdering a child.
The stakes are incredibly high, and Mickey fears the man will kill again. It’s a gripping read highlighting the legal system's intensity and the gray areas between justice and revenge.
4. The Fifth Witness
The plot for much of The Lincoln Lawyer's second season comes from this book. Without giving too much away, Mickey defends a woman named Lisa Trammel, accused of murdering a real-estate developer.
In the book, she’s a teacher accused of killing a mortgage banker. Is she guilty? You’ll have to read to find out.
5a. The Gods of Guilt
This book is arguably the most haunting of the series. Mickey deals with his guilt as he takes on a case where the victim is one of his former clients.
Determined to do the right thing, Mickey embarks on one of his most dangerous cases yet, facing his past and the legal system head-on.
5b. The Crossing
Fans of the series often debate whether this book belongs more to The Lincoln Lawyer series or the Harry Bosch series. Regardless, Mickey plays a major role. He calls on his brother Bosch to help him defend a client accused of murder.
Bosch is reluctant at first, but ultimately agrees, and things get way more complicated than either of them expected.
6. The Law of Innocence
Mickey finds himself on the wrong side of the law in this intense novel. After winning a major case, he's pulled over by police, and a dead body is found in his car.
Now, he must defend himself in court, using all his skills and experience to prove his innocence despite the mountain of evidence stacked against him.
7. Resurrection Walk
The latest book in the series, released in November 2023, brings Mickey and Bosch together again. This time, they defend a woman who insists she didn’t kill her husband, a sheriff’s deputy, even though she’s been convicted. The duo must navigate a web of lies and corruption to find the truth.
The Lincoln Lawyer series is filled with twists, courtroom drama, and complex characters that keep you hooked. Whether you’re a fan of the Netflix adaptation or diving into the books for the first time, following this reading order will give you a full experience of Mickey Haller’s legal escapades.
Each novel builds on the last, offering a fresh case with deeper stakes and moral challenges.
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Related: The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3: Release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far
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