THE BRASS VERDICT

Michael Connelly’s twentieth novel as narrated by newcomer Peter Giles is a humdinger. The plot brings together the morose detective Harry Bosch and his stepbrother, Mickey Haller, the cynical criminal defense attorney first seen in THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Haller inherits a high-profile murder case from a colleague who was also murdered. When Bosch investigates, the two brothers immediately clash. Giles is proficient at marking the differences between these two opposites. He portrays Bosch as a dark, deep-thinking person while his characterization of Haller is glib. Giles’s hoarse, whispery voice crackles when he's Bosch and is authoritative as Haller. Despite their differences, the story resolves in a way that makes listeners eager for the next installment, especially if it’s performed by Peter Giles. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]