The Lincoln Lawyer
Score Modern
What it's about
Mickey Haller is a Los Angeles defense attorney who works out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car, representing the city's least savory clients. When a wealthy real estate agent accused of assault hires him, it looks like the high-paying, possibly innocent client he's been waiting for. But the case leads Haller toward something far more dangerous, and to a link with a past client he couldn't save.
Why it's worth reading
It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was an Edgar Award finalist. It's one of the best legal thrillers ever written, packed with courtroom detail.
You'll love it if you liked
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl or The Silent Patient
Good to know
It's the first Mickey Haller novel and stands alone. It has been adapted as both a film and a TV series.
Quick answers
Is The Lincoln Lawyer worth reading?
Yes. It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was an Edgar Award finalist. It ranks #301 of the 2,819 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 81.6 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Lincoln Lawyer about?
Mickey Haller is a Los Angeles defense attorney who works out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car, representing the city's least savory clients. When a wealthy real estate agent accused of assault hires him, it looks like the high-paying, possibly innocent client he's been waiting for. But the case leads Haller toward something far more dangerous, and to a link with a past client he couldn't save.
How long does it take to read The Lincoln Lawyer?
About 10 hours (405 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Lincoln Lawyer?
If you liked it, try The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
By the numbers
- Readers85 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics21 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller67 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Edgar Award finalist (2006). #1 New York Times bestseller (1 week at #1).
Where it ranks
- #22 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #155 of the 1,575 modern books we rank
- #301 of the 2,819 books we rank
Bestseller
- #1 New York Times bestseller (1 week at #1)
- 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists since 2011
Shortlisted
- Edgar Award finalist (2006)
Reads as
Gripping
