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The Reversal (Mickey Haller #3)
The Reversal (Mickey Haller #3)
Michael Connelly | 2010 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Michael Haller is surprised when he is asked by the LA District Attorney to retry an old case. A man convicted of kidnapping and murdering a 12-year-old 24 years ago needs to be retried because of new DNA evidence. He gets Harry Bosch as his investigator, and the two try to track down old witnesses and make their case stronger than before. Will it be enough?

This book is engaging from the first chapter with some surprise twists along the way. Seeing these two characters interact even more is very entertaining. I never wanted to stop reading and couldn't wait to get back to the story.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-reversal-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
2011 | Drama, Mystery
9
7.3 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
I genuinely think this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Courtroom dramas of any kind almost always hit a sweet spot for me. I love Matthew McConaughey and he really shines in this movie. I think his charisma comes through but he's got an edge, almost like a chip on his shoulder, but he also knows he's good at what he does. That confidence and then to see him break down a bit, I think it played to the character and the plot really well.

Michael Peña really stood out to me. I know that he only had a small part in the film but the small amount of screen time he did have, he made the most of it and he really took it as far as he could've gone. I think he was the other stand out in this film.

I really enjoyed this film. It keeps you on your toes, you're invested, and you're rooting for Haller. Great watch!
  
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
2011 | Drama, Mystery
8
7.3 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Matthew McConaughey, in usual fashion, is alright, alright, alright (0 more)
The plot was a little predictable. But it still held my attention (0 more)
Lawyer Jokes Optional
William H. Macy is one of the most underrated actors in film history. And he's in this one! And then there are the Oscar winners Marisa Tomei and Matthew McCounaghey. But who cares about them? Just kidding. Every member of the all-star cast bring this slightly predictable tale to life.

Mick Haller is a slick lawyer. He's always quick with a quip and knows which palms to grease. When he comes to represent rich-kid Louis Roulet, it seems he is in for a sweet payday. Cha-ching! Anyhow, the case becomes more complicated than he originally anticipated. This movie becomes dark and suspenseful quite quickly after that.

I would say more, but I want to avoid spoilers. I was pleased to see John Leguizamo and Michael Pena in supporting roles as well. My mom liked it and my mom doesn't like just any movie. As she advised me, pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy.
  
Rogue Lawyer
Rogue Lawyer
John Grisham | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
3
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Character Study that Left Me Cold
This book introduces us to Sebastian Rudd, a lawyer who handles the clients no one else wants to take on. We’re talking about an older teen accused of a horrible crime and convicted by the people of his town. Or a mobster on death row. With enemies from the ranks of the police and the clients he hasn’t been able to get off, can Sebastian navigate his life?

The book is really more of a character study with several cases taking the foreground at various points. It reads like these stories were originally published separately and brought together for this book, although I haven’t researched to know if that is true or not. The ending definitely leaves things open for more books. My issue is that I had a hard time liking many of the characters and found myself actively rooting for Sebastian to lose some of his cases. The fact that all the cops were over the top corrupt didn’t help any at all. Plus Sebastian came across as a knock off of Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller character, and that certainly didn’t help matters at all since I love Mickey.