BookPath
The Fifth Witness
Michael Connelly

The Fifth Witness

Quick Answer

Read "The Fifth Witness" as the 4th book in the Mickey Haller / The Lincoln Lawyer Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Reversal" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2016624 pp
<b>After taking on a foreclosure case, defense attorney Mickey Haller must prove his client's innocence -- but first he must follow a trail of black market evidence to its sinister end.</b><br> Mickey Haller has fallen on tough times. He expands his business into foreclosure defense, only to see one of his clients accused of killing the banker she blames for trying to take away her home. <br><br>Mickey puts his team into high gear to exonerate Lisa Trammel, even though the evidence and his own suspicions tell him his client is guilty. Soon after he learns that the victim had black market dealings of his own, Haller is assaulted, too -- and he's certain he's on the right trail. <br><br>Despite the danger and uncertainty, Haller mounts the best defense of his career in a trial where the last surprise comes after the verdict is in. Connelly proves again why he "may very well be the best novelist working in the United States today" (San Francisco Chronicle).
Next Recommended Book

The Gods Of Guilt

Book #5 of 8 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Mickey Haller / The Lincoln Lawyer Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Fifth Witness?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Fifth Witness before The Reversal?

No. We recommend reading The Reversal first. The Fifth Witness is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Fifth Witness required reading for the Mickey Haller / The Lincoln Lawyer Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Fifth Witness in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Fifth Witness is The Gods Of Guilt (Book #5).