The Lincoln Lawyer

Mickey Haller runs much of his legal practice from the back of a Lincoln, moving between clients and courtrooms in Los Angeles. The Lincoln Lawyer gives the defence lawyer a steady supply of cases in which the useful version of events is not necessarily the complete one.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo makes Mickey personable without making his job look entirely comfortable. Preparation, persuasion and knowing when to ask another question are as important as a dramatic courtroom exchange. The people helping him keep the practice working give the casework a continuing social life.

Based on Michael Connelly's novels, this is an accessible legal drama rather than an austere examination of procedure. Its appeal is watching a resourceful lawyer assemble an argument while other parts of his life compete for attention. A suitable choice when you want a continuing mystery with a lighter touch than a grim crime investigation.