The Proving Ground Reviews
“As always, it’s fun to watch Haller argue, manipulate, and wheedle his way from pre-trial through the explosive trial itself. One of the best yet from best-selling author Connelly.”
— Booklist ⭐️ starred review
“Bestseller Connelly crafts a riveting eighth case for attorney Mickey Haller… Connelly effectively dips his toe into topical waters here, touching on adolescent male loneliness and the dangers of AI without skimping on the propulsive plotting he’s known for. Newcomers and series fans alike will find this fast-paced legal procedural intensely satisfying.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Connelly is exceedingly good at what he does, a pro’s pro, and The Proving Ground stands with his strongest work.”
—The Irish Times
“The Proving Ground is the most relevant and compelling legal thriller of the decade, and Michael Connelly proves once again that nobody captures courtroom drama and the high-wire act of justice quite like him.”
— Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy
“Michael Connelly tackles one of the greatest rising concerns today with a razor-sharp novel that will stick with you for how real and timely it is, perhaps even ahead of its time. …a narrative for modern society that’s as thrilling as it is informative about how the structure of our society is at risk from the lack of guardrails as we rush into the future at hyper speed.”
— Kashif Hussain, Best Thriller Books
“Connelly once again delivers a brilliant, emotional and timely story that will make you ponder the ethics and applications of AI…it’s another virtuoso performance by the Lincoln Lawyer that adds something special to this already brilliant series. You’ll stand up and cheer for Haller as he maneuvers, cajoles, jumps over roadblocks, dodges haymakers and fights with everything he’s got to win for his client. Incredibly well done by the great Michael Connelly. “
— Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books
“Michael Connelly writes his bestselling novels in real time, setting them in the year they’re published. His latest, “The Proving Ground,” seems so ripped from the headlines it feels as if he’s writing it as you read it. …Connelly keeps the tension and the stakes rising in this all-too-plausible story of the power and perils of AI.”
— Colette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times
“Engrossing… Among Connelly’s strengths: weaving current issues into his superb plots and making even the most complicated subjects understandable. One can’t get more timely than AI, nor more complex. …Connelly’s precise look at the law and his return to Mickey Haller are most welcome.”
— Oline Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“tense…razor-sharp… Peter Giles’ narration captures every nuance, heightening the emotion, atmosphere and drama throughout.”
— Woman’s Weekly (audiobook review)
“The Proving Ground,” the great Michael Connelly’s latest Mickey Haller novel, is a master class.”
— Mike Lupica, New York Daily News
“The Proving Ground” is one of Connelly’s best books in recent memory.”
— Toronto Star
“The Proving Ground is outstanding and ranks among Connelly’s best.”
— This Dad Reads podcast
“gripping, immersive, and impossible to put down. …Ultimately, Connelly delivers a timely legal thriller that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, deeply personal yet universally resonant. Mickey Haller may be known as the Lincoln Lawyer, but here, he becomes something greater: a champion of truth in a world where truth itself is under siege.”
— Stacy Alesi, The Book Bitch
“With tensions and emotions running high in a case that has been born from a terrible tragedy, a searing and microscopic examination of the ethics and morals of an industry that is fast taking control of our lives, this is a story that goes well beyond the pages of a gripping courtroom thriller and asks questions about how we as humans want our future to look.”
— Pam Norfolk, Burnley Express
“This novel is classic Connelly, as he weaves two compelling cases while keeping the characters we care about engaging while moving forward in life. …The proving ground is the area where the attorney stands directly in front of the jurors and must put up or shut up. Connelly stands in that spot and has won the case.”
— Jeff Ayers, Criminal Element
“It’s the electrifying legal thriller of the year…10/10.”
— Alex Gordon, Peterborough Telegraph (UK)
“No plaintiff could ask for a more devoted champion than Mickey….The Lincoln Lawyer may have embraced a higher idealism, but he hasn’t abandoned his cutthroat tactics.”
― Tom Nolan, Wall Street Journal
“The return of Mickey Haller, aka the Lincoln Lawyer, is always something to celebrate. The Proving Ground is a triumph and brilliantly takes on very real topics that threaten society today.”
― BookReporter.com
“Another edge-of-your-seat thriller from a master writer.”
― Daily Express(UK)
“Connelly proves once again why he’s the master of the modern legal thriller. The Proving Ground is razor-sharp, timely, and utterly compelling – a courtroom drama that grapples with technology, accountability, and the human cost of progress.”
― Crime Monthly
“A must-read.”
― Belfast Telegraph
“This tale smoulders away as assuredly as Connelly’s fan could want.”
― The Times (UK)
“Ferocious storytelling.”
― Daily Mail (UK)
