Five Star Reviews

I was re-reading my recent book reviews and noted that I was generous with 5-star reviews. I don't give these out lightly, although it might seem that way. Apparently my most recent reads were of the 5-star variety, although I've read some other books lately that wouldn't merit that rating. For me to rate a book highly it has to have a plot that keeps me turning pages, and must be well written. The story must be unusual in the sense that the topic hasn't been written about in this way by someone else. I like details if they advance the story, but when they're overly done I want to "fast forward". So I'm wondering, what does a 5-star review look like to you when you read a novel? If you've read any of the books I've rated, and disagree with my rating, I'd like to know that too. As readers, we all come from different perspectives. Let me know yours!

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read many of Connelly's books and this is one of the best court room dramas he's written. Mickey Haller, the "Lincoln lawyer", has not had many criminal cases and he's turned to representing people who are experiencing home foreclosures and need someone to help them in what they believe are fraudulent dealings. One of his most annoying clients, Lisa Trammel, is involved in such a foreclosure and she's taken to picketing the bank where her loan was held and writing negative Facebook messages about Michael Bondurant, the banker handling her loan. When Bondurant is killed in the bank's parking garage, and Lisa is seen in the area, she is arrested on suspicion of murder. Mickey now must represent her in a murder case in which the evidence is strongly against her. Against Mickey's advice, she aligns herself with Herb Dahl, a sleazy, wanna-be, movie producer, who convinces her that her story will sell. Mickey must mount a defense under difficult odds, go to battle with a prosecuting attorney bent on a conviction, all the while trying to reconcile with his ex-wife. Lisa insists she is innocent and it is a set-up. Mickey pulls out all the stops to prove that it is. To say more would give the story away. Readers who enjoy court procedures won't be able to stop reading as the book goes through each day in court, and the behind the scenes twists and turns. The ending is astounding! Fans of Connelly will find a new reason to like him after reading "The Fifth Witness".

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