Wrongful Conviction Overturned

Author Michael Connelly Takes Reader On a “Resurrection Walk” from Injustice to Redemption

By Guest Contributing Writer Marc Friedman, Esq.

I am addicted to Michael Connelly’s  books about “The Lincoln Lawyer” and his fictional-character, Detective Hieronymus (“Harry”) Bosch. I’m also a devotee of the famous “Innocence Project” that works indefatigably to free prisoners who have been wrongfully convicted. 

All of this is found in Connelly’s Resurrection Walk, a rollicking story of a long-time prisoner’s innocence and, ultimately, redemption.

Connelly, renowned for his gripping crime fiction and deep exploration of justice, once again delivers a riveting story in Resurrection Walk. The novel reintroduces us to some familiar characters while pushing them into new, morally ambiguous situations. 

With meticulous plotting, Connelly weaves a narrative that highlights his usual sharp writing style, compelling character development, and astute observations about the American justice system.

Resurrection Walk centers around two central figures: Mickey Haller, the “Lincoln Lawyer,” and his half-brother, retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch. 

Haller, known for his unorthodox style, typically finds himself representing clients whose lives teeter on the edge of ruin. But this time, the stakes feel even higher as the moral questions that drive the novel go beyond the courtroom and into a more profound examination of justice.

The story begins with Haller taking on the case of Lucinda Sanz, a woman wrongfully convicted of murder. Sanz has been languishing in prison for years after being found guilty of killing her husband. Yet, a close look at the evidence reveals significant holes in the prosecution's case, and Haller becomes convinced she is innocent. 

The novel's title refers to a “resurrection walk”—the path an inmate takes when their conviction is overturned, granting them freedom after years behind bars. But as Haller delves deeper into Sanz’s case, he uncovers layers of corruption, mismanagement, and perhaps a conspiracy that extends far beyond a single wrongful conviction.

Meanwhile, Harry Bosch, who has taken on more of a consulting role since his retirement, joins forces with Haller to investigate the case. Bosch’s years of experience and dogged pursuit of the truth complement Haller’s legal savvy, creating a dynamic partnership that drives the novel’s tension and suspense. Together, they uncover shocking truths that expose the cracks in the criminal justice system.

The novel alternates between the courtroom drama that Connelly’s readers have come to expect from Haller’s cases and Bosch’s meticulous, on-the-ground investigative work. This interplay of legal and investigative narratives allows Connelly to explore multiple angles of crime, law, and justice.

As an experienced trial lawyer, I was riveted by Connelly’s wholly accurate depictions of the courtroom proceedings and the private conferences in the judge’s chambers among Haller, his opposing counsel, and Judge Coelho. 

The author’s description of the trial testimony and Judge Coelho’s evidentiary rulings, especially a pivotal ruling arising under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, was realistic. 

I (Marc Friedman) have had such courtroom experiences during my career. Indeed, Connelly made me feel like I was in the courtroom gallery watching the trial.

Connelly's long-time fans will appreciate the continued development of Haller and Bosch, characters who have evolved significantly over the course of their respective series. 

In Resurrection Walk, Haller remains the slick, quick-thinking lawyer, but he’s grown more introspective. While his cases have always carried moral weight, the Sanz case forces him to confront the broader failings of the system he operates within. He becomes less the cynical defense attorney and more of a crusader for justice, albeit with his characteristic swagger.

Bosch, on the other hand, is the embodiment of perseverance and dedication to uncovering the truth. His involvement in the case reflects not just his desire to right a wrong but also his struggle with aging and his shifting identity as a former cop. 

Bosch’s internal conflict about his place in the world now that he is no longer officially with the LAPD gives the novel an added layer of emotional depth. His interactions with Haller are tinged with a sense of urgency, as though both men recognize that time may be running out for Bosch to make his mark and pass on his legacy.

Michael Connelly

Connelly also introduces a range of supporting characters, from corrupt officials to innocent victims caught in the system’s web. These characters provide depth to the narrative, illustrating the many ways in which the justice system can be both a tool of righteousness and an instrument of injustice.

One of the central themes of Resurrection Walk is the concept of justice and the moral ambiguity that often accompanies it. Haller's defense of Sanz raises difficult questions about the nature of guilt and innocence, and whether the law always serves the greater good. While the law is designed to protect the innocent, Connelly shows how it can just as easily be manipulated to punish the wrong person.

The novel also explores the idea of redemption—both personal and systemic. For Sanz, the resurrection walk symbolizes not only her release from prison but also her chance to reclaim her life. 

For Haller and Bosch, it is about finding their own sense of moral redemption, correcting the wrongs they have encountered throughout their careers. 

Bosch’s personal journey, in particular, highlights the novel’s underlying message about the inevitability of change and the necessity of confronting one’s past.

Corruption within the criminal justice system is another key theme that Connelly deftly handles. The novel critiques the systemic flaws that lead to wrongful convictions, including prosecutorial misconduct, inadequate legal representation, and the limitations of forensic evidence. 

Connelly uses the Sanz case as a springboard to explore these larger issues, making Resurrection Walk more than just a procedural thriller; it is a social commentary on the failures of the justice system.

Connelly’s writing is, as always, precise and engaging. His ability to balance complex legal and investigative details with fast-paced action ensures that the reader is always on the edge of their seat. 

The novel’s short chapters and multiple perspectives create a sense of urgency, pulling readers deeper into the mystery. Connelly's dialogue is sharp, often reflecting the moral dilemmas that his characters face, and his descriptions of the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles add authenticity to the narrative.

Resurrection Walk is an important book not only because of its gripping storyline but also because it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the justice system. Connelly doesn’t shy away from portraying the real-life consequences of wrongful convictions and the systemic issues that allow these injustices to occur. 

The novel serves as a reminder that while the system is designed to protect, it is far from perfect, and often it is the marginalized and vulnerable who suffer the most.

In today’s climate, where discussions about criminal justice reform are increasingly prevalent, Resurrection Walk is both timely and relevant. It challenges readers to think critically about the nature of justice and the role individuals—lawyers, detectives, judges, and even jurors—play in either perpetuating or correcting injustices. 

Through the lens of Haller and Bosch investigation, Connelly shines a light on the moral complexities of the law, making Resurrection Walk not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking and essential one.

---

Mr. Friedman was a trial lawyer for 48 years. He graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a B.A degree in Philosophy and from The George Washington University Law School with a Juris Doctor degree, with honors.