Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
- Read an installment of a series.
- Share your review/recommendation below.
- Include the title, author and series name.
My Series Sunday pick is The Proving Ground, the eighth book in the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly. In this new legal thriller, Mickey Haller files a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a teenage boy it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend. The case explores the unregulated and uncharted waters of AI.
"I mean, I don't know what that's about, but I'm beginning to wonder where I stand." ~ 33%
I barely started and finished this book. Let me explain. I was lost with the technology jargon within the first chapter. As I read further, I got more confused and closed the eBook a few more times. It wasn't until around 22% in that I was motivated to read further because something happened I'd been wishing for in the series. Then I gained more momentum halfway through when the trial began. Still it was a struggle until the end.
I appreciate Connelly keeping up with the times by incorporating artificial intelligence technology, losses from the California fires and ASMR. But it comes across as if there was a checklist of current-day topics that Connelly had to include. It all seems forced so The Proving Ground does not flow like a usual Lincoln Lawyer novel.
"The point is, I had done some good work since I left the courtrooms and hallways of the Criminal Courts Building and crossed the street to civil." ~ 49%
Not to mention a change in the main character. And I do not mean organic character growth. The Mickey Haller I know would not even represent the victim's family. The Mickey Haller I know is an asshole and ever since his "resurrection walk," his change to defense is jarring. He is an attorney that once had a Lincoln as his business address. That is all I kept thinking while reading the court scenes and dialogue. I understand it but I miss the old Mickey personality and cases.
This book was not for me but I am looking forward to the return of the television series. That is where I will get my Lincoln Lawyer fix. However, Bookhearts, I encourage you to try reading The Proving Ground for yourself. Don't take my word for it because I am clearly in the minority. Most people are raving about how good this new release is.
Happy Early Pub Day, Michael Connelly! The Proving Ground will be available Tuesday, October 21.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
Title: The Proving Ground
Author: Michael Connelly
Published: October 2025
Pages: 400
Edition: Galley
Genre: Legal Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤
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