Steven Feldman (@stevenfeldman.bsky.social)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Proving Ground sees Michael Connelly pull Mickey Haller out of the criminal defense world for a timely and high-stakes civil lawsuit. While the book is a straightforward legal thriller that delivers on its promises, it occasionally feels predictable, suggesting the Haller series is getting a bit tired, even if the execution remains solid. The premise is excellent: Haller investigates an AI company after its chatbot encouraged a 16-year-old to commit murder. To prove corporate negligence, Haller teams up with journalist Jack McEvoy, bringing a welcome journalistic edge to the legal maneuvering. They search for a key whistleblower while facing off against tech titans determined to use money and muscle to silence the case. The novel is well-paced and tackles profound issues about corporate responsibility in the AI age. However, for readers familiar with Connelly’s work, the plotting is familiar. The court sequences and dramatic reveals, though well-written, follow a recognizable pattern, making the outcome feel anticipated rather than surprising. https://agoodread.feldman.org.uk/the-proving-ground/