The novel begins with Mickey Haller, a defense attorney known for his courtroom prowess, being approached by Los Angeles County District Attorney Gabriel Williams. Williams asks Haller to serve as a special prosecutor in the retrial of Jason Jessup, a convicted child abductor and murderer whose conviction has been overturned due to new DNA evidence. The DNA results do not exonerate Jessup outright but cast enough doubt on the case for the California Supreme Court to order a retrial. Given the complexity and high stakes, Haller agrees under the condition that he can choose his own team, enlisting his ex-wife, prosecutor Maggie McPherson, as second chair, and his half-brother, LAPD detective Harry Bosch, to lead the reinvestigation.

Jason Jessup was convicted 24 years earlier for the kidnapping and murder of a 12-year-old girl, Melissa Landy. The key testimony in the original case came from her older sister, Sarah Landy, who had identified Jessup as the man who took Melissa. Now, decades later, Sarah has gone into hiding, reluctant to relive the trauma. Meanwhile, Jessup, having spent more than two decades in prison, is painting himself as an innocent man who was wrongfully convicted. The media begins portraying him as a victim of a flawed justice system, further complicating the case for Haller and his team.

Bosch starts investigating Jessup’s activities, looking for any signs that he might still be a predator. He uncovers disturbing details about Jessup’s behavior while in prison and his interactions since being released on bail. Jessup seems confident, as though he has an ace up his sleeve, which makes Bosch even more determined to find evidence against him. Bosch learns that Jessup has been seen engaging in suspicious behavior, such as watching young girls at parks and possibly stalking potential victims. This raises alarm bells for Bosch and Haller, who fear that Jessup might strike again before they can secure a conviction.

Meanwhile, Haller and McPherson prepare for the trial, facing off against Jessup’s defense attorney, Clive Royce, a formidable opponent who uses every trick in the book to discredit the prosecution. Royce argues that the DNA evidence found on Melissa’s dress, which does not match Jessup, proves that he was innocent all along. However, Haller counters that the unknown DNA does not necessarily mean Jessup wasn’t involved. Their legal battle becomes intense, with each side presenting compelling arguments to sway the jury.

As Bosch continues his investigation, he finally locates Sarah Landy, who has been living under a different identity to escape the trauma of the past. Initially hesitant, she eventually agrees to testify against Jessup, determined to prevent him from harming anyone else. However, as the trial progresses, Bosch receives a tip that Jessup might be planning something sinister. He follows Jessup and discovers that he has been actively scouting for new victims, proving that he is still a predator.

As the case reaches its climax, Sarah testifies against Jessup, reliving the painful memories of her sister’s abduction. Despite Royce’s aggressive cross-examination, she remains resolute in her account. The prosecution also presents compelling circumstantial evidence, reinforcing Jessup’s guilt. Just when it seems that Haller and McPherson are on the verge of securing a conviction, Bosch receives a critical lead about Jessup’s activities. Realizing that Jessup might be planning another abduction, Bosch rushes to intervene. In a tense and dramatic confrontation, Bosch stops Jessup before he can carry out his sinister plans.

In the end, the jury finds Jessup guilty, sending him back to prison. Justice is served, but the case leaves its mark on Haller, McPherson, and Bosch. Haller reflects on his brief stint as a prosecutor, reaffirming his belief in justice, while Bosch continues his relentless pursuit of criminals. The Reversal is a masterfully crafted legal thriller that showcases Michael Connelly’s signature storytelling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final verdict.