Nine stars
Connelly returns with another high-impact story, matching his two most popular characters, half-brothers Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, into a single thriller. After yet another scandalous action, Bosch seems himself scrambling to retire from the LAPD before they could fire him. When he approaches Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, for some help suing the Department, Haller agrees, but wants some help of his own on a case he is defending. A known gang member sits in jail for murder, as the evidence shows an iron-clad case. Bosch agrees to poke around a little, though this will require him to make the crossing; to turn on those with whom he has worked his whole life and question that in which he has believed while he’s served. There is no coming back from this, but the stakes are too high for a man who claims he has been set-up for the crime. As Bosch pokes deeper, he realises that there is a cover-up taking place and those who impede this smooth sailing case either end up dead or forced to the sidelines. However, one piece of evidence proves to be more important than any other, a quirky piece that does not make any sense. Bosch follows the threads and things begin to unravel…making the crossing all the sweeter. As he comes to terms with another crossing, his daughter from girl into womanhood, Bosch remains stoic and somewhat aloof, which endears readers to this character flaw. A powerful story from a master writer that will have new readers becoming fans as series regulars nod in approval.
Harry Bosch is the quintessential character, who has been through it all. Connelly has crafted him in a score of novels, honing certain attributes while letting others wane alongside past cases. Injected Mickey Haller into the case, Bosch is on his toes, more to assert his authority as a main characters within the chapters, as well as offering readers a tug-of-war situation; is this a police thriller or a legal one? Connelly’s ability to weave through cop-speak, legalese, and a powerful case pulls the reader in deeper, while sacrificing nothing in its delivery. While Haller is present in the story, I feel this is a Bosch-centric tale, but permits character growth for all, while fostering a deeper connection to the reader. Adding the likes of Titus Welliver to the narration of this book and the characterization on-screen adds further dimensions to allow readers to find a deeper interest Harry Bosch. I could not have chosen a better suited Bosch had I tried. Fast-paced, detailed, and filled with off-beat humour, Connelly delivers a knock-out punch that will leave readers obsessed with Bosch and demanding more.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly for this wonderful piece of work. I cannot praise you enough, nor can I get enough Harry Bosch. Keep ’em coming!
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