judenoseinabook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Fast moving american crime story with Harry Bosch as the lead character. Complicated plot but it is all concluded satisfactorily
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Trunk Music
3 Stars
When the body of a B movie producer, Tony Aliso, is found in the trunk of a car, Detective Harry Bosch is called in to investigate and follows the clues to a Las Vegas nightclub with ties to organized crime. Soon Harry finds himself at the center of a complex web of lies, deceit and murder that may just signal the end of his career…
Not the best installment in the series. The first half is too slow and focuses excessively on the organized crime element, which is not a favorite trope of mine. That said, this would not be an issue were it not for the fact that it is so obviously misdirection. The second half is better once the investigation changes focus and there are one or two surprising twists that keep the pages turning.
In terms of character development, Harry is in a better place following the angst ridden events of the previous book. The return of an old flame has some sweet moments, but it must be said that this particular romantic entanglement has not future and only plays into Harry’s “damsel in distress” complex.
Several new characters are introduced - Kizman, Billets and Goshen. Each has an interesting role to play in the story and will hopefully develop in future installments. Goshen is particularly intriguing and I look forward to reading more about him.
3 Stars
When the body of a B movie producer, Tony Aliso, is found in the trunk of a car, Detective Harry Bosch is called in to investigate and follows the clues to a Las Vegas nightclub with ties to organized crime. Soon Harry finds himself at the center of a complex web of lies, deceit and murder that may just signal the end of his career…
Not the best installment in the series. The first half is too slow and focuses excessively on the organized crime element, which is not a favorite trope of mine. That said, this would not be an issue were it not for the fact that it is so obviously misdirection. The second half is better once the investigation changes focus and there are one or two surprising twists that keep the pages turning.
In terms of character development, Harry is in a better place following the angst ridden events of the previous book. The return of an old flame has some sweet moments, but it must be said that this particular romantic entanglement has not future and only plays into Harry’s “damsel in distress” complex.
Several new characters are introduced - Kizman, Billets and Goshen. Each has an interesting role to play in the story and will hopefully develop in future installments. Goshen is particularly intriguing and I look forward to reading more about him.
marco5599's review against another edition
3.5
Ugh. The Eleanor Wish-comeback. How I wish that never happened. Bosch and love interests.. Bad decisions. Bad combo. Other than that; another fine case. Enjoyed it the most when Harry simply follows his schnozzle through the seedy parts of Los Angeles and Las Vegas. More than when he himself becomes something of a target in the whole thing.
Not a bad move per se, but office wars don't have the atmosphere that comes with bodies in the trunk, dirty pictures, the desert, Vegas lights, strippers and mobsters, so it lost some of its appeal from that point on. Still good though. Aside the last chapter that is. I did not like that, as you can imagine. More Samoan giants, less lubby dubbiness, dammit!
Not a bad move per se, but office wars don't have the atmosphere that comes with bodies in the trunk, dirty pictures, the desert, Vegas lights, strippers and mobsters, so it lost some of its appeal from that point on. Still good though. Aside the last chapter that is. I did not like that, as you can imagine. More Samoan giants, less lubby dubbiness, dammit!
amakaazie's review against another edition
4.0
Harry Bosch character in this novel was interesting. Although the storyline dragged a bit sometimes, his brash, rude and hilarious character more than made up for that.
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
4 Stars. Very, very good. I’m late to the party. I loved the TV series and am going through the books now, planning on reading it all. Connelly is making that an easy choice. I’m curious about the differences.
What a great mystery. It was just a tiny bit slow in spots but it was smart. The smart mysteries are always the best. I’m learning that smart mysteries are Connelly’s specialty. On to the next. Connelly might finally be the author to fill my Robert B. Parker void.
constant_reader_19's review against another edition
4.0
Solid Bosch story. I figured out the end though.