xxertz's review against another edition
1.0
BLUF: Ties up The Poet (Jack McEvoy Book #1)
The Narrows follows detective Hieronymus Bosch as he tries to uncover the truth about his late friend’s heart attack. His late friend, Terry, is a sea charter captain who, in his spare time, helps other agencies solve cases pro bono. In order to solve Terry’s death, Bosch must first determine whether Terry came too close to one of the killers in his files or if his death is closer to home.
Let me preface, this is only the third Michael Connelly story I have read. I started with The Poet and then read The Black Echo. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but all three books go the same way: Main Character comes into knowledge about a case, Main Character forces way into investigation, FBI tries to block main character from investigation, Main Character has relations with FBI Detective which, oh, by the way, gains him access to the case, FBI Detective ends relations, Case ends.
The problem I have with these stories is that I cannot emotionally connect with the characters. Bosch is a notorious pain in the ass that doesn’t care about anybody but himself and, somehow, gets the girl anyways. The girl then, at the end of the book, abruptly ends the relationship as if there was no meaning to it at all. Does this happen in real life?
The detective story itself is fine. The book pieces the clues together in a way that keeps you entertained, but not enthralled. This isn’t a thriller; it won’t hook you into the story. It simply provides a resolution to The Poet.
The Narrows follows detective Hieronymus Bosch as he tries to uncover the truth about his late friend’s heart attack. His late friend, Terry, is a sea charter captain who, in his spare time, helps other agencies solve cases pro bono. In order to solve Terry’s death, Bosch must first determine whether Terry came too close to one of the killers in his files or if his death is closer to home.
Let me preface, this is only the third Michael Connelly story I have read. I started with The Poet and then read The Black Echo. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but all three books go the same way: Main Character comes into knowledge about a case, Main Character forces way into investigation, FBI tries to block main character from investigation, Main Character has relations with FBI Detective which, oh, by the way, gains him access to the case, FBI Detective ends relations, Case ends.
The problem I have with these stories is that I cannot emotionally connect with the characters. Bosch is a notorious pain in the ass that doesn’t care about anybody but himself and, somehow, gets the girl anyways. The girl then, at the end of the book, abruptly ends the relationship as if there was no meaning to it at all.
Spoiler
In this book, they have relations once and then they pretend like nothing ever happens. Um, what?The detective story itself is fine. The book pieces the clues together in a way that keeps you entertained, but not enthralled. This isn’t a thriller; it won’t hook you into the story. It simply provides a resolution to The Poet.
avid_read's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
leannaaker's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as an audiobook and loved it. This ties to another of Connelly's "Harry Bosch" books, "The Poet," though I hadn't read it, and it didn't hinder me at all. Harry Bosch is a retired detective, and is asked by a friend to investigate a seemingly mundane death. Most think the death was natural causes, but we quickly find out that it isn't. Great stuff!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Narrows
3 Stars
When an old friend dies suddenly, Harry Bosch is approached by the widow with evidence that her husband may have been murdered. As Harry delves deeper into the case, he finds a connection to a serial killer long believed to be dead. With the FBI reluctant to share information, Harry and disgraced agent, Rachel Walling, team up to uncover the truth.
Series note: It is necessary to read The Poet first in order to understand the backstory.
Like many of Connelly's books, the build up is rather slow as Harry follows the clues and collects evidence. However, everything ultimately comes together smoothly in the 2nd half and the last few chapters are action packed and exciting as Harry goes head to head with one of the most nefarious villains in Connelly's books.
One problematic aspect is Connolly's decision to kill off a major character from previous books. Not only is the death quite shocking, but the final twist in the tale in disappointing as it undermines everything that this character has gone through in the past.
On a final note, the alternating 1st person narrative for Harry and 3rd person narrative for other main characters is exceedingly distracting. This makes it difficult to listen to the audiobook despite Len Cariou's engaging narration.
The next installment in the series has Harry once again returning to the LAPD as a cold case investigator, and I look forward to seeing him in his element once again.
3 Stars
When an old friend dies suddenly, Harry Bosch is approached by the widow with evidence that her husband may have been murdered. As Harry delves deeper into the case, he finds a connection to a serial killer long believed to be dead. With the FBI reluctant to share information, Harry and disgraced agent, Rachel Walling, team up to uncover the truth.
Series note: It is necessary to read The Poet first in order to understand the backstory.
Like many of Connelly's books, the build up is rather slow as Harry follows the clues and collects evidence. However, everything ultimately comes together smoothly in the 2nd half and the last few chapters are action packed and exciting as Harry goes head to head with one of the most nefarious villains in Connelly's books.
One problematic aspect is Connolly's decision to kill off a major character from previous books. Not only is the death quite shocking, but the final twist in the tale in disappointing as it undermines everything that this character has gone through in the past.
On a final note, the alternating 1st person narrative for Harry and 3rd person narrative for other main characters is exceedingly distracting. This makes it difficult to listen to the audiobook despite Len Cariou's engaging narration.
The next installment in the series has Harry once again returning to the LAPD as a cold case investigator, and I look forward to seeing him in his element once again.
brel102's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
spray76's review against another edition
5.0
I have liked all of the Bosch books so far but this one has been my favorite. I still have more to read in the Bosch Universe. I started this one right after reading The Poet so it was all still fresh in my mind. Deep characters.
readymadereader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bep's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
ebbie_casuallereading's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Compare to the previous book of the series, this one is more fast paced from the get go and I didn't feel like there was much down time.
The whole Poet call back was good too.
Compare to the previous book of the series, this one is more fast paced from the get go and I didn't feel like there was much down time.
The whole Poet call back was good too.