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skynet666's review against another edition
3.0
Audio book; didn't realize that this one had another detective in it. It's ok so far, but I much prefer the previous narrator. Now I've finished it and although it was good, it wasn't great. The narrator didn't help either.
anissawren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joyousone17's review against another edition
4.0
So far, I have enjoyed every Bosch novel I have read. While this was no exception (it was enjoyable) it didn’t hook me as much as the prior novels. Maybe because Bosch seemed more of a supporting role in his own series this time or maybe I need to refresh my memory on Terry McCaleb to care more about him sort of being the lead this time. Either way, it was still a good story that didn’t develop too slow or too quick and Bosch is still his wonderfully flawed self, like many of us. On to #8!
incognitus's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cburton's review
dark
mysterious
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
laurenjcarter28'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
3.0
fosterwalrus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
d_audy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
lesserjoke's review
3.0
Author Michael Connelly's first big crossover project is intriguing in concept, teaming up his usual hero LAPD detective Harry Bosch with retired FBI agent Terry McCaleb from the novel Blood Work. Jack McEvoy, reporter protagonist of The Poet, is here too as a minor figure covering the action. It's an ambitious structure which pays off how the writer has been filling out this setting, but it falls a little flat as events unfold.
There are two separate murder cases at the center of this story. The cop is testifying at the trial for one, where the prosecutors seem to have a strong position but repeatedly warn him that a conviction hinges on his credibility as a witness. In the other, which Terry is brought in to consult on, the evidence points to Bosch himself as the likeliest suspect. I can't decide whether readers are meant to wonder about his guilt at all or not, but I've personally felt no particular tension on that front. And we're given no real mystery or investigation into who might be responsible instead either; with literally no alternatives presented to us, it's fairly obvious that the twin plot threads will actually end up joined, and that the defendant is likely framing Harry for one of his kills.
The police work that follows is thorough yet tedious, presenting a foregone conclusion with minimal excitement or surprise. It's great to see these characters bouncing off one another after originally getting to know them independently, yet the circumstances hardly live up to the moment.
[Content warning for rape, suffocation, gun violence, and gore.]
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There are two separate murder cases at the center of this story. The cop is testifying at the trial for one, where the prosecutors seem to have a strong position but repeatedly warn him that a conviction hinges on his credibility as a witness. In the other, which Terry is brought in to consult on, the evidence points to Bosch himself as the likeliest suspect. I can't decide whether readers are meant to wonder about his guilt at all or not, but I've personally felt no particular tension on that front. And we're given no real mystery or investigation into who might be responsible instead either; with literally no alternatives presented to us, it's fairly obvious that the twin plot threads will actually end up joined, and that the defendant is likely framing Harry for one of his kills.
The police work that follows is thorough yet tedious, presenting a foregone conclusion with minimal excitement or surprise. It's great to see these characters bouncing off one another after originally getting to know them independently, yet the circumstances hardly live up to the moment.
[Content warning for rape, suffocation, gun violence, and gore.]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter