Reviews

The Black Box by Michael Connelly

laurenjodi's review

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4.0

The Black Box
4 Stars

In his latest cold case, detective Harry Bosch investigates the murder of a Danish photojournalist killed during the 1992 LA riots. But his mission is soon threatened when political agendas arise, and Harry finds himself in a situation that might just end his career.

While the Harry Bosch books are enjoyable reads (for the most part) and the investigations are interesting (especially the cold cases), they have become formulaic with several repeated tropes such as Harry's lone-wolf approach to police work, his conflicts with the powers-that-be, and his terrible taste in women.

Nevertheless, the twists and turns of the investigation into Anneke Jespersen's murder are very compelling and the ultimate explanation is both original and believable. One of the best aspects of Connelly's books is that the villains always get their just reward and this one is no exception.

All in all, a solid addition to the series, but something needs to change soon to prevent complete stagnation for the character.

bunnieslikediamonds's review

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3.0

A Bosch novel always comes with a sense of déja vu. Connelly writes the same book over and over again. It's very soothing, and Bosch is like your jazz-loving, grumpy old uncle who is suspicious of the internet. A little bit of change and development would be nice though.

jacks623's review

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adventurous 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? Yes

3.0

rosetyper9's review

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4.0

This was a slow read for me because I don't really read this genre. I was suprised how much I got into it once the story really got going. I never felt lost while reading and Mr. Connelly does an excellent job seemlessly weaving back details with the current story.

I think the plot went well, I started to get a niggling feeling about the bad guy and predicted it as it turned out but that was part of the fun of reading it.

I read this book for the Sony VIP program discussion with Michael Connelly and I am happy I did. It's good to get out of your comfort zone.

sophlinda's review

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funny mysterious medium-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

4.0

rachelehgreen's review

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adventurous mysterious tense

4.5

corrinpierce's review

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3.0

Not the best Bosch I've read, though I always love to read Connelly. The tie-in with the 92 LA Riots is interesting.

sashshearman's review

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2.0

Yawn. Wasn't interested enough to finish. Probably the most boring Connelly I have read.

carlajo713's review

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3.0

This has been my least favorite book of the series. It took me quite awhile to get into. I felt it was just lacking something. It redeemed itself in the last several chapters, but I put it down so many times and wasn't looking forward to reading it.

terrik_409's review

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dark emotional tense medium-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? No

4.0