Reviews

City of Bones by Michael Connelly

laurenjodi's review

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4.0

City of Bones
4 Stars

It is a quiet New Years until the call comes in about the discovery of human remains in the Hollywood Hills. When the body is revealed to be that of a young boy who suffered horrific abuse in his short life, Detective Harry Bosch is determined to bring the culprit to justice. Harry also begins a personal relationship with a rookie cop, but a shocking event jeopardizes his future in the department.

While the Harry Bosch books are enjoyable reads, Connelly's writing tends toward the philosophical and often becomes bogged down with Harry's constant psychological musings. That said, City of Bones breaks from this mold as the mystery develops at a solid pace. Unfortunately, it does peter out somewhat toward the end and the resolution is rather anti-climactic.

The secondary storyline involving Harry's relationship with Julia is decidedly weaker as their connection feels contrived and out of place. It is evident throughout the series that this aspect of Connelly's writing is very poor, and he should stick to the investigations and leave the romance to the experts.

In sum, Harry is a very appealing character and the procedural aspects of the investigation are excellent.

thatthomas's review

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mysterious medium-paced

4.5

avid_read's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ebbie_casuallereading's review

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3.0

REREAD : For some reasons, I was convince someone else was guilty of the crime.
This one is not as enjoyable to me as other in the series, however, the first part of the book is still really entertaining. The second half less so. It feels more like a transition story between major arc in Bosch story.

dhoddie's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

nferre's review

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4.0

Another short, fast-paced novel that follows detective Harry Bosch. A dog finds an old bone on a hill and Harry is called to figure out who it belonged to, how it got there, and who put it there. Harry needs to redeem himself with the LAPD by solving this mystery and goes about it methodically. Very well done again with a great ending, surprising but totally plausible.

tylerc's review

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mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

alifromkc1907's review

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4.0

Gut Instinct Rating: 4
Characters: 4.5
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 4
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4
Overall: 4.65

djhobby's review

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4.0

7 out of 10

bookhawk's review

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4.0

City of Bones is another excellent Michael Connelly novel in the Harry Bosch series. In this installment, Bosch investigates the discovery of a skeleton of cold bones that leads to a hot case that brings skeletons out of closets from several people including himself.

Connelly created a complex character in Bosch and writes with grit and soul. He brings twists and fine points in each novel. Connelly continues to get better in the series and makes me look forward the next book in the series. Recommended for Michael Crais, John Sandford and Lee Child fans.