annebrooke's review against another edition
2.0
This is an early Bosch and it's not that great - too wordy and too many plot cliches, really. I ended up skipping most of the last third and still getting the gist of what was happening. A lot of the middle section could have been ditched and it would have made a far sharper novel. The good news is that Connelly gets a heck of a lot better as the Bosch series goes on! Give this one a miss though.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Black Ice
4 Stars
When the apparent suicide of narcotics officer, Cal Moore, is linked to two of his unsolved homicide cases, Detective Harry Bosch’s investigation leads him on a dark and twisted path that places him, not only in the middle of a complex web of lies and deceit, but within the crosshairs of one of Mexico’s most notorious drug kingpins. With numerous players intent on hindering his progress, Harry’s stalwart determination might get him through or it might get him killed.
Drug dealers and corrupt cops are not particularly appealing themes. Nevertheless, the mystery is well-developed with several compelling twists and turns, although the final revelation is rather predictable as. Moreover, there is an appropriate sense of poetic justice in the climax and resolution.
The characterization is one of the highlights of the book. The details of Harry’s past enhance the complexity of his character and the juxtaposition with Cal Moore’s upbringing adds nuance to both their actions and motivations.
My one issue with the book is the writing. As in the first book, there are overly descriptive sections particularly during the action scenes toward the end, which cause the story to drag a little. Hopefully, this will improve in later installments.
In sum, The Black Ice is an edgy police procedural with an enigmatic hero whose appeal only increases from book to book.
4 Stars
When the apparent suicide of narcotics officer, Cal Moore, is linked to two of his unsolved homicide cases, Detective Harry Bosch’s investigation leads him on a dark and twisted path that places him, not only in the middle of a complex web of lies and deceit, but within the crosshairs of one of Mexico’s most notorious drug kingpins. With numerous players intent on hindering his progress, Harry’s stalwart determination might get him through or it might get him killed.
Drug dealers and corrupt cops are not particularly appealing themes. Nevertheless, the mystery is well-developed with several compelling twists and turns, although the final revelation is rather predictable as
Spoiler
corpses without faces always raise suspicions concerning identityThe characterization is one of the highlights of the book. The details of Harry’s past enhance the complexity of his character and the juxtaposition with Cal Moore’s upbringing adds nuance to both their actions and motivations.
My one issue with the book is the writing. As in the first book, there are overly descriptive sections particularly during the action scenes toward the end, which cause the story to drag a little. Hopefully, this will improve in later installments.
In sum, The Black Ice is an edgy police procedural with an enigmatic hero whose appeal only increases from book to book.
booknookie's review against another edition
4.0
Click here to see my other reviews.A first class crime thriller with an suspenseful plot and well executed story. A pure 90's detective story and just what I needed. I was craving some good crime with good cop, bad coop and bad guys. Connolly gave me just what I needed. Well executed characters and I feel the dialog is more natural than the first book. It is an easy book to get lost in and perfect for those rainy days.
I don't have so much more to say. It is outstanding. It's old and you certainly feel it's age but for me it was more nostalgia than anything else. I'm more than satisfied and can only recommend you to read it.
marco5599's review against another edition
4.0
Tunnels. It's a Bosch thing. Bulls. Not a Bosch thing. Stuff from nightmares, that scene. Dios mio. Wild ending in an excellent follow-up. Again very much impressed with the case plus character work and the balance between the two. The more you get to know about the crime(s), the more you get to know about Harry. Connelly's natural flow and eye for detail -I love the thorough police work!- is simply mesmerizing. After the last page all I wanted to do was listen to one of those saxophone solos. One that can cut you in half.
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
3.0
Better than the first one. Harry's pretty chauvinist... or maybe it's the writer. Hard to tell.
ashconklin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shellebean64's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0