longhornrach's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theregnirps's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Last Coyote
3 Stars
Detective Harry Bosch’s life is spiraling out of control. His home has been condemned following an earthquake; he is suspended and forced into mandatory psychiatric counseling after striking his commanding officer, and to top it all off, he feels compelled to investigate the decades old murder of his mother.
This installment is, unfortunately, the weakest in the series, which is disappointing considering that the story of what happened to Harry’s mother has been intriguing from the start.
The first half of the book is exceedingly drawn out with an excessive amount of psychobabble and philosophical musings as Harry watches traffic jams and sees a lone coyote everywhere. Too much attention is paid to Harry’s meltdown, and it is all far too melancholy.
There are, nevertheless, some highlights in this section such as Harry’s developing relationship with the police psychologist. Their conversations are particularly insightful as Harry begins to open up and reveals the effect that the loss of his mother had on him.
The second half picks up with a certain event and the focus shifts more to the investigation into the death of Harry’s mother. The mystery has some interesting twists and turns, and the whole thing reminds me of an episode of the TV show, Cold Case.
All in all, the writing in this one is too slow and Harry’s angst is becoming rather tedious. Hopefully, things will change now that he has some closure and the atmosphere of distrust and corruption will begin to subside with the developments in the police department.
3 Stars
Detective Harry Bosch’s life is spiraling out of control. His home has been condemned following an earthquake; he is suspended and forced into mandatory psychiatric counseling after striking his commanding officer, and to top it all off, he feels compelled to investigate the decades old murder of his mother.
This installment is, unfortunately, the weakest in the series, which is disappointing considering that the story of what happened to Harry’s mother has been intriguing from the start.
The first half of the book is exceedingly drawn out with an excessive amount of psychobabble and philosophical musings as Harry watches traffic jams and sees a lone coyote everywhere. Too much attention is paid to Harry’s meltdown, and it is all far too melancholy.
There are, nevertheless, some highlights in this section such as Harry’s developing relationship with the police psychologist. Their conversations are particularly insightful as Harry begins to open up and reveals the effect that the loss of his mother had on him.
The second half picks up with a certain event and the focus shifts more to the investigation into the death of Harry’s mother. The mystery has some interesting twists and turns, and the whole thing reminds me of an episode of the TV show, Cold Case.
All in all, the writing in this one is too slow and Harry’s angst is becoming rather tedious. Hopefully, things will change now that he has some closure and the atmosphere of distrust and corruption will begin to subside with the developments in the police department.
alcazarz's review against another edition
3.0
pretty standard, some interesting story points. Lead character is not very likeable though
miggyjane's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
marco5599's review against another edition
3.0
Most personal Bosch so far. Also my least favorite Bosch so far. Not very fond of detectives investigating cases that involve their own family, like 'em even less when it turns out to be high profile cover-up as well, like this one. Plausibility is an issue here. As for the psychological aspect of it all; a mixed bag. There's definitely some interesting stuff going around in Harry's head, but the shrink; nah. Blah blah-chapters without an angle that made me go hmm.. And then there's the mandatory (?) love interest. I don't even think she needed to be part of this, but that backstory.. All in all a bit much, no? Too much for my taste. Less would have been more. Highlight? When Harry starts stirring things up and somebody pays the price. By far the best segment of the book.
jmflint27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Connelly does it again. While this was slightly more predictable, there was a very strong emotional presence and motivation attached to Bosch that was very compelling and set it a bit apart from previous books.
thatthomas's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0