A review by laurenjodi
Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
3.0
Nine Dragons
3 Stars
While investigating a routine homicide with apparent ties to the Chinese Triads, Detective Harry Bosch finds the case hitting a little too close to home when he receives threats and his daughter, Maddie, is kidnapped in Hong Kong. Will Harry be able to find her in time?
Harry Bosch is definitely my favorite of all Connolly's protagonists. Nevertheless, his portrayal in this installment leaves much to be desired, and it might be that the series has passed its prime.
Harry's characterization is a huge big mess. He turns from being an intelligent, thoughtful and sensitive man into a rash, racist and boorish thug. He seems to care little for those around him, and barely bats an eye when two people close to him are killed.
In terms of the plot, the murder case is initially very intriguing, but veers off in illogical and unrealistic directions before it gets back on track. The twist at the end was not all that surprising and is easy to figure out once Harry recovers from his John McClane/Die Hard impersonation in Hong Kong.
All in all, this book is not up to Connelly's standards as the focus on the action overshadows the plotting and character development. Hopefully the next one will be better.
3 Stars
While investigating a routine homicide with apparent ties to the Chinese Triads, Detective Harry Bosch finds the case hitting a little too close to home when he receives threats and his daughter, Maddie, is kidnapped in Hong Kong. Will Harry be able to find her in time?
Harry Bosch is definitely my favorite of all Connolly's protagonists. Nevertheless, his portrayal in this installment leaves much to be desired, and it might be that the series has passed its prime.
Harry's characterization is a huge big mess. He turns from being an intelligent, thoughtful and sensitive man into a rash, racist and boorish thug. He seems to care little for those around him, and barely bats an eye when two people close to him are killed.
In terms of the plot, the murder case is initially very intriguing, but veers off in illogical and unrealistic directions before it gets back on track. The twist at the end was not all that surprising and is easy to figure out once Harry recovers from his John McClane/Die Hard impersonation in Hong Kong.
All in all, this book is not up to Connelly's standards as the focus on the action overshadows the plotting and character development. Hopefully the next one will be better.