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The Overlook (Harry Bosch, #13; Harry Bosch Universe, #16)
The Overlook (Harry Bosch, #13; Harry Bosch Universe, #16)
Michael Connelly | 2007 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
7.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fast Paced Fast Read
LAPD Detective Harry Bosch has recently transferred to the Los Angeles Homicide Special department, and his first case finds him at an overlook on Mulholland Drive where a doctor was shot in the back of the head. Bosch has hardly gotten the basics of the case when the FBI shows up. As jurisdictional wars break out, Bosch tries to keep his focus on solving the crime. Can he do it?

I was surprised to find this book was shorter than normal for a Harry Bosch novel, but when I learned it originally appeared in serialized form, it made sense. The book doesn’t skimp on twists and turns; they are still packed into the pages. I had part of the solution figured out early, but it was just a small part of it. Bosch is dealing with a ticking clock, and that means that any personal sub-plots are left out of the book. Because of the shorter length, the characters aren’t as well developed as usual, but this lack of character growth is a minor issue. What bothered me more was some of Bosch’s actions here. Normally, I enjoy his efforts to skirt the rules, but in this case, I felt he went a bit too far. Still, Harry’s many fans will enjoy this fast-paced entry to the series.
  
The Black Box (Harry Bosch, #18; Harry Bosch Universe, #24)
The Black Box (Harry Bosch, #18; Harry Bosch Universe, #24)
Michael Connelly | 2012 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
9
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder During the LA Riots
When the LA riots happened back in 1992, Harry Bosch was a homicide detective who was called in to work crime scenes as quickly as possible since there were so many happening during that time. One of those was of a reporter from a paper in Europe. Nothing ever came of the case until twenty years later. Bosch is now working in the cold case squad, but a ballistics hit was just made that links the gun that killed the reporter to gang related murders that have happened in the years since. Can Bosch use this fresh new lead to finally solve the case?

Once again, part of the fun of the series is watching Bosch work his way to the conclusion. I never would have guessed it, but it makes perfect sense when we get there. Along the way, I enjoy spending time with Bosch and seeing how his life has evolved. I especially enjoyed watching his relationship with his daughter in this book. I did find the office politics Bosch faces border on clichéd, although I did see the higher ups point in one aspect here. I also found something that happened near the climax a little too convenient. But both of these are minor points in an otherwise strong book that will please series fans.