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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Solid book, though brutal. Bosch’s genuine regard for and appreciation for women comes through, as does his refusal to accept easy answers regarding many social issues that remain pertinent today.
The theme of police violence was addressed; it seemed like it was addressing the current racial tensions, although the copyright date was 1994. That shows how things change but don’t change.
I enjoy reading books about serial killers and I like this series.
I enjoy reading books about serial killers and I like this series.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reading them in order and this is without a doubt the best one yet!
A couple of months ago, I heard a review of The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith, better known as J.K. Rowling. The review was unfavorable; the reviewer suggested that Michael Connelly's The Concrete Blonde, which started with a similar premise, was a much better crafted novel than The Cuckoo's Calling. So I read both, and then I continued reading Connelly's books featuring Detective Harry Bosch. So now, I've read the whole Harry Bosch series. (Connelly may now be better known for his "Lincoln Lawyer" series, especially after the movie with Matthew McConaughey.) It's good genre fiction. I would probably give it 3.5 stars were there the option. I would say that the writing is serviceable, the plots are interesting, if too often stretching credulity just to get a plot-twist in, and the character of Bosch is reasonably compelling; the secondary characters tend to be very two-dimensional, and the love interests from one book to the next are particularly dull. Each book includes one sex scene, as if by contractual obligation. In other words, it's like watching a pretty good t.v. series. However, I've given Connelly more than a fair shot, and I can say definitively that not only is The Concrete Blonde no better than The Cuckoo's Calling, Connelly is also not a notably better mystery writer than is Galbraith/Rowling. And this is Rowling's first venture into mystery (though arguably, she's practiced similar plotting in the Harry Potter series).
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Repeat read.
Loved it this time around too. It had been years since the first read so came across as a fresh book. Well written with the serial killer mystery running side by side with the case against Bosch that threatens his reputation.
Loved it this time around too. It had been years since the first read so came across as a fresh book. Well written with the serial killer mystery running side by side with the case against Bosch that threatens his reputation.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 Stars
This rating almost didn't happen. I started this book and was irritated right off the bat. Bosch makes horrible choices; good cop; but he digs himself into a hole every chance he gets. Almost like he is punishing himself. He is so damaged; but what is the full story on why he is, the way he is? Is it due to being orphaned?? His mothers history?? Who his father was?? How close to the line of cold-hearted criminal, is he?? One turn of events and maybe he would be on the opposite side of the law.
Then we have him entering into a relationship with a woman, who is just as damaged; in some ways. Why start sleeping with a former colleagues ex (?). She hasn't even finished grieving over that loss; regardless of separation or divorce. Especially with Harry being involved in the case that surrounded his death (read the last book). With Harry being as damaged as he is; this is just another mistake in my view. I think mainly, because I read one of the later books out of order; and Harry was even worse. Damaged beyond repair and barely hanging on.
The 2nd half of the book really saved the rating for me. With Harry on trial for a wrongful death suit by the wife of the "Dollmaker" serial killer; things heat up with another murder. Did Harry get the wrong guy, as the victims family alleges? Is this a copycat?? A partner of the Dollmaker?? Harry is brought on the case during the midst of this trial. We have dozens of suspects, and barely any leads; because no one can be trusted. Just when you think it's over; we get another twist to the story.
Highly recommended. Just because I don't like certain aspects of the story; doesn't mean everyone else will feel the same.
This rating almost didn't happen. I started this book and was irritated right off the bat. Bosch makes horrible choices; good cop; but he digs himself into a hole every chance he gets. Almost like he is punishing himself. He is so damaged; but what is the full story on why he is, the way he is? Is it due to being orphaned?? His mothers history?? Who his father was?? How close to the line of cold-hearted criminal, is he?? One turn of events and maybe he would be on the opposite side of the law.
Then we have him entering into a relationship with a woman, who is just as damaged; in some ways. Why start sleeping with a former colleagues ex (?). She hasn't even finished grieving over that loss; regardless of separation or divorce. Especially with Harry being involved in the case that surrounded his death (read the last book). With Harry being as damaged as he is; this is just another mistake in my view. I think mainly, because I read one of the later books out of order; and Harry was even worse. Damaged beyond repair and barely hanging on.
The 2nd half of the book really saved the rating for me. With Harry on trial for a wrongful death suit by the wife of the "Dollmaker" serial killer; things heat up with another murder. Did Harry get the wrong guy, as the victims family alleges? Is this a copycat?? A partner of the Dollmaker?? Harry is brought on the case during the midst of this trial. We have dozens of suspects, and barely any leads; because no one can be trusted. Just when you think it's over; we get another twist to the story.
Highly recommended. Just because I don't like certain aspects of the story; doesn't mean everyone else will feel the same.
Honestly, although this is a good mystery, I liked the Amazon television series better.