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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Predictable, figured out very early on who was the killer.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had the opportunity to read Nightshade by Michael Connelly, which follows Detective Stilwell as he investigates a mysterious body found on the stunning Catalina Island. True to Connelly’s style, this book was a smooth, engaging read with a well-paced mystery that unraveled through a series of subtle, well-placed clues.
What I appreciated most was how Connelly once again managed to keep the reader immersed with strong pacing and sharp storytelling. While this was a lighter and more straightforward read compared to some of his longer novels, it still delivered the intrigue and satisfaction I’ve come to expect from his work. Fans of Connelly will definitely enjoy this one—another solid addition to his collection.
I really enjoyed this new series from Connelly featuring “exiled” Detective Sergeant Stilwell (“Stil”), who is sent to Catalina Island to serve as their local sheriff after a falling out with the LA homicide unit.
Stilwell is calm, intelligent, and methodical. He doggedly investigates the death of a young woman who is found tethered to an anchor at the bottom of the harbor, despite being told that LA Homicide will handle it. His unwillingness to give an inch when investigating a case is what got him into trouble to begin with, and I really liked that about him.
I have read a few novels in Connelly’s other series, but this one seemed more compelling. While I love watching police procedurals on TV, they aren’t my favorite genre to read. But I think Connelly nails the ability to draw in even readers who don’t love the genre.
NOTE: There is another case about the beheading of a protected buffalo on the island. It’s not graphic, but is still disturbing. In the future, I hope Connelly avoids any animal cruelty or deaths in this series.
I hope this series is successful enough that it’s turned into another streaming series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
His usual fast-paced and intricately-plotted work. A fun read, set on Catalina Island, in California.