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sevenworlds's review against another edition
4.0
A crucial book in this series, as it gives a very detailed and intense look at Harry Bosch's motivations, ego and mental state and processes.
The tone is exceptionally dark, even compared to the gritty L.A. street reality reflected in the other series novels. Bosch is hell-bent in this book, and you don't know whether to hurt for him greatly or to smack him upside the head.
Although it's priceless to know Bosch's back story in this much detail, this novel was honestly a little too bleak and depressing. Bosch doesn't make things easy for himself AT ALL, and now I understand why, but dang, this was sad.
The tone is exceptionally dark, even compared to the gritty L.A. street reality reflected in the other series novels. Bosch is hell-bent in this book, and you don't know whether to hurt for him greatly or to smack him upside the head.
Although it's priceless to know Bosch's back story in this much detail, this novel was honestly a little too bleak and depressing. Bosch doesn't make things easy for himself AT ALL, and now I understand why, but dang, this was sad.
cptcheerful's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
carolpk's review against another edition
4.0
Moving right along in my goal to read all theHarry Bosch Series, I was pleased how smoothly Connelly transitioned from The Concrete Blond to The Last Coyote. Even though it's a year later Connelly easily catches us up on what's been happening with our guy.
Harry's relationship with Sylvia is over, he's on leave, going to Chinatown (a department psychologist) and is hoping to get back to active duty soon. Harry observes much about himself. I think he's a bit worried about the aging process. He's got a good head of hair, curly still though it is turning gray; not so his mustache. He remains on the slim side but he has to watch his diet more. He's drinking more and enjoying it less. Did I realize Bosch is left-handed? He continues to wear his gladiator tie and 187 penal code tie-tack, little details that are comforting. The major bad news is that his house in the hills has been destroyed by an earthquake and he's dodging inspectors who would condemn the place even as he tries to rebuild.
With time on his hands Bosch decides to investigate the murder of his mother, Marjorie Phillips Lowe - who was killed 35 years ago. I don't think Harry can move on with his life or feel whole without knowing the how, who and why. This is good for the reader as we want to know too.
Once again Connelly gives us a good mystery fleshed out by the continuation of strong characters. Music and art remain an important part of Harry's life and the streets of LA are becoming more and more familiar with each book.
The coyote, even if not the last, appears and disappears and becomes a symbolic tool throughout the story and one that Harry connects with. Ready to start #5.
Harry's relationship with Sylvia is over, he's on leave, going to Chinatown (a department psychologist) and is hoping to get back to active duty soon. Harry observes much about himself. I think he's a bit worried about the aging process. He's got a good head of hair, curly still though it is turning gray; not so his mustache. He remains on the slim side but he has to watch his diet more. He's drinking more and enjoying it less. Did I realize Bosch is left-handed? He continues to wear his gladiator tie and 187 penal code tie-tack, little details that are comforting. The major bad news is that his house in the hills has been destroyed by an earthquake and he's dodging inspectors who would condemn the place even as he tries to rebuild.
With time on his hands Bosch decides to investigate the murder of his mother, Marjorie Phillips Lowe - who was killed 35 years ago. I don't think Harry can move on with his life or feel whole without knowing the how, who and why. This is good for the reader as we want to know too.
Once again Connelly gives us a good mystery fleshed out by the continuation of strong characters. Music and art remain an important part of Harry's life and the streets of LA are becoming more and more familiar with each book.
The coyote, even if not the last, appears and disappears and becomes a symbolic tool throughout the story and one that Harry connects with. Ready to start #5.
ebokhyllami's review against another edition
4.0
Fjerde 4'eren på rad i Bosch-serien dette. Avhengighetsskapende, så kanskje den burde fått 5 blank sålangt?
hidusty's review against another edition
4.0
The twists just kept coming. Another great Bosch novel.
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
5.0
This may be the high water mark of the excellent, long-running series -- which makes sense, as it deals with the cold case murder investigation of Bosch's mother, which is his life-defining moment throughout the entire series. I didn't start at the beginning with these books, but I am glad I've gone back and listened to the older installments I'd previously missed.
carlg88's review against another edition
2.0
Harry Bosch must be one of those characters who grows on you I'm guessing, because I have read a few and still am not that into the character. I have to say it's getting more enjoyable though. This one catches Bosch at a bad time - he is in the doghouse with the police and his house is condemned. He still manages to accomplish some excellent detective work though.
What a guy!
What a guy!
liberrydude's review
5.0
Harry Bosch is on leave with pay and seeing the psychiatrist after assaulting his supervisor. His home has also been destroyed by an earthquake and condemned by the city, yet he is furtively living in it. Everything that could be wrong is wrong. So he decides to work a cold case, the death of his mother who was a prostitute. The doctor warns him that he might not like the answers he finds. And Connelly proceeds to lead the reader on a suspenseful and riveting read that lulls the reader into a dawning awareness that the doctor knows of what she speaks as well as the reader knowing where it’s all headed. Wrong! Connelly has at least three jaw dropping plot twists that come from out of nowhere. Nothing is ever easy with Bosch and the body count in this tale leaves him an even more tortured soul. The truth it seems does not set you free. Connelly is the best.
bruin4life74's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75