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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
3.5***
Book # 3 in the Harry Bosch series has Harry in federal court defending a civil suit. Four years prior he fatally shot a notorious serial killer – The Dollmaker. Now the family is suing for damages, claiming his civil rights were violated. Unfortunately for Harry’s case, on the first day of the trial a new note arrives for Harry, supposedly from the killer, and leading the police to another body. A blonde buried in a concrete slab certainly fits the profile of The Dollmaker killings. Could Harry have killed an innocent man? Is the killer really still at work?
This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read. Connelly keeps the reader (and Harry) on their toes, with multiple twists in the plot. He also gives us a little more of Harry’s personal life – his childhood experiences come to light during the trial, and how he deals with these secrets in his present-day life has an impact on his relationships. But the main focus is the mystery of the Dollmaker, and that is exactly what this genre requires. I was sure I had it figured out, and for a few pages there I felt victorious. I should have known better. Connelly is a master at surprising the reader and I definitely did NOT solve this one ahead of Harry.
Book # 3 in the Harry Bosch series has Harry in federal court defending a civil suit. Four years prior he fatally shot a notorious serial killer – The Dollmaker. Now the family is suing for damages, claiming his civil rights were violated. Unfortunately for Harry’s case, on the first day of the trial a new note arrives for Harry, supposedly from the killer, and leading the police to another body. A blonde buried in a concrete slab certainly fits the profile of The Dollmaker killings. Could Harry have killed an innocent man? Is the killer really still at work?
This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read. Connelly keeps the reader (and Harry) on their toes, with multiple twists in the plot. He also gives us a little more of Harry’s personal life – his childhood experiences come to light during the trial, and how he deals with these secrets in his present-day life has an impact on his relationships. But the main focus is the mystery of the Dollmaker, and that is exactly what this genre requires. I was sure I had it figured out, and for a few pages there I felt victorious. I should have known better. Connelly is a master at surprising the reader and I definitely did NOT solve this one ahead of Harry.
is_book_loring's review against another edition
4.0
“Nobody in this world is who they say they are. Nobody. Not when they’re in their own room with the door shut and locked. And nobody knows anybody, no matter what they think... The best you can hope for is to know yourself. And sometimes when you do, when you see your true self, you have to turn away.”
Michael Connelly could make what seemingly unoriginal premise of a serial killer story into well plotted, excellently written psychological thriller/crime investigation with a probing scrutiny into the idea of justice and its manifestation as law that binds elements in society, its complex effect in molding the prejudices, bias, psychology and actions of prosecutors of law and the people it sworn to protect.
Michael Connelly could make what seemingly unoriginal premise of a serial killer story into well plotted, excellently written psychological thriller/crime investigation with a probing scrutiny into the idea of justice and its manifestation as law that binds elements in society, its complex effect in molding the prejudices, bias, psychology and actions of prosecutors of law and the people it sworn to protect.
mhuntone's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gabmc's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely well plotted and well written crime/mystery book. This is the third book in the Harry Bosch series, and while it could be read alone, I'm glad I'm reading in chronological order as Bosch's character is developing really well. Harry is being sued in civil court by the widow of the "Dollmaker" - a serial killer that Harry killed four years previously. The problem is that another murder, with details strikingly similar to the Dollmaker's has just been found, embedded in concrete. Has Harry killed the wrong guy? He's sure he hasn't but with this new case breaking, he can't be 100% sure. Really good book.
zmull's review against another edition
5.0
The Concrete Blonde is a heck of a good thriller. I see now why Michael Connelly sells a gazillion books a year.
greaydean's review against another edition
4.0
A good read, as always. This book was on the border of what I can handle in terms of gruesomeness, but it didn't make me stop. Mind you, I have a pretty low tolerance.
legitimatesalvage's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mrtaylor23's review against another edition
4.0
Another stellar plot by Connelly. Many plot twists as he built up to the climax, but an unexpected individual is responsible for the following of the Dollmaker.