A review by laurenjodi
Echo Park by Michael Connelly

4.0

Echo Park
4 Stars

When a suspected serial killer confesses to a cold case that has plagued detective Harry Bosch for 13 years, he gets drawn into the political machinations of the police and the DA's office. What starts out as a routine interrogation turns into a complex conspiracy that may have devastating consequences for Harry and his partner.

As with many of the Bosch books, the 2nd half is better than the 1st. The initial setup and progression is rather predictable as the killer is introduced and the reader waits for the other shoe to drop. Thankfully, when it does, the clever twists and turns of the case transform an otherwise mundane story into an engrossing thriller.

Harry is one of those intense and brooding heroes always on the brink of self-destruction. His recklessness is particularly apparent in this installment as guilt and anger lead him to question is judgment and his mission.

As I've stated in past reviews, romance is not Connelly's forte. Nevertheless, the pairing of Harry with FBI agent Rachel Walling has been a stroke of genius. Their interactions are engaging and she is a good match for him both personally and professionally. Considering the way things turn out here, it would be a pity if Connelly allowed this relationship to slip through Harry's fingers.
Only time (and the next book) will tell.