anneinaz 's review for:

Nightshade by Michael Connelly

5.0

challenging mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Nightshade by Michael Connelly introduces a new character: a California sheriff’s sergeant named Stillwell. He had been sent to quiet Catalina Island as a punishment but he had found a home. He was investigating the mutilation of a buffalo, which turned out to be the tip of the iceberg. He had found love with Tash Dano, who was the assistant harbor master. The harbor at Catalina was busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Someone had spotted a body in the water and Stil went to investigate. The water was cold but he went in anyway. A woman. He didn’t recognized her but he called ERT to retrieve the body. He wasn’t in charge of the investigation, that was his nemesis, Ahearn, who had been the other part of the altercation that got him assigned here. Obviously Stil would work on the investigation as he was local. Hopefully he could calm the mayor, who was worried about what a murder would do to tourism. The was a lot to unravel. 

Stil is a calm, intelligent guy. He has learned, mostly, to hold his temper in check. He was recently divorced but thought he had found the one in Tash. He had a small, but reliable and loyal staff, who helped him police the island. Then, this murder, which took place here and upset the equilibrium. Nearly cost him Tash. The buffalo and the murder were connected but he had to figure out how. He lost a couple of prisoners in his jail, one by murder. That made everyone less than happy. It all worked out but there were are lot of twists and turns to get there. Including his relationship with Tash, which survived. 

I was invited to read Nightshade by Little, Brown, and Company. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #LittleBrownAndCompany #MichaelConnelly #Nightshade