The Black Ice (Harry Bosch) by Michael Connelly
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Book Reviews of The Black Ice (Harry Bosch)
Book Review: Satisfying early work
Summary: 4 Stars
An apparent suicide of a narcotics officer, who leaves behind a brief note saying, "I found out who I was," sends Harry Bosch poking his nose where it doesn't belong or where his fellow cops choose not to go. Bosch refuses to believe this is an "open and shut" case, while his fellow officers prefer to bury it.
Black ice refers to a mixture of heroin, cocaine and PCP which originates from Mexico. Another dead body and a missing detective, who had abruptly retired, adds to the complexity. Although Bosch, never a team player, isn't "officially" on the case, he's tenacious in pursuing it. Of course, the case takes him to Mexico.
Almost halfway through the book, Connelly writes, "Bosch had parts of the whole. What he needed was the glue that would correctly hold them together. Facts weren't the most important part of the investigation, the glue was. The glue was made of instinct, imagination and sometimes guess work and most times just plain luck."
In the final 30 pages, Connelly reveals the glue that holds the case together. The Black Ice is one of Connelly's early Bosch novels. Like his other works, it's well written, thoughtfully plotted, interesting and entertaining.
Book Review: Fine Crime Comfort Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed The Black Ice, although the story was a little weak compared to the first book however Connelly writes well and is developing Bosch's character in this second book of the series. Harry's always pushing boundaries, has issues, doesn't conform, but we are starting to see the aspects of the main persona from book one throughout book two without shoving it down your face, which is appreciated. He's a likeable character in an unlikeable way. He is irritating, and often predictable, but I've found these books to have solid stories which are well written. I'm going to continue with the series and see how Bosch develops and what trouble he lands in next, for he will. If you're looking for a good crime/detective novel that you can curl up with and while away a sleepy day, these are great for that. Since I have read books that hold me and force me to read them no matter what plans I may have, this book loses a star as it doesn't have that "can't put down" factor for me. Otherwise it's a well written enjoyable novel.Book Review: Ghosts from the past
Summary: 4 Stars
It is Christmas, and Harry Bosch is on standby to take calls for any murders. He has the police scanner on, and hears a report of an incident within his jurisdiction. When he investigates, he becomes involved in a messy case involving a police officer. Things develop from there.
There is a lot about bureaucracy and bean counting in the police department. Increase the number of arrests and increase the percentage of solved cases to make the atatistics look good when the budget request goes in. There are continuing conflicts between Harry and his superiors, but there are some tradeoffs. Not everything is as it seems, but everyone seems to come away with something. Sometimes it's better not to look too close.
Black ice, by the way, is a new form of narcotic - an emerging recreational drug showing up on the scene.
The novel is also available as part of the omnibus collection, "The Harry Bosch Novels."
Book Review: The Bosch Series Starts to Take Off!
Summary: 4 Stars
Just recently started reading Connelly and the Bosch series. The Black Echo seemed to start out slow for me and gradually became quite a thrill ride to the very end. The Black Ice, however, grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. There is rich character development, including Det Bosch and others in the LAPD, a solid if not spectacular plot and unexpected developments throughout. This is one of those books that defines "page turner," as you get hooked and stay hooked.
Not too long ago I read a review that suggested The Black Ice was somewhat flat compared to books #1 (The Black Echo) and #3 (The Concrete Blonde) in the series. From my perspective, the ride started gradually out of the gate with The Black Echo and has steadily, and at times quickly, gathered a full head of steam. I'm jumping right into the Concrete Blonde because I can't wait to see where Connelly takes Bosch in the subsequent books.
Book Review: Well-Written Teaser
Summary: 4 Stars
"Black Ice" begins with the discovery of a dead cop in a motel room that appears to be suicide, and ends with a revelation (uncovered by Harry Bosch) that the cop's death was murder. However, Harry is the only one to believe in the cop's murder until events unfold to prove him correct, and the suspects are hard to come by.This is typically well-written, fully-developed, and articulate Harry Bosch, only William Connelly's second novel (after "The Black Echo"). The plot is very well constructed, with revelations evenly paced throughout. The characters are more than placecards to hold their positions for the novel to unfold. Bosch proves himself the rebel of custom and protocol as he ventures through several states and countries.
Readers familiar with the Bosch cycle of novels will not want to miss this one. Readers new to Bosch are advised to read "The Black Ice" first.