The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch) by Michael Connelly
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Book Reviews of The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch)
Book Review: A must read for crime fiction fans
Summary: 4 Stars
Michael Connelly is arguably the best, most consistent writer of police procedural crime novels - perhaps ever. His previous life as a crime beat reporter has given him insight into the LAPD and as a result Connelly's novels have an authentic feel to them that is rare in the genre.
The plot: Harry Bosch is on trial in a civil case brought by the spouse of an alleged serial killer (the so-called Doll Maker) that Harry shot and killed a number of years earlier. As the trial gets underway a new murder victim is discovered and is tied to the Doll Maker - the catch - the new victim was murdered after everyone thought the Doll Maker was dead. Did Harry shoot the wrong man? Is there a copy cat killer? Did the Doll Maker have a partner? The new Doll Maker killings raise serious questions about Harry's use of deadly force as the wrongful death suit brought against the City moves forward, making it even more important that Detective Bosch solve this mystery quickly.
Connelly is a great story teller and The Concrete Blonde is one of his best. Whether Connelly's story is set in the courtroom or in the glass tower, Connelly gives us dialogue and characters that are both realistic and compelling. Connelly adds depth to Bosch's character in each new novel but without detracting from the plot or becoming overwrought and sentimental. The City of LA is a character in and of itself, and Connelly has a great feel for the City in the post Rodney King era.
The Concrete Blonde is a must-read for crime fiction fans.
Book Review: `Justice is just a concrete blonde'
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the third of Mr Connelly's novels to feature LA Police Detective Harry Bosch. In this novel, Harry is on trial in a civil case for the fatal shooting of an alleged serial killer known as the Doll Maker. Just as the trial begins, a new murder victim is discovered and there appear to be links to the murders committed by the Doll Maker. Harry is both simultaneously involved in court and in solving this new murder mystery: time is critical.
Michael Connelly is an accomplished writer of crime novels who knows how to bring his characters to life. His previous employment as a crime reporter has no doubt provided him with insights into the operations of the LAPD. At the same time as we are travelling with Harry to solve this new murder and the mystery of the Doll Maker, we are learning more about Harry himself.
I enjoyed this novel, and look forward to continuing to read about Harry Bosch. Now, what's the name of the next one in the series?
Highly recommended for crime fiction fans.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Book Review: Love this book!
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this story. And it is a great piece of writing. As a lawyer, though, I have to downgrade a star because Connelly seems out of his element in the courtroom aspect. No judge, especially the by the book judge here, would allow a "police shooting case" to devolve into the guilt or innocence of the victim. It is simply irrelevant to the trial whether the guy Bosch shot was the Dollmaker or not. The issue is whether his move for the pillow justified the shooting. I just don't get that most of the trial is about the guile or innocence of the guy that got shot. 98% of the "evidence" at the trial would never have been admitted, or -- at a minimum -- the case would have been bifurcated as between liability (whether it was a good shooting) and damages (how much loss is associated with a shooting if it were adjudicated "bad"). No way the jury would have heard all of those arguments at the liability stage.Book Review: The Concrete Blonde, by Michael Connelly
Summary: 4 Stars
This was an excellent mystery/courtroom drama/thriller; I didn't really expect anything less, because I'm fast learning that Michael Connelly is a sure bet for a fantastic read.
In this book, Detective Harry Bosch kills a man he was sure was a monster - a serial killer. Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding this incident left Harry explaining why he didn't call for back-up, and why he shot and killed an un-armed man. Four years later, this man's wife sues Harry for her husband's wrongful death and he has to justify his actions in court, or accept that he made a horrible mistake.
It's probably best to read the whole Harry Bosch series in order; I wish I had.
Book Review: The best Harry Bosch story so far?
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Concrete Blonde" may be the best of the four Harry Bosch books I've read so far ("Echo Park" might be on a par, though I read it too long ago to be sure now). It's full of follow-ups and revelations. There are a lot of twists and turns in this one, and more than one red herring. Had I stuck with my first choice for the murderer, I'd have been right, but like a practiced magician, Connelly uses a lot of misdirection to pull-off the trick and entertain me to the end. I'm glad he outsmarted me. Was a better ride that way. Can't wait now to read the next one, "The Last Coyote."