The Overlook (Harry Bosch)
by Michael Connelly
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael ConnellyEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-05-22
ISBN: 0316018953
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Reviews of The Overlook (Harry Bosch)
Book Review: I'm just gonna have to gush because Connolly is such a great writer.
Summary: 5 Stars
At this point in time, I'm going to have to vote him the top writer that I've read, and I'm constantly reading books. I go through at least 1 book a week so I read a lot of different authors.
I know, I know, there've been complaints that this is just a resurrected book and he's doing it for the money or whatever, but so what, this book is much better than the last 3 I just read, and 10X value for the money.
Per my usual MO, without going into the plot, what makes this a good book? Answer: Good writing, good plot and characters that you can sink your teeth into. He has a knack of making the situation real and believable. For example, in describing a person, an amateur author would say "Tom is a good man, he is smart and suave."
A very poor writer would say "Tom had the chiseled good looks that 1/2 the women in Seattle would die for, and his aristocratic manners demanded attention from even the most arrogant of waiters."
Connolly doesn't do any of that. He puts his characters into situations where they react and from their reactions, you feel what they are like, and you slowly build up your impression of the character from multiple situations, just like in real life. For example, when you meet someone at a party, there is no giant narrative voice booming a description of this person in your head. You observe this person, how he/she interacts with you or other people, listen to what they say and that's how you form your opinion of this person, and that's how Connolly does it too. Now, that's great writing and something other writers should try and emulate.
Unlike what some people said, I love the plot, I think it's one of the better ones that Connolly has written, I won't say more otherwise I'll be giving it away.) I don't think it matters that it was originally a serial in a newspaper. However, it was a short book and I finished it easily in a day.
A soley plot driven book can only be read once. Once you know the plot you can't really read it again. But a character driven book can be re-read many times, since you can revisit how the character reacts to the different situations in the book. Like when reading Bosch, you can mentally high five yourself when Bosch figuratively flips the bird to the FBI or his boss. Connolly does such a good job of vilifying some characters that you want to see Bosch do it again and again. That's what makes a good book and good reading. Personally Bosch's actions make me cringe. I'm somewhat of a conformist and it makes my toes curl when Bosch once again decides to smart mouth his boss or someone else. Perhaps my non-conformist self is living vicariously though him, anyway......
To people who are already Connolly fans, I'm preaching to the choir. I'd say buy the book, you'll love it, even though it's short.
To people who have never read Connolly, you might not want to start with this one. Bosch comes with a lot of baggage and you might want to start with his first book to get the whole picture. But mark what I say, Connolly is a good writer and his books are not to be missed.
Summary of The Overlook (Harry Bosch)
Near Mulholland Drive, Dr. Stanley Kent is found shot twice in the back of the head. It's the case LAPD detective Harry Bosch has been waiting for, his first since being recruited to the Homicide Special Squad. When he discovers that Kent had access to dangerous radioactive substances, what begins as a routine investigation becomes something darker, more deadly, and frighteningly urgent. Bosch is soon in conflict with not only his superiors but the FBI, which thinks the case is too important for just a cop. Complicating his job even more is the presence of Agent Rachel Walling, his onetime lover. Now guarding one slim advantage, Bosch relentlessly follows his own instincts, hoping they are still sharp enough to find the truth--and a killer who can annihilate an entire city.Literature & Fiction Books
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