There is something very addictive about the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. I eagerly await for each new release and when it comes out I snarf it down immediately and then can’t wait until the next one comes out!  Harry is such a complicated character, honorable, but flawed, smart but sometimes blind, and he is terrible at relationships, whether it is with his daughter or his colleagues. What sets these books apart in the detective genre is the excellent writing, the unique plot lines and the ongoing revelation of Harry Bosch and book 21 is no exception.

Harry, whose lawsuit against the LA police department for wrongful termination (among other things) is still ongoing, is now volunteering as a detective in the small town of San Fernando. He also has a small private detective business on the side which helps pay the bills and keeps his daughter in college. After the busy crime scenes of LA it is a bit of a come down, but Harry and his partner Bella have been tracking a serial rapist who has managed to elude them for awhile and Harry has found that his skills are more valued than ever before.

In the middle of the investigation however, Harry gets a surprising phone call inviting him to a meeting with Whitney Vance, one of the richest, most reclusive men in California.  Weak and in failing health, Vance wants to hire Harry to find his long lost lover and to determine whether or not he fathered an heir. Under extreme secrecy, and with a promise from Harry that he will not discuss any of his findings with anyone except Vance, Harry begins his search.  But there are competing forces at work who do not want a new heir to suddenly appear and Harry soon suspects that his every move is being monitored and that his very investigation may jeopardize the lives of any family Vance might have had. Distracted by the cat and mouse games he must play to protect his search for an heir, Harry finds that he is not paying as much attention to the rapist case in San Fernando, leaving his partner Bella to investigate it more and more on her own.  Less understanding than Bella about Harry’s distractions, the rapist strikes again and this time Harry must focus all his knowledge and skills to bring him to justice.

Brenda’s Rating: *****(5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian and Sharon

Book study worthy? Just Enjoy!

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