The Overlook by Michael Connelly (Bosch #13)

The Overlook by Michael Connelly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Jacket Blurb:  In his first case since he left the LAPD's Open Unsolved Unit for the prestigious Homicide Special squad, Harry Bosch is called out to investigate a murder that may have chilling consequences for national security. A doctor with access to a dangerous radioactive substance is found murdered in the trunk of his car. Retracing his steps, Harry learns that a large quantity of radioactive cesium was stolen shortly before the doctor's death. With the cesium in unknown hands, Harry fears the murder could be part of a terrorist plot to poison a major American city.

Soon, Bosch is in a race against time, not only against the culprits, but also against the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI (in the form of Harry's one-time lover Rachel Walling), who are convinced that this case is too important for the likes of the LAPD. It is Bosch's job to prove all of them wrong.

Read as an audio book.  This was a very quick and engaging "read".  Perfect for travel, your commute, or the beach.

Harry is out of Open Unsolved, assigned now to Homicide and paired with a new, much younger partner.  Harry's former partner, Kiz Rider, is back in administration. Not even halfway through the book, his partner is shunted to the side as Harry runs around with FBI agent Rachel Walling.  Harry still harbors feelings for Rachel, though why she would reciprocate any thing toward a bossy git I have no idea. 

At least in this book relationships were only mentioned, and we didn't have the usual tumbling into bed. 

Mere pages into the book, Harry's making arbitrary judgement calls - his partner wishes to go by the name of Iggy, short for Ignacius, but Harry feels it is an undignified name and refuses call him "Iggy".  This, from the guy who's full name is Hieronymus and goes by Harry, in a police department rife with nicknames.

And, like the Chief of Police so aptly put it, Harry is like a bull in a china shop.  I do get so tired of the detective against the world trope, the "only Harry knows best" attitude.  It would be nice if he just once worked with people rather than assuming everyone is against him.

The Overlook moves along at a brisk pace with an almost explosive ending.  Recommended if you've read the first twelve books in the series.




View all my reviews