In the end I liked it. The story came around very nicely. But, I guess I'm not a Dick Hill fan. Sorry Dick. Your one of the greats, but there's something about the style that doesn't always work for me. Perhaps it's because he's done so many books, that his distinctive style blurs the characters for me. Not sure about that, but I'm sure I'll be listening to this duo again.

I would recommend any of the Harry Bosch series to my friends. Harry is not a likeable guy but you end up liking him.

I so wanted to know who was doing all the kills but I had a hunch. Of course, I was wrong.

I like him

Absolutely worth my time. I got to understand Harry better after knowing where he came from.

Well, I'm very glad I continued with this series. This book is much much better than the first one. There are no silly politics, and very little complaining about the past... Harry just does what he needs to do, even though it is clear he is carrying a lot of baggage around with him.

The characters' behaviors make sense. The plot makes sense. Harry makes sense. All in all a very satisfying police procedural (even though some of the procedures might be outside the lines). And I'm definitely on to the next in the series.

The narration is very good, and sounds just like what you'd expect Harry to sound like. The story has some references to events in the earlier book, but stands completely alone and is wrapped up nicely in the end so you're not left hanging.

I am a woman. Over the years I have come to realize that as a woman, my tastes in fiction *really are* different from men's. The male cliche I am complaining about in this case is the constant put-downs that are so prevalent in modern crime fiction. It is as if many male writers of crime fiction feel that they have to constantly put others down (presumably to prop themselves up).

I liked this book enough that I am downloading the next one at this very moment, but in both this book and the previous one in the series, there is not a single character--other than the protagonist--who is not either stupid or in some way less than admirable. He goes on and on about how stupidly Bosch's bosses on the force act. I kept wondering how so many stupid people could get promoted to such high positions. Don't they have to pass some kind of a test? But there are many other ways to crash and burn in this book: One cop is too pitiless. One likes to brag about how he got his scar. One is a coward and a drunk. Way too many people are willing to do the wrong thing if it will advance their careers. Bosch simply doesn't like others. There was actually one woman in this story that comes off more or less unsullied, but I could feel Connelly questing for a way to put her down. I have no doubt that if she is mentioned in any future book, she will be found to have some major flaw.

I'm not saying Connelly is a bad writer. In fact, although I've only read two of his books so far, I think he is probably a very good writer. But he seems (so far) to be a very *male* writer. So you women out there, if you prefer even your crime fiction to have people who are admirable try someone else. Try Laurie R. King, Dorothy Sayers, Mary Stewart, Ellis Peters.

There were parts of the book that were quite exciting. However, there was a lot of tedium to wade through, and too many stereotypical bad guys. I just could not finish it. I was a bit too bored.

This is a sit on the edge of the seat, turn up the volumn, and drive around the city one more time story. five stars is all that is allowed - but it is a six.

Liking the series. Harry is a great character that I am enjoying following. Can't wait ti see if his relationship continues & how else he can make his superiors squirm.

The narrator did a nice job with the voices. The story kept my attention throughout. It's a fairly gritty tale.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and as it played out, I listened to it with more interest. There were chapters where I became 'bored' with the story but as it progressed and the story unfolded, I understood why each character was introduced. There were many characters in the story which played a significant roll causing the story to bounce around like a ping pong match. Unfortunately, about 80% of the way into the book, the plot unraveled fast and the book ended as I figured.

Bureaucracy and politics were painted as villains (as most perceive them) and Bosch's character builds showing some 'honor' when he attempts to make a situation better (I won't do a spoiler) by paying for a room or when he feels bad for lying to honest characters in the book.

Bosch must be a serious ladies man as he continues his Casanova style with some of the most unlikely women.

Will I listen to another Bosch - yes, but not immediately.

Michael Connelly has an interesting way in painting characters and the story.

Harry Bosch works in the Hollywood Division of Homicide. He has solved more homicides than any of the other detectives in the unit in the past year. Harry had been out of work for three months of that year, recuperating from being shot in the shoulder, received from the previous murder that he had solved.

One of the homicide detectives, Porter, has given notice that he'll be retiring for health reasons. Bosch's boss, Pounds, calls him into the office and informs Harry that in order to solve at least 50% of the past year's murders, they only require one more case solved. Porter drops eight unsolved murder books at Harry's feet. Harry looks down and wants to know what all of this is about? He is informed that these are the unsolved cases of Porter and they are now Harry's cases.

Bosch returns to his desk overwhelmed. The other men in the room look at Bosch but do not offer him any help. Bosch takes the murder books and retreats to a quiet place with no people or noise to bother him. He needs to review the murder books in order to decide which would be the best one to start an investigation, hoping to solve the murder before the end of the year.

Bosch chooses to begin with the murder of Juan Doe # 67. He was found dead outside of a diner by the trash bins. No one in the diner, workers or diners, have any information to help Harry start the investigation.

Bosch calls Lou Porter wanting information about any of his unsolved murders. Lou is known to be an alcoholic. He is already drunk when Harry calls and is unable to garner any useful information from Porter.

However, Bosch tries to tie any of the jumbled information given to him by Porter and comes up with the name, Cal Moore, the head of the narcotics division. He meets with Moore and learns about the new drug on the streets, Black Ice.

Black Ice was being made in Hawaii and transported to other places. Hawaii had problems with distribution because of the strict rules that had to be followed in the US. Therefore, when Black Ice started be made in Mexico, where getting across the border into the US was very easy, all that was needed was a front to transport the drug into the US. The front was the transport of sterilized fruit flies into California. Fruit flies were too plentiful in California and were destroying the fruit. Therefore, the discovery of how to sterilize the fruit flies, being made in Mexico, they had to be transported from Mexico to the US and the drug, Black Ice, began its transport to the US along with the enclosed crates of fruit flies.

Black Ice contained three drugs, heroin, cocaine and a small amount of pcp to enhance the high. Hawaii charged higher prices due to the difficulty of transporting the drug. Mexico was able to transport Black Ice easily, therefore distribution was not a problem and the drug cost to its buyers was much cheaper.

Harry Bosch has found one murder to solve that just might contain a few more murders and if so, the 50% would increase. Pounds would be dancing in the halls and Harry hoped that he would be left alone for awhile.

The book was very interesting and ingenious. There was action and suspense throughout the book. The conclusion is a good one. I have discovered another series that I like enough that I'll be purchasing, The Concrete Blond, next.

The narrator, Dick Hill, did a great job. The differentiation of voices and emotions were done very well. The characters were well developed. Black Ice was an enjoyable listen. I would think that other listener's would enjoy the book. Purchase the book and enjoy.