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.

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.

Harry solves the crime and finds love both in his unconventional ways. I like that he does what needs to be done without feeling the constraints of the law, ironic for a law officer. I like this guy.

I always enjoy following Harry Bosch around on his insightful wild card adventures, but this time he strikes me as the only interesting character, surrounded by a bunch of deadbeats. He doesnt quite manage to make up for the lack of interest inspired by the rest. Perhaps because its one of the earlier books in the series. This book's not a keeper.

In the upper third.

The Chinese-Mexican state policeman. Learned some new history from him.

All of them

No.

The Bosch series are dark stories. They are not for the squeamish, but they are very well written and draw you in. This is the second in the series. I am working on the third now.

Connelly's Bosch is a classic of the genre. The narrator really performs the book well going even so far as to simulate the tinny sound of voices over phone or radio. Well done.

Is it really necessary to add extra wacky twists to the end of book in order for the author to feel that he's delivered a real mystery? It oughtn't be. I did find this story better than the first in the Bosch series, but with a few of the same weaknesses. By book two here, Connelly still hasn't written a believable female character; it detracts from the story that I roll my eyes with every interaction between Bosch and a woman. Additionally, his character would be well-served if the author wasn't trying to uncomfortably force him to be a Casanova with the ladies. That said, the story itself is interesting and the detective element held my attention.

this did not make me laugh or cry. It was intense, but too long. I got confused a couple of time due to the different characters. However, the ending was a surprise and you don't know about it until last few minutes.

I love Michael Connelly's writing and usually give his books a solid 4 star rating. I am giving Black Ice 3 stars because the story just was not as compelling as usual. Not bad, just not up to standard if you are a Connelly fan.

I started the series out of order and listened to this one first. I love this character. He is a very complex man that I look forward to knowing more about