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.

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.

I have read so many excellent books this is not easy to determine. However, I'd say in the top one third.

The ending as usual

Harry of course

don't want to spoil it for another reader

I would reccomend it to anyone who enjoys Mitch Rapp

Dick Hill is a wonderful Voice actor. His depth and breadth of characters is wide ranging and he is as engaging as he is entertaining.

This particular novel borrows heavily from Dashiell Hammett's work. So, I saw some of the plot twists coming in advance, but the story is paced well and Bosh is a very engaging character. So, even though the foreshadowing is a bit transparent, the conclusion is still satisfying.

As I said, Hill is a really great actor. I also enjoyed the production. Segments of phone conversation for instance sound much different than one on one dialogue. I appreciate the effort to build the scenes and the characters. Hill's natural delivery is spot on, with enough gravel and grit to embody the surly detective, while also being able to produce multiple, believable characters of varying backgrounds and genders.

No. Certainly you will want to keep pushing, but with a long run time, I wanted to spread my listening sessions out.

This is on of my favorite series and I hope my words do not stop you from picking this book because this is not my intention. This book was good but felt like the story was pushed by the writer at some points. Although at some points in the story it feels drawn out it is worth waiting this out and hearing what is going on. This book is key to understanding some of what Harry is going through and reasons why he reacts in certain ways throughout the series. This book also gives you some info on other characters that plays key roles in the other books.

Not sure if this Harry Bosch novel is worse than others in the series or maybe I skim over a lot of the blood, gore and cursing when I read them in print. I just couldn't get through this one in audio. As far as I could tell, the performance and story were good, but I didn't listen all the way through. Couldn't get past the "yuck" factor.

...but much better when Dick Hill is not the narrator. It would be great if Len Cariou would re-read all the books that were read by Hill.

The character of Harry Bosch himself. I like the man and I always enjoy listening to him solve a mystery.

At first, I thought the plot was a bit too familiar but the further into the story I listened, the more surprises there were. While this book is basically a police detective story, it also mixes the politics of that job in with the story. It's not this author's best work but it is some very good Detective Bosch.

Harry Bosch was my favorite character but I thought Dick Hill did a wonderful job with the female voices in the story too. He is a very talented performer and I would enjoy listening to him read again.

There is a moment that involves old photographs that was very moving but to say more would be telling too much.

If you enjoy Detective stories, this author writes good ones. I have enjoyed all of the ones that I have listened to or read by him. I count his works among my favorites.

Very happy we took the time to listen to this one. Excellent vehicle for a truly memorable performance.