The Burning Room

Harry Bosch, Book 17

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Titus Welliver

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Harry Bosch and his new partner investigate a recent murder where the trigger was pulled nine years earlier.

In the LAPD's Open-Unsolved Unit, not many murder victims die almost a decade after the crime. So when a man succumbs to complications from being shot by a stray bullet nine years earlier, Bosch catches a case in which the body is still fresh, but all other evidence is virtually nonexistent.

Now Bosch and rookie Detective Lucia Soto are tasked with solving what turns out to be a highly charged, politically sensitive case. Beginning with the bullet that's been lodged for years in the victim's spine, they must pull new leads from years-old information, which soon reveal that this shooting may have been anything but random.

In this gripping new novel, Michael Connelly shows once again why Harry Bosch is "one of the greats of crime fiction" (New York Daily News).

©2014 Michael Connelly (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Connelly proves again that neither he nor Bosch has lost his touch." (Christian DuChateau, CNN)

"Bosch has become one of the most popular and enduring figures in American crime fiction." (Kevin Nance, Chicago Tribune)

"Bosch has become Mr. Connelly's most durable, well-entrenched creation." (Janet Maslin, New York Times)

"As the new voice of Harry Bosch in this nineteenth volume of the series, Titus Welliver brings some formidable skills to the narration. His deep, resonant voice fits the atmosphere and the vocalization of Bosch, and his pacing makes the story accessible even for new listeners. A slightly raised pitch makes the female voices pleasant and believable, as do the subtle Mexican accents he gives several characters." (AudioFile)

Excellent!

I had downloaded this title as I had all the others, working my way through the series after watching all the TV episodes. I didn’t realize until I heard him announce “Narrated by Titus Welliver” that the actor I’ve come to regard as Bosch was actually reading the book. I was thrilled! But at the same time, curious. Could he voice a woman? Voice different characters?
Well, not only is he Harry Bosch, but he does great accents and all kinds of women. It all sounded right. Well done Titus!
I liked this story for a number of reasons. First, Bosch seems truly appreciative of his partner. Which has not been the case in forever. Seems he has a problem with all of them.

These novels may be formulaic, but I don’t see it. Each seems unique. I prefer a lack of predictability.

Ultimately, this was a wonderful listen. I really enjoyed Welliver’s narration. It seemed very relaxed and natural. And just sounded right. About to start “The Crossing”. Really looking forward to it.

I’d rather see TW than hear him

As always, great stories and really interesting listen. And I love Titus Weliver… He’s just better visually than audibly. It was a tough listen because it was so monotone and he seemed bored to have to be reading it. I had to go back several times and relisten to some parts because I lost focus. It would be so great if they re-did these with a true narrator. Otherwise I’m glad I listened

Long time Bosch fan

I’ve been listening to Bosch books for 15 years. This was a great story and well narrated. It reminded me of the old books. Good detective work and twists and turns.

Oops!

In this story you write a nun told Harry that his mother was murdered! But in a few previous stories, you wrote that a cop pulled him out of the pool and told him his mother had been murdered!!

If you need a continuity specialist, I'll be glad to work for you and read all of your stories, old and new, to make sure they flow correctly!!

Other than that, I love your Hieronymus Bosch stories!! 👍🏼

love when Titus narrates

Another great book with good storylines. I love when Titus narrates. So much better than the other narrators since my first experience with Harry Bosch was through the show.

Titus Welliver is getting gyp't

This Book while not the best Harry Bosch novel written is not the dud that it is being made out to be. Titus Welliver is not Len Cariou or even Dick Hill but he is good if you will get over your disappointment you will see that his has the right qualities in his voice. and while not being flexible in the range of voices he makes it seem less like a actor-less play and more like Harry Bosch it telling you a story. As for the story its self Michael Connelly has written much better. This is more like the Det. Chu forward books where this always a conspiracy not just a deeply personally motivated murder. So Yes Connelly has become predictable, as soon a former mayor looking to a gubernatorial race was introduced we all could have moved forward to last chapter and seen your assumptions proven. However, lets look at this as more of an opportunity to get to know a new partner who I feel is going to become a new character in the Michael Connelly universe because Bosch has to go soon. In the Words of Richard Castle "Writing [Bosch] has become more like work" and no one wants to read trash from a "Working Author". So read the book enjoy the journey and get to ready to enjoy the feisty Lucy Soto she will be great.

Not Up to Standards of Bosch

Would you consider the audio edition of The Burning Room to be better than the print version?

Yes. The audio adds to the story that reading just can't reach.

What did you like best about this story?

Not much. The story was boring. Harry seems to,have lost his drive. Maybe this is to start the reader thinking about his retirement but this is not how to treat readers who love Harry Bosch because of his tenacity. His training of the young detective is a demonstration of his skill but cold cases are boring.

What about Titus Welliver’s performance did you like?

No. I didn't like the performance. I know that he is playing Bosch in the TV series and he does a good job but reading is not as good as Dick Hill.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No reaction. The story was boring.

Any additional comments?

Where is the Harry Bosch of earlier books. I think Harry should ride off on his own and not be treated like a piranha o maybe there will be another book,to close the cover on him. He deserves better than this book.

nothing wrong with narrator

another great Connelly story looking forward to the next with harry's new partner lucky lucy

Great story, poor narrator

Another great Harry Bosch story. Some real great suspense at times. 2 stories in one really. Not good narration though. Bosch is an ex smoker who's over 50. The narrator does not have a deep or scratchy voice. Can't tell the characters apart. Worst narrator yet unfortunately.

But still worth the read. Should be cheaper due to poor narration in my opinion.

Great characters and the best reader

As a person who gets bored with most series and with many mysteries, I just love these Harry Bosch novels narrated by Titus Welliver. This story is a standard mystery, with two plots. Bosch is in his last year with the LAPD. He is working cold cases, and is teamed up with a rookie female detective. There is a political twist to one story. As always with these novels, the story and characters are totally believable. Some parts of the plot are slow, but the characters and writing is so good (along with great narration), that this book was fun to listen to from start to end. The late-career Harry Bosch is probably my favorite detective in fiction today. I hope they keep coming, with the same reader!