Harry Bosch has been given three years before he must retire from the LAPD, and he wants cases more fiercely than ever. In one morning, he gets two.
DNA from a 1989 rape and murder matches a 29-year-old convicted rapist. Was he an eight-year-old killer, or has something gone terribly wrong in the new Regional Crime Lab? The latter possibility could compromise all of the lab's DNA cases currently in court.
Then Bosch and his partner are called to a death scene fraught with internal politics. Councilman Irvin Irving's son jumped or was pushed from a window at the Chateau Marmont. Irving, Bosch's longtime nemesis, has demanded that Harry handle the investigation.
Relentlessly pursuing both cases, Bosch makes two chilling discoveries: a killer operating unknown in the city for as many as three decades, and a political conspiracy that goes back into the dark history of the police department.
Impressed? Ace detective Harry Bosch is also on the case in other exciting Michael Connelly crime-fiction novels.
©2011 Michael Connelly (P)2011 Hachette Audio
"A completely satisfying listen"
I couldn't stop listening. Len Cariou is the perfect narrator for a great Harry Bosch book. Completely satisfying from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
"Possibly the best Bosch ever"
The only reason I hesitate to call this THE best Bosch ever is that I do not want to diminish all the previous wonderful volumes. Nevertheless, this book is the best Bosch in a long time. Although Connelly's style remains direct and unadorned, the subtlety with which he develops his characters' thoughts and feelings resonates throughout the story, increasing its depth as the plot continues to ravel and finally unravel in a thoroughly satisfying denouement. For those of us who have read all the Bosch novels, The Drop is a moving continuation of a man's life, a man whose purpose and ethic remain steadfast in a changing world. Bosch's relationship to his daughter, so central to 9 Dragons, takes a more symbolic role in the present novel, allowing the relationship to mature in some ways, but also allowing Bosch to regain the kind of independence that characterized his more youthful investigations. That said, The Drop is also a reflection on aging, on the kinds of questions we men of Bosch's age are asking ourselves in the later years of our professional lives, whether we still have "the edge". With this book, Connelly proves he still does have it, and it's sharper than ever, technically and creatively. As always, Cariou masterfully complements Connelly; this great actor still has "the edge" too.
"One Of The Best Bosch Books!"
I have missed Harry Bosch, he is one of my favorite characters and this one didn't disappoint. He is back in rare form and he hasn't lost his touch. I love his daughter's character and I can see her being a future main character as she grows. It was definitely a great read and I was sorry when it ended.
Tell us about yourself! I am gainfully employed as a language teacher. I love a good murder mystery along the lines of Gilman, Connelly, etc
"Harry Bosch Rule!!!!"
I prefer the audio version because if the reader is good the story comes alive. Len Cariou narrated this book perfectly. He gave life to the characters. The printed edition cannot do that.
I like the juxtoposition of the two crimes -- they were different yet the author was able to blend the stories together well.
It was Len's ability to enliven the characters in the book. As you listen along, it seems that you are watching a play.
Everyone count or none at all -- Harry Bosch
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Len Cariou's narration was perfect (and he does not have a lisp either), and the story is full of twist and turns typical of Connolly, that you really need to focus so as not to miss anything. Harry's relationship with his daughter is further developed in this story and it was done very well. Maddie is already displaying a sharp sense of observations and maturity, inherited from Eleanor Wish, her mother and Harry, her father. I can't wait until Maddie follows in Harry's footstep. She'll make a great detective!
"Perfectly written, as usual"
Connelly is the very best at writing the ideal hard-boiled detective story. Harry Bosch is beloved for a reason. In this book, there is not just one but two mysteries to unravel. My only problem with the book is I couldn't make it last. I couldn't hit stop on my iPod. The plot, characters and setting are believable and right on target. I just wish Connelly could write faster. I can never get enough of Harry Bosch.
And Len Cariou is wonderful as the narrator. Bosch is the only character where 2 different narrators (Dick Hill and Cariou) can perform him equally as well.
If this is your first Bosch book, wait and listen to others first as there is great backstory in those.
I have been a voracious reader since I was 13. When Audible came along I realized I could "read" more than ever. Audiobooks are great.
"Bosch never gets old..."
In the top 50.
Yes I would. Harry Bosch of The Drop is an intelligent and incorruptible cop.
Len Cariou has become the voice of Bosch. I recently re-read The Black Echo and I all I could hear in my head was Len Cariou's voice taking the place of my own. Cariou adds belief and atmosphere.
Any moment Harry had with is daughter.
Connelly continues to give us suspense, integrity and discipline in the character of Harry Bosch. Harry is like a favorite uncle to me. There are few book characters that I always remember, but Bosch will be one of them. I was happy to see Bosch's nemesis Irvin Irving playing a part in the drop, but I also felt the case of Irving's son's suicide was a disjointed part of the story.
Still, a great entry into the continuing sage of Harry and Maddie Bosch.
"Another Great Michael Connelly Listen"
I have read or listened to nearly every one of Michael Connelly's books and this one does not disappoint. The narrator is excellent and after listening to several Harry Bosch books read by Mr. Cairou, it is difficult to imagine listening to a Harry Bosch book with anyone other than Len Cairou telling the story. As always the story is gripping from the start, the pacing is perfect and sustains your interest through the entire book. Highly recommended.
"Connelley hit another homerun"
As expected the latest Bosche story is riveting from start to finish. There was never a section during the book in which in got long winded or stretched out. It is simply amazing how he makes you feel like you are part of the story. I will be the first to admit that I have been missing Dick Hill for awhile. However, my wife and I have really started to get into Len Cariou. He is really doing these books very well. I can actually tell when he kicks it up a notch in the suspense. The only bad part about this book is that I finished it too soon. Now I am out of books from my favorite author. I have listened to all of his books in 2 months. Please hurry up Connelly on the next one, I know it will be a special book for you in the celebration of your 25th book.
X Files Freak
"Harry Bosch and Len Cariou"
Harry Bosch is an unusual character with an unusual life. Yet one feels a close affinity with him because of his 'morality' and why he continues to work in his chosen profession as a dectective inspite of the setbacks and curveballs live has thrown him. Len Cariou brings Harry Bosch alive in a most special way. I enjoy his narration and hope he continues for Harry Harry Bosch inovels in the future.
"Never a disappointment..."
Whenever I spot the new release of a Mike Connelly book, I download it immediately. 'Tis a matter of reflex. And I am never disappointed. "The Drop" is a great listen, augmented by Cariou's flawless narration.
Connelly's economy of language, clarity, and tightly crafted plots keep the listener engaged without effort. He is meticulous and credible on police procedure. And his characters always emerge, to a great extent, by default - that is, as a function of the compelling settings he creates.
I usually listen to his books when exercising. I hate to shut off the narration when I stop. And the thought of picking it up again gets me out when I don't want to go.
"The Drop"'s story line suggests that the shelf life on Harry Bosch may be good for another five years. This reader hopes that will translate, at a minimum, into five more Bosch-oriented books.
What Louie L'Amour was to Westerns, Mr. Connelly is to the Detective genre. But he is a better writer.