Nine Dragons

Harry Bosch, Book 14

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Len Cariou

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is off the chain in the fastest, fiercest, and highest-stakes case of his life.

Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer. The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation - not just of languages but also of the cultural norms and expectations that guided Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the U.S. And instantly his world explodes.

The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him and Bosch travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he's lost. In a place known as Nine Dragons, as the city's Hungry Ghosts festival burns around him, Bosch puts aside everything he knows and risks everything he has in a desperate bid to outmatch the triad's ferocity.

Impressed? Ace detective Harry Bosch is also on the case in other exciting Michael Connelly crime-fiction novels.

We're thrilled to announce that our premier Audible Live event on Facebook will be a chat with best-selling author Michael Connelly. On November 3 at 7pm (ET), you'll be able to ask him questions about Nine Dragons, Harry Bosch, his favorite audiobooks, and more! RSVP Today

©2009 Michael Connelly (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Terrific....Connelly never stops doling out the suspense as action leads to counteraction....His thriller is an addictive read that, once it grabs you in those first few pages, won't let go of you....High-grade entertainment." (Boston Globe)

Awesome in every way!!

The ONLY bad thing about this book is that it had to come to an end eventually. I love the character, the narrator, and the author is amazingly wonderful at his craft. Don't miss this one. Wow!!

Not a bad listen

This book was definitely different from the other Harry Bosch books. Other reviewers are pretty tough on this one, but while listening I kept in mind that Bosch is in an unusual situation so I didn't expect him to be the typical Harry Bosch.

Bosch begins investigating a murder which leads to an asian crime ring that is from Hong Kong. His ex-wife and daughter have been living there for some time. He receives something from his daughter indicating she has been kidnapped. Of course he's going to do whatever it takes to find her. He drops everything in L.A. and flies to Hong Kong on a mission to find her. He leaves a path of injuries and death along the way.

A few things were explained during the story that I admit I would not have put together.

I'm not a fan of the narrator as I know there are much better options. I have to admit he was pretty bad on this book.

I agree with another listener that this is NOT the first book one should listen to in the Harry Bosch series.

Weakest H. Bosh story so far

Good narrator;
Mostly entertaining;
The story is not very plausible and believable (unlike H.Bosh standard);
More a thriller rather than police procedural story.

Great book

This book was excellent. Narration was very good.
I enjoyed the plot and it kept me guessing all through the book.

One of the best!

I so enjoyed this book. It had twists and surprises at almost every turn. Definitely worth reading.

Another twisted tale

A better than usual twist and turns with softening scenes of domesticity well worth the time.

Classic Bosch and whew!

After a mis-listen of Book 14s detour into the courtroom and a different primary voice, it was a relief to get back to classic Bosch read perfectly by Cariou.

This story seemed very familiar through the first half - perhaps the storyline got lifted by Law & Order : ), or I somehow heard it before somewhere back in the mists, but once past the drama in Hong Kong, I seemed to be back in unread / unheard territory.

Strong writing, interesting story, and great narration. Probably rated a click higher than would have been had it not been such a relief after overexposure to the courtroom in the prior book.

More of a Kick-A@@ Spy Novel...

This book reads a lot more like a Jack Reacher book than a Harry Bosch book. I found it read a little more like a spy novel than a mystery.

It also seems to inspire readers to love it or hate it. When I read the reviews they seem to be raves or roasts. I guess I come down on the side of the rave even though it is a bit of a departure from the normal Bosch I love so much. This book has big twists and surprises that I will not spoil but those twists are part of the reason I love this book so much. I felt those events in this book helped develop Harry's character more than many of the others and that is my weakness in books. I am a lover of character driven stories. While I love a good plot, a huge cliffhanger, a tender story, a twisted antagonist ... what I am most enchanted by is a well-developed hero with lots of flaws. This book gave me that in spades.

I have one big complaint about the Bosch character -- he is growing old and one of these days Connelly is going to have to leave him behind. That day will be one on which I grieve the loss of my arrogant, grumpy, stubborn friend.

Unlike many other reviewers, I like Cariou's approach to Bosch. He reads with a subtle approach and allows me to find Bosch more likable. When other narrators put more vehemence behind Bosch's dialogue I find him to be less appealing. Bosch is written with many failings -- which I like, but it is easy to tip the balance and have him come off as conceited instead of driven, angry instead of scarred. For me, Cariou allows Bosch to be slightly tender and soft as well as a tough, and motivated detective.

Connely at his best

I've read pretty much every book he's written over the last 15 years. I've always found him an easy read, fun mystery fiction. Not on the level of Mankel, or Rankin. Until now. This is a very suspenseful book that also is quite touching and horrific in places. Very intense. I honestly think its his best book. The voice talent does a great job. If you like Connely, you cant go wrong with this one.

Harry Bosch!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I enjoy the Bosch series and the descriptive way Connelly describes his characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry, because he is a tough detective and soft father.

Have you listened to any of Len Cariou’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.