The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

An LAPD homicide detective must choose between justice and vengeance as he teams up with the FBI in the first novel of the "thrilling" Harry Bosch series (New York Times Book Review).

For maverick LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal...because the murdered man was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who had fought side by side with him in a hellish underground war. Now Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit. Pitted against enemies inside his own department and forced to make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, Bosch goes on the hunt for a killer whose true face will shock him.

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

©1992 by Michael Connelly. (P)1992 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Great entry to Michael Connelly

If you could sum up The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1 in three words, what would they be?

Great characters, plot

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1?

Harry's flashbacks to his Viet Nam experience

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

It was easy to tell the characters apart and usually his voice was just part of the story.

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

I was really disappointed in the characters who betrayed their values.

Any additional comments?

The lost star in "performance" was because I didn't like the voice of the female protagonist.

Engaging start to a series

What made the experience of listening to The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1 the most enjoyable?

The Black Echo gets you engaged from the get go and the characters are formed reasonably quickly becoming more intricate as the story progresses. I find this allows you to become immersed in the story rather than rattling the brain on who's who.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Overall the plot was solid with interesting characters that keep you guessing and wanting for the next chapter. It's easy to become fond of Harry Bosch and the "romantic" interludes with his FBI partner are nicely woven in. Not so gushy as to take away from the drama, enough so you become emotionally attached to the individuals depicted; a nice balance!

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Really well Narrated by Dick Hill with great contrast and believable accents with the setting and history of each character. The pace was perfect and rallied with the "mood" of the verse.

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

Keen to now follow Harry Bosch through at least the next few books of his life and see what mischief he can get up to and what murderous plot he can thwart.

A Great Ride

A real page turner. I found the final revelation unconvincing, but that hardly matters. Getting there is all the fun, and that Michael Connelly does very well.

Great book

Greatly enjoyed the continuing suspense each chapter added another surprise I plan to read all of these series thank you

Harry Bosch Series: Very Entertaining

For a devoted murder mystery fan I have been reading/listening to the Harry Bosch Series in no particular order. They are entertaining no matter what order you read them in.

Great job

enjoyed the story line. Great character choice. The story was easy to read. would like to read more by this author

Captured!

After watching TV Series Bosch....I was pleased the narrator captured the attitude and inflection of the actor I had become familiar with!

WOW! Great book!

Any additional comments?

Well written, well read. Plenty of details along the way provide the clues you need to solve the crime but you have to pay attention. This is my first Connelly book but definitely not my last.

Fast paced - awesome listen

Would you listen to The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1 again? Why?

Just wants you listen to more Harry Bosch

What other book might you compare The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1 to and why?

Great example of genre

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Well done with good voice recognition

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

Just a really good listen.

Thought I'd Like it, But Kinda Boring

Where does The Black Echo: Harry Bosch Series, Book 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Eh, meh, not a favorite. I don't think I'll be listening to any more.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Moved the pace along a little bit. Given Harry a little more backstory.

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

Harry Bosch. Although it was hard to get a grip on his age, his character...all of the character voices were kind of generic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. As a matter of fact, about halfway through I got reallllly bored.

Any additional comments?

I read a Harry Bosch book out of order a few years ago, and I enjoyed it, so I thought it would be fun to go back and listen to book one in the series and perhaps I'd get hooked. But this narration was so dry and boring....I don't even know if the reason I didn't enjoy it was the narration or the book itself. I won't be trying another one.