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)

Love Bosch!!!!

This was a great addition to the Bosch novels and could be a good conclusion to the series if Connelly decides to go that direction. I did not love Titus Welliver as the narrator. I wish they would have brought Len Cariou back. The inconsistency with narrators has been my only complaint throughout the Bosch series.

Cold case

Where does The Burning Room rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This did not measure up to previous Harry Bosch series. I would rate this in mid level listen (only for those who have listen to this series), the first time listeners, I would rate lower tier

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The book dragged out for so long ...

What three words best describe Titus Welliver’s voice?

Not best choice. Bring back previous narrators who gave more life to Harry's character and others.

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

Book just rolled along, narrator could have made a difference?

Any additional comments?

Needed more substantial roles of Harry' daughter, FBI Rachel, and other previous characters which would have given this book a bit more life. Book was decent and I will continue series.

an early Bosch pretty straightforward.

mediocre story line I have enjoyed more recent books much more. gotta love Harry!

Bosch - Yes. Welliver - No.

In my opinion the Bosch books are the best police procedurals on bookshelves today. This installment is no exception. In fact, some aspects of this book are the best yet. I loved that the story followed a bullet -- and the gun that fired it. We got to see more about the forensic sciences which allow police to prove a case. Bosch is a determined detective who follows his cases step by step. He stubbornly works every detail; he grabs on like a dog with a bone. Bosch is fierce in his pursuit of justice. He continues to be grim, grumpy and arrogant, but he is also a tender father, a loyal man and I continue to like him greatly.

Unfortunately I did not like the narration by Titus Welliver. I really like him as an actor and am aware that he plays Bosch on the series -- which I am planning to binge watch after I finish my binge read. I am expecting to like him in the role, so I am surprised to be so disappointed in his narration. I found his approach flat and boring. There was none of the grit that I like so much about Len Cariou's voicing of Bosch.

Titus IS Heironymous Bosch!

Another well written account of the fictional but very believeable Harry Bosch. Michael Connelly continues an excellent story line.

Another winner

As always Titus Welliver brings to life Michael Connelly's book to life. Open only if you have time because you won't want to put it down.

Can't agree with the negatives

Would you listen to The Burning Room again? Why?

no, but I rarely listen/read novels twice

What did you like best about this story?

just a good story well-read.

Any additional comments?

I much prefer it when books are read rather than performed. This reader did just that, read it with feeling but without trying to create multiple voices or other interpretations of the text, and he did a great job. I suspect that those who disliked this approach like their audiobooks to be performed, like a play or TV show. I have passed on many potentially good audiobooks because they have multiple readers, a sure sign that an all-out performance is coming. Note to Audible: readers like Titus Welliver and the great Will Patton know how to read aloud. Keep them coming and save the performances for plays.

Bosch is bad

As usual Bosch comes through. Experience and intuitiveness works every time. What I like about Bosch is everyone counts and he is not afraid of pursuing anyone no matter how up the political or social echelon you may be.

Even better with age

Harry Bosch does not go gentle into that good night as he continues to make sure that everyone counts. Titus Welliver’s narration is the perfect compliment to Connelly’s prose.

The best Bosch novel yet

Don't listen to the naysayers. Welliver does a fine job of narrating this novel and the story is excellent.