The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

When an LAPD narcotics officer is found with a fatal bullet wound and a suicide note, Detective Harry Bosch follows a bloody trail of drug murders across the Mexico border.

Working on the case, LAPD detective Harry Bosch is reminded of the primal police rule he learned long ago: Don't look for the facts, but the glue that holds them together. Soon Harry's making some very dangerous connections, starting with a dead cop and leading to a bloody string of murders that wind from Hollywood Boulevard to the back alleys south of the border. Now this battle-scarred veteran will find himself in the center of a complex and deadly game - one in which he may be the next and likeliest victim.

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

©1993 by Michael Connelly. (P)1993 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Good Listen

I'm a Michael Connelly fan so I couldn't wait to listen to these first Bosch novels recently added to the Audible Library.

The first book, The Black Echo, was TERIFFIC!

This one is good, but definitely not as good as the first.

Like the first novel, there were a lot of complexities in this story, and Connelly somehow managed to tie them up nicely.

But this story simply didn't grab me like the first book and other Bosch novels.

I would rank this one in the bottom half of Connelly novels I've listened to, but the below average Connelly novel is still above average compared to other offerings.

The story is still "can't put down" at times - and a recommended listen.

Bosch is on the case, harder than ever!

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

Yes, not the best Bosch, but still well worth the effort

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

Got a bit slow in places but once I got into it, I got the usual Bosch rush.

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Dick Hill is Bosch, listened to others try but dick Hill just nails Harry, bet he even looks like him!

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

No, I needed a break here and there, didn't grip me like some of the other Bosch novels, still worth the listen..

Mixed Emotions

In the end I liked it. The story came around very nicely. But, I guess I'm not a Dick Hill fan. Sorry Dick. Your one of the greats, but there's something about the style that doesn't always work for me. Perhaps it's because he's done so many books, that his distinctive style blurs the characters for me. Not sure about that, but I'm sure I'll be listening to this duo again.

This Is What Hooks You On Harry Bosch and Connelly

I've read and/or listened to all of Connely's work. Until the recent influx of Northern European authors, he was easily my favorite novelist. It dawned on me that I could not remember all of the earlier Bosch novels so I picked up Black Ice through the Whisper Sync phenomenon that allows you to purchase the audible version so cheaply.

Black Ice is essential to the Bosch series because it is truly a great procedural on its on. In the first chapter Connelly introduces his hero as the hard nosed outsider on the detective squad who never lets politics or personal gain interfere with his work.

When the author came to Greensboro to promote The Overlook, (that mystery begins in Greensboro), he was asked about Harry's love for jazz. Connelly explained that when writing, jazz instrumentals are not the distraction that blues and rock, his first loves, are. In Black Ice we are introduced to Harry's love for the saxophone in particular. So I found the Coleman Hawkins & Ben Webster channel on Pandora. It's been remarkable background music while listening and working!

Dick Hill is a huge improvement over Len Cariou, who is the narrator in some of the later books.

As for the story itself, it's a great mystery with a great twist I never saw coming.
Highly recommended!

A Great Harry Bosch

What made the experience of listening to The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2 the most enjoyable?

Two things need to come together to make a great audio book - A great story and a great narrator. I'd say this audiobook has it both.

The story here, though not perfect, is very entertaining and even teaches you a thing or two. Dick Hill is really great narrator and out of all the books I've heard to date he is my absolute favorite. In fact, I'm going to get some of his other books just to enjoy his performance.

In short, if you like detective stories, I highly recommend this one.

An early Harry Bosch Book

This is book 2 in the series. I have read some of the later books and am now going back and reading the early books. This shows a typical Bosch unable to follow orders, he is told the case of the dead cop was not his but he investigates anyway. Was interesting the information of the Med-fly and the release of the sterile flies. Guess this was just after the straying. I lived thorough all this but had forgotten about it. Nice thing about books that include items and current events in the story writing, because eventually the story becomes a brief history lesson. This book also introduces Harry to his father. Dick Hill does a great job narrating the story.

Like Harry I ABHOR politics.

Harry Bosch is back in the second installment -- still an outsider even among his piers, still hardened and flawed, still bright and strong. I like Harry very much. And, like him, I hate politics, which is exactly why this book only merited three stars. I didn't like the plot of this book. I didn't like the internal politics of Harry's department which played such a big part in the story. It was, for me, boring rather than intriguing. Harry being Harry is what saves the book. He is a character who I am looking forward to learning more about, a man I am looking forward to knowing better. And for that reason I am sticking with this series.

Dick Hill is superb. There is nothing else to say, except Bravo Dick. You continue to be the best.

Narcotics before xmas

Disclaimer: I am a big fan of Harry Bosch serie.
After introducing series on audible, I started to listen to it from the beginning. Although this book has all characteristics of the series (lonely wolf Harry, thrilling story, different environment), I found the plot where key part is internal politics less interesting.
Still worth to listen, narrator is excellent.

Enjoyable but not the best...

I enjoy winding down at bedtime with a M. Connelly listen... I enjoyed this one, but not as much as some of the others. The climax was a little too deus ex machina for my tastes. That said, I'm using my new credit on another Connelly, so I'm still a huge fan!

An average book

This is the third Bosch book that I've listened to and I still have two awaiting me in my library. This story played like a chess game with Bosch and the bad guy(s) anticipating how each would react to situations and then making decisions accordingly. It's difficult for me to precisely explain exactly what made this book very "underwhelming" for me. Perhaps it was the outrageous premises that were revealed as the story progressed. Harry's character is not very upbeat and when the story slows the tedium is aggravated. I'm a fan of this genre, so even three star books hold my interest. And having Dick Hill doing the narration certainly doesn't hurt.

Another great book from Micheal Connolly

This book, much like Black Echo, is extremely well written and the narration is top rate... I will definately be buying the rest of the books in this series.

A typically good Michael Connelly

The problem is you get hooked on an author and just keep going back for more. It never ceases to amaze me that his plots aren't facsimiles of each other... they are all completely different. I am amazed he can remember which major character is which as he has a number of regular "heros", Michael Connelly as good as ever, thoroughly recommend this one.

Entertaining, compelling and well narrated

Another in the Harry Bosch series with the usual successful formula of a maverick ex-Nam cop and the pathos of his personal life. It's not necessary to listen to them all in order, although it helps (Black Echo is the first). The LA setting is as compelling now as it was in Chandler's day and the plot has enough twists and turns to satisfy the cynical listener without too much suspension of disbelief. The narration was particular good on this recording. Enjoy them all!

Black Ice - unseen brilliance

Keen fan of Hammett and Chandler and I have read many Ian Rankins, but much preferred this.
Thought it was time to try another crime author and the Harry Bosch story did not disappoint. Well read firstly, good selection of "voices" which always helps. Plot was complicated and kept on moving at a pace. To me the characters were well thought out and LA had a modern but grimy feel as portrayed by Chandler and Philip Marlowe etc.

As soon as I have written this, I will download another Michael Connelly.

A gripping read

Dick Hill's delivery is perfect for the Harry Bosch series. Pay attention, there are more twists and turns in this plot than a snake on a stick!

Excellent story

Good story well narated. Plot well thought out and a typical good read in true Harry Bosh style!

What a Guy, and that's just the Narrator!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2 to be better than the print version?

I don't know I haven't seen the print version. However, I would be inclined to say absolutely. Dick Hill doesn't read, he acts, he dramatises. He does the whole bit so well, you can follow the action with your eyes. He, in the immortal words of Eddy Cochrane, is just something' else.

What other book might you compare The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2 to, and why?

Difficult. Perhaps Val Macdermid, because she is also very visual in her writing.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Again difficult. The whole book is like a big chocolate ice cream, you dread the ending of it. Secret; I haven't finished it yet, I am just loving the thing so much I decided to do this.

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

It just made me smile. Harry is such a guy. He wants to be good, he wants to be right but, he has his problems.

Any additional comments?

I hope Michael Connelly keeps writing Harry for ever, or at least until I'm in the ground. Oh, and Dick Hill has to keep reading them. Just for me.

Brilliant!

Had dipped in and out of the Bosch books but have started at the beginning and glad I did.

Treat yourself and listen

Interesting!!! a good read....`

"Fun book"
It was a light fun book.
Got many giggles from some of the ridiculous situations... It's been a while since I enjoyed this much.

kathleen

Once again i enjoyed Harry Bosch. Well done Michael CONNELLY.