The Late Show

De: Michael Connelly

Narrado por: Katherine Moennig

#1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly introduces Renee Ballard, a fierce young detective fighting to prove herself on the LAPD's toughest beat--the Late Show.
Renee Ballard works the midnight shift in Hollywood, beginning many investigations but finishing few, as each morning she turns everything over to the daytime units. It's a frustrating job for a once up-and-coming detective, but it's no accident. She's been given this beat as punishment after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a supervisor.But one night Ballard catches two assignments she doesn't want to part with. First, a prostitute is brutally beaten and left for dead in a parking lot. All signs point to a crime of premeditation, not passion, by someone with big evil on his mind. Then she sees a young waitress breathe her last after being caught up in a nightclub shooting. Though dubbed a peripheral victim, the waitress buys Ballard a way in, and this time she is determined not to give up at dawn. Against orders and her partner's wishes, she works both cases by day while maintaining her shift by night. As the investigations intertwine, Ballard is forced to face her own demons and confront a danger she could never have imagined. To find justice for these victims who can't speak for themselves, she must put not only her career but her life on the line. Propulsive as a jolt of adrenaline and featuring a bold and defiant new heroien, The Late Show is yet more proof that Michael Connelly is "a master of the genre" (Washington Post).

Reseñas de la Crítica

PRAISE FOR THE LATE SHOW
"The Late Show introduces a terrific female character: Detective Renée Ballard. . . The pacing of Ballard's debut story is breathless. . . Ballard is complicated and driven enough to sustain the series Connelly doubtless has in mind for her." —Janet Maslin, The New York Times

"The most intriguing mystery in The Late Show, though, is Ballard herself. Connelly is too skillful to hand us her resume in one document dump; instead, he fills out her portrait with a subtle hand over the course of the novel, a little background here, a glimpse of her temperament there, the revelation of her unusual living conditions sketched in between."—Colette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times

"Det. Renée Ballard is a formidable character, an insightful and tenacious investigator with an unusual background and a sturdy personality to carry a series... Connelly has achieved success as one of the top mystery writers by continuing to keep his storytelling fresh. In The Late Show, he delivers an exciting police procedural with a unique character."—Oline Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Few writers can capture the gritty streets of L.A.-and the inner workings of the LAPD-like Connelly."—Entertainment Weekly

"It's a sharp move that allows him to shift his perspective in fresh and meaningful ways. Writing about the instantly appealing police Detective Renee Ballard also recharges Connelly, who has never been in better form."—Lloyd Sachs, Chicago Tribune

"Ballard is a force that with just one novel will easily be as beloved. There's no doubt Connelly is a master of crime fiction, and The Late Show cements that reputation."—Jeff Ayers, Associated Press

PRAISE FOR MICHAEL CONNELLY:

"Michael Connelly is an undisputed master."—Chuck Leddy

"Any new book by Michael Connelly is a cause for celebration."—Jackie Cooper, Huffington Post

"A masterpiece."—Steve Forbes, FORBES

"Welcome Renée Ballard to the City of Angels' crime fighting pantheon. . . Connelly excels at writing principled outsiders, and Renée Ballard hews to this archetype."—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times

"More perhaps than any of Connelly's much-honored other titles, this one reveals why his procedurals are the most soulful in the business: because he finds the soul in the smallest details, faithfully executed."—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Oh, the narration!

Katherine Moennig is a terrific actress. She does a great turn on Ray Donovan. Maybe my favorite character on that show. But this narration isn't good. It's disappointing. She just reads it and reads it fast. I wish she had listened to a few audiobooks ahead of time to see how its done. Such a good voice, such a good actress, this should be better.

As far as the story goes, it's hard to tell. Couldn't get past the narration.

Another Connelly Win!

I've read many other Michael Connelly books, and approached this with high expectations. I was not disappointed.

As an avid audiobook reader-listener (2-3 books/week), I've come across many narrators and have developed my own favorites. I was cautious when I read the other reviews that made negative remarks on the narration, but I had no problem with Katherine Moennig's narrative style. I found her pace and inflection only improved the story's suspense.

The birth of a new repeatable main character? Yes, quite possibly. The night shift is a rich setting, and the character development was intriguing enough that I sure HOPE we'll see a continuation of this line.

Highly recommended!

Michael Connelly just earned a new fan...

For a lot of reasons. Excellent story. Great characters development. And I love his protagonist, Rene Ballard, a strong, gutsy female detective in the LAPD.

After seeing more than one Connelly title on a shelf or coffee table at my mother in law's home, I decided to give The Late Show a shot. Glad I did, as I've been in search of a new prolific writer to delve into.

Connelly has done it again -Moenning is fabulous

Would you listen to The Late Show again? Why?

Yes, Michael Connelly has introduced a new main character, Renée Ballard that has depth, intelligence, and great sense of justice. He does a fabulous job of weaving in her backstory so we get to know Renée and get a feel for what make her tick. Additionally, Katherine Moennig does such a fabulous job of narration. I've been a fan of Katherine Moennig's work in film and TV for a long time; she always gives a convincing and powerful performance. Clearly, Audible has found a narrating star to add to their notable list of great narrators.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Late Show?

Their are many memorable moments in The Late Show so it would hard to rank them.

Which scene was your favorite?

Again, as with many great writers, everything is so perfectly woven together that all scenes affect the others- the great scenes are not stand-alone moments.

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

Yes, I wanted more. My wife and I listened to this book together on our daily walks. We had some longer than usual walks because we had trouble interrupting the story. We both developed an endearing respect and love for Renée Ballard.

Any additional comments?

I hope Michael Connelly continues the Renée Ballard character and develops a long running series as he has done with Harry Bosch. Please keep Katherine Moennig as the voice of Renée. Oh - Audible if you reading this, believe me Katherine Moennig is new narrating star.

Connolly does it again

After reading his Bosch and Haller adventures it was good to read a strong female police story. I hope there are more.