The Waiting

Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch, Book 6

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Christine Lakin, Titus Welliver, Madison Lintz

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard tracks a serial rapist whose trail has gone cold, and enlists a new volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit: Patrol Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter.

Renée Ballard and the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit get a hot shot DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet twenty years ago. The arrested man is only twenty-four, so the genetic link must be familial: His father was the Pillowcase Rapist, responsible for a five-year reign of terror in the city of angels. But when Ballard and her team move in on their suspect, they encounter a baffling web of secrets and legal hurdles.

Meanwhile, Ballard’s badge, gun, and ID are stolen—a theft she can’t report without giving her enemies in the department ammunition to end her career as a detective. She works the burglary alone, but her mission draws her into unexpected danger. With no choice but to go outside the department for help, she knocks on the door of Harry Bosch.

At the same time, Ballard takes on a new volunteer to the cold case unit: Bosch’s daughter Maddie, now a patrol officer. But Maddie has an ulterior motive for getting access to the city’s library of lost souls—a case that may be the most iconic in the city’s history. Complex, satisfying, and full of dexterous twists, The Waiting demonstrates once more that “you can’t do better than Michael Connelly” (Forbes).

©2024 Michael Connelly (P)2024 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“A Hawaiian coda provides the best news of all: This distinguished series has plenty of miles to go. Aloha, and hooray.”—Kirkus Reviews

I’m Loving me some Ballard!

I throughly enjoyed this story. It moved fast. Really great hearing Titus and Madison. Christine is always great as Renee. How the story begins, surfing, simple. How the surfing evolves is really interesting. How it changes and rolls around into something completely different, is great.
Not all male authors can write a great female lead character, Michael Connolly writes very strong, believable female lead and supporting characters. They’re not what men think women are like, Connolly writes how women know women are. I’m going to start the Ballard series all over again. She just goes from strong to stronger.

Terrific As Always

The title of this review says it all. The story points a way forward for these characters…thankfully!

Would like more Harry and/or Maddie and less Renée

Unfortunately Harry is being phased out and that's understandable due to his age (mid to late 70's) and health issues. I would have liked more of him and Maddie and less Renée Ballard who is not very likable.

The numerous coincidences, that of course, there is no such thing as.... right??

Love the multiple cases that are worked throughout these books. I hope these continue, without being handed of to some book puppy farm

Great story line

The characters are well developed, believable people. The story makes for an interesting read. Thanks for another wonderful listening experience.

Great to hear our favorite characters voices

Just finished the book and going to listen again. Renee, Harry and Maddie all involved-what a treat!

One of his best stories yet!

Not the usual whodunit. Juxtaposes a historical unsolved serial killing with 2 modern events in a mesmerizing performance that beckons one to lose sleep in favor of reading or listening to conclusion.

Worst Connelly book

I have read every Michael Connelly book, and watched every Bosch movie. This book, The Waiting, is the WORST. Overwhelmingly boring narrative of police procedure, NO ACTIN AT ALL, the story is not at all compelling. I am sorry I got it, and wasted time listening to it.

Another Great Michael Connelly Novel!

Purchased this as soon as it came out. I hope he keeps them coming. I will continue to purchase/follow Bosch. My favorite.

The Waiting

Love all of Michael Connelly books. He’s a great writer. Can’t wait for the next book.