I really, really, really (spellcheck keeps telling me to fix that
but it's true) - enjoy Michael Connelly's writing. I've read
everything he's written and enjoy the books featuring some of his
other characters, but Detective Harry Bosch is my hands down
favourite. Bosch is back in Nine Dragons.
Harry is called to investigate a shooting at a liquor store in a
rough L.A. neighbourhood. The case seems to have gang overtones, so
a detective from the Asian Gang Unit is brought in to help. The
case is bigger than just south L.A. though with tendrils reaching
to the triads in Hong Kong. Hong Kong.....where his daughter lives.
Harry has always operated at the far end of the law, doing what he
sees as right and pursuing justice on his terms. His single minded
pursuit of justice has, for the most part, worked well for him in
the past. But things change with this case. It's gotten personal
for one thing. And that may be clouding his judgement. His current
partner is no help, he doesn't know if he can trust the gang
detective, he doesn't understand the language or customs and he's
going way too fast. Mistakes could be very costly.
Harry has always been a flawed character, but in this latest book,
we get to see a different side of Harry. One that isn't always sure
of himself and a bit more of his personal life. There is a shift in
his focus and priorities. It's great that Connelly continues to
grow and change Harry, that he isn't a stagnant character,
repeatedly doing the same thing.
Break neck action, an intricate plot and some great twists in the
ending all add up to an unputdownable read. Really, really, really.