The Black Ice (Harry Bosch)
by Michael Connelly
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Book Reviews of The Black Ice (Harry Bosch)
Book Review: Well-Written Teaser
Summary: 4 Stars
"Black Ice" begins with the discovery of a dead cop in a motel room that appears to be suicide, and ends with a revelation (uncovered by Harry Bosch) that the cop's death was murder. However, Harry is the only one to believe in the cop's murder until events unfold to prove him correct, and the suspects are hard to come by.This is typically well-written, fully-developed, and articulate Harry Bosch, only William Connelly's second novel (after "The Black Echo"). The plot is very well constructed, with revelations evenly paced throughout. The characters are more than placecards to hold their positions for the novel to unfold. Bosch proves himself the rebel of custom and protocol as he ventures through several states and countries.
Readers familiar with the Bosch cycle of novels will not want to miss this one. Readers new to Bosch are advised to read "The Black Ice" first.
Book Review: A page turner featuring the great detective Harry Bosch
Summary: 5 Stars
In Black Ice, the second novel featuring LAPD detective Harry Bosch, Michael Connelly has developed Bosch's personality to a point where his cynical, darkly comic character quirks made me laugh out loud. In this book, Bosch is trying to track down the reasons behind a fellow cop's apparent suicide. In doing so, he uncovers the cop's links to a Mexican drug ring that sells the "black ice" of the title -- a potent combination of cocaine, heroin and PCP.
Bosch's efforts to unravel the story behind his friend's death lead him to a Mexican border town, where readers get a look at the conditions that drive some Mexicans to risk their lives and their freedom to cross illegally into the US.
This is the novel in which Bosch meets Sylvia, the dead cop's widow and the woman with whom he will fall in love by the time of his next case, detailed in The Concrete Blonde.
Book Review: Bosch 2
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the second Harry Bosch novel and Connelly emerges as an expert at writing the hard-ass maverick detective with a heart. The plot has been adequately described so I don't need to recap here. Just let me add that Harry Bosch novels reveal a writer with a vivid imagination and the skill to put his character on paper in locations that come alive and facing puzzles and challenges that are engrossing. If you read the plot synopsis your reaction might be, "Good lord, but that sounds fantastically complicated!" And it is. But Connelly makes it work and it all comes together beautifully. If you enjoy David Robicheaux and Lucas Davenport, you will recognize Harry Bosch. I don't mean to say he's not unique and original; only that he fits this particular mold. So if you enjoy that kind of character, you'll enjoy "Black Ice."Book Review: Tight as you'd expect
Summary: 5 Stars
The first book in the series Black Echo was very good. Black Ice is great. Connelly captures the feeling of the city, the air, the tension, the danger, the possibility, and gives it his own literary twist.
Harry Bosch is a detective's detective. He is the flawed protagonist that other writers wish they could create. The frailty of his existence keeps Bosch fresh.
I know that sometimes the convenience of clues and sleuthing gets to some readers (I have a friend that does not like the series AT ALL because of it), but it doesn't bother me all that much. I just look at it as "tv police work" and that's ok as long as it is done well, and doesn't look like just a rip off of a television show.
I recommend all of the books in this series, but maybe Black Ice the most.
Ted
Book Review: Good writing.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my third Connelly book. I really like the way he writes and the story moves along quickly. But I have two complaints.
First, he doesn't seem to use contractions. "I am going.." "I will do that..."
I didn't notice it at first but now I can't not notice it. Using "I'm" and "I'll" is not jargon. It's standard English. People in a hurry don't say "I am leaving this place."
Second, almost every male character (particularly in authority) is treated with active contempt by Bosch. I realize he's an outsider but, c'mon. He can't be openly hostile to every person he meets.
I understand willing suspension of disbelief, but that concept shouldn't be very much evident in police procedurals that rely heavily on realism.
Other than those two things, the books are great.