For Late Nighters, Insomniacs and Early Risers, Michael Connelly Never Fails

Michael Connelly – The Late Show

I have been reading Harry Bosch novels for years and also enjoy the Amazon series “Bosch.” “Trunk Music” was the first Connelly book I read and have not stopped reading him since. His attention to detail in investigations is authentic, superb and on the level of Ed McBain or Joseph Wambaugh. He cranks out quality writing, but bucks the current trend in churning out books, to readers dissatisfaction, by not partnering with co-writers like some bestselling authors do to meet the demands of their readers.
Connelly does his own homework and we are the benefactor.

In his latest novel “The Late Show,” Connelly has once again created a memorable a character like Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller with the introduction of Renée Ballard. If you are a fan of strong, well-defined characters in the vein of Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta) or Sue Grafton (Kinsey Millhone), then Renée Ballard might have you hooked from the start.

Renée Ballard does not listen to Jazz like Bosch, she surfs and is a California Girl. She has a partner like Bosch but has to work her way up the ranks beginning at the deplorable midnight shift, hence the book’s title ‘The Late Show.” Like Bosch, she has her character flaws, foibles and demons which makes her relatable. Connelly is best at weaving multiple cases to keep us engaged which is authentic to real life police and detective work. Their days are anything but routine.

What I enjoy best about Connelly’s writing, and is consistent in “The Late Show,” is the great Los Angeles geographical descriptions from the streets, freeways, Hollywood and beaches like Venice. I live in L.A. so the visuals come to life on the page. Connelly characters are rebellious and always carry the anti-authority seed of “Dirty Harry.”

Ditch your cell phone. Close your office or bedroom door. The Late Show is for late nighters, insomniacs and early risers. Connelly Never Fails to keep us continuously interested in his writing. I look forward to the next one.

I hope you found this review helpful.

© Michael P. Naughton