Harry Bosch as Jack Bauer
Originally published as a serial, Harry Bosch's latest case is like a plot out of 24, as it involves a terrorist network and a case of missing radioactive material. The fact it happens within a 12 hour time frame makes it hard for me to escape the comparison.
Much to my delight, Bosch's foray into the counterterrorism genre isn't contrived as he tries to stubbornly focus on the murder of a physicist rather than trace the missing cesium (the radioactive material). Here, we see him butt heads with the FBI and Homeland Security regarding the priority of the case. Of course, there is the obligatory twist on the culprit but I found it not as contrived as The Closers or Echo Park.
It is briskly paced and clearly written, the only complaint is it is too short. Translating it to a full-pledged novel, Connelly could've added a few more details on the war on terror to flesh out the book. Still, the overall plot is certainly most refreshing especially in the context of the Harry Bosch universe. Highly-recommended!
Skeletal
I know this was originally published as a serial, but it still feels like it hasn't been fleshed out enough. The Overlook is my introduction to Harry Bosch. As a new reader, the constant referrals to the previous novel in the series got old quick. It made me feel like I shouldn't have been reading this book, even though it clearly stands alone. Likable book, even if it was a bit sparse.
Harry, so far, is an enjoyable character. I'll most likely be back for more.
The latest Harry Bosch is a radioactive thriller...
Wow! If nothing else, The Overlook by Michael Connely is an education in radiation detection, dirty bombs, and high-tech anti-terrorism. Our old friend Harry (Hieronymus) Bosch has been called to a late-night crime scene. Physicist Stanley Kent has been executed at an overlook on Mulholland Drive and missing from the scene is a container that is presumed to contain stolen radioactive material from one of the many hospitals where he has privileges.
Enter Rachel Walling, tough FBI agent and Bosch's former lover, from whom he parted badly in the last book (Echo Park). He has to fight with everything he's got to keep the case once the Feds arrive and he uses some artful tricks that give him short-term results but might entirely derail his resurrected career in the long run.
Something's rotten with the whole thing and unlikely people end up as the target of the FBI's anti-terror squads. Is this the plot of a group of people who have escaped the federal radar or are the Feds wildly off-mark? Bosch thinks that things aren't what they seem but how to solve this case, keep his job, and maybe thaw the ice at least a little with Rachel. It's a big order and this book is up to the job. Nice read.
Great Reading
Like all Michael Connelly books this is great reading. I enjoyed it from the very beginning to the very end. I highly recommend it.
good thriller, not the best Bosch story
As far as thrillers go this was very good. The characters were deep and enthralling, keeping your interest all the way through. There was enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and plenty of action. If you enjoy Lee Child`s Jack Reacher books then this will please you. I`m a series fan and enjoy Child and Michael Connelly books immensely, if you like that kind of thriller read the `Soft Target` books by Conrad Jones. They are unputdownable!! Back to the review, ten out of ten.
(195 reviews)
