By: Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch #21
Narrator: Titus Welliver
ASIN: B01K3EKBXS
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication Date: 11/1/2016
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars + Top Books of 2016 Detective Harry Bosch must track down someone who may never have existed in the new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly. Detective Harry Bosch must track down someone who may never have existed in the new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly.
Harry Bosch is California's newest private investigator. He doesn't advertise, he doesn't have an office, and he's picky about who he works for, but it doesn't matter. His chops from thirty years with the LAPD speak for themselves.
Soon one of Southern California's biggest moguls comes calling. The reclusive billionaire is nearing the end of his life and is haunted by one regret. When he was young, he had a relationship with a Mexican girl, his great love. But soon after becoming pregnant, she disappeared. Did she have the baby? And if so, what happened to it?
Desperate to know whether he has an heir, the dying magnate hires Bosch, the only person he can trust. With such a vast fortune at stake, Harry realizes that his mission could be risky not only for himself but for the one he's seeking. But as he begins to uncover the haunting story--and finds uncanny links to his own past--he knows he cannot rest until he finds the truth.
At the same time, unable to leave cop work behind completely, he volunteers as an investigator for a tiny cash-strapped police department and finds himself tracking a serial rapist who is one of the most baffling and dangerous foes he has ever faced.
Swift, unpredictable, and thrilling, The Wrong Side of Goodbye shows that Michael Connelly "continues to amaze with his consistent skill and sizzle" (Cleveland Plain Dealer).
Narrator: Titus Welliver
My Review
Detective Harry Bosch is back at his "best" in Michael Connelly’s latest, THE WRONG SIDE OF GOODBYE, delving into two story strands, both public and private with #21. Some new life directions for Bosch, as he continues to redefine himself.
This time around, Bosch is not chasing down a murderer, as usual; however, he is tracking down an heir to a California fortune, while time traveling back to the late 60s-70s and his time in Vietnam. A nice exploration of Bosch’s character. Reflections of the past. Keep them coming!
A retired LAPD detective, getting on with his life, as we delve deeper into his past, and his present. There is much to be discovered from our favorite ex-cop. If you have read the previous books you understand he was forced into retirement by LAPD bureaucracy. However, he is not idly sitting around, but using his skills in positive ways.
Harry is hired as a Private Detective, by a reclusive billionaire, Whitney Vance to find an heir to his fortune; the 85-year-old owner of Advance Engineering. The man had a relationship with a Mexican girl, named Vibiana in college. They fell in love and she became pregnant. He is unsure of the whereabouts of his child, family, possible grandchildren, and heirs. His father interfered.
Readers get "double the pleasure", with the crossover featuring half-brother, Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller. Bosch needs his expertise, to guide him through the will, probate, and the case he is working with, finding the heir. Always a fun time with these two.
At the same time, Bosch is involved with the San Fernando PD (outside LA)- a reserve program for retired officers and local citizen volunteers. A place where Harry Bosch now calls home.
He is a detective working on cold cases, for the small town, and connects to a case involving a serial rapist. The “screen cutter.” He attacks innocent victims by cutting their screens, entering the victim’s home via a rear door or window after cutting through the screen. Oddly, all the victims had been in the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle when they are attacked.
While working on the case, Bosch goes back in time to the Vietnam War and relives his pleasant experiences from jazz, LA, celebrities, and performers, such as Connie Stevens, Neil Armstrong, Bob Hope, and of course, my favorite, Judy Collins (1967) “Both Sides Now.” A poignant time travel journey as he reflects on his life, family, his past.
In addition, to the changes in his career, Bosch’s personal life has also changed. Now an empty nester. Mattie, his daughter is going off to college. Things have changed and Bosch misses his daughter, making appointments to meet at the coffee shop or dinners. From texting, phoning and arranging a time to meet up. Both are very busy. His daughter has been an anchor for him, and now she has his own life. He wants to continue to hang on to their newfound relationship, even though it is different. They are close.
A powerful installment. Many turning points and new directions for Harry. A very special book, nostalgic and reflective. Bosch/Connelly fans will devour this one (especially the ones which are in this age range-"boomers" like myself, included) who lived during the Vietnam War. Many of us can also relate who have had busy careers, and now using our expertise in various consulting roles, or volunteer work, while enjoying our passions. Rediscovery.
I enjoyed the many dynamics and insights into the Bosch’s personality, where we see him outside the realm of the typical murders/cop series. I am hoping there is much more to come!
The two cases intertwined throughout the novel, weaving personal and career, keeping balance and the flow, showing us another side of Harry, we love. He seems more at peace with his newfound life- as "smooth as pure mellow jazz "with an edge.
A huge Bosch/Connelly fan (having read all his books, as well as anxiously awaiting Bosch Season 3! Of course, to really enjoy the reading experience, always pre-order the audiobook, narrated by none other than Titus Welliver! As always, it makes you feel you are watching the series. A superb performance! A keeper to add to the Bosch collection.
Connelly just keeps getting better! I enjoyed the videos and inspiration behind THE WRONG SIDE OF GOODBYE.
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About the Author
Michael Connelly is the author of twenty-eight previous novels, including #1 New York Times bestsellers The Crossing and The Burning Room. His books, which include the Harry Bosch series and Lincoln Lawyer series, have sold more than sixty million copies worldwide.
Connelly is a former newspaper reporter who has won numerous awards for his journalism and his novels and is the executive producer of Bosch, starring Titus Welliver. He spends his time in California and Florida. Read More
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