When Harry Bosch is notified that the class action lawsuit against the notorious MacLaren Children's Center was successful and that he'd be receiving money as a result, Chops immediately comes to mind.
Chops was the nickname of Harry's friend at MacLaren, and he died there. Harry is convinced that Chops was killed and his murder covered up. Justice for his friend is past due, and Harry is now on a mission to find Chops' killer.
When he starts digging into the files, Harry picks up the trail of a predator who not only survived his stint in MacLaren, but went on to a life of vicious crime.
Facing the part of his own history that not only scarred him but made him want to become a cop isn't easy; however, when has that ever stopped Harry when he's on a quest for justice?
~
Michael Connelly always finds an interesting nugget of Los Angeles history to weave into his stories, and his latest, The Hollow, is no exception. When young Harry Bosch's mother is murdered, and he becomes a ward of the state, he finds himself in the infamous (and real) MacLaren Children's Center. Living there could be a true test of survival.
The physical toll Harry Bosch has placed on his body over the years is catching up with him. He's recuperating from knee replacement surgery and should be taking it easy, but Connelly has other plans for him. With the help of René Ballard and Mickey Haller, Harry is on a quest to bring his childhood friend, Chops, some long overdue justice. It's not going to be easy because much was done to cover up the boy's death. However, as longtime fans know, that's never stopped Harry.
This fast-paced story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go. As Harry got closer to Chops' killer, I truly feared for him. Connelly has aged his hero. Harry has his share of health problems. He's slowing down. It's not inconceivable that he could come to great harm. As much as I love Harry Bosch and want him to live forever, the logical part of me hasn't completely disappeared. What has Michael Connelly got in store for this nonpareil character? I don't see anything that would prevent me from finding out.
The Hollow by Michael Connelly
eISBN: 9780316563888
Little, Brown & Company © 2026
eBook, 341 pages
Police Procedural, #26 Harry Bosch
Rating: A
Source: NetGalley
Connelly simply doesn't disappoint, Cathy. And I love the idea of going back to places like McLaren and re-visiting Harry's life there. I don't think I would like every novel to do that, but that's what I mean about Connelly as a writer. Anyway, it is a great premise for a plot. And I'll be interested to see what Connelly does as Harry slows down....
ReplyDeleteSo will I.
DeleteI appreciate the care and effort that Connelly puts into these later Bosch novels, to factor in the effects of aging and the impact of his past injuries, in addition to keeping the mysteries vivid and meaningful. I just got Ironwood (his newest Stilwell mystery) from the library, and am on the hold list for The Hollows as well. I almost hope my turn doesn't come too soon, to help make it last a little longer.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Kate.
DeleteCathy, so glad to hear your thoughts on The Hollow. I am so looking forward to reading it soon. Got a couple of others I need to finish because I can't get too close to book group dates before starting the books to be discussed. I am also curious how Connelly will take Harry's life now that he is older, but there are a lot of 'older' sleuths and they manage to make an impact.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly do, and how could Harry not make an impact?
DeleteHarry Bosch has always been a personal favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Dorothy.
DeleteI’ve not read the Bosch books but something to make a note of. Thanks for the recommendation
ReplyDeleteConnelly's a wonderful writer, Mystica. I hope you get a chance to read one of his books.
Delete