Great writing as expected by Connelly and very enjoyable
585699
They're short stories, that's what they are.  Great writing as expected by Connelly and very enjoyable.
1044381
I had previously read and loved all of the Harry Bosch books but hadn't read any Connelly in a couple years.  I forgot how much I missed his writing!  With other writers I find I am always looking for a twist or a 'hook', but MC writes so well that even a fairly predictable and straight forward book like this one has me anxious to read the next chapter, every chapter!  This book pulls both Bosch and Haller into the story, and does so brilliantly.  A great read, I'm already 1/4 of the way through the next book and looking forward to the one after that!!
483568
To say Michael Connelly is a great storyteller is definitely an understatement.  This is another GREAT Harry Bosch book.  I just wish Mr. Connelly could write faster as I am always anxious to read a new Harry Bosch.
2515189
I've read every one of Michael Connelly's books and will continue to do so as they are always great. I have been a fan especially
of all the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer books. This book has  a new character in Lucy Soto which was well written as usual.
Harry is my favorite and comes off sharper at 62 years than many of the younger characters. The storyline kept my interest, never
lagging. I hope this is not the end of Harry's character take him off the streets but not out of your books Mr. Connelly.  Read in one day,
loved it, cannot wait for the next Michael Connelly book.
4205057
A long-time fan of Connelly but not fanatical (that is my Wife who brow beats me to catch-up to her on all his books) I find each book Connelly writes is better than the previous.  I don't want to be to high and mighty and say his writing is getting better but I find myself much more engrossed with his more realistic and human-oriented plots than some of his early Bosch books.  Connelly seems to be especially good at bringing back characters that you can see being an on-going part of Bosch's life and then making these people interesting.
2405986
Oh my Connelly sure wrote a great book once I started it very very hard to put down I really like it
2636657
I liked the part where Harry goes undercover and also the  courtroom drama. Some of Connelly's best writing and I've read them all.
1986354
Another great book told by a great storyteller.  I loved the new character and hope he writes many more.  I always enjoy reading Mr. Connelly books and I hope he writes many modre.
4564503
With this book, Connelly delivers another page turner even though, unlike his Bosch novels, there is more suspense than mystery here.  Connelly's strength is in developing readable plots with enough twists to make them interesting, and then moving them along with dispatch.  In this respect, Lincoln Lawyer doesn't disappoint.  I must also applaud the fact that he writes with what I call "efficient economy".  In this type of book the development of too many characters could get in the way, so he focuses on the protagonist and leaves the other players in a workable two-dimensionality.  Also, he strays from contrived and prolonged climactic scenes, or gimmicky last minute confessions and keeps most of the action at the cerebral level, much more appropriate for this type of story.  The one flaw that cost him the fifth star is that, like too many other modern authors, he can't resist from injecting some disguised social commentary and pay homage to the gods of political correctness.  This by itself would not necessarily be a significant flaw if it didn't result in the inevitable generalizations according to which all illegal immigrants are victimized, the underprivileged have no way out from a life of crime, while most rich white people are corrupt or evil.  Still, compared to Pelecanos, whose stories are more excuses for social commentary than mystery or suspense novels, Connelly focus never strays too far from what it takes to move the plot along.  As changes of pace go, this one beats "Chasing the Dime" by a long shot.
1474878
My wife and I have read all 3 of Bruce's books
We have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Being fans of Harry Bosch( Connelly)) we find similarities in the pace , style and police interactions.which is a good darn good thing.
Hard books to put down
We are waiting anxiously for Bruce's next book. We hope he continues to write for many years to come

Hank Ashbaugh
Amelia Island, Florida
2667042
Great story line and Connelly just knows how to write. Need to bring Bosch in with Ballard for a book she's a great character as well.
4214630
I first became aware of Michael Connelly by watching the video Bosch.  I enjoyed it tremendously and was sorry when it was finished.  I read up on Mr. Connelly and found he had written a multitude of novels.  I saw he has the Harry Bosch Series so ordered The Black Echo (Book 1) from Amazon.

I am as enthused by this novel as I was by the video.  As I was reading, I could see and hear Harry's voice just as if I were still watching the video.  The novel was excellent.  Interesting storyline, terrific cast of characters, kept me engrossed right to the end.  I now consider myself a Michael Connelly fan and can't wait to read more of his novels.

As a mystery book fan, I feel I've found a new author that will keep me entertained.  If you haven't tried any of his novels yet, please try one.  I'm sure you will be as impressed as I am.  Happy reading!!
1123736
Some of Mr. Connelly's best writing. Read maybe 5 or 6 chapters and you will not be able to put it down. A great read.
3066331
I enjoy the writing style and that Connelly takes each novel in surprising directions.  I won't give anything away just enjoy.  I am only sad It will be a while until the next book in the Lincoln Lawyer series.
122352
Loved it! Detective Renee Ballard is as good a detective as Harry Bosch. Would love to Connelly write a book with Ballard and Bosch! Haven't ever read a bad Michael Connelly book. Heck of a great writer.
4801741
When a serial killer agrees to confess to a string of murders, LAPD detective Harry Bosch may finally have an answer for Dan and Irene Gesto, whose daughter, Marie has been missing for thirteen years.  Bosch is never at rest until a case is solved, and ever since he came out of retirement, hes been pulling the Gesto file regularly, hoping for a break.

Echo Park is the story of how Raynard Waits becomes the center of a high profile case, made conveniently public during a tight political race for Los Angeles District Attorney.  Harry Bosch is a guy who follows his own rules, but is true to his deep-seated drive to get the bad guys.  He maneuvers through city politics and other hidden agendas to nail Waits and whoever else may be responsible.

I jumped into this Bosch mystery series, knowing nothing about the main character.  In creating Bosch, Connelly was inspired by the 15th Century Dutch painter, Hieronymus Bosch, known for his paintings depicting sin, violence and hell.  Connelly fans have their pick of twenty-nine novels, many with Bosch as their main guy.  While it may be best to start at the beginning, I enjoyed this 2006 crime mystery very much.  Its smartly written, with many well-defined characters, has a little bit of romance and not too much violence.  I always like reading about the battle between good and evil, particularly in combatting violence against women.  Connelly makes it clear which side he and Bosch are on.

I especially enjoyed getting to know Harry and his quirky nature.  As with many mysteries, we learn about area restaurant menus and what everyone eats.  And, although Ive never driven through Los Angeles, I had fun reading about the different neighborhoods and got a realistic feel for how the action was unfolding.  Equally fun is the banter between Harry and his contacts across the city who help him uncover the facts  they're often resistant at first because they know hes a rule-bender  but they always come through for their friend.

Echo Park has many exciting twists and turns.  Im not a trained mystery reader and prefer to have the story develop for me, without thinking too far ahead.  I was surprised more than once by plot and character shifts.  Connelly includes surprises to the very end that would satisfy even the seasoned mystery reader.

I recommend Echo Park to anyone who enjoys mysteries and likes to see justice served.
1485774
Great writing as always. Harry Bosch in top form, without all the tortured angst of previous outings--more the top-notch
Detective and less the tortured soul.