In A Darkness More than Night Michael Connelly
combines two of his greatest characters, LAPD homicide
detective Harry Bosch and ex-FBI agent Terry McCaleb.
In this book, I wasn't sure who I enjoyed more.
In the seventh book in the Bosch series, in an ironic
twist of fate, Bosch becomes the main suspect in a
murder that McCaleb is investigating as a favor for an
old friend. And if that isn't enough, Bosch is in
the middle of an important trial where his testimony
could make or break the case, putting the
responsibility of a killer being punished or set free on his
shoulders. With two suspenseful stories playing out
this book proves yet again Connelly's talent for
writing. Out of the 8 books I've read of his, I
haven't been able to guess an ending yet; he keeps you
on your toes!
I enjoyed this book, as I've enjoyed all that came
before it from Connelly. The only thing that was a
little strange was that it seemed Connelly had a hard
time juggling the two characters and giving them equal
time in the book. In a book that is considered part
of the "Harry Bosch" series, it really was more about
McCaleb and that left a little of a bad taste in my
mouth. Even though I enjoy both characters, Bosch is
still my favorite and I was looking forward to a book
that focuses more on him and I didn't quite feel I got
that. However, that's the only let down, and
surprisingly, I did begin to enjoy getting to know
McCaleb more and more throughout this book. I do
hope Connelly writes another one featuring him, I just
think it might be better though to keep the two
characters separate and give them each their own
stage.
Overall, if you enjoy mystery, suspense and crime
novels and you haven't read anything by Michael
Connelly yet, you need to check him out! I'd
recommend doing what I did and starting at the
beginning of the Bosch series with The Black Echo—it's not necessary, but it puts things in order for
you. His life does evolve in the series, as does the
police department and its characters. And with each
book the stories get better and better and you'll
enjoy Bosch more and more. The Last Coyote, The
Concrete Blonde and Angels Flight are my favorites.
And of course there's Blood Work—the only other Terry
McCaleb novel—which turned into a movie featuring
Clint Eastwood.
