Catching up on Harry Bosch
Somehow I missed it, finally learned of the latest Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch book, Two Kinds of Truth.
I'm old fashioned - I rather like the characters to stay in the same situation. For instance, in Erle Stanley Gardner's books, I don't think Perry Mason ever ran for office or was appointed a judge. But at least Connelly stays true to his character, the writing just as rich, the challenge of telling a story from only one perspective still clean and clear. Harry's been through a lot through this series of books, and that too is addressed with realism and kept interesting.
The story opens with Harry, retired from the LAPD but working for a small town PD nearby, learning that one of his very first cases which landed a man on death row is being looked at - a tiny bit of DNA processed may get the bad guy released, and a seven-figure lawsuit pending. Harry knows he got the right guy, but isn't given the opportunity to use the resources of LAPD to investigate. Well, if you've read these books, Harry doesn't give up, so he's running his own investigation. It's not just about his ego or the possibility of also being sued, it's about the chance that all of his cases would then come under review, possibly freeing a lot of people who need to stay in jail.
I like it that Harry isn't a perfect person. He's a toned-down, more realistic version of another famous Harry portrayed by Clint Eastwood. He's also a reflection of the John Wayne mantra, I won't put hands on you and I won't have hands put on me. He makes mistakes but then self-corrects and moves on. Here we also see a little softer side of Harry, respecting the small-town officers and trying to let them grow in their jobs - Harry's really just there to help and address his own need to stay busy.
Michael Connelly's extension of the character to the Amazon Prime offering is perfect for this character. I often wondered why Bosch didn't become a feature film, but it's as though Connelly had a crystal ball, and new this was coming.
If you like detective stories, and you like them complete with grit and mystery, do yourself a favor and try Michaell Connelly's books.
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