Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Little, Brown And Company (2017), Edition: First Edition
Description
Harry Bosch is back as a volunteer working cold cases for the San Fernando police and is called out to a local drug store where a young pharmacist has been murdered. Bosch and the town's three-person detective squad sift through the clues, which lead into the dangerous big-business world of prescription drug abuse. Meanwhile, an old case from Bosch's LAPD days comes back to haunt him when a long-imprisoned killer claims Harry framed him and seems to have new evidence to prove it. Bosch left the LAPD on bad terms, so his former colleagues aren't keen to protect his reputation. He must fend for himself in clearing his name and keeping a clever killer in prison. The two unrelated cases wind across each other like strands of barbed wire. Along the way Bosch discovers that there are two kinds of truth: the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member DrLed
Synopsis: Harry is working cold cases, but is pulled in to work undercover in a drug case. Meanwhile he is accused of planting evidence in a case that put a man on death row.
Review: Interesting aging of Bosh and interesting handling of what elderly folks can do in their jobs.
Review: Interesting aging of Bosh and interesting handling of what elderly folks can do in their jobs.
LibraryThing member Tatoosh
Harry Bosch finds his hands full with three cases/problems to solve in Two Kinds of Truth. His day begins with a conference with his former LAPD partner, her current partner, and an assistant DA who tell him a lawyer has requested the release of a murderer Bosch helped send to death row years ago.
Bosch is called from the conference to take charge of a double murder in a small family pharmacy. It quickly becomes apparent that the murder of the father and son was the work of a Russian drug gang. The son had notified state authorities that a group of crocked doctors were funneling opiods to the gang by writing thousands of bogus prescriptions.
While investigating the murders Bosch receives a timely warning from an addict involved in the prescription scam. He resolves to help her beat her addiction, despite her resistance to his offers of help.
It’s an understatement to say that Bosch has a lot to deal with.
I was somewhat disappointed in Two Kinds of Truth. The pace is slow and consequently the story not as interesting as “The Wrong Side of Goodbye” or “The Burning Room.” The need to juggle three story lines and the failure to trim unnecessary detail account, in part, for the plodding pace. For example, on several occasions Connelly includes the full text of a letter or a series of text exchanges, taking pages to provide critical information that could have been stated in a sentence or two. Two Kinds of Truth could have been crisper and more enjoyable read with a more vigorous editing.
Despite that, I experienced some tension as the plot neared its courtroom climax. Unfortunately, that quickly abated after the judge rendered his judgment. Reluctant to allow readers a “happy” ending, the last 20 pages adopt a cynically negative tone as if written by someone like Joe Btfsplk who spends life perpetually under a dark rain cloud.
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A man convicted of several murders stated shortly before his death that he actually committed the murders. DNA evidence that could not be analyzed at the time of the original trial supports that confession. Bosch is convinced that the correct man is in jail, but the case becomes even more critical when the convicted murderer accuses Bosch of having planted the corroborating physical evidence.Bosch is called from the conference to take charge of a double murder in a small family pharmacy. It quickly becomes apparent that the murder of the father and son was the work of a Russian drug gang. The son had notified state authorities that a group of crocked doctors were funneling opiods to the gang by writing thousands of bogus prescriptions.
While investigating the murders Bosch receives a timely warning from an addict involved in the prescription scam. He resolves to help her beat her addiction, despite her resistance to his offers of help.
It’s an understatement to say that Bosch has a lot to deal with.
I was somewhat disappointed in Two Kinds of Truth. The pace is slow and consequently the story not as interesting as “The Wrong Side of Goodbye” or “The Burning Room.” The need to juggle three story lines and the failure to trim unnecessary detail account, in part, for the plodding pace. For example, on several occasions Connelly includes the full text of a letter or a series of text exchanges, taking pages to provide critical information that could have been stated in a sentence or two. Two Kinds of Truth could have been crisper and more enjoyable read with a more vigorous editing.
Despite that, I experienced some tension as the plot neared its courtroom climax. Unfortunately, that quickly abated after the judge rendered his judgment. Reluctant to allow readers a “happy” ending, the last 20 pages adopt a cynically negative tone as if written by someone like Joe Btfsplk who spends life perpetually under a dark rain cloud.
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LibraryThing member malcrf
Typical Bosch, very easy read, page-turner story-line, good characterisation. Not Connelly's best though, and Bosch is becoming a bit invincible, and I'd prefer something edgier, but was perfect for what I needed at the time.
LibraryThing member Kathy89
I'm a Harry Bosch fan but took this one down half a star because it was depressing and gloomy. Harry's involved in two cases -- one where he is being framed for tampering with evidence and his half-brother Mickey Haller is representing him and the second one is an undercover assignment with the
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DEA. I now picture Harry when reading after watching the Bosch series on Amazon. Show Less
LibraryThing member DrApple
Harry Bosch is trying to solve a cold case involving a missing woman while the killer he suspects of being involved in her disappearance is suddenly to be retried based on new DNA evidence. At the same time, he is pulled into an investigation concerning pain killers and a pharmacy robbery which
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left a father and son dead. The three plot lines intertwine and keep the reader hopping to stay abreast of all that is occurring in all three cases. A satisfying mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member alanteder
Solid Harry Bosch read by Titus Welliver
This was a solid Harry Bosch investigation mystery which included both a present day case with Harry's current post-LAPD retirement job with the San Fernando Police Department and a resurrected case from his early LAPD days. The early case is even from the
The narration by Bosch-portraying actor Titus Welliver lent an extra layer of authenticity to the audio book. It even sounded like he added a somewhat Matthew McConaughey twang to the Mickey Haller voice (McConaughey portrayed Haller in the film The Lincoln Lawyer), but perhaps that was my imagination.
This was a solid Harry Bosch investigation mystery which included both a present day case with Harry's current post-LAPD retirement job with the San Fernando Police Department and a resurrected case from his early LAPD days. The early case is even from the
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pre-Jerry Edgar partnership, so not in the previously existing Bosch canon at all. But Jerry Edgar makes a return cameo appearance, along with one from Bosch's final LAPD partner Lucia Soto. Harry's half-brother Mickey Haller takes quite a large role as well as he is helping defend Harry against a charge of corruption in the earlier case.The narration by Bosch-portraying actor Titus Welliver lent an extra layer of authenticity to the audio book. It even sounded like he added a somewhat Matthew McConaughey twang to the Mickey Haller voice (McConaughey portrayed Haller in the film The Lincoln Lawyer), but perhaps that was my imagination.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Two Kinds of Truth is the 22nd book in Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series. And although I have enjoyed each and every one of those previous books, I have to say that this latest is a stand out for me.
Harry is still working as a volunteer cold case detective for the San Fernando Police
Now I say 'this case' as there is another. Exiled from the LAPD, Harry has moved on. Bu,t he's pulled back into the past when a convict on death row accuses Harry of framing him - and new evidence seems to prove that. Can Harry prove his innocence? "In his career, he had chased down hundreds of killers and put them in prison. If he was wrong about one, then it would put the lie to everything else." Another fantastic - and clever - plot line. There are some harrowing twists in the solving of this case and I worried about Harry's making it out alive.
Harry is run ragged trying to work both the double murder and trying to clear his name. Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer and Harry's half brother) makes an appearance. I love the crossover appearances.
At one point, Harry's age is mentioned - he's over sixty five. (which surprised me as I see him as timeless) Connelly has kept this series moving along in real time both professionally and personally for Harry. Daughter Maddie is also heard from.
Harry is an eminently likeable lead character. His tenacity, his doggedness and just who he is have made him one of my favourite detectives. Connelly's supporting cast is always well drawn as well. I have a fondness for Lourdes, the lone female detective in the squad.
The origins for a book's title always intrigue me. In this case it's from Harry..."He knew there were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one's life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyer, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose was at hand."
There's no doubt as to Harry's truth. I binge read Two Kinds of Truth and finished it far too quickly - but it was so very, very good! Absolutely recommended!
Harry is still working as a volunteer cold case detective for the San Fernando Police
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Department. But when two pharmacists are murdered, Harry is called upon to help out the small three person detective unit. Connelly takes inspiration for this case from current headlines - pill mills, organized crime and addiction. His plotting for this case is absolutely addicting.Now I say 'this case' as there is another. Exiled from the LAPD, Harry has moved on. Bu,t he's pulled back into the past when a convict on death row accuses Harry of framing him - and new evidence seems to prove that. Can Harry prove his innocence? "In his career, he had chased down hundreds of killers and put them in prison. If he was wrong about one, then it would put the lie to everything else." Another fantastic - and clever - plot line. There are some harrowing twists in the solving of this case and I worried about Harry's making it out alive.
Harry is run ragged trying to work both the double murder and trying to clear his name. Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer and Harry's half brother) makes an appearance. I love the crossover appearances.
At one point, Harry's age is mentioned - he's over sixty five. (which surprised me as I see him as timeless) Connelly has kept this series moving along in real time both professionally and personally for Harry. Daughter Maddie is also heard from.
Harry is an eminently likeable lead character. His tenacity, his doggedness and just who he is have made him one of my favourite detectives. Connelly's supporting cast is always well drawn as well. I have a fondness for Lourdes, the lone female detective in the squad.
The origins for a book's title always intrigue me. In this case it's from Harry..."He knew there were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one's life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyer, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose was at hand."
There's no doubt as to Harry's truth. I binge read Two Kinds of Truth and finished it far too quickly - but it was so very, very good! Absolutely recommended!
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LibraryThing member antao
I used to feel that I shouldn’t like reading Crime Fiction so much, but then sensibly decided that a well written Crime Fiction book has as much “value” as any other book, however much the literary snobs may turn their noses up. Good writing is good writing, whether it’s a spy novel or a
If you’re into Crime Fiction, read the rest of this review on my blog.
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romance, a whodunit or a family saga. When I had finished all of the wonderful Wallander books, I started looking elsewhere for Nordic detection. Helene Tursten’s Inspector Irene Huss (Swedish) is wonderful as is Ake Edwardson’s young, hip Inspector Winter, while Liza Marklund’s newspaper reporter, Annika Bengtzon gets herself into some rivetting, nail-biting situations. Karin Fossum’s Inspector Sejer (Norwegian) is great, as is Arnaldur Indridason’s Inspector Erlunder (Icelandic)! These are all excellent translations (unlike the earlier Swedish thrillers by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, whose translations leave something to be desired). When I had got through all the Wallander books I was devastated, which is how I found these other wonderful Scandinavian mystery writers and a few others, namely their American counterparts. There is apparently something about the Nordic climate and temperament that makes for unbeatable crime stories! Unfortunately, it is looking like there won’t be any more Wallanders since Mr. Mankell has gone to another plane of existence – though one can always hope.If you’re into Crime Fiction, read the rest of this review on my blog.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
I always enjoy a Connelly book and a Bosch book in particular. This was no exception. I think the actual mystery was disappointing, so this won't be a favourite.
LibraryThing member bjkelley
After Connelly's last book "The Late Show", where he introduced a new character, I thought he had lost his touch, since that book was so poorly written. I was reluctant to even start another Connelly book, but "Two Kinds of Truth" was Connelly back on his game - good story and good writing. I don't
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know what was wrong with "The Late Show", but I almost think that it was written by someone else, the two books are so much different (in writing and story). Show Less
LibraryThing member gmmartz
Connelly has produced another winner in the Bosch series here, though it’s not perfect. In it, retired detective Harry Bosch is helping out the much smaller San Fernando PD and catches a double murder at a local pharmacy. At the same time he discovers a previous murder conviction of his from
Connelly’s writing is ok, very direct and unadorned. My biggest problem with it is with his dialogue, which to me seems awkward, boring, and unrealistic. I realize a lot of that is driven by Harry’s challenging personality, but that doesn’t excuse it all. If Connelly would read a few Elmore Leonard or George V. Higgins novels it may help.
From a plot standpoint, both story lines are solid and interesting, which leads me to my second issue: why combine them? Why not go deeper on both and write separate novels since they have little in common (other than Harry’s involvement)? Both were well written but could’ve been more detailed. I might have preferred a couple 250 page books instead of one 400 pager.
Both story lines are closed out satisfactorily, though a little abruptly, but all-in-all it’s a solid outing and worth a read. Bosch continues to be a great character in a successful series.
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decades ago is on the verge of being thrown out due to a recent DNA evidence discovery. Bosch is his usual irascible self, competent, crusty, and risk-taking as he throws himself into both situations.Connelly’s writing is ok, very direct and unadorned. My biggest problem with it is with his dialogue, which to me seems awkward, boring, and unrealistic. I realize a lot of that is driven by Harry’s challenging personality, but that doesn’t excuse it all. If Connelly would read a few Elmore Leonard or George V. Higgins novels it may help.
From a plot standpoint, both story lines are solid and interesting, which leads me to my second issue: why combine them? Why not go deeper on both and write separate novels since they have little in common (other than Harry’s involvement)? Both were well written but could’ve been more detailed. I might have preferred a couple 250 page books instead of one 400 pager.
Both story lines are closed out satisfactorily, though a little abruptly, but all-in-all it’s a solid outing and worth a read. Bosch continues to be a great character in a successful series.
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LibraryThing member ChelleBearss
Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch novels have been a favourite of mine since I discovered them many, many years ago. This was another solid entry in the series and it was a pleasure to read. I love that Bosch hasn't changed much after all these years and Connelly's writing is still as enjoyable now as
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when I first read them. Show Less
LibraryThing member brangwinn
What more can I say than I love Harry Bosch. He’s real, he’s gritty, honorable and in his own gruff way a loveable [p;oce detective.
LibraryThing member edwardsgt
Harry is working cold cases in San Fernando when someone he helped convict of murder many years ago, suddenly appeals on the grounds of new DNA evidence. Harry is determined it is some sort of scam and enlists the help of half-brother "Lincoln Lawyer", Micky Haller to prove it. Meanwhile back in
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San Fernando a vicious shooting at a small pharmacy requires Harry expertise and he is drawn into the world of opioid addiction and organised crimes involvement. As always reads almost like non-fiction, such is the authentic sense of time, place and character. Shines a welcome light on the huge problem of opoid addiction and those caught up in it who are unable to escape its clutches. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Perednia
Threads of several cases and characters woven together very well.
LibraryThing member marsap
Another great Harry Bosch book.
LibraryThing member lewilliams
A really good, but great Harry Bosch book. Worth reading but not as gripping of a story line as others in the series.
LibraryThing member shazjhb
I love Harry Bosch books. I suppose he will have to die some day but I hope he lives in books for many more years. Good job on the opiod crisis.
LibraryThing member norinrad10
There is a certain amount of comfort in a new Harry Bosch novel. The writing is always solid. By this time the characters seem like old friends. The adventures are always engrossing. Michael Connelly is no exception. This time out Harry investigates an old case that has taken a dramatic turn, hunts
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for a lady that disappeared 15 years ago, and goes undercover to thwart some Russian pill distributers. Some how it all comes out right. Check the book out and then watch the show on Amazon Prime. Show Less
LibraryThing member cburnett5
5++ stars
Michael Connelly has done it yet again. Two Kinds of Truth is an outstanding addition to the fabulous Harry Bosch series. This mystery series is one of my very favorites; Connelly has managed to create an authentic, likeable main character in Harry Bosch and has successfully provided him
One of my favorite things about Michael Connelly’s books is that he uses his platform to shine light on current social issues and problems. In Two Kinds of Truth, he tackles the widespread, high-dollar world of prescription drug abuse. Connelly realizes that these is no simple solution and refuses to have Harry neatly wrap up this plot line which I liked and respected, but he still highlights the horrific effects on our society and on those who become addicted. The other part of Two Kinds of Truth that I loved was the resolution of the cold case Harry was pursuing. I would not have seen that ending coming in a million years; this is something that always thrills me to pieces – an ending that is not easy to figure out long before the book is done.
Truth is a concept that has been taking a beating in the last year. I was intrigued by the book’s title and was excited when I found the paragraph from which the title was derived. “[Bosch] knew there were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one’s life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose is at hand.” As the mother of three children, I have had to spend an inordinate amount of time this past year making sure my kids understand how important the truth is and how important it is to refuse to accept those that attempt to corrupt truth. Connelly’s message on truth is fabulous.
As is readily apparent from my review, I absolutely loved this book. Thanks to Little, Brown for providing me with a copy of this gem. All opinions are my own.
Michael Connelly has done it yet again. Two Kinds of Truth is an outstanding addition to the fabulous Harry Bosch series. This mystery series is one of my very favorites; Connelly has managed to create an authentic, likeable main character in Harry Bosch and has successfully provided him
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with a career path that lends itself to interesting cases and story lines. In Two Kinds of Truth, Harry starts out revisiting a cold case for the San Fernando Police Department. Soon after, he is dragged into a corruption investigation; a convicted criminal claims Harry framed him years before. Because he left the LAPD on bad terms, he is stuck fighting the case on his own and reluctantly decides to enlist the help of his half-brother Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer. Meanwhile, a pharmacist in San Fernando is murdered, and Harry must go undercover to solve the crime. (On a silly side note, I am never a fan of undercover operations – in books, on TV, in movies, etc. – they majorly stress me out. I managed to successfully survive this one and still completely love the book.) As the story progresses, Harry works to clear his name in the one case and attempts to resolve the other two. As always, the book was perfectly paced, and the resolutions of all three plot lines were believable and satisfying.One of my favorite things about Michael Connelly’s books is that he uses his platform to shine light on current social issues and problems. In Two Kinds of Truth, he tackles the widespread, high-dollar world of prescription drug abuse. Connelly realizes that these is no simple solution and refuses to have Harry neatly wrap up this plot line which I liked and respected, but he still highlights the horrific effects on our society and on those who become addicted. The other part of Two Kinds of Truth that I loved was the resolution of the cold case Harry was pursuing. I would not have seen that ending coming in a million years; this is something that always thrills me to pieces – an ending that is not easy to figure out long before the book is done.
Truth is a concept that has been taking a beating in the last year. I was intrigued by the book’s title and was excited when I found the paragraph from which the title was derived. “[Bosch] knew there were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one’s life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose is at hand.” As the mother of three children, I have had to spend an inordinate amount of time this past year making sure my kids understand how important the truth is and how important it is to refuse to accept those that attempt to corrupt truth. Connelly’s message on truth is fabulous.
As is readily apparent from my review, I absolutely loved this book. Thanks to Little, Brown for providing me with a copy of this gem. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member jgoodwll
Detective works on two cases simultaneously, one involving his own past career. Well told.
LibraryThing member amuskopf
Holy mackerel, what a book.
LibraryThing member runner56
There are very few events in my reading history that beat the thrill of delving into a new Michael Connelly/Harry Bosch novel. Harry may well be into his mid 60's now but he still has that hunger, that old coyote weariness about him, that first made him a grade one detective some 30 years ago. He's
At the start of "Two Kinds of Truth" Harry is doing what he does best, searching through cold case files in a "drunk tank" somewhere in San Fernando. His suspicions are aroused when detectives arrive to confront him about an investigation many years old. With the advance in forensic medicine the investigation that led to the conviction of Preston Borders, in the trial of Danielle Skyler, is now in danger of collapse. This follows the discovery of semen, belonging to a rapist Lucas John Olmer, since deseased, on some of the victims clothing. So the reality is that Borders could be freed and a wrongful arrest case brought against Harry, the ramifications of this are immense as Bosch's 30 year workload could now be open to scrutiny. Our hero is furious but has little time to dwell on his feelings and the rights or wrongs of an old case, as the Los Angeles County once again needs his skill when a double murder occurs at a downtown pharmacy "La Farmacia Familia". In spectacular fashion he arrives, he is a happy man once again as he is now one of the lead detectives on a "live" case. The author so vividly portrays the innermost thoughts and workings of this great detective, and has me the reader cheering when once again Harry is back!! I realize that not only will Bosch solve this case but he will be accompanied by you and me dear reader riding as shotgun, and that is something we cannot miss!
In the background the historic cold case proceeds and meanwhile Bosch's present assignment sees him becoming involved in the processing and handling of illegal prescriptions involving large quantities of drugs. In the course of this operation we once again meet Harry's old partner Jerry Edgar and it is wonderful to witness the "sparring" that still exists between them. Edgar never felt that Bosch truly trusted him and he now feels a little exhilarated that he is supplying vital information to his ex partner..."Bosch asked the question, jumping at the opportunity to show some expertise to the man who had always doubted him"... Connelly has always painted Bosch as a loner and even though he got results and solved cases he was always viewed as a maverick playing by his own set of rules.
The drug scam is quite simple; enlist the poor and desperate in society with a deep and entrenched drug habit. Then with the help of a bogus doctor authorize illegal prescriptions which are "cashed" in at the Farmacia. Bosch estimates that this is an industry worth more than thirteen million per year. To infiltrate this operation our hero has elected to go undercover, something new in a Connelly novel and adding an extra lair of anticipation and excitement! By going undercover Bosch puts himself in grave danger and all his colleagues and friends begin calling and leaving messages on his cell phone. I have a gripe with Bosch and his two sided standards. He loves dearly his daughter Maddie who is now a student and he implores her to be careful especially at night when she collects her car from a dismal concrete car park adjacent to her college. Yet here he is a 68 year old man about to board a small plane in the company of two Russian thugs...and he notices on takeoff that the back door is wedged open.....and they are about to fly over the sea! He is in mortal danger, what will I the reader do if the unthinkable happens? and more importantly what will young Maddie feel that the one stable person in her life her father who she loves dearly...is no more??..."His life and his world had once again clobbered his daughter. If he vowed to make those who did this pay, didn't that include himself?"....."There was no one in the world Bosch trusted more than his daughter. He told her everything, more detail than he had even told the collective in the mobile command post. He felt the details would mean more to her, and at the same time, he knew he was telling her about the dark side of the world. It was a place she had to know about, he believed no matter where she went with her life.".....
I love Michael Connelly. I love the way he has brought the life of H Bosch into my home over many years. His stories are to me about life, love, relationships, the good and bad that happens, and the evil that is prevalent all around us, the choices that we make, the decisions we take and the consequences we must reap. I love the frailties on display through Harry and the bond that exists between him and his daughter the wonderful Maddie and I fear for Harry, I worry what will happen to her if ever the unthinkable were to occur to her father...."People lie, the president lies, corporations lie and cheat.....The world is ugly and not many people are willing to stand up to it anymore"...
So the two story threads are brought to a very fitting conclusion amidst a highly charged courtroom drama involving Bosch's colourful half brother, Los Angeles based attorney Mickey Haller. Yet amongst all this elation Harry is a restless soul, a man who never seems at ease with himself, a nonconformist with a really big heart. I admire the guy, I applaud the way he unearthed $10,000 from his "end of the world emergency fund" to save the drug soul of Elizabeth Clayton, a dope addict he whose life went out of control when her daughter Daisy was killed. Connelly's stories about a Los Angeles detective are as fresh today as when the first book was published some 25 years ago. Harry Bosch may well be in the autumn of his life but he but he still retains magnetism and human qualities that we all recognise. I look forward to his next outing with great anticipation and would like to thank Orion and the good people of netgalley for a gratis copy in return for an honest review and that is what I have written.
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now older, definitely wiser his skills very much in demand by an undermanned LAPD.At the start of "Two Kinds of Truth" Harry is doing what he does best, searching through cold case files in a "drunk tank" somewhere in San Fernando. His suspicions are aroused when detectives arrive to confront him about an investigation many years old. With the advance in forensic medicine the investigation that led to the conviction of Preston Borders, in the trial of Danielle Skyler, is now in danger of collapse. This follows the discovery of semen, belonging to a rapist Lucas John Olmer, since deseased, on some of the victims clothing. So the reality is that Borders could be freed and a wrongful arrest case brought against Harry, the ramifications of this are immense as Bosch's 30 year workload could now be open to scrutiny. Our hero is furious but has little time to dwell on his feelings and the rights or wrongs of an old case, as the Los Angeles County once again needs his skill when a double murder occurs at a downtown pharmacy "La Farmacia Familia". In spectacular fashion he arrives, he is a happy man once again as he is now one of the lead detectives on a "live" case. The author so vividly portrays the innermost thoughts and workings of this great detective, and has me the reader cheering when once again Harry is back!! I realize that not only will Bosch solve this case but he will be accompanied by you and me dear reader riding as shotgun, and that is something we cannot miss!
In the background the historic cold case proceeds and meanwhile Bosch's present assignment sees him becoming involved in the processing and handling of illegal prescriptions involving large quantities of drugs. In the course of this operation we once again meet Harry's old partner Jerry Edgar and it is wonderful to witness the "sparring" that still exists between them. Edgar never felt that Bosch truly trusted him and he now feels a little exhilarated that he is supplying vital information to his ex partner..."Bosch asked the question, jumping at the opportunity to show some expertise to the man who had always doubted him"... Connelly has always painted Bosch as a loner and even though he got results and solved cases he was always viewed as a maverick playing by his own set of rules.
The drug scam is quite simple; enlist the poor and desperate in society with a deep and entrenched drug habit. Then with the help of a bogus doctor authorize illegal prescriptions which are "cashed" in at the Farmacia. Bosch estimates that this is an industry worth more than thirteen million per year. To infiltrate this operation our hero has elected to go undercover, something new in a Connelly novel and adding an extra lair of anticipation and excitement! By going undercover Bosch puts himself in grave danger and all his colleagues and friends begin calling and leaving messages on his cell phone. I have a gripe with Bosch and his two sided standards. He loves dearly his daughter Maddie who is now a student and he implores her to be careful especially at night when she collects her car from a dismal concrete car park adjacent to her college. Yet here he is a 68 year old man about to board a small plane in the company of two Russian thugs...and he notices on takeoff that the back door is wedged open.....and they are about to fly over the sea! He is in mortal danger, what will I the reader do if the unthinkable happens? and more importantly what will young Maddie feel that the one stable person in her life her father who she loves dearly...is no more??..."His life and his world had once again clobbered his daughter. If he vowed to make those who did this pay, didn't that include himself?"....."There was no one in the world Bosch trusted more than his daughter. He told her everything, more detail than he had even told the collective in the mobile command post. He felt the details would mean more to her, and at the same time, he knew he was telling her about the dark side of the world. It was a place she had to know about, he believed no matter where she went with her life.".....
I love Michael Connelly. I love the way he has brought the life of H Bosch into my home over many years. His stories are to me about life, love, relationships, the good and bad that happens, and the evil that is prevalent all around us, the choices that we make, the decisions we take and the consequences we must reap. I love the frailties on display through Harry and the bond that exists between him and his daughter the wonderful Maddie and I fear for Harry, I worry what will happen to her if ever the unthinkable were to occur to her father...."People lie, the president lies, corporations lie and cheat.....The world is ugly and not many people are willing to stand up to it anymore"...
So the two story threads are brought to a very fitting conclusion amidst a highly charged courtroom drama involving Bosch's colourful half brother, Los Angeles based attorney Mickey Haller. Yet amongst all this elation Harry is a restless soul, a man who never seems at ease with himself, a nonconformist with a really big heart. I admire the guy, I applaud the way he unearthed $10,000 from his "end of the world emergency fund" to save the drug soul of Elizabeth Clayton, a dope addict he whose life went out of control when her daughter Daisy was killed. Connelly's stories about a Los Angeles detective are as fresh today as when the first book was published some 25 years ago. Harry Bosch may well be in the autumn of his life but he but he still retains magnetism and human qualities that we all recognise. I look forward to his next outing with great anticipation and would like to thank Orion and the good people of netgalley for a gratis copy in return for an honest review and that is what I have written.
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LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
For once, life seems to be going fairly smoothly for Harry Bosch. Having retired from LAPD after nearly forty years of service, he succeeded in establishing himself as a reservist assisting the San Fernando detective squad. San Fernando is a small but independent community, almost an enclave within
As the novel opens, he is working on a cold case (his speciality), looking into the unresolved disappearance of a woman fifteen years ago. His research is interrupted, however, by the arrival of his former LAPD partner Lucia Soto, accompanied by the LA District Attorney, who advise him that one of his old cases, which had resulted in a murderer being convicted and sentenced to death, was now under review following a recent challenge to DNA evidence.
Bosch is annoyed by the implied criticisms of the integrity of his original investigation, especially when it emerges that, rather than challenging the validity of the new evidence, the DA’s office and LAPD have agreed to go before the court to see if the sentence can be overturned. Bosch is concerned that he may be hung out to dry by his former employers, and that if the conviction is subsequently overturned, he might find himself on the receiving end of a civil suit. The DA tells him that the case review hearing is scheduled for ten days’ time.
Just as he is resolving to review the old case himself, Bosch is then summoned to a double murder in San Fernando. There has been a shooting at a local pharmacy, and the father and son proprietors have both been killed. Bosch and his new partner, Bella Lourdes, quickly established that the dual murders seem to be a professional hit, which is out of place for San Fernando. Bosch’s investigations suggest that the killings might be related to a massive organised crime project to abuse and capitalise on the swelling trade in opioid prescriptions. Bosch finds himself pitched in to one of his most complicated live cases, while simultaneously trying to review his old investigation.
As with all of his novels, Connelly’s prose is crisp and sharp, and the reader is caught up in the action right from the start.
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Los Angeles, and has faced severs financial constraints over the last ten years. As a consequence, Bosch’s offer to serve as a part-time volunteer in his free time is readily accepted, and, following the events catalogued in the Wrong Side of Goodbye, he is now accepted and respected for the skills and long experience that he brings with him. San Fernando is fortunate enough to have a relatively low current crime rate, but there are a lot of cold cases for him to work over.As the novel opens, he is working on a cold case (his speciality), looking into the unresolved disappearance of a woman fifteen years ago. His research is interrupted, however, by the arrival of his former LAPD partner Lucia Soto, accompanied by the LA District Attorney, who advise him that one of his old cases, which had resulted in a murderer being convicted and sentenced to death, was now under review following a recent challenge to DNA evidence.
Bosch is annoyed by the implied criticisms of the integrity of his original investigation, especially when it emerges that, rather than challenging the validity of the new evidence, the DA’s office and LAPD have agreed to go before the court to see if the sentence can be overturned. Bosch is concerned that he may be hung out to dry by his former employers, and that if the conviction is subsequently overturned, he might find himself on the receiving end of a civil suit. The DA tells him that the case review hearing is scheduled for ten days’ time.
Just as he is resolving to review the old case himself, Bosch is then summoned to a double murder in San Fernando. There has been a shooting at a local pharmacy, and the father and son proprietors have both been killed. Bosch and his new partner, Bella Lourdes, quickly established that the dual murders seem to be a professional hit, which is out of place for San Fernando. Bosch’s investigations suggest that the killings might be related to a massive organised crime project to abuse and capitalise on the swelling trade in opioid prescriptions. Bosch finds himself pitched in to one of his most complicated live cases, while simultaneously trying to review his old investigation.
As with all of his novels, Connelly’s prose is crisp and sharp, and the reader is caught up in the action right from the start.
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LibraryThing member SarahEBear
Harry Bosch is enjoying his retirement job - reviewing cold cases for the San Fernando Valley Police force - when his peace is rudely interrupted by an intrusion from a former case. A death row inmate, convicted by Bosch many moons ago, is claiming that newly assessed DNA evidence exonerates him
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from the crime. As if that wasn't enough to content with, Bosch must go undercover to bust open a pharmaceuticals scam, and solve an open murder case."Two kinds of truth" is another rocking Bosch story from the pen of Michael Connelly. It's easy to read, and entertaining, with many great musical recommendations for the fans of Jazz music. Show Less
Awards
ISBN
0316416754 / 9780316416757