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5.0 out of 5 stars
Another HUGE notch in Michael Connelly'success belt!, July 16 2007
After three years off the force, Harry Bosch opens "The Closers" re-instated to the LAPD. His experience has earned him a plum posting with his old partner, Kizmin Rider, to the "Open Unsolved Unit" but the chief has made it clear that Bosch is under probation as the oldest "boot" on the force. Perhaps smarter, more matured, more mellow and definitely more introspective and cautious, Bosch realizes that his future with the force is contingent on staying out of trouble and sticking rigorously to the letter of the law and regimented procedure according to the book. But trouble has a way of seeking out Harry Bosch and getting under his skin.
Bosch is handed his first case, supposedly a slam dunk with new evidence. Rebecca Verloren was murdered 17 years ago. Rebecca's white mother is hopelessly mired in the past and mourns her death to this day. Her black father, formerly a successful restauranteur, fell into the bottle and vanished into LA's homeless community. DNA analysis, that didn't exist at the time of the murder, leads Bosch and Ryder toward Roland Mackey, a tow truck driver with connections to a radical fascist white supremacy group. But Bosch and Rider aren't satisfied. While the DNA ties Mackey to the murder weapon, there doesn't seem to be any way to tie Mackey to the murder or to a relationship with the victim. Further investigation into the racial aspect of the case begins to point Bosch into that most treacherous territory of "high jingo" - internal police wrongdoing and cover-ups related to the LA race riots that were happening at the time of Rebecca's murder.
"The Closers" is considerably less character driven than previous Harry Bosch novels but Bosch's character is still an important consideration. It's clear throughout the novel that Bosch wrestles internally with his old demons - the compulsion to lapse back into unorthodoxy, the drive to get the job done at all costs, his inability to deal compassionately with those around him. I will admit, however, that it was probably more clear to me as a confirmed lover of Harry Bosch novels than it would be to a new fan choosing to pick up "The Closers" as a first Harry Bosch entrée. Kiz Rider, by contrast to Bosch, matures and strengthens as an understanding partner and a highly competent female investigator in a primarily male world. She has the ability, the courage and the compassion necessary to let Bosch know about his shortcomings and to hold him firmly in check when it's necessary. Her innovative, insightful and independent thinking seems unhampered by a much more strict "by the book" approach.
The plot - well, what can one say about Michael Connelly's mastery of the police procedural that hasn't already been said? The textbook layout of the clues and the investigation is impeccable and compelling in its intensity. And the twist at the end is worthy of the finest thriller. Five stars, two thumbs up and a bonus of two big toes as well!
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Top Novel in a Distinguished Series, July 4 2008
Harry Bosch is married to his work; his religion is to gain justice for victims and their families; and he is willing to do what it takes to succeed. With an instinct for noticing what others miss, he's able to open closed doors and solve cases that have befuddled everyone else. He lacks a desire to kowtow to authority and often offends even his best friends. I can't think of a story in the series that better captures those qualities than The Closers.
In this story, Harry has been allowed to rejoin LAPD after an almost three years of frustrating retirement. His ex-wife and daughter are in the Far East so going back to the job is irresistible, especially after his long-time ex-partner, Kiz Rider, agrees to work with him again. But he's on probation, just another "boot" who can be fired for any mistake. Despite being warned to be careful by the new police chief and his arch-enemy Deputy Chief Irvin S. Irving, Harry is pushing the line from day one.
His first unsolved case is triggered by a DNA hit: A murder weapon contains DNA from a known criminal. Now, Harry and Kiz need to find the suspect and figure out what he had to do with the case.
The action is fast as the investigation moves into hyper speed for a cold case. Various deadlines and risks mean that even Harry has to move faster than usual. It makes for a taut plot that makes the book a page turner.
In addition, the mystery is well designed to be hard to unravel. There are many red herring strands you can pull and still be nowhere near the answer. It's a very satisfying mystery to read about . . . even if justice is (as usual in a Harry Bosch book) undone by LAPD politics and mistakes.
Have a great read!
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3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit slow, July 10 2007
This novel is about a police investigator who joins the elite Open/Unsolved Unit, the mission is to solve murders where the investigations have gone cold and were abandoned by the L.A. police department. His first case is one of a teenager dragged off to her death. Our hero must battle to fit the pieces together and expose the truth that shatters lives.
Although this thriller has its slow moments and the plot is somewhat predictable I did like the story and I think you will also enjoy reading it as much as I did.
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