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Michael Connelly delivers another strong story that includes Renée Ballard and former LAPD Detective Harry Bosch. After a gaffe before work leaves Ballard on edge, she tries to keep her team in order while they explore many cold cases. From a rapist who has been off the grid for two decades to a case that has been gaining frost for a generation, Ballard is able to make waves without headlines. Adding the fresh face of a new LAPD officer to the mix, Ballard will try to push at least a few files into the solved pile, while keeping criminals on edge. Connelly delves into exciting new pathways as he adds depth to the foundation of the Harry Bosch world!

Renée Ballard heads the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit, a ragtag group who look at cold cases and breathe new life into them. While trying to hide her shame of having stuff stolen from her while she surfed one day before work, Ballard focussed on some evidence from a series of rapes that remain unsolved. The arrest of a man provides a genetic clue to the Pillowcase Rapist, which sends the team in a scramble. However, the path is filled with hurdles when Ballard discovers a twist in events.
Working alongside former LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, Ballard tries to track down her badge, ID, and gun from a group who target surfers and sell their things swiftly. This could end Renée Ballard’s trajectory within the LAPD, so the case will have to be run on the down low. They revel in the great banter shared and the ability to crack a case with their yin-yang approach to investigative work. Bosch learns about a larger criminal enterprise that could have significant blowback.

When an eager volunteer arrives to join the Open-Unsolved Unit, Ballard is ready to add some fresh approaches. Maddie Bosch, who has her sights on filling her father’s shoes, enjoys working the beat with LAPD, but also has some great investigative skills. This gumption leads the young Bosch to crack a long-cold LA case that she brings to Ballard. This could catapult Bosch and the Unit, should the DA accept the evidence provided. While also working the Pillowcase Rapist case, Ballard and Maddie Bosch head out of town to follow leads and find some great nuggets, looking at police work with fresh eyes. A great addition to the series, which keeps morphing in new and exciting ways.

I have long enjoyed everything Michael Connelly has offered with this series and the others that are loosely connected. Harry Bosch is a fixture in LA and has helped spread the great skills of investigation and police work with those who are close to him. The story’s narrative builds with a great opening and continue to gain momentum from there. Things spread in a great crime web and keeps the reader wondering. Notable characters, both those known to the reader and newer faces, help add depth and intrigue to the series and keep me coming back with many questions. Plot points develop and keep me hooked, both trying to see how Harry Bosch will remain active and how Ballard is able to take a leadership role while honing the skills of a young Maddie, who has the makings of a stellar detective. I am always eager to see where things are headed and how Connelly will outdo himself.

Kudos, Mr. Connelly, for this strong novel that advances things for series fans!

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