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I just finished watching a 4-episode MGM+ mini-series hosted by the author, called “The Wonderland Massacre & the Secret History of Hollywood.��

Needless to say, Mr. Connelly has a gift as a former journalist to know how to get people to talk and tell a good story. Especially knowing that they are having the opportunity to reminisce about their days in law enforcement and their involvement in this important headlining case. Besides what he does himself as an author when it comes to developing continuing or new characters, Connelly knows the right questions to ask those individuals he is interviewing to keep the story flowing. In the case of this documentary, it was about a 90’s multiple murder, the darker side of Hollywood, and how and why this cold case would remain cold, even when the resolution of the case appeared so obvious to viewers and the detectives working the case.

Why do I bring this up?

Because, the title of this book, “The Waiting�� seems synonymous with what happens with our characters mission. It is also a reflection of a Tom Petty song also named the same. Because when anyone has to wait it is considered, “you know, the bit about it being the hardest part.�� And, most importantly, Rene Ballard, our main protagonist, is a LAPD detective in the Open-Unsolved Unit. For them, waiting is part of the job.

But as we start the story, we are not off to a good start for Ballard. Or, are we off to finding something interesting that we did not expect?

Ballard is always being watched by those at the top, and it doesn’t help if mistakes happen to her, especially when she is out surfing at a new spot that was suggested by a surfing app. Could this surfing app be tied to something more sinister?

Because, when she gets back to her car, she finds her gun and badge and wallet missing. Someone discovered her hidden car key and stole them. How is she going to manage solving this crime, getting her badge and gun back, especially without reporting them missing?

And, off readers go on an adventure with Ballard as she attempts to solve this crime before it could possibly end her own career.

Amongst her unsolved cases, with her hand-picked team, this is what readers get to appreciate about Connelly’s writing.

This is a fast-paced, page-turning thrilling new edition to the Ballard/Bosch series with Bosch’s daughter, Maddie joining her team. Maddie adds a fresh new energy with a new/old case to bring in some interesting and exciting drama to the page-turning that we as readers can’t seem to do fast enough.

Does “the Black Dahlia�� case ring any bells? How about a new take on this true unsolved case being solved? Or will politics interfere?

Harry Bosch also makes an entrance to help Ballard, too.

Connelly doesn’t waste any time in keeping readers engaged with many different cases flowing through the pages capturing the attention of his characters. Or us as readers. Each character is beautifully fleshed out, adding realistic personalities so much so, it is as if readers are in the room, with them, or wherever they may be.

There is something magical about this series, the realness and rawness and grittiness of the crimes and the “good guy�� characters commitment to solving them. With familial DNA processes, today’s headlines type criminals, and great police procedural work throughout, the variety of cases tackled will keep readers engaged and curious how Ballard’s team will find resolution.

One important point…Because this is an ongoing series, it is better if readers start at the beginning. This wouldn’t read well as a stand-alone.