The Drop (Harry Bosch #15), by Michael Connelly
The Drop by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What’s better than a novel you don’t want to put down? Well, one that actually makes you take time off from your job in order to keep reading. I did, because it was so irresistibly great.
In ”The Drop”, Harry Bosch is back at “Open-Unsolved” with his new partner (after Ignacio Ferras completely fulfilled his potential in the previous novel (sorry, Belle! 😉 )), David Chu, whom you might remember from the previous instalment in what’s quickly becoming my favourite series of all time.
This time, Harry investigates why a child’s blood (and, thus, DNA) was found on the body of a murder victim. Just when he and his partner start picking up the case, Harry is called out to a very recent body: George Irving, son of Bosch’s old nemesis, Irvin Irving, now a city councilman, has been found dead below the window of his hotel room. His father requests Bosch for the investigation.
True to his motto – everybody counts or nobody counts – Harry works both cases at the same time while also trying to be a good father to Maddy. She’s living with him and now, at 15, set on following in Harry’s footsteps and becoming a cop. While in previous novels, Maddie played a small role, if at all, in this one she really grows into an important and interesting person.
Harry also meets a person of, let’s say, “personal interest” during his DNA-related investigation who makes for a great (temporary?) addition to the cast and makes Harry re-evaluate his own perceptions.
As can be expected, there’s a lot of politics involved in the Irving case which makes for a truly riveting hunt for the truth below all the layers of deception, intrigue, and scheming – even from unexpected parties…
As usual, there are lots of twists and almost shocking revelations throughout the story, which made me lose a lot of sleep. They always make sense, though, and, especially near the end, come as a final surprise for Harry (and me) as well.
When it comes to style, this is vintage and quintessential Connelly at his best. The medium-length chapters are sensibly chosen, making the pacing perfect: the novel is never slow, nor too rushed. The narrative maintains a splendid and fitting balance, giving time for suspense to simmer without ever dragging. Every character has a distinctive “voice” and quirks, making them feel like real, living people.
Connelly is just as sharp when it comes to the bigger picture. The novel really digs into the messiness of politics – both in City Hall and inside the LAPD – and shows how complicated justice can get. All those tangled relationships and shifting alliances feel completely authentic, and the way Harry tries to stick to his code while dealing with so much pressure really rings true. Plus, as always, Los Angeles isn’t just a setting – it’s practically another character in the book: textured, gritty, and full of life.
One point worth mentioning: for reasons I can’t go into without spoiling things, this is probably not the best entry point for newcomers to the Bosch series (but truly, who starts a series at book fifteen anyway?). Fans will find plenty to love here.
So, grab a beverage of your choice, some snacks, and make yourself comfortable to immerse yourself right into “The Drop”.
Five stars out of five.
