The Narrows (Harry Bosch #10), by Michael Connelly

The Narrows by Michael Connelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Having read multiple entries from Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, I approached “The Narrows” with high expectations, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. As one of the later books in the series, the tone is darker, more introspective, and delves into an older Bosch trying to adjust to life after the LAPD, all while being drawn into a chilling case involving a serial killer.

The plot kicks off with Bosch investigating the death of a friend’s husband, which also links FBI agent Rachel Walling to the resurgence of a notorious killer. Connelly’s deft plotting shines through, as the story unspools with a quiet, steady tension that kept me flipping pages. There’s a masterful blend of investigation and emotional weight, particularly as we see Bosch juggle the demands of the case with his tangled personal life, especially his fractured relationship with his daughter.

What elevates The Narrows beyond a simple police procedural is its subtle exploration of Bosch’s internal struggles. As a character, Bosch here feels weighed down by his years of service. The walls are closing in on him in many ways, and at times, the book takes on a meditative tone as Bosch confronts his past choices and his identity outside the badge.

“The Narrows” is slow, methodical. While the story has its share of action, it’s not relentless, instead giving space for character reflection—and that’s where the novel truly shines.

Though predictable at moments, the book offers a layered story with tension, driven by Bosch’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Four stars out of five.


Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam




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