For those who have read all the Michael Connelly books in order (not just the Bosch series), this is a great book. "The Narrows" has follow-up on Harry's struggles as a P.I. and his dealing with the new personal revelation from the end of "Lost Light". It also unites Bosch with crucial cast members and storylines from two other stand-alone novels ( The Poet and Blood Work), and provides an excellent continued storyline. Connelly also takes the narrative standpoint that has made recent Crais work so appealing, and has worked well for James Patterson: first-person from the hero (Bosch), and third person accounts from the killer and the FBI agent, Rachel Walling, who returns for the first time since "The Poet". Even if you have some aversion to reading all the previous books in order (I don't understand why people even question this with series), do NOT read this until you have read "The Poet". This prequel book is not only a dynamite mystery, but the identity of The Poet is a major shocker and fun surprise. "The Narrows" tells you the identity in chapter one, with the assumption that you have either read the prequel, or do not plan to. But there is no hit-and-miss with Connelly, he is the most consistent mystery/suspense author I've read. Start with "The Black Echo" and go from there.