Dec/Jan Group Read: The Black Box

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

The Black Box by Michael Connelly is our second group read book this month. Ed will be leading this discussion.

[Ed]

Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series has been consistently excellent over the years and "The Black Box" is no exception. I nominated it because I was intrigued by the dual conflict Harry deals with; who killed the journalist during the LA riots and why and the politically correct influence of the LAPD power structure on Harry's efforts to find the truth and why. These factors made for a more complex, interesting and entertaining story. What did you think? Did you like it and why?

[Jeanie]

Hey Ed! I finished the audio of this one a couple of nights ago...makes me want to go back to "The Black Echo" and start the series all over again. (smile)

(view spoiler)[It's difficult tracking these things when you're listening instead of actually reading a book. There was a couple of things, plot wise, that I felt were not as strong as they might've been? But all in all a very good read. I just wish that Harry would quit having bad experiences with corrupt high level officials in the police department, but that happening is about as likely as JLB's Dave Robicheaux finding a rich man who isn't evil. (rolling eyes) (hide spoiler)]

[James]

Just yesterday I wrote a review of "The Black Box." I'm new to Goodreads and perhaps I'm supposed to link my review here, but what I say is right in line with what Ed said here. Connelly simply never disappoints. He's now written 18 Bosch books and they are all top notch. And somehow, through the years, he's allowed Bosch to evolve and never grow stagnant, which unfortunately seems to happen with some long-running series characters. Bosch's progression through the police department through the years is believable and seems to be a natural evolution for this particular man. And in this latest novel, his trademark, unswerving devotion to the victim, even when the crime is twenty years old, reinforces in the reader Bosch's steadfast belief that every single victim matters. Connelly is one of the few authors whose books I buy without even reading the book blurb, and as I say, he's never disappointed me.

[Curlyhair]

I'm envious of you's reading this. I love Harry Bosch, but I'm only up to The Brass Verdict, which I'm going to read in the new year.

[Sue]

I got The Black Box for Christmas and can't wait to get into it to see how it takes Harry's character forward. I found this interesting blog where the author is reading the books in order and explaining how carefully and methodically Michael Connelly developed that character. Amazing. It's at www.readingharrybosch.com.au

[Harley]

Hey there—I agree with so many of the comments here—Connelly always delivers and this latest Bosch installment was no exception. Though I tried to read it slowly (we've got to savor Connelly's books when we can get them, right?) The Black Box had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to the quick all the way to the end. Needless to say, I finished it much faster than I would have liked! ;O

For those readers who haven't had a chance to delve in yet—can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you are done!

And, Jeanie, I'm with you—I might just need to start the series over again! :D

Happy reading everyone!

[June]

That book is on my TBR and I haven't gotten to it yet. Looking forward to it.

[Sandi]

Just finished reading The Black Box and wrote a review. I'm new to this group and wasn't sure if there was a way to link it here.

Finished it in a week which is fast for me. I just couldn't put it down. Have read the entire series and will have to wait for the next one......

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

[June]

I just started The Black Box tonight. I love all his other books so can't wait to get reading!!

[Brian]

This is the second Harry Bosch book I have read and have to say that I enjoyed it more than Black Echo. But here is what I though about The Black Box.

(view spoiler)[Started off kind of slow with him gathering evidence and driving into our heads that he cares about the murder victim even if he superiors do not. Picks up when he finds out where the gun used to kill Anneke is from. And then the clues begin to fall into place to make a great believable crime book. Even though he could have made it appear more that a gang member was behind the killing at the beginning, just never believed Harry thought it was a rolling sixty. (hide spoiler)]

[Anita]

I'm just over half way through The Black Box. Harry Bosch is my all-time favourite and I love all Michael Connelly books I've read.

[June]

I'm sorry to say I was disappointed in this book. Me.....a Michael Connelly lover!! I just couldn't relate to the murder victim, nor his obsession to find her killer. Perhaps because I hate gang vioience and tend to stay away from that type of book.

[Brian]

@June

But It turned out there wasn't any gang violence.

[Shelley]

Black Box is on my to read list. Will move it to the top so I can participate. I love Michael Connelly's writing.

[Ginny]

I was finally able to get this from my library. I feel like I've been waiting forever. Harry Bosch is one of my all time favorite characters! I just put the disc in right before I had to get my kids, so I don't even think I got a chapter in. I might move this from listening in the car to listening in the house so I can finish it quicker.

[Tay]

I look forward to reading and discussing this book.

[Anne]

I'm way behind on my reading, but The Black Box is waiting for me on my kindle. Michael Connelly is my hero.