Help with Michael Connely

[Theo]

I'm interested in starting a Michael Connely book, but I don't know where to start. Which is a better series to start with; Harry Bosch or Lincoln Lawyer? Thanks for the help and advice.

[Marion]

Bosch is much more developed -- after all, he's been around a lot longer -- we know more about who he is, his likes, dislikes, etc. That said, most of the Mickey Haller books are pretty decent -- up to the last one.

[Vaelin]

Bosch for sure......Ive read the first five of them and all are gems

[David]

The first book in the Bosch series is The Black Echo.
If you read them in order, you will see Harry grow and evolved over the books.

[Marion]

He doesn't just have the Bosh and Haller series. He also did one called, THE POET, which was followed by THE SCARECROW several years later. Both are good, but THE SCARECROW is excellent.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎]

I would say start with the Bosch series because the other characters are introduced in this series

[Marion]

Haller is, not certain the characters in the other two are.

[David]

He has a 2 stand alones with characters who haven't yet appeared in either the Bosch or Haller series.
Rachael Walling from The Poet appears in The Narrows and Terry McCaleb from Blood Work appears in A Darkness More Than Light.

[Marion]

I wouldn't say always start at the beginning, but it might be helpful in terms of seeing Harry evolve. Few of the books really have that much intermingling of characters --if you're reading Bosch, Mickey Haller might make a cameo and vice versa, with the exception of one book in which they work a case together.

If you're interested in beginning a series that holds up pretty well over time, definitely start with the Bosch books. If you want to read something that is going to give you the full impact of Connelly's abilities as a story teller, I'd go with THE POET and follow it up with THE SCARECROW. The Bosch series will still be there waiting. I've enjoyed most of the Haller books, too, up until the most recent.

[Leigh]

I have never read a Michael Connolly book. I guess I need to start. The glowing reviews here are a real motivator.

[Donna]

All the above are good suggestions. As a Connelly fan, I'd recommend starting with Black Echo. Reading the Bosch series in order, you can see Harry's character evolve. However, if you just want a taste of Connelly, The Poet, followed by The Scarecrow are two of Connelly's best.

[Leigh]

Donna wrote: "All the above are good suggestions. As a Connelly fan, I'd recommend starting with Black Echo. Reading the Bosch series in order, you can see Harry's character evolve. However, if you just want a t..."

Thanks for the tips Donna

[Ron]

While all these are great advice in reading from, probably, my favorite author.

While I do recommend both the Harry Bosch series, and, beginning at the beginning, I don't feel you can really go to wrong with any of his books.

Just, starting at the beginning, you do get to "watch" both Harry grow as a detective and Connelly grow as an author.

I "discovered" Connelly about 20 years ago. Just ran across his books in the library and decided to try one out. Been a devout fan ever since. At the time, I think he had about 5 books on that shelf. Now, of course, he takes up an entire shelf and then some.

[Donna]

Ron wrote: "While all these are great advice in reading from, probably, my favorite author.

While I do recommend both the Harry Bosch series, and, beginning at the beginning, I don't feel you can really go ..."

Ron, that is so true! Grab what ever is in closest reach.

[Theo]

Thanks for all the great advice. Hearing such glowing praise makes me excited to start a Connely book. I think I'm going to start with Black Echo.

[Curlyhair]

I'm currently reading . This has Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller in it and it's fab. To really understand the lead characters I would also say to start at the beginning. You won't be disappointed you started reading these books at all.

[Peter]

They're both great. Whichever you decide on I'm sure you'll enjoy. I envy all the great books you have to read.

[Kathy]

Janet wrote: "You can start the Bosch series anywhere within the first 3 or 4 books. I really liked Angels Flight. The Reversal is okay, but not as good as the first book in the series, [book:The..."

I love Michael Connelly's writing as well as his plots and characters. I love both the Bosch and Mickey Haller series.

[Jackmeister]

New Harry Bosch in November, The Burning Room, can't wait!

[Donna]

Jackmeister wrote: "New Harry Bosch in November, The Burning Room, can't wait!"

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be watching for it.

[Linda]

I've downloaded both the Harry Bosch and Mickey H aller series to my tablet. I have yet to start them though.

[David]

Linda wrote: "I've downloaded both the Harry Bosch and Mickey H aller series to my tablet. I have yet to start them though."

Good heavens! What are you waiting for? You're missing some of the best writing ever.

[Kathy]

Quillracer wrote: "Linda wrote: "I've downloaded both the Harry Bosch and Mickey H aller series to my tablet. I have yet to start them though."

Good heavens! What are you waiting for? You're missing some of the be..."

Amen to that, Quillracer! Michael Connelly is the best!

[Kathy]

Linda wrote: "I've downloaded both the Harry Bosch and Mickey H aller series to my tablet. I have yet to start them though."

You won't regret it when you start them. Michael Connelly is the greatest.

[Ron]

I also love to read here just how much Michael Connelly is read and appreciated. I ran onto his books about 20 years ago. Don't really remember, now, just how long ago it was. But, at the time, he had abot 5 books on the library's shelves. Now? He'd need a few shelves to contain all of his books.

Of course, Harry Bosch is the most often read series by Mr. Connelly. But, you won't go very wrong with reading any other of his series protagonists, Mickey Haller, Jack McEvoy or Terry McCaleb. Those series don't have as many books in them as the Bosch series, but, there are good books in all of them.

In fact, The Poet, from the Jack McEvoy series, is widely considered the best book of all by Connelly.

[James]

If you haven't read Connelly, you are in for a lot of enjoyment. I would start with his earliest Bosch and proceed chronologically, as his life and character develop based on those events. There will be some ups and downs, but the whole series is on such an elevated plane that it won't matter. Then go to the Lincoln lawyers as they appear. In fact, it's been awhile, so I think I will take my own advice!

[Kathy]

James wrote: "If you haven't read Connelly, you are in for a lot of enjoyment. I would start with his earliest Bosch and proceed chronologically, as his life and character develop based on those events. There wi..."

I second everything James says about Michael Connelly. He never disappoints.

[Aditya]

Wanted to start reading Connelly for a long time but not getting the time somehow, judging from all the posts it seems all the hype about his books is indeed true. Will start with The Black Echo over the weekwnd. Hope Connelly is as good as Lehane another great of the genre whom I started reading recently & has been hooked on since then.

[Dave]

I very much agree with all of the positive comments about Connelly, Bosch being a great starting place & that his books are best read in order. The link listed below is a terrific resource for tracking an author's work as it lists their books by series & within series by publication date - where shown as a link the links are to its entry on Amazon.

Stop, You're Killing Me!

[Kathy]

Dave wrote: "I very much agree with all of the positive comments about Connelly, Bosch being a great starting place & that his books are best read in order. The link listed below is a terrific resource for trac..."

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ is another good site for keeping up with authors' works.

[Sunny]

Definitely Bosch. However, if you just want to see if you like Connelly, read Blood Work. There's a reason they made it into a movie. Also, read Robert Crais. He often teams up with Connelly (who is shy) and their detectives, Bosch and Elvis Cole, live right across from each other with a canyon separating them. Also, Connelly has a non-fiction book based on his LA Times articles. Fantastic writer and journalist.

[Kathy]

I love both Connelly and Crais. They are always at the top of my must-read list.

[Karen]

Quillracer wrote: "The first book in the Bosch series is The Black Echo.
If you read them in order, you will see Harry grow and evolved over the books."

I really liked this one, but was disgusted with another one, I got on audio at the library.Over the top foul language.

[R.G.]

I think Michael Connelly's three best books (which were written in order) were The Last Coyote, The Poet and Bloodwork. Each has a different protagonist. But Harry Bosch is his main character (even though Mickey Haller did better in the movies)

Whatever you pick though, you can't go wrong with Connelly. Probably the best mystery/suspense writer of our time.

[Kathy]

I so agree with your statement: ". . . you can't go wrong with Connelly. Probably the best mystery/suspense writer of our time."

[Malina]

I would start with Bosch series and read them in order, Lincoln Lawyer is also great

[Kathy]

Malina wrote: "I would start with Bosch series and read them in order, Lincoln Lawyer is also great"

I agree. Good stuff.

[R.G.]

I'm fine with starting at the beginning of the Bosch series too, but don't think it's necessary. My personal feeling is the character and the books got a lot stronger with the fourth Bosch, the Last Coyote. And there's a lot of Bosch books! But again, as we've all said, you can't go wrong with any Connelly book.

One more thing on Connelly: he's a really nice guy too if you ever meet him. I had the same agent as him in the past and was able to talk about writing with him at one point. Very interesting stuff.

[Vikki]

I actually started with the Mickey Haller books - I saw The Lincoln Lawyer at a good price for hardback, thought it sounded interesting and bought it. I'm ashamed to admit it was on to-read pile for a while (it got buried in a pile). But I was hooked, and bought the next books in the series. After coming across Harry Bosch in The Reversal, I added that series to my list. Still working through that series - next on my list is Lost Light.

R.G - He did a book signing in Belfast a couple of years ago, but unfortunately I wasn't able to go, was very disappointed about that. But the store did keep me a signed copy of The Drop.

[MadProfessah]

I'm currently making my way through the Harry Bosch series. Just finished #14 (The Drop) but getting sad that I only have about 3 new ones to read.

I doubt I'll read the Mickey Haller series...

I may read the Jack McEvoy series although I think I've already been spoiled by reading The Concrete Blonde.

[Paris (kerbytejas)]

I've read most of the series (have 3 books left to read), including Jack McEvoy, and Micky Haller - some of the books are just better than others, but I love the series overall - if your not sure - borrow the books from the library Vs buying them as they can be pricey
I have also enjoyed the Amazon series
http://www.amazon.com/Chapter-One-Tis...

can't wait for season two

[Peggy]

Have you tried reading Robert Crais? His mysteries are also set in the L.A. area (Connelly and Crais both give a passing nod to each other's main characters in at least one of their novels.) Crais' protagonist is Elvis Cole, a PI. The first couple books have a more humorous tone, but they grow more serious soon after. His writing is fabulous. If you're reluctant to dive into a series, Crais does have a couple standalones -- like Demolition Angel.

[David]

Mad wrote: "I'm currently making my way through the Harry Bosch series. Just finished #14 (The Drop) but getting sad that I only have about 3 new ones to read.

I doubt I'll read the Mickey Haller series..."

Don't rule them out. I was reluctant at first to red them, too, but found they are just as good as the Harry Bosch books. Plus Harry appears in several of them. And Mickey shows up in a few Harry Bosch books.

[MadProfessah]

I do have the first Robert Crais and most likely will get around to reading them when I run out if new Bosch novels...

[Vikki]

Mad - just wondering why the reluctance to read the Mickey Haller series?

[Ron]

Mad wrote: "I do have the first Robert Crais and most likely will get around to reading them when I run out if new Bosch novels..."

Robert Crais is another very good author. He'd make a great choice for when you "finish" with Bosch. His protagonist, Elvis Cole, is a bit different from Bosch, but, still, a very enjoyable character. Along with his sidekick, Joe Pike. There are also a series of books on Joe on his own, for the most part. Elvis is present, but, more as a helper for Joe.

Personally, I don't think one can go wrong with either Robert Crais or Michael Connelly. Both are superb authors.

[Aditya]

Mad wrote: "I do have the first Robert Crais and most likely will get around to reading them when I run out if new Bosch novels..."

Started reading Connolly chronologically last year and grew to love his storytelling. He was never the best crime writer I have read but he was easily the most consistent one, not a single one of his book that I have read so far could be called utter crap except Chasing The Dime. Just finished Harry Bosch #11 - The Closers and would start with The Lincoln Lawyer soon.

Anyway enough with the preamble what I meant to say was I would consider myself a fan of Connelly but I have read Robert Crais and found that not only was he was nothing like Connelly but he was utter shit. The main difference between the two is that Crais' writing comes off as juvenile after reading Connelly. Instead of the methodical police procedural where we uncover the pieces of the puzzle with Bosch, Crais' books are filled with over the top action scenes and moronic one liners. The plots are the strongest point of Bosch books, they always feel plausible in the real world whereas the plots are possibly the weakest link in Elvis Cole books which greatly affects my immersion in them.

Nevertheless give it a try if you want to but consider yourself forewarned that Crais is really bad. I had read the fast two books in Robert Crais' Elvis Cole series and stopped for good after that.

[Tulsarose]

I'm a huge fan of Michael Connelly, particularly the Harry Bosch series. I think I actually may have a crush on Harry. ☺ I don't even make comparisons between Connelly and Crais...two totally different writing styles although there appear to be a lot of similarities.

Don't make the mistake of writing off Robert Crais until you've read all of his books. Granted, the first four or five in the Elvis Cole\Joe Pike series were rather juvenile but give him a break...he was just getting started. To say he has improved with age and experience is an understatement. A perfect example is L.A. Requiem, #8 in the Elvis Cole series.

As a side note, these two authors are friends and you can spot little "cameo" appearances in their books...Harry notices the guy in the yellow Corvette or Elvis occasionally mentions an LA Homicide Detective .

Anyway, my point is...give Robert Crais a chance. The series does improve and his other writings are also very good. I would recommend reading the Hostage and The Two Minute Rule.

[Aditya]

Tulsarose wrote: "I'm a huge fan of Michael Connelly, particularly the Harry Bosch series. I think I actually may have a crush on Harry. ☺ I don't even make comparisons between Connelly and Crais...two totally dif..."

I know Connelly & Crais are fond of each other and have previously heard Crais improves substantially over the course of his career. But I just did not enjoy his style, for example I have heard though the characters mature the over the top shootouts remain a constant in his books. I guess I might give him another try somewhere down the line. I had watched Hostage starring Bruce Willis and though films seldom measure upto books, the plot did not seem anything special.

Moreover Dennis Lehane has done the done the exact concept in a much much better way (smartass PI with a human shield for backup). Lehane is a beautiful writer and also eons ahead than Crais when it comes to plotting, so you might give his Kenzie & Genarro series a try, if you enjoy Crais.

[Icewineanne]

Sorry Tulsarose, but with so many excellent books to read, no time to waste on middling efforts.