The Wrong Side of Goodbye - Michael Connelly

When you read a series that has been running as long as this one, it’s inevitable you’ll enjoy some more than others. This one is a keeper.

 

Harry Bosch is “retired”. After being shoved out of the LAPD, he got a P.I. license & also volunteers at the tiny, cash strapped San Fernando police department. Now he has 2 cases that prevent him from checking up on daughter Maddy as much as he’d like.

 

Whitney Vance is an elderly billionaire whose days are numbered. When he was 18, he fell in love with a Mexican girl who became pregnant. His elitist father kiboshed the relationship & he never saw her again. As he nears the end of his life with no family, Vance begins to wonder what became of the young woman & if he might have an heir. What he needs is a good P.I.

 

In San Fernando, Harry & his colleagues have been searching for a serial rapist. His crimes are unspeakable & there’s no doubt he will strike again . Despite some friction with his captain, Harry gives in to his tendency to colour outside the lines as he races to identify their man. But then another woman is snatched & this time it’s personal.

 

I could blather on (and probably will). What you need to know is this is a great read. My ultimate compliment? I read it in a day, growling at anyone who invaded my space. Connelly is a master of pacing & I found myself chanting “just one more page, just one more page” until I hit the back cover. The dialogue is lean & characters so well developed that you feel as if you’re in the room with them as events unfold. Both story lines are compelling with more than a few twists to keep you on your toes. But it’s Harry’s search for Vance’s heir that packs an emotional punch. It resonates with Harry for personal reasons & reminds us all of the prejudices that were common in the 1950’s. And when the meaning of the title is revealed, it’s an especially poignant moment.

 

Enough. Just get it & prepare to do some growling of your own.