Book Review: The Black Echo by Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch 1)

The first of the Michael Connelly novels and the introduction to Harry Bosch the Los Angeles detective. Connelly worked as a crime writer so he seems to have the inside track on the genre. The Black Echo is not the best of his work but he is certainly the best thriller writer today (2011). The Black Echo is a good start though.

Bosch was a Vietnam veteran who was often in the undergrowth and tunnels in pursuit of the enemy. On his return to the US he became a LA detective in the Robbery/Homicide Division.

After a case goes wrong for Bosch and he inadvertently kills the main suspect he is demoted to the Hollywood Homicide Division where he teams up with his partner Jerry Edgar. A friend and also former Vietnam Tunnel Rat dies and his death is connected to a bank robbery that used underground tunnels. An environment suited to Harry Bosch and also a cause close to his heart.

Bosch also works with an FBI agent called Eleanor Wish who becomes big in Harry's life. The Vietnamese connection continues through the novel.

A great first novel and 8/10 for me.