We have another mediocre showing from Connelly here, I’m afraid. This one is a departure from the Bosch series: The Late Show features Detective Renee Ballard, who is also a renegade anti-establishment figure who gets shit on by the LAPD, but with an added woman-in-a-man’s-world angle. (She is also younger.) I was once more a little indifferent as to plot for most of the novel, but I was pleased with some significant twists and reveals in the final denouement, so that was nice. The narrator again felt awfully wooden – what is up with this trend? And why are there so few contractions? (I am instead of I’m, can not instead of can’t) …Connelly’s writing feels consistently awkward over the last many books. I wonder, is it him or is it me? I keep meaning to go back and read some early Bosch (in print!) and investigate this question, whether Connelly’s writing has become less good or I have become harder to please. But devoting that time feels like asking a lot at this point.
Ballard is appealing in some ways but doesn’t quite feel fully fleshed. She has interesting relationships with other cops, and an interesting backstory, referring to various traumas; but all of this feels told and not shown. I kept feeling like I was waiting for the story to ramp up, but instead it ended.
Maybe one more experiment with this formerly beloved author before I give up, with deep regrets.
Filed under: book reviews | Tagged: audio, mystery, sense of place |
pagesofjulia 
I’m about 100.pages in and I’m enjoying it. My first Michael Connelly book. I’m going to be on the look out for contractions now.lol.
Yes, I do agree with your synopsis that lot of telling not showing. Could use a bit more close-ups, to get into “see” what shes about. I often don’t have a good sense of her surroundings and it’s a carrys a loneliness on every page.
Cool, Kelly, thanks for sharing! I’ll be interested to hear if you go for more Connelly.
I will let you know when I am done.
Great!