The Overlook is a crime novel by none other than Michael Connelly. This is another Harry Bosch novel where the protagonist’s doubtful past and questionable reputation bring the story to another level. Detective Bosch from the LAPD’s Homicide Special squad is called in to investigate the murder of a doctor who handled a radioactive substance called cesium. The cesium is missing which causes a terrorist threat to spread across the city.

Connelly continues to depict the realistic tension between the LAPD and the FBI as the matter at hand switches from being a local homicide to being a threat to national security. On top of that, he must settle his differences with FBI agent Rachel Walling who was previously featured in Echo Park. Bosch’s undying cynicism and habit to steer away from protocol keeps the pace of the book going and hooks readers from start to finish. The twists and turns of the investigation lead to a climactic but satisfying end with room for the next Bosch novel. The Overlook may appear to be shorter than most of Connelly’s other works, but he does not disappoint. The book makes for a relatively quick and easy read with all the evidence unconventionally glued back together by the end, despite the final body count.

I enjoyed reading this book because I felt I was in the middle of the investigation while the characters seemed real with their own personality and edge from previous books. A newer character grabbed my attention at times in the book and I sincerely hope he will appear again in Bosch’s next thrilling investigation.

If you are planning on reading The Overlook, the paperback version has bonus content.

The hardcover is available as a bargain book at chapters.indigo.ca. – The Bambi Review