CITY OF BONES by Michael Connelly 2002 ISBN 0316154059 Little Brown

The latest Harry Bosch book is a great summer read. Many good things have happened for author Connelly in the field of fiction since he began his series about Vietnam Vet Harry Bosch. Small wonder with the quality narrative he puts out for his reader.
In City of Bones Harry is called out when a dog finds a bone on New Year’s Day. Soon most of the skeleton of a young boy murdered long ago is found. The quagmire that is the L.A.P.D. soon threatens to sink Harry’s case. Department leaks, bad policing, and old enemies threaten to take the focus away from Harry’s City of Bones even as he pursues the identity of and resolution for a small boy long dead.
For long time readers you’ll be saddened at the further deteriorating relationship with partner Edgar and gladdened by the support of Lt. Billets. There are developments in Harry’s plus-twenty-five career and glimpses of how he’s dealing with his own past.
For all readers there is a compelling read. A sorry tale of a young life missed by but a few for over twenty years and a family never given the chance to be whole.
In the field of mystery the prize is the resolution of the case and Connelly delivers in fine form pacing this tale like a bottle of really good Cabernet. First the bouquet of the wine impresses, then the body satisfies, the third glass tingles but watch out. Drinking the whole bottle will either introduce intoxication or leave a bad taste in the mouth. Only the reader can decide which or is it perhaps a little of both?
Very enjoyable and as a bonus we get another Connelly offering later this year.

Ruth Jordan