This is the first Bosch book written from the first person. I found it an interesting change although I prefer third person.

I generally liked the book. The case was interesting and believeable. You don't get the good characterizations you get with Connelly's third person narratives, so I missed that.

It is also a little unbelievable that Bosch gets all of this cooperation now that he's retired. I mean, come on! Law enforcement people and reporters putting themselves on the line over and over again for a P.I.? I think not.

But it is readable and enjoyable.

I had read The Black Echo, the first in this series, years ago and had somewhat mixed feelings about it. I liked Harry Bosch, (the detective who this series of gritty mystery novels follows) and I really liked the authenticity of the story, but the book felt overlong and the pacing left a bit to be desired. Out of pure luck I happened to stumble across a couple of the more recent books in this series (as of this typing we're approaching the release of the 14th installment in the series, The Brass Verdict) and was amazed by the improvement here. I'm definitely planning on going back and reading much more of this series, because they've grown into INCREDIBLE mystery stories that fully take place in a very authentic world, and that feature complex plots and surprises.

Lost Light is easily the darkest of the Harry Bosch novels I've read so far and all elements to this multi-step case, which leads to many dead bodies, are pretty horrifying. The decision to put this book into the 1st person instead of the series's typical 3rd person perspective, (as of this typing, this and only 1 other Harry Bosch novel, The Narrows, uses the 1st person) was a good one, as this book delves deep into Harry's mind; he has a personal connection to this case and at times it clouds his judgement to a point where he becomes very close to falling into the dark abyss. It's amazing that Michael Connelly, a reporter-turned author, manages to evoke such suspense and page-turning urgency to the story that's a cold case; villains aren't present for a good chunk of the story. But somehow it works, due to the excellent atmosphere and the disturbing murders that Harry is working (without a badge, having retired from the force). These leave enough of a lasting impression that the story doesn't even need villains, they're ever-present in these acts, and the impact left on me from the murders of this case easily held me over until the villains do finally arrive.

Harry Bosch continues to be one of the most interesting characters I've ever read about, and some of the humorous bits are perfect, too, mostly involving his somewhat cynical personality. The story, at its core, deals with the results of people who gain too much power, from a director, to the FBI, to Harry himself, and it's a very sobering look at what can happen if society loses itself to the power-hungry nature of humanity.

There are a couple flaws, none that take away much from the story. The mystery here can be a bit convoluted at times, and the VAST amount of people involved in this story as a result can be a bit hard to keep track of. Since this is a cold case and a lot of the people involved are dead, it makes it harder since the characters obviously didn't manage to make an impression on the reader.

It's all brought together at the end, however, where things completely explode for some of the most shocking final chapters I've ever read in a book, everything clicks, and perfectly.

Fans of fiction have to check this out, it doesn't matter if you're a fan of the genre or not. LA's brought completely to life, as are the characters, and the pacing keeps this story constantly flying. Easily one of the more memorable reading experiences I've ever had.

You can quit the force, but can you get it out of your blood? Clearly not based on this excellent novel about a retired Harry Bosch seeking justice for a murdered woman. But can you at least get away from the police politics? Maybe so. Maybe not.

Why can't Harry leave a cold case alone? The dead woman's hands were "directed upward from her head, as if she were reaching out to someone, almost beseechingly, begging for something. They looked like the hands from a Renaissance painting, like the hands of the damned reaching heavenward for forgiveness. In my life I have worked almost a thousand homicides and no positioning of a fallen body ever gave me such pause."

The advantage of being retired is that you have plenty of time to work on one cold case. The disadvantage is that no one has to help you. Harry Bosch always finds a way, driven by the cruel memory of the dead Angella Benton.

One thing connects to another, and soon Harry is seeing that appearances may be deceiving . . . and intended to fool the casual observer. Then Harry steps his foot into something very delicate, the heavy feet come down on him. Harry doesn't like it, and he's more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the murder.

Opportunity, motive, and alibi all turn out to be important to solving the crime.

But Harry also notices some things that don't add up . . . but doesn't draw the right conclusions until the end of the book where you and he are in for a big surprise.

This is one of the better Harry Bosch stories, and it marks new ground for the series.

As I work my way back through some of Connelly's previous works, I recently had an opportunity to read Lost Light, one of the Harry Bosch stories. With Bosch, Connelly has a great character around whom to build a great story. In Lost Light, Bosch, a recently-retired police detective from Los Angeles, is drawn back to an unsolved murder case from his active duty days. Connelly presents a compelling story, demonstrating the sharp wit and keen analytical insight of the Bosch character , while simultaneously providing solid insights into Bosch's underlying motivations and emotions. As the story unfolds, Connelly pulls the reader forward with twists and turns in the plot as Bosch solves the mystery. Lost Light is a without question a page turner from start to finish.

I received my book within the alloted time given to me and it was and is in excellent condition. I am very satisfied.

Connelly found his man in Harry Bosch, and Lost Light is one of the best. At age 52, Bosch has "pulled the pin" and turned in his badge. Less than a year into retirement, he gets pulled into a four year old murder mystery. He is compelled to follow it through to the end despite the fact that he goes up against the FBI and LAPD in turf wars. As only a Private Detective now, Bosch doesn't have the legitimate authority he once had, but he has all of instincts, boldness and grit. There are several surprises in this one and some relationship issues for Bosch. Definitely a page turner for Bosch, Connelly or mystery fans.

"Old policemen never die, they just cop out." Well, Harry Bosch is retired, but he's not about to cop out or fade into the dying light of the next sunset. Melancholy, apparently by nature, he is always restless, motivated by a drive to right wrongs, as far as that is possible. Out of the force for less than a year, he has been haunted by memories of a murdered young woman whose killer was never found. "High jingo" (interference from the powers that be) seems to have dogged Harry throughout his career, and it dogs him now in his attempt to bring that unknown murderer to justice.

The skilled, nuanced narration of this novel by Len Cariou brings the persona of Harry to vivid life, as he grapples with the conflicting emotions that this case raises within him. To complicate matters, he has reached the stage where he is ready to admit that he still loves, wants, and needs his ex, Eleanor. The book's final scenes play out in a labyrinthine quarry setting, an apt metaphor for its plot. Is there light at the end of these tunnels? Well, maybe.......

Highly recommended. If you can give the audio version a listen, do so - it's a treat.

Allow me a rare moment to gush over a book. I've reviewed over 500 books and rarely do I gush, so please permit me this indulgence.

Harry Bosch has retired. He no longer has the power and the protection of the badge. He also no longer has the limits and restraints of a cop.

He is enticed to start investigating a case that he never solved and soon gets sucked into way more than he bargained for. Connelly leads us into the dark world of criminal conspiracies, police bureaucracy and the FBI counter-terrorism unit.

Len Cariou, the narrator, did such a strong job that I can honestly say that I have never heard a better job of narration, and maybe only one or two that equal his effort. Cariou is especially strong reading the part of Lawton Cross, a former LAPD detective who is a quadrapalegic due to an injury sustained in a shootout. I know we have a fascination with assigning spoken word Grammies to politicians reading their own books lately, but I have to wonder how readers like Cariou get overlooked when they do this kind of quality work.

The FBI interview scene with Lawton Cross is so strong that when it ended I actually had to turn of my car's stereo and drive the last few minutes to work in silence. That kind of power in a piece of throwaway pulp fiction is appreciated.

Fun moments:

Harry Bosch at the computer trying to use a search engine. Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but Connelly made it entertaining, light and one of the pivotal moments of the book all at the same time.

Watch for a brief interaction with Robert Crais's Elvis Cole character. No words are exchanged, so you've got to pay close attention.

Bravo.

I have attempted to read two previous Connelly books, and listened to the audiobook version of this one for my local book club. Connelly tells this story of the retired Harry Bosch working a cold murder case in the first person narrative. The style is deliberate and repetitive; the author states an idea, restates it, and then states it yet again, as though the reader won't "get" it otherwise. Eg: "I realized I was spinning my wheels. I was trying to play solitaire without a full deck. The aces were gone and there was no way I could win. I had to get all the cards."

The whole book is written in this simple, flabby style. I'm not a Connelly fan anyway, and this book didn't turn me into one.

The Margin

I've read four of Connelly's novels, my wife has read all of them. I gave Lost Light five stars because Connelly writes like I think. His characters and the lives they live reflect a bit of darkness, not in a sick sense, but realistically, what people who work in law enforcement and corrections feel, think and see daily. Crime and the behavior of criminals can wear on you, and I see that in Harry Bosch. In Lost Light he's finally through with the life style, and he's glad to be free of the badge and all the crap that goes with it. No more supervisors looking over your shoulder, no politics, no bureacratic BS. With his pension and a few private security and PI jobs to compensate his income Harry is a free man, or so he thinks.
As boredom begins to set in Bosch decides to review a cold case that had bothered him for some time. It had involved a two-million dollar heist and the murder of a young woman. Bosch felt he owed the dead woman his time to solve the case and bring her killer to justice. He had no idea how big the case would get, and this is where the twists and turns will keep you up at night, until you find out who did it and why.

Marvin Wiebener, Author of The Margin

Harry Bosh has no badge. He has little friends. He is getting old. But he is the best eye for crime ever. And getting better. If you are a fan of his or Michael Connelly's, don't miss this book. It's good from the begining and you won't want it to finish.

Lost Light, written in 2003, is another great Harry Bosch novel by Michael Connelly. I've read several, but not in order, and so I don't know why Bosch is retired. But he is, and one case continues to bite at his conscience. Angella Benton, a production assistant at a movie company, was brutally murdered and possibly sexually assualted four years ago. Bosch, usually able to keep his distance from his cases, is struck by the position of Benton's hands in death, as if she is calling out to him. Shortly after Benton's murder, there was a theft of 2 million dollars from an armoured car delivering money to the movie set where Benton worked.

Bosch was on location at the movie site at the time of the robbery and always felt the two cases were related. He begins investigating the case and suddenly all sorts of things begin to happen. His friend and ex-partner warns him off the case. The FBI starts monitoring him. Lawton Cross, the former detective on the movie set robbery starts feeding him information.

The plot of Lost Light is gripping. Bosch is in perfect form as the man hungry for justice yet painfully aware of how his actions will affect others and have affected his past. I enjoyed Lawton Cross, the detective left paralyzed after a robbery gone bad. Also, the pain is quite apparent as Bosch tries to reconnect with his ex-wife. The final chapter of the novel is especially powerful regarding their relationship.

I'm a big fan of John Sandford and his Lucas Davenport series. Connelly's Bosch series is also one of my favorites but it took awhile for it to grow on me. Now, all of Connelly's books are at the top of my reading list. If you are looking for a police procedural with incredible characters and complex plots in which every detail matters, then you won't find anyone better than Michael Connelly.

I really like listening to books on tape or cd. I get much more out of the story and I can visualize the story much better. Another good book with Harry Bosch in it.

I realize I am way late to the games of both Harry Bosch and John Corey (Nelson Demille's wise-cracking anti-terror NYC Cop), but since I've discovered both recently I don't recall being this smitten with story telling... ummmm, ever.

Lost Light, much like The Closers, is simply an instant classic. Connelly manages to piece together a complex jigsaw puzzle with the seemingly effortless abandon of a savant. I've mentioned this in previous reviews, this kind of story (i.e. a cold case from years before is revived when a new found piece of evidence either clears or convicts one of the suspects in the old case) is right up my alley, and to date, NO ONE does it better than Connolly.

Lost Light pits together 3 seemingly unrelated tales from the past and strings them together brilliantly, all centered around a very brilliant and devious crime. Excellent character development, a plot with excellent logic and 'flow', and a dramatic conclusion.

Murder mysteries just don't get any better than this.

Way to go!

Harry Bosch doesn't have a perfect life so this makes him a more real character. He is flawed and that's what I find fascinating. Michael Connelly does know how to write interesting, hard-to-put-down stories and this is one of my favorite from the Bosch series.

The newly retired Harry Bosch hauls out an old, unsolved case and has a go at it. A murder victim, a 2 million dollar heist, the FBI, terrorists - this is the Harry Bosch I love! Mr. Connolly continues to flesh out Bosch's complex character and deliver a first rate police procedural in the process. This is one of the best in the series.

Harry Bosch is investigating a previous unclosed murder case which leads him to a robbery investigation.terrorists and FBI.

Uppers:
1) Good plot but not as good as echo park.
2) Everything in here. FBI, terrorist angle, Interrogations, mystery.
3) Good body count.
4) Nice showdown ending.

Downers:
1) A bit slow to move.
2) Contrived end. More guess work by Harry Bosch.

It requires you to be sufficiently invested in the Harry Bosch lore to accept the way Harry Bosch reaches the right conclusions in this tale via mental guesswork rather than hard evidence which is what we are used to in most of his cases.


regards, Vikram

I 'inherited' this book and decided to read it before giving it away. I thought the book got off to a slow start and it took me awhile to get interested. (I have never read a 'Harry Bosch' book, so maybe if I had, I would have gotten into the plot a bit sooner. I'm not normally a reader of this genre, but I have to say, once I got past the slow start, they book held my interest. A lot of suspense, a lot of mystery and a bit of 'revenge'. The solving surprised me a little, but it was a nice change from what I've been reading lately, where everything is predictable. If you are a fan of crime solver mysteries, you will enjoy this book.

Reading so many of these reviews, I don't get. I really don't.

In my opinion, this is a major disappointment. The main plot is incredibly contrived; the subplots are intrusive and unnecessarily complex; the dialogue lacks inflection, pacing and character uniqueness (Connelly should read Elmore Leonard); and the characters, for the most part, are wooden and one-dimensional (Milton=bad, Kiz=good, Janis=loyal, etc.)

Also, whenever necessary, the author resorts to "character facilitations." Need a spying device? Bosch has the ideal friend, who can provide him the exact house and navigation equipment. Need news information? The ideal reporter owes Bosch a favor. Need good legal help? The perfect defense attorney owes Bosch a favor. Need a Las Vegas cover? You get the point.

I won't even get into the implausible, "wrap-it-up" ending. It's been well-stated by other reviewers.

As I said, I just don't get it.

"Nobody does it better" is a phrase that should be branded on all of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch books. With each one Harry grows as his character deepens. After awhile you start to look at him as a friend and you find yourself hoping that there are lots of cops out there just like him. Harry will not be derailed in his pursuit of the truth.

You owe it to yourself to buy this book. I get them all in hardcover because I want them to wear well when I pass them around to my friends before they end up in my library.

I'm a writer myself and every Harry Bosch novel is not just an incredibly fun read, but is a textbook on the right way to plot a book while maintaining exacting verisimilitude. If you choose to check out my own book The Towers Of Greed please get it from Seller Whitebear as that is me.

I've read every Connelly/Bosch book in the series (chronologically) but couldn't get farther than about 25 pages in this one. Something about the first-person narrative was extremely jarring, and very unconvincing. I may be back to another book for another try, but not for a while. I thought I was a hard-core Connelly fan, but I'm not, I guess.

I've read every Connelly/Bosch book in the series (chronologically) but couldn't get farther than about 25 pages in this one. Something about the first-person narrative was extremely jarring, and very unconvincing. I may be back to another book for another try, but not for a while. I thought I was a hard-core Connelly fan, but I'm not, I guess.

Harry Bosch has retired from the LAPD and obtained his private investigator's license just to cover his bases. But it is his old work that has the strongest draw for him. A homicide case that he worked four years prior to his retirement remains unsolved and haunts his dreams. But as he starts to open old files and uncover old secrets, he finds that there are many different people that do not want Harry prying into their pasts. But old habits die hard and the detective in Harry follows the trail of clues despite the strong warnings against doing just that. What he finds is a complicated web of crimes and cover-ups that are destined to lead Harry to nothing but danger.

It has been a while since I have read any of the Harry Bosch novels and I do not think I'll be back. Unfortunately, watching the movie of Blood Work and seeing Clint Eastwood play Harry ruined the character for me and I could not help but picture Clint as the star of this book - which is not a positive as I am not a fan of Clint. On top of that, the story was convoluted and contrived and at the end, magically wrapped up over night by the fantastic Harry Bosch. I don't know if this book was simply a weak note for Michael Connelly or if it just did not resonate with me, but it was disappointing enough to end the series for me.