Michael Connelly, The Closers

This is about the fifth Connelly book I have read and one of the best although I enjoyed my recent read Chasing the Dime. I have to say that I am truly inspired by Bosch who leaves even the most dedicated of us wishing we had more of his intelligence, drive, persistence and refined social skills. Bosch never loses his composure and dignity and treats those he meets with even handed sincerity as he struggles with his flaws and guilt, inevitable, in the world in which he resides.

Michael Connelly, The Closers - Three years ago, Harry Bosch retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after a quarter of a century of service, but has returned to active duty. The LAPD Chief warns him that things are different from his previous stint and he is "not to break the law to enforce the law" or he will be back into retirement. Harry understands that the FBI is looking over the shoulders of the LAPD and will adhere to the law as he works the Open Unsolved cases.

Among several cases, Harry and "partner" Kizmin Rider look into the 1988 murder of sixteen-year-old Rebecca Verloren that the detectives ruled as probable suicide by a 45 semi-automatic that shattered her heart. Though their report makes it appear that the Devonshire Division cops went the extra mile, Harry realizes that the autopsy proved murder occurred and the department reacted slowly. Harry and Kiz begin making inquiries and soon learn closure has not occurred for the parents and his fellow blue knights want them to back off, making him wonder if he was set up to fail.

With Harry back on the force as a Closer, this long running series is refreshed as he deals with bureaucratic roadblocks and unwillingness to cooperate with his efforts. A reference to Gibson's Lethal Weapon adds a sense of time as well as insight into Harry. The investigation is cleverly handled with Harry struggling because key peers and superiors want him to fail. Michael Connelly provides a terrific Harry Bosch police procedural that grips the audience from the moment the Chief lectures him about behavior and never lets up until the final revelation.

Little, Brown, May 2005, $26.95, 400 pp.

ISBN: 0316734942

Harriet Klausner