Review

From Publishers Weekly
The latest installment of the Harry Bosch series has the LAPD homicide detective reopening the 30-year-old unsolved murder of his mother.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
After being put on involuntary stress leave for attacking his boss, LAPD detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch tackles the 30-plus-year-old murder case of a Hollywood prostitute?his mother. Bummed out by the failure of his latest romance as well, Harry faces a deeper, psychological crisis: his life's "mission" may end if he solves the case. Harry continues, nonetheless, soon discovering that the police and politically powerful others purposely glossed over his mother's murder. With prose that cuts to the quick, a masterfully interwoven plot, and gripping suspense, Connelly renders a fitting sequel to The Black Echo (LJ 1/92).
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile
On leave for attacking his commanding officer, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch has time on his hands. He decides to spend it on a case that cuts close to his angst-ridden heart, the 30-year-old unsolved murder of his mother. When Harry smells a cover-up, he pushes on. Connelly is at the top of his form in this brilliant mystery. Dick Hill does an outstanding job capturing Bosch's cynicism and anger, confusion and hurt. Hill changes his voice well to portray the other characters, most notably the female police psychiatrist. One gimmick is annoying: the producers switch to a tinny tone whenever a voice on the phone is needed. Still, this is a first-rate production. P.B.J. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From Booklist
The third appearance of L.A. police detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch finds the renegade cop's life in even more of a mess than usual. He's hiding out in his own earthquake-demolished, condemned home, and he's been suspended from the force for sticking his commander's face through a window. He's got time to kill, so he unearths the 30-year-old, unsolved murder of a Hollywood whore named Marjorie Lowe. Harry happens to be the victim's son, and in the midst of his midlife crisis, it becomes necessary for him to find out who killed her. The first step is to interview the surviving investigating officer, Jake McKittrick, who points Harry back into a past of corruption, greed, ambition, and blackmail. Today's self-help literature frequently asks readers to reassess their pasts, but too often what they find becomes an excuse. Harry examines his past, acknowledges the damage, and sets out to heal himself. It's heady territory for a cop novel, but Edgar winner Connelly handles it with style and grace. Wes Lukowsky --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Review
"Grabs you and shakes you-and it feels great." --Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful book." --Houston Chronicle

"Prose that cuts to the quick...A masterfully interwoven plot and gripping suspense." --Library Journal