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 -- or in the way -- 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. =) At least the copy I have does … You’ll know if it has a special “stamp” on the cover. ( )

I picked this book up at the airport. It was a good, quick and satisfying crime fiction. Highly recommended for a quick in-between book! ( )

In his first case since he left the LAPDs Open Unsolved Unit for the prestigious Homicide Special squad, Harry Bosch is called out to investigate a murder that may have chilling consequences for national security. A doctor with access to a dangerous radioactive substance is found murdered in the trunk of his car. Retracing his steps, Harry learns that a large quantity of radioactive cesium was stolen shortly before the doctors death. With the cesium in unknown hands, Harry fears the murder could be part of a terrorist plot to poison a major American city. Soon, Bosch is in a race against time, not only against the culprits, but also against the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI (in the form of Harry's one-time lover Rachel Walling), who are convinced that this case is too important for the likes of the LAPD. It is Boschs job to prove all of them wrong. ( )

03/2009 ( )

I didn't think this was one of Connelly's best mysteries. The story, at first, seemed very predictable, just another post-9/11 terrorist plot with radioactive materials stolen. It took me a while to get into it because of that, but I'll give the author props for the surprise ending. It was a nice twist on an otherwise uninspired mystery. ( )