Review: The Drop

Summary: Harry Bosch has been given three years before he must retire from the LAPD, and he wants cases more fiercely than ever. In one morning, he gets two.

DNA from a 1989 rape and murder matches a 29-year-old convicted rapist. Was he an eight-year-old killer or has something gone terribly wrong in the new Regional Crime Lab? The latter possibility could compromise all of the lab's DNA cases currently in court.

Then Bosch and his partner are called to a death scene fraught with internal politics. Councilman Irvin Irving's son jumped or was pushed from a window at the Chateau Marmont. Irving, Bosch's longtime nemesis, has demanded that Harry handle the investigation.

Relentlessly pursuing both cases, Bosch makes two chilling discoveries: a killer operating unknown in the city for as many as three decades, and a political conspiracy that goes back into the dark history of the police department. -- Little, Brown

Remember how I've mentioned the past few weeks how crazy my life has been... and how my reading and blogging has suffered as a result of that? And I even went so far as to say that I've been in a bit of a reading slump? Well, a few days ago I realized that maybe I just needed to right book to make me get my "reading groove" back. That book was THE DROP by Michael Connelly.

Like many of you, I go crazy for the holidays -- the cooking, the baking, the cleaning, the wrapping, and the partying. It takes a ton of time and wears a girl out. In addition, I've added the extra challenge of starting a partial remodel on my kitchen. Needless to say reading hasn't been at the top of my to-do list. In fact, I pretty much decided not to worry about my blog until after the holidays.

And then, I opened up my mail and found a copy of THE DROP, the latest Harry Bosch novel from one of my all-time favorite authors Michael Connelly. I rushed through most of my chores for the day and started the book around 1:00 in the afternoon. And then I pretty much didn't come up for air until I finished it. Yep, that's right. A few days before Christmas and I read an almost 400 page book straight through. I am serious when I tell you that I was utterly and completely caught up in this novel and I couldn't put it down. I was so happy and it felt sooooo good.

Since I think Mr. Connelly is one of those authors who is a rock-star and Harry Bosch is one of the best characters ever, I had high hopes for THE DROP. And guess what? This novel lived up to my expectations and more. I absolutely can't rave enough about this book -- it was that good. Definitely one of my faves for 2011. (So glad I squeezed it in before the end of the year.)

In THE DROP, Harry Bosch is actually involved in solving two crimes -- a cold case for a sexual crime/murder where DNA has identified an eight year old suspect (weird, right?) and a murder (or is it a suicide?)  of a city official's (and Harry's arch nemesis') son. Both crimes were equally compelling and full of major shocks as well as twists and turns. Truly, the crime aspects of this novel were brilliant.

And then there's the more personal side of the story which I found to be equally interesting. I adore the troubled Harry character, and I loved seeing how the relationship with his teen daughter played out. But in THE DROP, the reader also gets to see a potential romantic interest for Harry. Harry's life is further complicated by discovering that he only has around two years left with the police force before he is forced to retire. In this novel, Harry contemplates his role as a detective and a father; and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how he reconciled his future plans incorporating both of these roles. In addition, I loved how Harry discovered not only things about himself and his past, but also things about his "friends" on the force.

THE DROP isn't always an easy read, especially given what Harry discovers towards the end of the novel. I was actually on the edge of my seat while reading parts of the story, and I have to give credit to Mr. Connelly for causing that reaction in me. First of all, his descriptions of the crimes were so real.. and so horrific! And the pacing of the story, namely towards the climax, was just perfect. And I have to tell you that the twists and turns in this book were just amazing. But it was more than just that for me. In THE DROP, I became so engrossed in Harry's life that I felt his fear and anxiety as he came closer to the resolution of both crimes. It seemed as if I were along for the ride.

I hope you'll pardon my absolutely gushing for THE DROP, but I just loved it! As far as I'm concerned, it's a must-read!

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.