Review: The Crossing

Summary: Detective Harry Bosch has retired from the LAPD, but his half-brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, needs his help. The murder rap against his client seems ironclad, but Mickey is sure it's a setup. Though it goes against all his instincts, Bosch takes the case. With the secret help of his former LAPD partner Lucia Soto, he turns the investigation inside the police department. But as Bosch gets closer to discovering the truth, he makes himself a target. -- Little, Brown

Hands down -- one of my favorite authors is Michael Connelly. I have read every single one of the books starring Harry Bosch; and for the most part, I have loved each and every one of them. His latest Bosch novel is titled THE CROSSING and it's absolutely terrific!

Bosch finds himself in a bit of a different situation at the start of THE CROSSING. He is no longer employed by the L.A.P.D., and if truth be told, he's not exactly feeling like himself. Harry is a cop through and through so when his half-brother Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer himself, asks for him to help investigate his latest client who is accused of murder, Harry can't help but look into it.

The thing is... Bosch is reluctant to help Mickey because he feels like a traitor and he's worried what his old friends on the force might think. Mickey swears that his client is innocent despite the DNA evidence that is pretty convincing, so Bosch agrees to check it out; however, he finds that it's not as easy to investigate a crime when you don't have your police credentials. He gets a little help from his ex-partner Lucia Soto and starts to think that maybe Haller's client was set-up.

Bosch gets consumed with the case (big surprise there!), and he uncovers more than he expected. The case is quite complex and eventually takes him to his old home -- the L.A.P.D. As Bosch gets closer and closer to the truth, he finds himself and his family at risk!

I loved THE CROSSING!!! I have been in the mood for mysteries lately, and this novel was exactly what I needed. Connelly is a master of crime novels and his characters are so well developed. Once again, he wrote a brilliant mystery that kept my interest; however, I really think it's Bosch's character that I really adored.

For those of you who have read a Harry Bosch novel, then you already know what a special character Bosch is. If you aren't familiar with him yet, then what are you waiting for? Bosch is a deeply flawed man who is also a brilliant investigator. I love that he's willing to do what it takes to get to the root of a crime... even if that means walking a fine line with the law.

However, it's Bosch's personal struggles that really interest me. I loved how well the author portrayed the issues Bosch was having with his transition to civilian life as well as his reluctance to handle the case with his brother. I also appreciated the way Connelly portrayed the challenges Bosch faces with his teenage daughter.

I thought the mystery aspect of THE CROSSING was outstanding. The story was extremely complex and I thought the way it was revealed was so good. I honestly couldn't put this book down. The mystery was much more twisted than I was expecting which also added to my appreciation of the novel.

Overall, THE CROSSING was an outstanding novel but I wouldn't expect anything less from Michael Connelly. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review 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.