The Crossing, by Michael Connelly, A Review

Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller Together Again

Michael Connelly’s latest novel, The Crossing, has to be a bestseller already. It’s easy to see why. What an intricate story Michael Connelly once again weaves. A complicated plot with twists and surprises that seem completely disconnected early on, yet eventually become part of the same fabric.

Part of the pleasure with this novel is having Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller united again. This time working on a case together. If you know them both, you realize how unlikely that is. They may be half brothers, but usually that is all they have in common.

Harry Bosch has been through a rough couple of years. I suppose that has been true of most of his career. He is not exactly a follower. Nor does he bow to his superiors, especially those who do not earn his respect. He is straight, honest, after the truth, and not at all interested in the politics involving the upper echelons of his department. Finally, he chooses retirement over continuing the internal aggravation.

That’s where he is when Mickey calls him to meet. He may be missing his work, but not so much he is interested in what Mickey has in mind. Since his investigator was injured in a motorcycle accident, Mickey wants Harry to take over the position.

Finally, Bosch reluctantly agrees, not so much to get Mickey’s client off as to find the real killer. If the client wasn’t the one to do it, then a murderer is still out there. It is a big decision for Harry, one he never expected to make. He certainly never planned to cross to the other side. He knew well how that would be received by his former fellow associates.

As we have seen in previous books in the series, Harry Bosch is one of the best. His methods of looking at a case, looking at every single clue, the smallest details, garnered him the reputation of a top homicide detective. Following each clue and every detail to whatever conclusion has provided him with the satisfaction of knowing he has the right person when the arrest comes.

Truth Above All

Mr. Connelly describes his continuing doubts so well. As you read you understand how hard it is for Harry. So long investigating and putting guilty away, never trying to get one off. Yet Bosch always went after the truth, not just a conviction. That hasn’t changed. He wants the right person on trial. The emotions that go along with that are well portrayed.

The relationship between Harry and Mickey is another well done aspect to the story. Half brothers always on opposite sides. Harry quietly seeking answers and truth, Mickey seeking not guilty verdicts–along with some of the glory that would bring more clients his way.

An interesting lesson is included. The story shows how important it is for homicide detectives to keep an open mind even when they think they have a solid suspect. How difficult it can be not to allow clues to be shaded by a suspect in hand. To see a crime scene and investigation completely without influence makes each small detail much more important. The Crossing shows important that can be.

Well done, Mr. Connelly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Mystery Suspense Reviews .