The Crossing

In the Michael Connelly universe, we see the eponymously named detective Hieronymus [Harry] Bosch ‘cross the line’ to assist the defence headed by his half-brother, Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller on a case that at first appears a slam-dunk.

This is Connelly’s 20^th Harry Bosch novel, where we see our Detective again making waves within the LAPD; something that Bosch excels in, but he soon realises that the home invasion, and what appears as murder-homicide with a sexual motive to be something more troubling. Perhaps Haller is onto something, but Bosch is initially reticent in getting involved, spending his free time rebuilding an old Harley Davidson; that is until his curiosity is piqued, so like a dog with a bone, he investigates, crossing the line that separates the LAPD from the civilian populace. Written in a terse style, The Crossing has a sense of urgency which propels the narrative like a freight train, speeding up as momentum gathers when Bosch’s investigation starts to uncover some hidden truths.

Connelly’s journalistic background is highly evident, as he manages an array of eclectic supporting characters, plot twists and a pervasive atmosphere of the complex US legal system, intertwined with details on US police procedural techniques. It almost reads like a True Crime novel, such is the plausibility and detail contained in the narrative. Soon Bosch becomes convinced that the accused, Leland Foster is not guilty, but he finds that his path is blocked, by someone determined to alter the path of justice.

The Crossing is the 6^th novel by Michael Connelly to feature Mickey Haller and the 20^th Harry Bosch investigation, and he shows no sign of stagnation, despite Bosch’s age creeping upon him. Like the shine on the Harley Davidson in Harry Bosch’s garage, there is no tarnish in these remarkable novels. For those new to Michael Connelly, The Crossing can be read as a stand-alone, though an extra dimension is available for his long term readers.