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Rating: 
Summary: A Good Detective Novel
Review: "The Black Echo" is about L.A. detective Harry Bosch and F.B.I. agent Eleanor Wish, who, not so coincidentally, become involved in the death of a man Harry once knew in Vietnam. They set out to solve a death that appears to be a suicide overdose, but to Harry's perspicacious eyes have see too many in congruencies to be content with appearances. The story is well-hewn, but not as taut, as some of the other Bosch novels. Parts VI, VII, and VIII (about 100-200 pages, depending on edition) especially could be radically reduced with a finer sheen. The story sort of drags to bring in some characters that have only incidental merit to the overall plot. As a Californian, I knew many of the acronyms and numerical titles for PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), 405 (San Diego Freeway), 10 (Santa Monica Freeway), but Connelly uses these shorthand equivalents in a way that might make the distant reader feel confused. He's given to using these initials in the text (such as O.M. for Old Man), that's rather offputting. Overall recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Connelly brings Harry Bosch to life...
Review: I am a new reader of author Michael Connelly. After several friends urged me to read "Blood Work", in which I enjoyed and recommend. Connelly's style instantly made me seek more of his work, "The Black Echo" is my second book of his. The plot was interesting, although I thought at times Connelly was prodding along, in which there was too much subject matter crammed into a "chapter", Connelly could have shortened the chapters, which would have made the novel flow better. The characters were excellent, Det. Harry Bosch reminded me of Lawrence Sanders'Timothy Cone character. All told, I look forward to "Black Ice" and will read all of Connelly's novels ASAP. Ed
Rating:
Summary: Great tale-spinner
Review: I read BLOOD WORK a few months ago and thought it was so enjoyable that I had to read Michael Connelly's other books. THE BLACK ECHO was his first and it was excellent. Harry Bosch, an L.A.P.D. detective recently demoted from the more prestigious Robbery-Homicide Division to Hollywood homicide, gets a call on what looks like a run-of-the-mill heroin overdose. But Harry recognizes the victim - a fellow "tunnel rat" named Meadows from his Viet Nam days - and he spots evidence that leads him to believe that Meadows was murdered. Harry unearths a connection between Meadows and a huge bank robbery, and after initially being tossed off the case, Harry is teamed with a female FBI agent on the theory that the bank robbers are the ones who murdered Meadows. Connelly did such a great job in weaving this plot that I just followed the twists and turns as they came, not anticipating the outcome. You will suspect everyone and still be surprised by the ending. What an entertaining novel.
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