The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly

First chapter in the book:  Read here.

The Concrete Blonde is the third Harry Bosch Novel published in 1994.  It centres on a civil trial involving Harry Bosch and a purported serial killer dubbed the Dollmaker whom Bosch shot to death four years ago.  The nom de plume 'Dollmaker' comes about because the killer uses the victims' own make-up to paint their faces like dolls after he has killed them.  The dead man's widow wants justice served on the wrongful killing of her husband, father of two daughters, whom she said is not the Dollmaker and is innocent.

When a note addressed to Bosch taunts that he has killed the wrong guy and that the body count continues, the pressure mounts up for Bosch big time.  Questions about whether Bosch has shot the wrong guy, whether the real Dollmaker is still out there or whether there is a copy-cat killer carrying on the Dollmaker's sick game pour a lot of doubts on Bosch's spur of the moment judgment that fateful night four years ago.  More sinisterly, is he being set up and if so, by whom?

Interesting plot, strong characters including a much-adored protagonist, convincing evocation of court-room drama, seamless dialogue flow, all in all, a must-read.  Connelly is a star.

As I have said in my last post on Michael Connelly's The Reversal, he is one of the best and inspiring contemporary writers of crime fiction and does not disappoint his fans even in his earlier books.  I have a feeling I have read this book before but it must have been a long time ago because there are snips and snatches which seem familiar but I cannot remember fully.

Anyhow, a good book will always bring delight, enjoyment and a fresh perspective even when read and re-read much like a classic, therefore, I cannot recommend Bosch's books highly enough to everyone.

Rating:  5/5