Title: The Black Ice
Author: Michael Connelly
First published December 1, 1993
439 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780446613446 (ISBN10: 0446613444)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
When a seemingly routine investigation turns into a deadly trap, FBI agent Sarah Jones finds herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal syndicate. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that stretches from the highest levels of government to the darkest corners of the criminal underworld.
With time running out and the body count rising, Sarah must navigate a treacherous maze of clues and suspects, risking everything to bring the killers to justice. But as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes that the only way to survive is to trust no one – not even herself.
About the Author
Michael Connelly was inspired to pursue writing after discovering the works of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. He majored in journalism and minored in creative writing, taught by novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked as a crime reporter for newspapers in Florida, covering the height of the cocaine wars. He later interviewed survivors of a major airline crash, which led to a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times.
After three years of reporting in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel, The Black Echo, featuring LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America.
Since then, Connelly has written over 30 novels, which have sold over 80 million copies worldwide and translated into 45 languages. He has won numerous awards, including the Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity Awards.
In addition to his writing, Connelly is a producer and writer for the TV show “Bosch,” which streams on Amazon Prime Video. He currently lives in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida with his family.
Editoral Review
The Black Ice, written by Michael Connelly, is a thrilling and suspenseful novel belonging to the detective fiction genre. It was first published on December 1, 1993, and is the second installment in Connelly’s Harry Bosch series.
The author, Michael Connelly, is a former journalist and crime reporter who later turned to writing novels. He has won several awards for his work and is best known for his crime fiction books, particularly the Harry Bosch series.
The Black Ice is set in Los Angeles and features Harry Bosch, a detective with the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division. The plot revolves around the murder of a fellow police officer, Calexico Moore, found dead in a drug house.
As Bosch investigates the case, he discovers connections with the Mexicali drug trade and is soon caught in a world of corruption and danger. The characters in The Black Ice are well-developed and complex, particularly Harry Bosch.
Connelly does an excellent job of portraying the detective’s strong sense of integrity and justice, while also delving into his personal life and struggles. The supporting cast is equally well-written, with each character having a distinct personality and purpose in the story.
The setting is vividly described, with the gritty streets of LA coming to life on the page. Connelly’s attention to detail and knowledge of police work is evident throughout the novel, adding a layer of realism to the story.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with the tension building steadily until the explosive conclusion. The plot is well-structured, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end.
One minor flaw of the book is the lack of diversity in the cast of characters. The majority of the characters are white men, and there is little representation of other racial or gender identities.
However, this flaw is not significant enough to detract from the overall quality of the book. The Black Ice is an excellent addition to the detective fiction genre and is a must-read for fans of Michael Connelly and the Harry Bosch series.
Its themes of corruption, justice, loyalty, and betrayal are relevant in today’s society and add depth to the story. In conclusion, I highly recommend The Black Ice to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and suspenseful novel.
It scores a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with points deducted only for the lack of diversity in the characters. Michael Connelly’s writing is top-notch, and his understanding of police work and the criminal justice system is evident throughout the book.
