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JDCMustReadBooks

An online marketing consultant, an avid reader of  400 + books a year. Professional reader, reviewer, and blogger.  Enjoy ARCs and new releases. 

 

 

 

The Wrong Side of Goodbye

The Wrong Side of Goodbye - Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch #21
Narrator:  Titus Welliver 
ASIN: B01K3EKBXS
Publisher: Hachette Audio 
Publication Date:  11/1/2016
Format: Audio
My Rating:  5 Stars +
 
Top Books of 2016 

 

Detective Harry Bosch is back at his "best" in Michael Connelly’s latest, THE WRONG SIDE OF GOODBYE, delving into two story strands, both public and private with #21. Some new life directions for Bosch, as he continues to redefine himself.

This time around, Bosch is not chasing down a murderer, as usual; however, he is tracking down an heir to a California fortune, while time traveling back to the late 60s-70s and his time in Vietnam. A nice exploration of Bosch’s character. Reflections of the past. Keep them coming!

A retired LAPD detective, getting on with his life, as we delve deeper into his past, and his present. There is much to be discovered from our favorite ex-cop. If you have read the previous books you understand he was forced into retirement by LAPD bureaucracy. However, he is not idly sitting around, but using his skills in positive ways.

Harry is hired as a Private Detective, by a reclusive billionaire, Whitney Vance to find an heir to his fortune; the 85-year-old owner of Advance Engineering. The man had a relationship with a Mexican girl, named Vibiana in college. They fell in love and she became pregnant. He is unsure of the whereabouts of his child, family, possible grandchildren, and heirs. His father interfered.

Readers get "double the pleasure", with the crossover featuring half-brother, Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller. Bosch needs his expertise, to guide him through the will, probate, and the case he is working with, finding the heir. Always a fun time with these two.

At the same time, Bosch is involved with the San Fernando PD (outside LA)- a reserve program for retired officers and local citizen volunteers. A place where Harry Bosch now calls home.

He is a detective working on cold cases, for the small town, and connects to a case involving a serial rapist. The “screen cutter.” He attacks innocent victims by cutting their screens, entering the victim’s home via a rear door or window after cutting through the screen. Oddly, all the victims had been in the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle when they are attacked.

While working on the case, Bosch goes back in time to the Vietnam War and relives his pleasant experiences from jazz, LA, celebrities, and performers, such as Connie Stevens, Neil Armstrong, Bob Hope, and of course, my favorite, Judy Collins (1967) “Both Sides Now.” A poignant time travel journey as he reflects on his life, family, his past.

In addition, to the changes in his career, Bosch’s personal life has also changed. Now an empty nester.

 

 



Mattie, his daughter is going off to college. Things have changed and Bosch misses his daughter, making appointments to meet at the coffee shop or dinners. From texting, phoning and arranging a time to meet up. Both are very busy. His daughter has been an anchor for him, and now she has his own life. He wants to continue to hang on to their newfound relationship, even though it is different. They are close.

A powerful installment. Many turning points and new directions for Harry. A very special book, nostalgic and reflective. Bosch/Connelly fans will devour this one (especially the ones which are in this age range-"boomers" like myself, included) who lived during the Vietnam War. Many of us can also relate who have had busy careers, and now using our expertise in various consulting roles, or volunteer work, while enjoying our passions. Rediscovery.

I enjoyed the many dynamics and insights into the Bosch’s personality, where we see him outside the realm of the typical murders/cop series. I am hoping there is much more to come!

The two cases intertwined throughout the novel, weaving personal and career, keeping balance and the flow, showing us another side of Harry, we love. He seems more at peace with his newfound life- as "smooth as pure mellow jazz "with an edge.

A huge Bosch/Connelly fan (having read all his books, as well as anxiously awaiting Bosch Season 3! Of course, to really enjoy the reading experience, always pre-order the  audiobook,narrated by none other than Titus Welliver! As always, it makes you feel you are watching the series. A superb performance! A keeper to add to the Bosch collection.

Connelly just keeps getting better! I enjoyed the videos and inspiration behind THE WRONG SIDE OF GOODBYE.

JDCMustReadBooks

 

 

 

Source: http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.com/single-post/2016/03/05/The-Wrong-Side-of-Goodbye