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Harry Bosch #20
Two Kinds of Truth
Harry Bosch, exiled from the LAPD, is working cold cases for the San Fernando Police Department when all hands are called out to a local drugstore, where two pharmacists have been murdered in a robbery. Bosch and the tiny town's three-person detective squad sift through the clues, which lead into the dangerous, big-business world of prescription drug abuse. To get to the people at the top, Bosch must risk everything and go undercover in the shadowy world of organized pill mills.
Meanwhile, an old case from Bosch's days with the LAPD comes back to haunt him when a long-imprisoned killer claims Harry framed him and seems to have new evidence to prove it. Bosch left the LAPD on bad terms, so his former colleagues are not keen on protecting his reputation. But if this conviction is overturned, every case Bosch ever worked will be called into question. As usual, he must fend for himself as he tries to clear his name and keep a clever killer in prison.
The two cases wind around each other like strands of barbed wire. Along the way, Bosch discovers that there are two kinds of truth: the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.
Meanwhile, an old case from Bosch's days with the LAPD comes back to haunt him when a long-imprisoned killer claims Harry framed him and seems to have new evidence to prove it. Bosch left the LAPD on bad terms, so his former colleagues are not keen on protecting his reputation. But if this conviction is overturned, every case Bosch ever worked will be called into question. As usual, he must fend for himself as he tries to clear his name and keep a clever killer in prison.
The two cases wind around each other like strands of barbed wire. Along the way, Bosch discovers that there are two kinds of truth: the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
About the author
Michael Connelly
395 books31.5k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,231 reviews
December 12, 2017
5 reliable stars for detective Harry Bosch and his brother lawyer Mickey Haller🌟
Michael Connelly is definitely an exceptional author, and one of my all-time favorites! To have the ability to write such a long series with every book being as good if not better than the last, is very rare....
The characters in this series are so extremely well developed, I really feel as though I have a personal relationship with Harry.... end it is so nice to get to spend some time with him at least once a year....and it is even better when his half brother Mickey joins him.... The relationship between these two is so complex and has been so realistically developed over the course of the series.... on the surface they appear so different, but I think deep down they are more alike than either of them realize....
The cases in this book were very interesting and very well plotted.... A murder of a father and son in a pharmacy that causes Harry to go undercover (not going to lie I was a little worried about him).... along with an old case being re-opened with accusations of Harry planting evidence, and his brother defending him magnificently.... I do really love those court scenes with Mickey.... I do also want to mention that all the secondary characters are as well developed, and it is always fun when they make an appearance....
Can’t wait for the next book in this fabulous series! I hope Harry will be working those cases into his 80s!
Michael Connelly is definitely an exceptional author, and one of my all-time favorites! To have the ability to write such a long series with every book being as good if not better than the last, is very rare....
The characters in this series are so extremely well developed, I really feel as though I have a personal relationship with Harry.... end it is so nice to get to spend some time with him at least once a year....and it is even better when his half brother Mickey joins him.... The relationship between these two is so complex and has been so realistically developed over the course of the series.... on the surface they appear so different, but I think deep down they are more alike than either of them realize....
The cases in this book were very interesting and very well plotted.... A murder of a father and son in a pharmacy that causes Harry to go undercover (not going to lie I was a little worried about him).... along with an old case being re-opened with accusations of Harry planting evidence, and his brother defending him magnificently.... I do really love those court scenes with Mickey.... I do also want to mention that all the secondary characters are as well developed, and it is always fun when they make an appearance....
Can’t wait for the next book in this fabulous series! I hope Harry will be working those cases into his 80s!
December 3, 2017
5++ Bright Brilliant Wicked Stars.
In “Two Kinds of Truth,” Harry Bosch is back. Still volunteering for the SFPD, working cold cases and mentoring the younger detectives in the department, when something goes awry. Bosch’s integrity as a detective is called into question. The newly created Conviction Integrity Unit (which includes his former partner, Lucia Soto) investigates an old case of his. Turns out a man that Bosch put on Death Row, claims he’s innocent. His attorney gives two reasons: 1) evidence was planted at the scene by Bosch and his former deceased partner Frankie Sheehan; and 2) new DNA evidence has come to light that proves that the wrong guy was accused of the crime. Enough said, right? Bosch, of course disagrees - he knows he put the right guy in jail. After all, Bosch works his cases to the bone. Now of course, he has to prove that he put the right guy behind bars because his reputation is the only thing that matters to him, aside from his daughter, of course.
In the midst of this, Bosch and his team have a real case to work. A double murder. And the Cap looks to him to train the team on how to handle it. Two Pharmacists were popped on the job. Turns out the place was a Pill-Mill. Unfortunately, for Bosch, things get more dangerous for him than anyone else involved.
Bosch, however will do whatever it takes to catch the bad guys and preserve his reputation at the same time, as being a detective is all he knows and is all that he wants to do.
This novel was suspenseful, yet heartfelt. At times my heart was in my throat and at times, I laughed out loud. Michael Connelly does that to you. He makes you care so much about his characters that you actually ache inside. And for Bosch? My heart was full.
I became a fan of Harry Bosch nineteen years ago and have aged right along with him (sigh). I shudder to think that there might come a day when Michael Connelly will stop writing about Harry Bosch. He is one of the my favorite characters and is one of my favorite men. He is true and hard working and he will do anything for the people he cares about. If only I had him by my side. Harry Bosch is a man with character (no pun intended). What can I say? I love the guy. If you haven’t read a Harry Bosch mystery by Michael Connelly, I suggest you do so, as I have a feeling you’ll love him as much as I do.
Thank you Michael Connelly. Please keep them coming.. for me?! Oh and for all of your other fans too. Thank you!
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.2.17.
In “Two Kinds of Truth,” Harry Bosch is back. Still volunteering for the SFPD, working cold cases and mentoring the younger detectives in the department, when something goes awry. Bosch’s integrity as a detective is called into question. The newly created Conviction Integrity Unit (which includes his former partner, Lucia Soto) investigates an old case of his. Turns out a man that Bosch put on Death Row, claims he’s innocent. His attorney gives two reasons: 1) evidence was planted at the scene by Bosch and his former deceased partner Frankie Sheehan; and 2) new DNA evidence has come to light that proves that the wrong guy was accused of the crime. Enough said, right? Bosch, of course disagrees - he knows he put the right guy in jail. After all, Bosch works his cases to the bone. Now of course, he has to prove that he put the right guy behind bars because his reputation is the only thing that matters to him, aside from his daughter, of course.
In the midst of this, Bosch and his team have a real case to work. A double murder. And the Cap looks to him to train the team on how to handle it. Two Pharmacists were popped on the job. Turns out the place was a Pill-Mill. Unfortunately, for Bosch, things get more dangerous for him than anyone else involved.
Bosch, however will do whatever it takes to catch the bad guys and preserve his reputation at the same time, as being a detective is all he knows and is all that he wants to do.
This novel was suspenseful, yet heartfelt. At times my heart was in my throat and at times, I laughed out loud. Michael Connelly does that to you. He makes you care so much about his characters that you actually ache inside. And for Bosch? My heart was full.
I became a fan of Harry Bosch nineteen years ago and have aged right along with him (sigh). I shudder to think that there might come a day when Michael Connelly will stop writing about Harry Bosch. He is one of the my favorite characters and is one of my favorite men. He is true and hard working and he will do anything for the people he cares about. If only I had him by my side. Harry Bosch is a man with character (no pun intended). What can I say? I love the guy. If you haven’t read a Harry Bosch mystery by Michael Connelly, I suggest you do so, as I have a feeling you’ll love him as much as I do.
Thank you Michael Connelly. Please keep them coming.. for me?! Oh and for all of your other fans too. Thank you!
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.2.17.
August 25, 2017
This is the latest and thrilling addition to the terrific Harry Bosch series set in LA and San Fernando. Harry is working as a volunteer cold case cop at SFPD trying to get to bottom of the missing, presumed dead, Esme Tavares, when he receives an upsetting visit from the recently created LAPD Conviction Integrity Unit. This consists of his old partner, Lucia Soto, Bob Tapscott and Deputy DA, Alex Kennedy. They inform him that a death row murderer, Preston Borders, is going to be freed, as new DNA evidence points to sexual predator and rapist, Lucas John Olmer, now deceased, as the killer of the woman Borders was convicted of. There are additional vibes that suggest they think Harry and his now dead partner, Frank Sheehan, were responsible for serious misconduct that resulted in this miscarriage of justice. Harry tries to get his head round these astonishing developments, he is absolutely convinced they got the right man. So what is going on?
In the meantime, there have been two fatal shootings of a father and son, both pharmacists at the La Farmacia Familio, in San Fernando. It looks as if these were professional hits, with particular venom aimed at the son. It seems that the son might be involved in gangs which resulted in the hits. However, this turns out to be wide of the mark as Bosch and the SFPD follow up on a complaint made by the dead son about a clinic and the pharmacy's role in a pill shills scam run by the wanted Santos, and Russian criminal elements using desperate and vulnerable enslaved prescription drugs addicts. The DEA are interested in getting to Santos, and want Bosch's help to do this. Despite advice to the contrary, Bosch agrees because he wants to secure justice. At the same time, Preston Borders and his lawyer, Lance Cronyn, point the finger at Bosch as a corrupt officer who planted the evidence that convicted Borders. Bosch is going to need help, and calls on his half brother, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer. Haller and Bosch begin to pull at the threads of the evidence that appears to clear Preston Borders and begin to unravel a sinister conspiracy for which Bosch is merely the fall guy. However, the allegations cross over into Bosch's role in the pill shill scam, putting him in deadly danger.
By now, Bosch is a battered survivor who still retains his ideals and his determination to secure justice. In this novel, I really felt Harry's tiredness and recognition that justice can, at times, only be short term, as it may possible to get the perpetrators, but not those who control the drug scams and make millions from it; and that shutting down an operation is not enough, as replacement scams emerge. Harry uses his earthquake fund, putting his personal faith and humanity into helping a woman addict who has faced the worst of times. It is a salutory experience for Bosch to observe how those who know him, including his nearest and dearest, still entertain a glimmer of suspicion about his guilt and corruption. However, if there is one thing that Harry has and that is ability to forgive, whilst on occasion using it to call in favours. As ever, this is brilliant crime fiction from an expert. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
In the meantime, there have been two fatal shootings of a father and son, both pharmacists at the La Farmacia Familio, in San Fernando. It looks as if these were professional hits, with particular venom aimed at the son. It seems that the son might be involved in gangs which resulted in the hits. However, this turns out to be wide of the mark as Bosch and the SFPD follow up on a complaint made by the dead son about a clinic and the pharmacy's role in a pill shills scam run by the wanted Santos, and Russian criminal elements using desperate and vulnerable enslaved prescription drugs addicts. The DEA are interested in getting to Santos, and want Bosch's help to do this. Despite advice to the contrary, Bosch agrees because he wants to secure justice. At the same time, Preston Borders and his lawyer, Lance Cronyn, point the finger at Bosch as a corrupt officer who planted the evidence that convicted Borders. Bosch is going to need help, and calls on his half brother, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer. Haller and Bosch begin to pull at the threads of the evidence that appears to clear Preston Borders and begin to unravel a sinister conspiracy for which Bosch is merely the fall guy. However, the allegations cross over into Bosch's role in the pill shill scam, putting him in deadly danger.
By now, Bosch is a battered survivor who still retains his ideals and his determination to secure justice. In this novel, I really felt Harry's tiredness and recognition that justice can, at times, only be short term, as it may possible to get the perpetrators, but not those who control the drug scams and make millions from it; and that shutting down an operation is not enough, as replacement scams emerge. Harry uses his earthquake fund, putting his personal faith and humanity into helping a woman addict who has faced the worst of times. It is a salutory experience for Bosch to observe how those who know him, including his nearest and dearest, still entertain a glimmer of suspicion about his guilt and corruption. However, if there is one thing that Harry has and that is ability to forgive, whilst on occasion using it to call in favours. As ever, this is brilliant crime fiction from an expert. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
July 1, 2020
I concluded long ago that Michael Connelly is incapable of writing a bad book, and Two Kinds of Truth demonstrates once again that no one writes better police procedurals than he. Connelly has now written some thirty novels, most of which feature his main protagonist, Harry Bosch. For most of his career, Bosch worked as a homicide detective in the L.A.P.D. He was a gifted investigator, dedicated to his mission. But he often found himself at odds with his bosses for one reason or another, and after almost forty years of service, he left the department under less than amicable circumstances.
Now in his middle sixties, Harry is working part-time for the tiny San Fernando P.D., specializing in cold cases. But when two pharmacists are brutally murdered in their small, independent farmacia, Harry is pressed into service. Given that he has far more experience than anyone else on the force, he is asked to take charge of the investigation.
At virtually the same moment, two L.A.P.D. detectives, one of them a former partner of Harry's, show up and tell him that one of his old cases is being reopened. Thirty years earlier, Bosch investigated the murder of a young woman who had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Harry found evidence in the killer's home that linked him solidly to the crime and that evidence and Harry's testimony sent the perpetrator away for life.
Now, though, the killer is claiming that Harry planted the evidence and framed him. Much more important, re-examination of the physical evidence in the case has turned up a DNA sample showing that the woman's assailant was actually a man who had been convicted of a similar crime and who has recently died. The man Harry put behind bars is now demanding his release and intends to sue everyone in sight for false imprisonment. The police and prosecutors are content to take the new evidence at face value and will not contest the man's release.
Bosch must handle both of these very difficult challenges simultaneously, and his livelihood, his reputation and even his very life will wind up on the line. The pharmacy murders pull back a curtain on the opioid crisis that is having such catastrophic effects on the country and which involve some very dangerous characters. The challenge from the imprisoned killer is a personal affront to Bosch and takes on the characteristics of a locked-room murder mystery. Both cases are exciting and compelling and as Bosh weaves back and forth between the two, the reader can only race along beside him, anxiously awaiting the resolution of both. Once you've started this book, putting it down is not really an option.
Now in his middle sixties, Harry is working part-time for the tiny San Fernando P.D., specializing in cold cases. But when two pharmacists are brutally murdered in their small, independent farmacia, Harry is pressed into service. Given that he has far more experience than anyone else on the force, he is asked to take charge of the investigation.
At virtually the same moment, two L.A.P.D. detectives, one of them a former partner of Harry's, show up and tell him that one of his old cases is being reopened. Thirty years earlier, Bosch investigated the murder of a young woman who had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Harry found evidence in the killer's home that linked him solidly to the crime and that evidence and Harry's testimony sent the perpetrator away for life.
Now, though, the killer is claiming that Harry planted the evidence and framed him. Much more important, re-examination of the physical evidence in the case has turned up a DNA sample showing that the woman's assailant was actually a man who had been convicted of a similar crime and who has recently died. The man Harry put behind bars is now demanding his release and intends to sue everyone in sight for false imprisonment. The police and prosecutors are content to take the new evidence at face value and will not contest the man's release.
Bosch must handle both of these very difficult challenges simultaneously, and his livelihood, his reputation and even his very life will wind up on the line. The pharmacy murders pull back a curtain on the opioid crisis that is having such catastrophic effects on the country and which involve some very dangerous characters. The challenge from the imprisoned killer is a personal affront to Bosch and takes on the characteristics of a locked-room murder mystery. Both cases are exciting and compelling and as Bosh weaves back and forth between the two, the reader can only race along beside him, anxiously awaiting the resolution of both. Once you've started this book, putting it down is not really an option.
June 28, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This is book 20 in the Harry Bosch series and I recommend that you read them in order. This is one of the best police procedural series. Harry is working on 2 cases in this book and he does solve them with help from old/current partners and his lawyer brother. It all comes together in a very satisfying ending. I raced through this library book in 2 days.
This is book 20 in the Harry Bosch series and I recommend that you read them in order. This is one of the best police procedural series. Harry is working on 2 cases in this book and he does solve them with help from old/current partners and his lawyer brother. It all comes together in a very satisfying ending. I raced through this library book in 2 days.
January 31, 2018
Michael Connelly has been hard at work to bring readers another instalment in the Harry Bosch series. With Bosch having such a long existence in the crime thriller world, some permutations had to be expected with the 20th novel. Three years away from the LAPD, Bosch has been contentedly working for the San Fernando PD as a detective. His current focus is the piles of cold cases that haunt the region. When Bosch is visited by a former partner and two other officials, he learns that a man sitting on death row that he put away for murder three decades ago has been given another chance by the LAPD Convictions Integrity Unit (CIU). After opening an investigation when another man confessed to the crime, DNA not previously processed was found on the victim’s clothing. Additionally, there is an attempt to sandbag Bosch, citing that he went rogue and planted evidence. As Bosch tries to process this, he is called out on a fresh case, where two pharmacists have been killed at work. With the CIU investigation pushed to the back of his mind, Bosch begins exploring the dark world of drug-dealing by scrip, where plants are sent into pharmacies (sometimes willing) and having hundreds of prescriptions filled for oxy pills, only to have them released on the streets. The deeper he digs, the more complex the web Bosch discovers. While he may be a few years away from dealing with warm victims, Bosch will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this case. Meanwhile, turning to his half-brother, Bosch engages the services of Mickey Haller to help him through the mess that is CIU and the upcoming hearing to clear the name of a death row inmate. Does Bosch have enough recollection to keep his name clear from the mud? Can Haller pull a proverbial rabbit out of a hat? How can they dismiss the video of a sealed evidence container holding clothing that was stained with DNA that did not belong to the killer? Readers are treated to a wonderful story that does not let go until the bitter end. Perfect for series fans who enjoy a little Bosch with their mystery.
I have long been a Michael Connelly fan and this novel helps support that claim. It is a successful author who can juggle a series for as long as Connelly has kept Bosch going without allowing things to go stale. Connelly finds new angles and approaches for his protagonist to ensure that the grit for which Bosch is so well known does not dull. Pulling on a few threads from Bosch’s background or personal life, Connelly pulls the reader into the middle of the man’s life, as well as his acclamation to a smaller and less vigorous life as a cold-case detective. Bosch is surrounded by many secondary characters, some new and some long-established, all of whom complement (never compliment) Bosch on his journey through the narrative. The story is clean and the premise poignant, as oxy drugs supersaturate the market now. Connelly shows his research is strong and all-encompassing to present such a wonderful story, pulling on various parts of the underworld. I can see Bosch continuing his strong reign within the crime thriller genre, helped by the superior writing of Michael Connelly. Surely Haller fans with also enjoy what the author has done in this meshing story.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, for this wonderful piece. Some have commented that things are going off the rails, though I cannot see it myself. I wonder if you have ideas about meshing all your L.A. characters in a coming novel.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long been a Michael Connelly fan and this novel helps support that claim. It is a successful author who can juggle a series for as long as Connelly has kept Bosch going without allowing things to go stale. Connelly finds new angles and approaches for his protagonist to ensure that the grit for which Bosch is so well known does not dull. Pulling on a few threads from Bosch’s background or personal life, Connelly pulls the reader into the middle of the man’s life, as well as his acclamation to a smaller and less vigorous life as a cold-case detective. Bosch is surrounded by many secondary characters, some new and some long-established, all of whom complement (never compliment) Bosch on his journey through the narrative. The story is clean and the premise poignant, as oxy drugs supersaturate the market now. Connelly shows his research is strong and all-encompassing to present such a wonderful story, pulling on various parts of the underworld. I can see Bosch continuing his strong reign within the crime thriller genre, helped by the superior writing of Michael Connelly. Surely Haller fans with also enjoy what the author has done in this meshing story.
Kudos, Mr. Connelly, for this wonderful piece. Some have commented that things are going off the rails, though I cannot see it myself. I wonder if you have ideas about meshing all your L.A. characters in a coming novel.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 20, 2017
I can't get enough of Michael Connelly and was excited by the prospect of reading his latest novel. This is the 20th book in the highly successful Harry Bosch series and even after reading all the previous books the series still feels fresh with no sign of the high standard dropping.
Michael Connelly is my favourite author, he rarely disappoints and this is no exception. Great characters, well paced plot and exceptional writing.
Now in his sixties Harry Bosch is working cold cases for the San Fernando Police Department and is called out to a local drug store where a young pharmacist has been murdered. Investigations lead Bosch to a dangerous world of prescription drug abuse. At the same time an old case from when Bosch was LAPD resurfaces when a long-imprisoned killer claims Harry framed him, and seems to have new evidence to prove it. His former colleagues are no longer on good terms with Bosch and he needs to fight to protect his reputation. He fights to clear his name and keep the imprisoned killer where he belongs. These are two unrelated case and Bosch discovers that there are two kinds of truth, the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.
I would like to thank Orion Publishing group and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Michael Connelly is my favourite author, he rarely disappoints and this is no exception. Great characters, well paced plot and exceptional writing.
Now in his sixties Harry Bosch is working cold cases for the San Fernando Police Department and is called out to a local drug store where a young pharmacist has been murdered. Investigations lead Bosch to a dangerous world of prescription drug abuse. At the same time an old case from when Bosch was LAPD resurfaces when a long-imprisoned killer claims Harry framed him, and seems to have new evidence to prove it. His former colleagues are no longer on good terms with Bosch and he needs to fight to protect his reputation. He fights to clear his name and keep the imprisoned killer where he belongs. These are two unrelated case and Bosch discovers that there are two kinds of truth, the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.
I would like to thank Orion Publishing group and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2018
"Take the time to just observe. Notes are good but clear visuals are good to keep in mind."
Nobody sees into the nooks and crannies of a hardnosed case like ol' Harry Bosch. But nowadays Harry has been placed in the outer peripherals of the San Fernando Police Department perusing ancient cold cases. Harry sits in an old jail cell made over into a makeshift office. He's caught between forced retirement and the dollar signs generating from a daughter in college and the reality of lessening cash flow.
Harry's stacks of well-worn case files are pitched to the sidelines when he is confronted with a case from his former LAPD days. Harry left the force under some bad circumstances. Now one of the killers that he put behind bars is claiming he was framed by Bosch and has new DNA evidence to prove it. With no one having his back at the LAPD, Harry seems to be drifting into some seriously deep waters here. Will all his other previous cases be up for scrutiny as well?
Harry doesn't even have the time to walk this around in his mind when a call comes into the station that two pharmacists have been murdered under some very questionable circumstances. Harry is dealing with a group of younger, inexperienced officers here. But his diligence pays off and there seems to be a connection to a pill-pushing ring that operates in a deep, dark snakehole.
Michael Connelly presents another top-notch Harry Bosch book in this stellar series. Some familiar characters will drift in and out with Mick Haller making his presence known. Two Kinds of Truth can easily be read as a standalone because of Connellys adeptness in filling in the backstories when necessary. The writing is always smooth, fast-paced, and leaves the reader tasting the nectar of the gods in crime stories.
Connelly parallels his storylines with the reality of real-life crimes and the dastardly figures that walk the streets of Any Town USA. Many authors seem to fade with time. Michael Connelly just seems to shine a brighter and brighter light with each of his new offerings. His dedicated readership can certainly attest to that.
Nobody sees into the nooks and crannies of a hardnosed case like ol' Harry Bosch. But nowadays Harry has been placed in the outer peripherals of the San Fernando Police Department perusing ancient cold cases. Harry sits in an old jail cell made over into a makeshift office. He's caught between forced retirement and the dollar signs generating from a daughter in college and the reality of lessening cash flow.
Harry's stacks of well-worn case files are pitched to the sidelines when he is confronted with a case from his former LAPD days. Harry left the force under some bad circumstances. Now one of the killers that he put behind bars is claiming he was framed by Bosch and has new DNA evidence to prove it. With no one having his back at the LAPD, Harry seems to be drifting into some seriously deep waters here. Will all his other previous cases be up for scrutiny as well?
Harry doesn't even have the time to walk this around in his mind when a call comes into the station that two pharmacists have been murdered under some very questionable circumstances. Harry is dealing with a group of younger, inexperienced officers here. But his diligence pays off and there seems to be a connection to a pill-pushing ring that operates in a deep, dark snakehole.
Michael Connelly presents another top-notch Harry Bosch book in this stellar series. Some familiar characters will drift in and out with Mick Haller making his presence known. Two Kinds of Truth can easily be read as a standalone because of Connellys adeptness in filling in the backstories when necessary. The writing is always smooth, fast-paced, and leaves the reader tasting the nectar of the gods in crime stories.
Connelly parallels his storylines with the reality of real-life crimes and the dastardly figures that walk the streets of Any Town USA. Many authors seem to fade with time. Michael Connelly just seems to shine a brighter and brighter light with each of his new offerings. His dedicated readership can certainly attest to that.
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars
In this 30th book in the 'Harry Bosch universe', the detective looks into pill-mills and re-examines one of his old cases. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Detective Harry Bosch worked for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for more than three decades before he retired. Not happy being a 'man of leisure' Harry took a volunteer job with the tiny San Fernando Police Department (SFPD), looking into cold cases.
Harry also agreed to train the SFPD's three young detectives, playfully nicknamed Huey, Duey, and Louie.
In his capacity as a mentor Harry accompanies Detective Bella Lourdes (probably Louie) to the scene of a double homicide.
Two druggists - a father and son - were shot in their pharmacy. It turns out the drug store was part of a 'pill-mill' operation - a gangster-run enterprise in which prescriptions for pain killers from phony clinics are filled by pharmacies that turn a blind eye.
The shooting was meant to look like a robbery gone wrong, but evidence points to deliberate cold-blooded murder.....and Lourdes takes lead on the case.
Wanting to catch the 'pill-mill' gang leader, the DEA decides to send in an undercover cop who'll pretend to be an addict needing pain meds - and Harry gets picked for the job. Harry pretends to be a smelly bum with a knee injury, but infiltrating the drug ring turns out to be SUPER dangerous.
Meanwhile, Harry is also involved with another investigation. Thirty years ago Harry helped put a man named Preston Borders on death row for a vicious rape and murder. Now, new DNA evidence points to a different perp - a serial rapist who recently died in prison. Even worse, Harry is being accused of planting evidence during the original inquiry. As a result, the district attorney is looking to vacate Borders' conviction, and a court hearing is scheduled.
Harry is sure the 'new DNA' was planted and that he's being framed - especially since Harry KNOWS he did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, the DA - and some detectives in the LAPD - seem to think Harry is a dirty cop. (This is par for the course in these books. Harry's usually on the outs with one or more LAPD honchos.)
Luckily Harry's half-brother is attorney Mickey Haller - who's probably the smartest, craftiest lawyer in Los Angeles.
Harry and Mickey - along with Mickey's investigator Cisco - dig up some useful information to use against Borders and his attorneys.....and that's all I'll say about that.
In this book Harry shows a little of his softer side. He's very solicitous toward his college-age daughter Maddie and demonstrates sympathy for a drug addict, whom he tries to help.....though he knows it might be a losing proposition.
I always enjoy Michael Connelly's books, which provide a fascinating peek at crime and criminal investigation around Los Angeles. In "Two Kinds of Truth", though, Harry seems to slide through the book a tad too easily. Harry and/or Mickey just happen to have exactly the right contact; or unearth exactly the right piece(s) of evidence; or carry exactly the correct unconventional (or jury-rigged) weapon; and so on. This occurs again and again and again, to the point where it stretched credibility (for me).
Still, I liked the book and highly recommend it to mystery fans.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
May 23, 2019
Having read Michael Connelly’s books for years, I’ve recently started watching the Bosch television series, developed by Amazon. In fact, on a long flight recently I watched 8 episodes of series 2 back to back! I think (though such is the nature of things many will disagree) they’ve got it spot on using Titus Welliver in the lead role. He seems to me to have precisely the right body language and attitude for the part and his verbal delivery feels like it jumps right out of the the pages of the books. I’m now not only addicted to the books but to the television series too.
Having recently read, and very much enjoyed, Connelly’s recent book featuring a new character - The Late Show (Renée Ballard #1) – I was beginning to think that Harry Bosch and his crew might have been finally put out to grass. I needn’t have worried: not only is Harry back but he’s joined Mickey Haller (his lawyer half bother and star of The Lincoln Lawyer and other books) and also Jerry Edgar, his former LAPD partner – a man who hasn’t featured in the series for about five years. Now is it me being cynical or might this be linked to the fact that not only does Welliver read the audio version I listened to (and he does an excellent job!) but it’s Edgar who partners Bosch in all episodes of the television series produced to date. Whatever the rationale, it’s good to see him back, albeit in a cameo role.
The cast also provides the opportunity for Connelly to include dual plot lines:
1. Harry, working these days for the San Fernando PD as a volunteer detective, is charged with investigating the murder of a father and son who were shot whilst working in the family pharmacy. It turns out that Edgar is working for a city agency Bosch needs to liaise with.
2. Harry is accused of planting evidence in a previous murder case. This accusation not only threatens Bosch’s reputation but also his financial security, given the fact that should the guilty verdict be overturned the accused would have the opportunity to sue the police department and Bosch might be personally liable. Time for a call to Haller.
Needless to say, both elements are flawlessly integrated, feeding off each other as they play out. The pacing is brilliantly handled – not once did I think a scene was over-played or undersold – and, for me, it all ended far too quickly. I loved it. The master is back and the ending certainly held the promise of at least one more Bosch book to come.
Having recently read, and very much enjoyed, Connelly’s recent book featuring a new character - The Late Show (Renée Ballard #1) – I was beginning to think that Harry Bosch and his crew might have been finally put out to grass. I needn’t have worried: not only is Harry back but he’s joined Mickey Haller (his lawyer half bother and star of The Lincoln Lawyer and other books) and also Jerry Edgar, his former LAPD partner – a man who hasn’t featured in the series for about five years. Now is it me being cynical or might this be linked to the fact that not only does Welliver read the audio version I listened to (and he does an excellent job!) but it’s Edgar who partners Bosch in all episodes of the television series produced to date. Whatever the rationale, it’s good to see him back, albeit in a cameo role.
The cast also provides the opportunity for Connelly to include dual plot lines:
1. Harry, working these days for the San Fernando PD as a volunteer detective, is charged with investigating the murder of a father and son who were shot whilst working in the family pharmacy. It turns out that Edgar is working for a city agency Bosch needs to liaise with.
2. Harry is accused of planting evidence in a previous murder case. This accusation not only threatens Bosch’s reputation but also his financial security, given the fact that should the guilty verdict be overturned the accused would have the opportunity to sue the police department and Bosch might be personally liable. Time for a call to Haller.
Needless to say, both elements are flawlessly integrated, feeding off each other as they play out. The pacing is brilliantly handled – not once did I think a scene was over-played or undersold – and, for me, it all ended far too quickly. I loved it. The master is back and the ending certainly held the promise of at least one more Bosch book to come.
January 2, 2018
I so rarely give 5 stars to mysteries, but Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series is one of my very favourites and this one is absolutely top notch. Connelly has woven two great stories together, very much engaging with some pressing contemporary issues while serving up classic Bosch. In one plot string, Bosch is at risk of being discredited due to new DNA evidence in a case that he had investigated that led to a convict sitting on death row for over 30 years. In the other story, Bosch gets involved in an investigation that delves deep into the depravity of those involved in perpetuating the opioid crisis — I expect Connelly’s depiction of addiction and the exploitation of addicts is based on sound research and it’s bone chilling. In both cases, the plots are intricate, well paced and hit the right emotional and ethical notes. This could probably be read as a standalone, but it’s a lot richer if you’re familiar with the series. Loved it! Perfect read to end the year...
February 1, 2018
Another homerun Harry Bosch novel. I don't call this a "guilty pleasure," as some literati might imagine it to be.
Michael Connelly is the premier writer of literary police procedurals. He's gotten much better over time. The result is today's most interesting, flawed and deeply conflicted police protagonist--and his intense, cerebral crime detecting.
In Two Kinds of Truth, the two separate conflicts/crimes involve trafficking and slavery of the elderly and disabled for opioid gathering and distribution and the possible tampering of sealed evidence of rape that could let a rapist go free.
Another recommendation if you have the slightest interest in criminal procedurals or police thrillers.
Michael Connelly is the premier writer of literary police procedurals. He's gotten much better over time. The result is today's most interesting, flawed and deeply conflicted police protagonist--and his intense, cerebral crime detecting.
In Two Kinds of Truth, the two separate conflicts/crimes involve trafficking and slavery of the elderly and disabled for opioid gathering and distribution and the possible tampering of sealed evidence of rape that could let a rapist go free.
Another recommendation if you have the slightest interest in criminal procedurals or police thrillers.
January 19, 2018
I find it amazing that Michael Connelly continues to come up with fascinating stories time after time. This is another well done, multilayered mystery. Harry is working on two unrelated cases. One is a current homicide in San Fernando where he’s working as a volunteer and the other is review of a case from his past. Both are equally engaging. The current case looks to be the work tied to the opioid crisis. Hillbilly heroin, as it’s called. As another investigator says, “This is the growth industry of the country.”
Connelly always does his research. And not only is this a good story, you also feel like you get a better handle on how the whole painkiller “industry” works.
Great interaction between Bosch and Haller. They have two different takes on what is morally acceptable. But in this case, I side with Haller. Sometimes the ends truly do justify the means.
I listened to this on Audible. Titus Welliver was fabulous as the narrator.
Connelly always does his research. And not only is this a good story, you also feel like you get a better handle on how the whole painkiller “industry” works.
Great interaction between Bosch and Haller. They have two different takes on what is morally acceptable. But in this case, I side with Haller. Sometimes the ends truly do justify the means.
I listened to this on Audible. Titus Welliver was fabulous as the narrator.
November 20, 2017
What is about this series that makes it so good?
A) The no nonsense, expert writing that mines its characters deeply with so few words.
B) The suspenseful stories.
C) The brain teasing criminal mysteries.
D) The search for truth and justice and the moral dilemmas that accompany the search.
E) All of the above.
If you picked E, correct! And this latest book has it all.
Welcome to hell
Harry Bosch soon finds out exactly what that cryptic warning means as one of two cases he’s working on gets more complicated and dangerous than anything he’s ever been involved in before. He’s supposed to be working cold cases as a volunteer for the San Fernando Police Department, same as he has been for the past two years after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department under less than optimal circumstances. But now, Harry finds himself in the middle of a hot case in which a father and son have been brutally murdered while tending to their family owned pharmacy in San Fernando. Harry lets others in his unit take the lead in the case while tutoring them with expert advice from the sidelines as he has his hands full with another case that has resurfaced from his past, one that could threaten not only his livelihood, but his legacy built on integrity. With much help from his half brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, Harry goes to war, not only to keep a killer where he belongs, but to defend himself and the truth, despite evidence to the contrary. But the other case pulls him in when he learns something critical about one of the victims. And soon, he’s all over it and all the way in, way more in than he ever wanted to be.
It’s getting harder and harder to review Connelly’s books each year when I’m running out of superlatives to praise them. So at the risk of repeating myself, I’ll simply say this is one of his best books yet featuring Harry Bosch, with a generous part in the story for his half brother, Mickey Haller. What a duo they make with their differing philosophies on work and life in general. Their interactions were definitely a highlight. Also, the intricate cases in this book did not disappoint since it’s never just about catching the bad guys. It’s about unraveling the evidence to pursue the truth wherever it may lead.
There were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one’s life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose was at hand.
If you’ve read any of this series, you’ll know which truth Harry believes in. And in this book, it leads him to examine some painful truths about himself when reflecting on his turbulent childhood and the mother he barely knew. It added to that ever-present melancholy tone to the series that goes beyond the jazz music Harry favors to become the soundtrack of his life. A must read.
A) The no nonsense, expert writing that mines its characters deeply with so few words.
B) The suspenseful stories.
C) The brain teasing criminal mysteries.
D) The search for truth and justice and the moral dilemmas that accompany the search.
E) All of the above.
If you picked E, correct! And this latest book has it all.
Welcome to hell
Harry Bosch soon finds out exactly what that cryptic warning means as one of two cases he’s working on gets more complicated and dangerous than anything he’s ever been involved in before. He’s supposed to be working cold cases as a volunteer for the San Fernando Police Department, same as he has been for the past two years after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department under less than optimal circumstances. But now, Harry finds himself in the middle of a hot case in which a father and son have been brutally murdered while tending to their family owned pharmacy in San Fernando. Harry lets others in his unit take the lead in the case while tutoring them with expert advice from the sidelines as he has his hands full with another case that has resurfaced from his past, one that could threaten not only his livelihood, but his legacy built on integrity. With much help from his half brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, Harry goes to war, not only to keep a killer where he belongs, but to defend himself and the truth, despite evidence to the contrary. But the other case pulls him in when he learns something critical about one of the victims. And soon, he’s all over it and all the way in, way more in than he ever wanted to be.
It’s getting harder and harder to review Connelly’s books each year when I’m running out of superlatives to praise them. So at the risk of repeating myself, I’ll simply say this is one of his best books yet featuring Harry Bosch, with a generous part in the story for his half brother, Mickey Haller. What a duo they make with their differing philosophies on work and life in general. Their interactions were definitely a highlight. Also, the intricate cases in this book did not disappoint since it’s never just about catching the bad guys. It’s about unraveling the evidence to pursue the truth wherever it may lead.
There were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one’s life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose was at hand.
If you’ve read any of this series, you’ll know which truth Harry believes in. And in this book, it leads him to examine some painful truths about himself when reflecting on his turbulent childhood and the mother he barely knew. It added to that ever-present melancholy tone to the series that goes beyond the jazz music Harry favors to become the soundtrack of his life. A must read.
November 15, 2022
“… the case files often contained the secret to cracking a cold case.”
“… It was all there if you could find it. A logic discrepancy, a hidden clue, a contradictory statement, an investigator’s handwritten note in the margin of a report – all of these things had helped Bosch clear cases in a career four decades long and counting.”
And that career, lovingly and painstakingly detailed over a best-selling series of thrillers, mysteries and police procedurals by best-selling literary artist and wunderkind Michael Connelly is as fresh, as compelling and as evocative as the day Bosch was introduced to a grateful fandom in THE BLACK ECHO almost twenty years ago. His back is still up when it comes to dealing with the LAPD or the FBI upper crust administration; his psychological baggage hasn’t got any less weighty over the years; the nature of his relationships with his former partners can best be characterized as checkered; he’s still a worried father whose parenting skills are dubious at best; and his motto, “Everyone counts or nobody counts”, while not making an explicit appearance in TWO KINDS OF TRUTH, is definitely a continuing guiding light and has never wavered for a moment.
TWO KINDS OF TRUTHS weaves two distinct story lines into a compelling single package that will keep any lover of the genre reading well past bedtime. In the first, the new science of DNA brings an old rape and murder case into question giving rise to the possibility of Bosch’s being charged with a career ending felony of having planted evidence to secure the original conviction. (Long-time fans will be thrilled to discover that Bosch’s half-brother, LINCOLN LAWYER Mickey Haller, is brought into the case as Bosch’s defense attorney and Jerry Edgar, a former partner of dubious skills and commitment, also makes a curtain call). The second story comes fresh from today’s headlines – multinational organized crime, human trafficking and the national crisis of opioid addiction – a story guaranteed to make you gasp, shudder and simultaneously weep!
Long time fans will love TWO KINDS OF TRUTH but new readers can be safely assured they can jump in anywhere and will come to love Bosch’s case files as much as the most ardent reader of twenty years standing. Highly recommended!
Paul Weiss
“… It was all there if you could find it. A logic discrepancy, a hidden clue, a contradictory statement, an investigator’s handwritten note in the margin of a report – all of these things had helped Bosch clear cases in a career four decades long and counting.”
And that career, lovingly and painstakingly detailed over a best-selling series of thrillers, mysteries and police procedurals by best-selling literary artist and wunderkind Michael Connelly is as fresh, as compelling and as evocative as the day Bosch was introduced to a grateful fandom in THE BLACK ECHO almost twenty years ago. His back is still up when it comes to dealing with the LAPD or the FBI upper crust administration; his psychological baggage hasn’t got any less weighty over the years; the nature of his relationships with his former partners can best be characterized as checkered; he’s still a worried father whose parenting skills are dubious at best; and his motto, “Everyone counts or nobody counts”, while not making an explicit appearance in TWO KINDS OF TRUTH, is definitely a continuing guiding light and has never wavered for a moment.
TWO KINDS OF TRUTHS weaves two distinct story lines into a compelling single package that will keep any lover of the genre reading well past bedtime. In the first, the new science of DNA brings an old rape and murder case into question giving rise to the possibility of Bosch’s being charged with a career ending felony of having planted evidence to secure the original conviction. (Long-time fans will be thrilled to discover that Bosch’s half-brother, LINCOLN LAWYER Mickey Haller, is brought into the case as Bosch’s defense attorney and Jerry Edgar, a former partner of dubious skills and commitment, also makes a curtain call). The second story comes fresh from today’s headlines – multinational organized crime, human trafficking and the national crisis of opioid addiction – a story guaranteed to make you gasp, shudder and simultaneously weep!
Long time fans will love TWO KINDS OF TRUTH but new readers can be safely assured they can jump in anywhere and will come to love Bosch’s case files as much as the most ardent reader of twenty years standing. Highly recommended!
Paul Weiss
November 11, 2017
Harry Bosch fans, rejoice! Two Kinds of Truth is another installment in Connelly's well-written series, with Harry putting himself at risk to uncover a drug dealer, then recovering his investigative reputation on a long-ago murder with the (watch the cool subplot reverse at the end) help of his half-brother. As always, Harry is also trying to save the forgotten abused dreamers and victims of Hollywood--scenarios that are all too real given recent news about Harvey Weinstein and others.
There is a bit of general chat about politics which takes away from the book. Not much, but the return to the plot and subplots is a relief after these detours.
Connelly's Bosch series triumphs because Harry is so humane--he is the hero (heroes doubt themselves and are effective because they feel fear)--like those we know or hope to know in real life, and to be ourselves.
There is a bit of general chat about politics which takes away from the book. Not much, but the return to the plot and subplots is a relief after these detours.
Connelly's Bosch series triumphs because Harry is so humane--he is the hero (heroes doubt themselves and are effective because they feel fear)--like those we know or hope to know in real life, and to be ourselves.
October 13, 2017
Harry Bosch is back, leading us down a thrilling path with some cold cases but also a new one, in which he proves that old dogs can learn new tricks when he works with the DEA as a murder branches in several directions! He is retired from the LAPD but volunteers in the San Fernando police dept,a small force with little experience. Bosch is still hard-hitting, take no prisoners with his approach to the law,and finds himself in hot water over a 30 year old case in which the criminal is on death row. It is very bad when your work on a case is in question,but to hint that the detective,Bosch, planted evidence! At the same time the criminal throws his old lawyer under the bus by stating that he was told to lie.
Say what you want, but to ruin the reputation of a highly decorated and well loved detective is not sitting well with Bosch. His half brother,Micky Haller, an attorney, is called to assist with this case. But soon both cases wind with each other, and Bosch is doing things he has never done trying to find the truth. This is the thrilling, suspenseful ride we have come to know and love in stories by Michael Connelly. Bosch is getting older, and incorporates his age and knowledge into the search for justice.
I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, giving my honest thoughts in this review. I suggest any lover of crime fiction, police procedural and intense suspense grab a copy of this book, you will be breathless until the end...
Say what you want, but to ruin the reputation of a highly decorated and well loved detective is not sitting well with Bosch. His half brother,Micky Haller, an attorney, is called to assist with this case. But soon both cases wind with each other, and Bosch is doing things he has never done trying to find the truth. This is the thrilling, suspenseful ride we have come to know and love in stories by Michael Connelly. Bosch is getting older, and incorporates his age and knowledge into the search for justice.
I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, giving my honest thoughts in this review. I suggest any lover of crime fiction, police procedural and intense suspense grab a copy of this book, you will be breathless until the end...
September 28, 2022
I always enjoy a Harry Bosch novel and this one was no exception. Harry is getting a bit old for the job now though - sadly he cannot have too many books left in him!
Now in his 60's and retired he fills his time working in a voluntary position for the NYPD on cold cases. In Two Kinds of Truth he gets the chance to work with the team on an active case after a pharmacist and his son are murdered. This even leads to him going under cover and risking his life to catch the head of the syndicate. At the same time Bosch finds himself caught up the reassessment of an old case where he is in danger of being accused of planting evidence and leading to the arrest of the wrong man.
Luckily after all those years in the job Harry has friends and family who can help him out. One of them of course is his half brother Mickey Haller. Together they find all the information they need and there is a very interesting section of the book spent in the courtroom. Considering how many books have been published in the Bosch Universe, Connolly has certainly not lost his touch. I enjoyed it very much.
Now in his 60's and retired he fills his time working in a voluntary position for the NYPD on cold cases. In Two Kinds of Truth he gets the chance to work with the team on an active case after a pharmacist and his son are murdered. This even leads to him going under cover and risking his life to catch the head of the syndicate. At the same time Bosch finds himself caught up the reassessment of an old case where he is in danger of being accused of planting evidence and leading to the arrest of the wrong man.
Luckily after all those years in the job Harry has friends and family who can help him out. One of them of course is his half brother Mickey Haller. Together they find all the information they need and there is a very interesting section of the book spent in the courtroom. Considering how many books have been published in the Bosch Universe, Connolly has certainly not lost his touch. I enjoyed it very much.
July 2, 2020
Vi la última temporada de la serie “Bosch” (la quinta) sin saber que estaba basada en la presente novela (la vigésima de la serie), con lo que no podía dejar de visualizar las escenas mientras leía, ya que es una adaptación relativamente fiel (aunque Micky Haller no aparece en la serie). Y, aun así, creo que esta entrega puede ser una de las mejores de toda la serie de novelas. Sigo disfrutando de las descripciones de Connelly, que se mete en la piel de Bosch de un modo soberbio. Creo que pocos policías “reales” americanos podrían describir sus procedimientos de forma tan metódica como la que nos pinta este gran autor, y con ese sabor a autenticidad. Una delicia.
La segunda parte se centra más en Haller que en Bosch, y puede que aquí pierda un poco la esencia. No obstante, Bosch y Haller combinan muy bien, ya sea juntos o por separado. Hasta ahora no me he perdido ni una sola novela de Bosch, desde que lo descubrí allá por los años 90. Y que dure.
La segunda parte se centra más en Haller que en Bosch, y puede que aquí pierda un poco la esencia. No obstante, Bosch y Haller combinan muy bien, ya sea juntos o por separado. Hasta ahora no me he perdido ni una sola novela de Bosch, desde que lo descubrí allá por los años 90. Y que dure.
January 4, 2018
Two Kinds of Truth is my third Michael Connelly novel. The first was The Lincoln Lawyer(because of the movie) the second was The Late Show. I enjoyed both of those books but The Late Show was my favorite. Because of that I had high hopes for this book but it turned out to be just average and slightly blah.
Harry Bosch is your run of the mill rough around the edges, good cop who can do no wrong and always gets his man.
Like I said Blah!
No rec.
Harry Bosch is your run of the mill rough around the edges, good cop who can do no wrong and always gets his man.
Like I said Blah!
No rec.
April 21, 2018
Harry Bosch is still volunteering at the San Fernando Police Department (SFPD), working cold cases and helping with any new homicides. His old LAPD partner, Lucia Soto, shows up unannounced with her current partner and an assistant district attorney in tow, advising him that one of his old cases is back in play. New DNA evidence may exonerate a man (Preston Borders) Bosch helped put on death row almost 30 years ago and he’s being accused of evidence tampering by the man’s lawyer. In the middle of the conference, the SFPD detectives are called to the scene of double homicide at a pharmacy.
I loved everything about this story with two intriguing cases that Harry is trying to navigate simultaneously. Jerry Edgar makes an appearance, as well as Mickey Haller and it just doesn’t get any better with this team working with Harry again. There’s courtroom drama as well, which is always a treat watching Mickey in action. And, Harry goes undercover, providing some really tense and exciting moments. The writing is excellent and extremely well paced, making for an outstanding story. There are other things in play that make this an even richer reading experience.
I’m now current with this series, a place I wasn’t looking forward to landing anytime soon. I’m also watching the television series and loving that, too (binged through it all). Having Titus Welliver narrate this story worked so well as he’s completely taken over as my image of Harry. To say I’ll miss my monthly Bosch fix is a serious understatement.
I loved everything about this story with two intriguing cases that Harry is trying to navigate simultaneously. Jerry Edgar makes an appearance, as well as Mickey Haller and it just doesn’t get any better with this team working with Harry again. There’s courtroom drama as well, which is always a treat watching Mickey in action. And, Harry goes undercover, providing some really tense and exciting moments. The writing is excellent and extremely well paced, making for an outstanding story. There are other things in play that make this an even richer reading experience.
I’m now current with this series, a place I wasn’t looking forward to landing anytime soon. I’m also watching the television series and loving that, too (binged through it all). Having Titus Welliver narrate this story worked so well as he’s completely taken over as my image of Harry. To say I’ll miss my monthly Bosch fix is a serious understatement.
January 19, 2018
4.5 stars
No better way to start the year than reading a Harry Bosch mystery by Michael Connelly. I have read many of Connelly’s books and without exception they are all great. “Two Kinds ofTruth” definitely does not disappoint. Connelly does an excellent job of weaving multiple storylines together so that the reader never gets bored. The only time this fails is if one of the subplots is a million times more interesting than the other subplot. Unfortunately, the main subplot regarding the petition to overturn a 30 year old murder conviction is much more interesting and believable than the second subplot involving a pharmacy robbery and double murder. The old case is filled with twists and turns that leave the reader eagerly awaiting whether Harry and his attorney will accumulate the necessary information to prevent the convicted murderer from going free; while the robbery/double murder plot line has to fall back on the typical Russian super villains that many other authors have used as baddies and is not very original. Connelly though truly has a gift of giving Harry Bosch many layers and his loyalty and good-heartedness always shine throughout the novel which makes all of the Bosch books worth reading.
No better way to start the year than reading a Harry Bosch mystery by Michael Connelly. I have read many of Connelly’s books and without exception they are all great. “Two Kinds ofTruth” definitely does not disappoint. Connelly does an excellent job of weaving multiple storylines together so that the reader never gets bored. The only time this fails is if one of the subplots is a million times more interesting than the other subplot. Unfortunately, the main subplot regarding the petition to overturn a 30 year old murder conviction is much more interesting and believable than the second subplot involving a pharmacy robbery and double murder. The old case is filled with twists and turns that leave the reader eagerly awaiting whether Harry and his attorney will accumulate the necessary information to prevent the convicted murderer from going free; while the robbery/double murder plot line has to fall back on the typical Russian super villains that many other authors have used as baddies and is not very original. Connelly though truly has a gift of giving Harry Bosch many layers and his loyalty and good-heartedness always shine throughout the novel which makes all of the Bosch books worth reading.
November 9, 2017
Harry Bosch is getting older (& grumpier!) in Michael Connelly's latest police procedural. This time Harry investigates two cases, one involving his half brother & lawyer Micky Haller & one has Harry investigating a double murder & taking on a role a little different to his usual one. In this new role Connelly creates some very tense moments & these chapters are by far the best in the book.
Despite plenty going on the ingredients are better than the overall result. It's a good read, but (like Connelly's previous novel The Late Show) it's not a great one. After so many novels it's not surprising that the author is running out of ideas. Is it really time for the legendary Harry Bosch to call it a day ?
Despite plenty going on the ingredients are better than the overall result. It's a good read, but (like Connelly's previous novel The Late Show) it's not a great one. After so many novels it's not surprising that the author is running out of ideas. Is it really time for the legendary Harry Bosch to call it a day ?
November 18, 2017
This is Harry Bosch book number 22. What could I possibly say about Harry that hasn’t been said before? It’s a fine addition to the series, and I enjoyed it. I did have a sense of melancholy during the end of the book, and I think that’s because Harry wasn’t satisfied with the conclusions of his cases. He was also thinking about mothers, his own and two that were involved in his cases, and how they differed. That added to the melancholy.
June 18, 2019
Book 20 in the Harry Bosch series.
I was devastated when I read in this book that Harry Bosch is now 65yo.
My devastation arises from the worry that there might not be too many more books to go before Michael Connelly will put Harry into permanent retirement. What a sad day that will be.
But on the up side, this is yet another terrific read.
Harry, still working as a volunteer for the SFPD, seems to be happy with his life when out of the blue a case from twenty years ago threatens to throws his life and reputation out the window. At the same time a father and son, who run the local pharmacy, are coldly gunned down in their place of business in what seems to be a drug raid.
The small team of the SFPD have no experience with this type of crime so Harry, who has more homicide experience than the rest of the team put together, is given the job of lead investigator.
So between these two case and others that evolve along the way there is no respite for Harry or the reader.
In the first case, the one from twenty years ago, Harry needs legal representation so who better than his bother, Mickey Haller. Harry and Mickey together, just electric, watch the sparks fly.
This has everything a great plot with great characters and enough spills and thrills to keep the pages turning.
For reader thinking of heading into The World of Harry Bosch for the first time it’s important to start at book 1 The Black Echo.
A highly recommended 5 star read.
I was devastated when I read in this book that Harry Bosch is now 65yo.
My devastation arises from the worry that there might not be too many more books to go before Michael Connelly will put Harry into permanent retirement. What a sad day that will be.
But on the up side, this is yet another terrific read.
Harry, still working as a volunteer for the SFPD, seems to be happy with his life when out of the blue a case from twenty years ago threatens to throws his life and reputation out the window. At the same time a father and son, who run the local pharmacy, are coldly gunned down in their place of business in what seems to be a drug raid.
The small team of the SFPD have no experience with this type of crime so Harry, who has more homicide experience than the rest of the team put together, is given the job of lead investigator.
So between these two case and others that evolve along the way there is no respite for Harry or the reader.
In the first case, the one from twenty years ago, Harry needs legal representation so who better than his bother, Mickey Haller. Harry and Mickey together, just electric, watch the sparks fly.
This has everything a great plot with great characters and enough spills and thrills to keep the pages turning.
For reader thinking of heading into The World of Harry Bosch for the first time it’s important to start at book 1 The Black Echo.
A highly recommended 5 star read.
April 28, 2019
“He knew there were two kinds of truth in this world. The truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one's life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers, and their clients, bent and molded to serve whatever purpose was at hand.”
It has been a while since I read a Harry Bosch novel and I am glad to see that Michael Connelly is still writing great stories. This is the 22nd novel in the series and the characters and story are a terrific reading experience. I believe there may a few of the novels prior to this one that I have not read yet (I plan to) but I don't think it hurt and this could be read as a stand alone. Having said that I would recommend reading as many of the earlier books in the series as possible so that you develop an understanding of the character and history.
Harry is now a volunteer working cold cases for the San Fernando Police Department. At the opening of the story he is looking into the case of Esme Tavares a mother and the wife of an abusive husband who has been missing for fifteen years and is presumed dead. He receives a visit from officials from LA. The visitors consist of his last partner, Lucia Soto, her current partner Bob Tapscott and Alex Kennedy a Deputy DA with the Conviction Integrity Unit. A death row inmate, Preston Borders, that Harry helped put away is making a last bid to have his conviction overturned. New DNA evidence points to a sexual predator and rapist, Lucas John Olmer, now deceased, as the killer. Harry doesn't know what to think about the DNA evidence. He is convinced that Borders is the murderer and there was no mistake. Before they can proceed further Harry receives and urgent call. A father and son have been murdered at a local pharmacy.
The investigation into the murder of the father and son pharmacists takes them to the world of prescription drug abuse, opiates, pill mills and addiction. There is big money and organized crime involved. A dark world that puts Harry in extreme danger. Totally different from reviewing files from cold cases.
In the meantime the case to vacate Preston Borders conviction proceeds and there are hints that Harry and his now deceased partner, Frank Sheehan, were responsible for serious misconduct that resulted in this miscarriage of justice. Harry left the LAPD on bad terms and he can't expect any support there to protect his reputation. He calls on his half brother, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer.
The two unrelated cases pull at Harry. The Preston Borders case will have a direct impact on Harry's reputation. Initially with the pharmacy murders Harry assumed there was gang connection. As the two investigations proceed on separate paths he realizes "... that there are two kinds of truth: the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.".
It has been a while since I read a Harry Bosch novel and I am glad to see that Michael Connelly is still writing great stories. This is the 22nd novel in the series and the characters and story are a terrific reading experience. I believe there may a few of the novels prior to this one that I have not read yet (I plan to) but I don't think it hurt and this could be read as a stand alone. Having said that I would recommend reading as many of the earlier books in the series as possible so that you develop an understanding of the character and history.
Harry is now a volunteer working cold cases for the San Fernando Police Department. At the opening of the story he is looking into the case of Esme Tavares a mother and the wife of an abusive husband who has been missing for fifteen years and is presumed dead. He receives a visit from officials from LA. The visitors consist of his last partner, Lucia Soto, her current partner Bob Tapscott and Alex Kennedy a Deputy DA with the Conviction Integrity Unit. A death row inmate, Preston Borders, that Harry helped put away is making a last bid to have his conviction overturned. New DNA evidence points to a sexual predator and rapist, Lucas John Olmer, now deceased, as the killer. Harry doesn't know what to think about the DNA evidence. He is convinced that Borders is the murderer and there was no mistake. Before they can proceed further Harry receives and urgent call. A father and son have been murdered at a local pharmacy.
The investigation into the murder of the father and son pharmacists takes them to the world of prescription drug abuse, opiates, pill mills and addiction. There is big money and organized crime involved. A dark world that puts Harry in extreme danger. Totally different from reviewing files from cold cases.
In the meantime the case to vacate Preston Borders conviction proceeds and there are hints that Harry and his now deceased partner, Frank Sheehan, were responsible for serious misconduct that resulted in this miscarriage of justice. Harry left the LAPD on bad terms and he can't expect any support there to protect his reputation. He calls on his half brother, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer.
The two unrelated cases pull at Harry. The Preston Borders case will have a direct impact on Harry's reputation. Initially with the pharmacy murders Harry assumed there was gang connection. As the two investigations proceed on separate paths he realizes "... that there are two kinds of truth: the kind that sets you free and the kind that leaves you buried in darkness.".
November 15, 2017
Michael Connelly's iconic detective, Harry Bosch, is back again. Harry's basically a volunteer for the San Fernando police department, working cold cases for the tiny force and mentoring their three young detectives. When they are called out for a murder of a father and son at a local pharmacy, Harry assists the inexperienced team in trying to track down the killers. The case leads Harry and his detectives into the dark world of opiates--both the big money of pill mills and the sad, cold side of addiction. Meanwhile, Harry hears from his former employer, the LAPD, when one of his thirty-year-old cases is reopened based on new evidence. Even worse, the killer is claiming Harry framed him. The case threatens Harry's most prized possession: his reputation as a cop, and he knows that no one will fight to clear his name like himself. The two unrelated cases pull at different sides of Bosch as he works to discover all different facets of the truth.
I love Harry Bosch so much, and there will be a hole in my heart when Connelly no longer writes about him. I actually moved this book up in my rotation (something I rarely ever do!) so I could read it on a weekend trip to Chicago, and my only regret is that it meant I finished it in about 48 hours, and now it's over. Per usual, Connelly gives us yet another wonderful mystery novel featuring his excellently developed lead detective. This one covers the timely topic of the opiate crisis, which looms fairly large in America today. It's well-researched, as always.
Reading a Bosch novel is like picking up with an old friend, and this one is no different. Our Bosch is aging, which this book acknowledges well. We see Bosch still grappling with having left the LAPD--who can he trust, what can he do with his life now. We even get some appearances from previous characters in earlier novels. Perhaps the best thing is a fairly large role for Bosch's half brother Mickey Haller, the famed "Lincoln Lawyer." These two are still figuring out their own relationship, but it's a treat for us readers to get a glimpse of Mickey; we even get to see some of his enjoyable courtroom antics. There's even an appearance from Mickey's investigator, Cisco! (See, it's like being old friends!)
And, of course, we can't forget the actual story, which, in usual Connelly style is excellent and tracks along flawlessly along Bosch's own journey. The opiate tale is both fascinating and depressing, while Bosch's unraveling of the backstory behind the reopened cold case will certainly keep you reading. There's never really any crazy twists or turns, but the novel moves along steadily and easily. There's both growth and angst with Bosch--I have to admit, I worry about the end of his arc, but I will still enjoy every moment I get with him until them.
Another enjoyable one for the Bosch canon--certainly recommend!
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I love Harry Bosch so much, and there will be a hole in my heart when Connelly no longer writes about him. I actually moved this book up in my rotation (something I rarely ever do!) so I could read it on a weekend trip to Chicago, and my only regret is that it meant I finished it in about 48 hours, and now it's over. Per usual, Connelly gives us yet another wonderful mystery novel featuring his excellently developed lead detective. This one covers the timely topic of the opiate crisis, which looms fairly large in America today. It's well-researched, as always.
Reading a Bosch novel is like picking up with an old friend, and this one is no different. Our Bosch is aging, which this book acknowledges well. We see Bosch still grappling with having left the LAPD--who can he trust, what can he do with his life now. We even get some appearances from previous characters in earlier novels. Perhaps the best thing is a fairly large role for Bosch's half brother Mickey Haller, the famed "Lincoln Lawyer." These two are still figuring out their own relationship, but it's a treat for us readers to get a glimpse of Mickey; we even get to see some of his enjoyable courtroom antics. There's even an appearance from Mickey's investigator, Cisco! (See, it's like being old friends!)
And, of course, we can't forget the actual story, which, in usual Connelly style is excellent and tracks along flawlessly along Bosch's own journey. The opiate tale is both fascinating and depressing, while Bosch's unraveling of the backstory behind the reopened cold case will certainly keep you reading. There's never really any crazy twists or turns, but the novel moves along steadily and easily. There's both growth and angst with Bosch--I have to admit, I worry about the end of his arc, but I will still enjoy every moment I get with him until them.
Another enjoyable one for the Bosch canon--certainly recommend!
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November 6, 2017
Probably my favorite Bosch book in recent years. Bosch is back with two cases, a double homicide related to illegal prescription drug distribution and an old case that is back to haunt him.
Truly a page turner. On top of that Haller is here to help his half brother. YES!!!! Titus Welliver reads the audiobook, just all around awesome.
Truly a page turner. On top of that Haller is here to help his half brother. YES!!!! Titus Welliver reads the audiobook, just all around awesome.
February 4, 2018
While Harry Bosch continued his volunteer work to close cold cases, he was drawn into the murder of two pharmacists in a down town store. The father and son were gunned down in cold blood and something about the son’s murder rang alarm bells for Harry. The deepening investigation into the murders led to the Russians and a huge prescription drug racket.
Meanwhile Harry was approached by the department he’d left some years previously about an old case he vividly remembered – the killer he’d put away was still on death row – and the information he was given was that he’d made a mistake. The killer who’d been on death row for thirty years was claiming he’d been framed – and that Harry was the one who had framed him. With chills running down his spine, Harry knew he had to clear his name; his reputation depended on it…
Were these two cases connected? Harry needed to find the answers to that question – and fast.
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly is another gripping Bosch thriller (20th in the series), with his half-brother, Mickey Haller playing a part. Connelly never disappoints, with the twists and turns, intense intrigue and bad guys all making an appearance. Another highly entertaining edition to the series which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
Meanwhile Harry was approached by the department he’d left some years previously about an old case he vividly remembered – the killer he’d put away was still on death row – and the information he was given was that he’d made a mistake. The killer who’d been on death row for thirty years was claiming he’d been framed – and that Harry was the one who had framed him. With chills running down his spine, Harry knew he had to clear his name; his reputation depended on it…
Were these two cases connected? Harry needed to find the answers to that question – and fast.
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly is another gripping Bosch thriller (20th in the series), with his half-brother, Mickey Haller playing a part. Connelly never disappoints, with the twists and turns, intense intrigue and bad guys all making an appearance. Another highly entertaining edition to the series which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
July 16, 2024
Точно когато си мислех, че Конъли ще намали темпото в книгите за Бош, той ме опроверга тотално!
В тази част от серията, Хари Бош е във върхова форма и се оказва въвлечен в разрешаването на три престъпления едновременно - двойно убийство в аптека, водещо към бизнеса на мафията с лекарства; случай с осъден на смърт за убийство преди трийсет години и изчезването без следа на млада латино майка отпреди петнайсет години.
Ще се срещнем отново с Мики Холър, Джери Едгар и още няколко стари познайници.
Книгата е много интересна и се чете бързо.
В тази част от серията, Хари Бош е във върхова форма и се оказва въвлечен в разрешаването на три престъпления едновременно - двойно убийство в аптека, водещо към бизнеса на мафията с лекарства; случай с осъден на смърт за убийство преди трийсет години и изчезването без следа на млада латино майка отпреди петнайсет години.
Ще се срещнем отново с Мики Холър, Джери Едгар и още няколко стари познайници.
Книгата е много интересна и се чете бързо.
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