The Burning Room by Michael Connelly Review
Reviewed by David Savage
The Burning Room by Michael Connelly is book number 19 in the Harry Bosch detective series.
Detective Hieronymus ‘Harry’ Bosch is a LAPD detective assigned to the Open-Unsolved Unit that investigates old open and unsolved murders. 10 years after the shooting of 31 year old Orlando Merced, a member of a mariachi band, he dies from complications caused by the bullet that was lodged in his spine. At the time it was believed to be a stray bullet from a gangland shooting and now Bosch and his rookie new partner Detective Lucia ‘Lucky Lucy’ Soto are tasked with investigating the unsolved case even though the body is still fresh.
Once the bullet is removed and determined that is a case of murder this starts Bosch off to find a killer in what turns out to be a highly charged and politically sensitive case involving lots of powerful players. But was the shooting random or a pre-planned murder attempt?
While investing this case Bosch and Soto are also investigating a 21 year old fire in an illegal day-care centre that killed 9 children and a large cash robbery of a check cashing business.
While very little evidence in both cases and the chief of police, press and ex-mayor on their backs they must solve both cases.
Bosch is fast approaching retirement and Soto is a rookie with potential so he is trying to solve the cases while teaching his new partner the ropes so she can become a great detective.
Overall, although The Burning Room is book 19 in the Harry Bosch series it has lost none of the excitement of the previous novels. A fast paced, crime thriller with 2 highly charged cases that is very hard to put down.
Harry Bosch is a great character and his fresh new partner Soto injects new life into the series.
A very well-written and thought out novel with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the page.
Michael Connelly is a master of crime novels and The Burning Room is definitely one to read.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £19.99 (hardback), £12.99 (paperback)
The Burning Room is available to buy from Orion Books here.
