The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch  sees a lonely coyote off of his deck and that provides the book it's title.  Harry is as rigid and stiff neck as usual.  Once again this lone ranger rides against both crime and politics.  This time it's more personal than usual.

Harry Bosch has a slogan everybody counts or nobody counts.  His personal code of ethics once again gets him into trouble.  Harry seems to epitomize the "shooting yourself in the foot" slogan.   He seems to go out of his way to alienate people.   He pays the price of personal pain when some of his smartass antics lead to the demise of not necessarily innocent but not necessarily responsible people. 

Harry shows a vulnerability in a case that leads him to identify where some of his drive and fears originate. Once again Connelly writes a fast moving, entertaining and sometimes horrific story.
I recommend it.

Web site: http://www.michaelconnelly.com/

The Drop by Michael Connelly

 Harry Bosch is back and stiff neck as usual.  Once again this lone ranger rides against both crime and politics.

Harry Bosch has a slogan everybody counts or nobody counts.  His personal code of ethics once again gets him into trouble.  You have to admire the integrity that this man exhibits.   Harry finds himself playing a political game in spite of his adverse reaction to anything political. 

Harry shows some surprising soft sides such as his feelings for his daughter and his willingness to be more flexible in relationships with others.  Once again Connelly writes a fast moving, entertaining and sometimes horrific story.
I recommend it.

Body of  work of Michael Connelly</a>

Web site: http://www.michaelconnelly.com/

Stolen Lives by Jassy Mackenzie

This book deals with the despicable practice of human trafficking.   Jade De Jong is a private detective who stumbles into a human trafficking ring.

If you are squeamish, you probably don’t want to read this book.   It is graphic and it details some pretty gruesome events.  With that said, it is a good mystery with a likeable female protagonist who survives in a Johannesburg that seems akin to the wildest days of the U.S. west. 

Jade’s characterization is excellent and Mackenzie clearly provides a detailed, colorful background and motivation.   The story jumps from the U.K. to Johannesburg and back.   Occasionally I lost track of where I was supposed to be.

I don’t know how accurate the author’s description of Johannesburg might be but it certainly provided an appropriate setting for her story.  

There is plenty of action and violence.   The book is disturbing but it is a good story and does illustrate a seamy trade that is hidden in the dark corners of our world.

I recommend it. 

Body of work of Jassy Mackenzie

Web Site: http://www.jassymackenzie.com/

Body Language by James W. Hall

Hall is a captivating author. I have tried to buy all his books, haven’t read them all yet, but I have tried to acquire them. He has the ability to grab you in the first few pages and then keep you turning pages until your done. I enjoy his characters and his style. “Body Language” introduces Alexandra Rafferty, a police photographer. The book starts with an incident that defines her character and then moves to the present and a series of murders she is documenting with photography. Plenty of action and good characterizations will keep even the demanding reader busy. I recommend it.

Body of work of James W. Hall

Review: http://www.themysteryreader.com/hall-body.html

Web Site: http://www.jameswhall.com/