A stellar addition to the Ballard series with a story that takes a fresh look at the issue of familial DNA involving a cold case and a new murder. Ballard and Bosch are familiar to readers, yet new facets of their personalities are revealed. The addition of Bosch's daughter Maddie is a nice touch. A twisty, slow burn read that heats up to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.

At first I wasn't sure about the addition of a new detective in this series, but it does make sense as Harry is getting old, and recovering from cancer. I do like the cold cases aspects of these books, a chance to revisit old characters. This is a solid addition to the series.

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard was enjoying her surf, which she tried to do most mornings before heading in to the Open-Unsolved Unit for her day's work, but the morning she returned to her vehicle and it had been broken into, with her badge, wallet and gun missing, was shattering. She couldn't report it, so investigated it surreptitiously, where she found there had been various burglaries of vehicles along the surf coast. Bringing in Harry Bosch as backup when Ballard discovered there was much more to the burglaries than it first seemed, she hoped she wasn't putting him in danger.

Ballard's Open-Unsolved Unit worked tirelessly on cold cases and when a DNA match came up to a twenty year old rape and murder case, it was obvious the Pillowcase Rapist was the father of the match. The work involved to find that person turned up secrets, lies and trouble - both for Ballard's unit and others within the force. And the unit's newest recruit - Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry's daughter - had a fierce passion, and when she took a cold case which was seventy plus years old, Maddie proved her worth. With danger circling Ballard's unit, and several cases on the go, Renée did her utmost to keep her team safe and close.

The Waiting is the 6th in the Renée Ballard series by prolific, and much loved, author Michael Connelly and it was brilliant! Renée's character is filled with determination, strength and courage, and while we didn't see a lot of Harry this episode, what we did see was heartwarming. His daughter, Maddie, is a chip off the old block and I can see her having a much stronger role in the future. I've always loved Michael's stories, and this one was no different. My husband read this one before me, and gave it 5★s as well. Highly recommended.

I receveived a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

Michael Connelly can do no wrong. The book follows Renee who enlists the help of Maddie Bosch after the Open-Unsolved unit discovers DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet two decades ago. What follows is a web of whodunit. Thrilling, fast paced and mysterious. Loved it.

First you should know that I am not really an unbiased reader. I am obsessed with Harry Bosch. I even started going to Musso and Frank because of him. (Sometimes I imagine I see him at the bar in the corner.) So naturally, I loved this latest Ballard and Bosch installation. Though Harry is great in any context (and I've read almost all the Bosch books), I have loved the semi-recent introduction of Renee Ballard into his life. They make a great team. Michael Connelly, who as some of you know is a former police beat/crime writer for the LA Times, is one of the most realistic and vivid police procedural writers out there, and even all these years later, he retains his mastery of the subject, his fantastic characterizations, and his interesting plots. The addition of Maddie Bosch to this book as a patrol officer is also really special for longtime readers.

As a side note, I both read and listened to the audiobook and the audiobook continues to be well-narrated and just as fun to read as the physical book.

Last year, when I reviewed Michael Connelly’s Resurrection Walk (“Highly recommended. Five stars!”), I wrote “I’m generally a big Michael Connelly fan, with the newer series featuring Renee Ballard (sometimes partnered with Harry Bosch) probably being my favorite.” BTW, if you haven’t read The Late Show from 2017, which introduced us to Renee, READ IT. It is amazing!

So getting a copy of this year’s The Waiting in exchange for my honest review (thank you, Little, Brown and NetGalley) made me extremely happy. The only problem was that my husband was scheduled for major back surgery in the fall, so I needed a TBR pile that included some titles that I just KNEW I was going to love…so I kept putting off reading it, saving it for when I’d need sure-fire entertainment – it was my version of “The Waiting,” I guess.

Anyway, Harry Bosch is getting older, and we are gradually seeing more of his daughter Maddie (herself now an LA cop) and Renee Ballard, an outstanding protagonist and partner for Harry.

This one, like many of Connelly’s books, has multiple cases going on at once. This one even includes some ”faction” in the form of the infamous Black Dahlia mystery. We also begin to get more of the backstory of Renee’s life, which has been revealed very gradually through several books.

Using the recently hot topic of genetic genealogy as a crime solving tool, as part of her work with the Open-Unsolved Unit of the LAPD, Renee finds a link between a man who was recently arrested and a serial rapist who had seemed to have stopped his crime spree more than 20 years ago. The recent arrestee is only 24, so he can’t be the serial rapist from years ago. It turns out his father was LA’s “Pillowcase Rapist,” who had terrorized LA for five years. Around the same time as this discovery, Renee’s ID, badge, and gun are stolen and she refrains from reporting the theft to avoid giving her enemies in the department reason to get her fired. She needs help – who better to turn to than Harry Bosch? Even more convenient, Maddie Bosch has joined Renee’s unit on a part-time volunteer basis – and, as expected, all these threads come together via Connelly’s incredible storytelling.

I’m totally anti-spoiler, so I can’t say more - but trust me, this one is SO GOOD. Five stars. I’m glad I waited for The Waiting, and I recommend it highly!

The Waiting is classic Connelly, with steady, deliberate reveals and a slow-building sense of tension as Bosch navigates a case that won’t let him go. What stands out is the emotional depth; the book isn't just about solving the mystery, but about grappling with the frustration of waiting for answers, justice, and resolution. This theme resonates deeply, especially in the current climate where many people feel like they're waiting for change or closure in their lives.

That being said, while I loved the depth and complexity of Bosch's character in this book, the plot itself felt a little slower than some of Connelly’s more high-octane novels. It’s less of a thriller and more of a reflection on what it means to seek justice over a lifetime, which I think will appeal more to readers who are already fans of Bosch and enjoy exploring his character in greater emotional depth.

Overall, The Waiting is a solid, reflective read for Michael Connelly fans and anyone interested in stories about the cost of justice. It may not be as action-packed as some of the earlier books in the series, but it certainly delivers on the emotional and philosophical front, making it a standout in the author's body of work.

One of the key things in Michael Connelly's success is how easy he makes it look. With every new book (and with that time away during the years), you forget just how good he is. Everything from his prose, to the speed of the plot -- his books are rockets and prove just how good he is. Every mystery should be this good. From the setting, to the characters, to the mysteries (three in this one alone!), this book has got it all. And it never feels dull. Ballard proves she's just as good as carrying a series without Bosch (while he's in it, it still feels like a Ballard solo book instead). I also loved the addition of Maddie. Finally getting to see her fleshed out on the page. I hope she keeps appearing as Harry seems to be winding down. At this point, I've read everything Michael Connelly's written, and it still feels like Christmas whenever I start a page one. Like his detectives, I hope he never quits.

The Waiting, the latest in the Renee Ballard series, from Michael Connelly was nothing short of fantastic. I’ve been a fan since the first Bosch book, Black Echo, which was released ages and a day ago. Bosch has taken a back seat to Ballard as his character has aged and retirement is eminent, That is okay with me as long as Connelly continues the Bosch universe with Ballard and Bosch’s daughter, Maddie, who is also a cop.

The Waiting, as with all books in the Bosch universe, have several cases are at play simultaneously. I loved the way Michael Connelly worked in the real life long time mystery of the Black Dahlia. That case was the perfect blurring of lines between fact and fiction. Michael Connelly is a master and no one is better at police procedurals and crime thrillers. The Waiting may be his best yet and with more than two dozen novels that is saying something. In The Waiting we finally learn more about Renee’s personal life, which up until now hasn’t been revealed. We also see Maddie Bosch joining the Open Unsolved case crew. Which is a great way to keep her character in the mix moving forward.

I’m a fan of these books as much as the excellent adaptations that have been made. It would be hard to think of one without the other. As Bosch has less time in each subsequent novel Ballard and Maddie have more. It’s great to see her following her father’s path while doing it her way. The Waiting, like all the Bosch books and Bosch and Ballard books, are ones I could spend endless time with. After I finish one novel, I immediately want the next one. Here’s to waiting for more.

Another stellar thriller from Connelly. Ballard has several cold cases under investigation, as well as a personal case. Maddie Bosch is now volunteering in Ballard’s department.

Renee Ballard has finally come into her own! She’s hard hitting and a bit rogue like her mentor Harry Bosch. Ballard is heading up the Open & Unsolved unit and working to close several years old cases. Very much a police procedural mixed with administrative politics, The Waiting’s storyline involves three separate investigations which keeps the fast-paced action going. When her car is broken into and her badge stolen, Ballard finds herself in the midst of a current nefarious plot for which she brings in Harry to get her out of a jam.
Maddie Bosch joins the unit and it’s Renee’s turn to return the favor as a mentor. I can see this series focusing on these two women going forward.

Love, love, love the character of Renee Ballard. She is the perfect offshoot of Harry Bosch to keep the series going. Of course a little Harry is also good too and the author does a good job writing for his age and position in life. Maddie Bosch as a new (adult, main) character was fun to see. As usual the story was engaging and moved along at a good pace. LA county was represented well too. Highly recommended to any fan of the series, but it really could be read alone too.

The Waiting is a hard-hitting, haunting, and thought-provoking novel that is a must-read for fans of Michael Connelly NetGalley. With its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and exploration of themes that resonate with readers, this book solidifies Connelly's status as the undisputed master of the modern crime novel.

I Iove reading Michael Connelly’s “Bosch” and “Ballard” novels. Harry does not have much of an appearance, but when he appears it is vital to the story. To be honest Ballard is now just starting to grow on me, but I really do not like the addition of Maddie Bosch to the story. The scenes she appears in are stiff and just a plot device to move the story on. She does not feel real. I want more Harry. The book is a police procedural that will satisfy fans. To me it dragged a bit, like the author did not know what to do to make the time go faster. Read the book and get your Bosch and Ballard fix and then wait impatiently until the next book arrives.

This book was a letdown from his previous books. I'm sad that he is phasing out Bosch and making Ballard his primary character. She isn't likeable. Maddie Bosch isn't much better. This book had three separate crimes being investigated which was at least one too many. One of them was a true murder from 1947. How do you fictionally solve a true crime? That didn't work for me. I'll still read Connelly's next book, because overall, they are very good. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The latest installment in the Renee Ballard series continues to demonstrate strength, even after six books. This time, the story features three distinct crime plotlines that feel realistic, with minimal reliance on coincidences or implausible moments. Renee faces trouble when a gang steals her badge and gun, while her team investigates a cold case involving a serial rapist. Meanwhile, young Maddie Bosch, the newest recruit in the Open Unsolved Unit, uncovers a clue related to the infamous Black Dahlia case.

What I enjoy most about this series is the realistic portrayal of police work, which avoids easy answers and far-fetched coincidences. There’s a strong focus on investigation, interviews, and the inevitable mistakes made by ordinary people. It's not a "popcorn" thriller like some other books (which I also enjoy), but it's still fast-paced and entertaining—especially if you're a fan of police procedurals, with an emphasis on the procedural aspect.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

I have read Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series for many years. The current adventure brings together Harry, Renee Ballard, and Harry’s daughter, Maddie. Ballard has been running the LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit with a group of volunteers. This unit’s aim is to close old cases using a variety of new techniques to find the culprits. The newest member of the unit is Harry’s daughter, who wants to volunteer some of her free time.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to future ones in this series.

Book Review
The Waiting
Michael Connelly
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Tom Petty said it best in his song: The Waiting is the hardest part. The anticipation is a killer, and the clock seems to tick slower. This same theme pervades this wonderful street poem, featuring Renee Ballard in her sixth appearance in the crime sagas of Michael Connelly.

Early on, she was mentored by the LAPD’s infamous homicide detective, Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch.

She has since grown into her own formidable place in Connelly’s cohesive oeuvre of crime fiction.

Connelly expertly weaves three plotlines together into an explosive denouement that will satisfy any crime fiction aficionado. Ballard is now the head of the Open-Unsolved Unit, a position once held by Bosch. She is the only badge holder among a hand-picked group of talented volunteers. Her current team includes a retired FBI agent, a twenty-year veteran of the Las Vegas police, a former prosecutor from the DA’s office, and a self-trained specialist in genetic genealogy (“a relentless warrior on the keyboard”). On average, they clear three cold cases a month—a drop in the bucket compared to the six thousand unsolved murder cases haunting the archives. With recent advances in forensics and technology, they hope to bring many more perpetrators to justice and provide closure to victims’ families and friends.

The book opens with Renee enjoying her early morning surf, riding the waves while momentarily putting her constant demands on hold. She returns to her car, only to find it broken into. The thief has absconded with her detective shield, service weapon, phone, and wallet. Renee must conduct her own private investigation to recover her badge and gun. Some within the department would see this loss as an opportunity to relieve her of her detective position, if not push for suspension or dismissal. She will eventually need to rely on Harry in a sting operation targeting an insurrectionist group.

Meanwhile, their unit is notified of a DNA hit from a recently arrested twenty-three-year-old man in a domestic abuse case. When arrested, he was swabbed, and his DNA turned out to be a familial match in the murder of Abby Sinclair, the last victim of the Pillowcase Rapist, who terrorized the city for five years. Dozens of women were assaulted in their homes, waking up with pillowcases over their heads before being raped, choked into unconsciousness, and hog-tied with plastic snap ties. Abby’s case ended in murder. After she was strangled to death, the attacks stopped in 2005. Although a task force was formed, no arrest was ever made. Renee remembers this case vividly, as she was at the murder scene as a patrol officer. This young man is likely the son of the Pillowcase Rapist, and somewhat perplexing is the fact that he is the son of presiding Superior Court Judge Jonathan Purcell.

What secrets will this investigation uncover?

It has always been a challenge for Renee to be the only badge holder on the team, but she breathes a sigh of relief when Maddie Bosch offers her assistance. Maddie, a patrol officer working the late shift at Hollywood Division, would like to help during her free time. It’s no secret that Maddie aspires to be a detective like her father. Her status would enable her to make arrests, testify in court, obtain search warrants, and provide Miranda rights, unlike the other volunteers. Additionally, Maddie has a deep interest in the infamous Black Dahlia case—the most famous unsolved murder in Los Angeles history, involving the 1947 torture and murder of Elizabeth Short. Maddie may have stumbled upon evidence that could lead to the discovery of the perpetrator of this savage crime. But politics and egos will inevitably get in the way, threatening the closure of this iconic case.

Michael Connelly masterfully intertwines these three plotlines with twists, red herrings, escalating tension, and intrigue. Through skillful plotting and rich character development, he turns this fast-paced page-turner into a tour de force crime drama. Connelly never disappoints!

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

In Connelly's latest book, one of his new characters, Renée Ballard and the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit get a DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet twenty years ago. The arrested man's father was the Pillowcase Rapist, responsible for a five-year reign of terror. But npthing is as it seems because of a web of lies.

During all of this, Ballard’s badge, gun, and ID are stolen. She cannot report this because her enemies in the department will use this to end her career as a detective. She works the burglary alone, but she is struggling so she goes to her old friend, Harry Bosch.

Ballard also takes on Bosch's daughter Maddie as a volunteer to the cold case unit. But Maddie brings with her clues to hopefully solve one of the biggest unsolved cases in L. A. histroy. As always Michael Connelly and his wonderfully crafted characters never disappoint.

It was hard for me to put down The Waiting by Michael Connelly. The detective work by Renee Ballard, Harry Bosch, Maddie Bosch and the Open-Unsolved teamwas intriguing and fast paced.