My review of the last Renee Ballard novel, “Desert Star” mentioned that two things that disappointed me were: (1) Ballard appeared to be turning into a bureaucrat, leaving the investigative work to others in her team; and (2) I learned no more about her background, the experiences that formed her strong personality. Both deficiencies have been remedied in THE WAITING. In this, the sixth Renee Ballard novel, Ballard is definitely the main investigator, with Harry Borsch adding support only when needed. And finally, we start to learn about the traumatic events she experienced as a child, the mental wounds that shaped her approach to dealing with the world.

THE WAITING contains three separate investigative threads. The first begins when Ballard has her ID, police shield, and gun stolen from her locked car while she is surfing early in the morning. Because she fears that reporting this theft will derail her career, she decides to handle it herself. However, while undertaking this investigation, she discovers disturbing information and needs Harry’s assistance. This is the only investigation where Harry plays an active role, although he is present throughout the novel, providing mentoring advice where needed.

After the surfing burglary, Ballard goes to work as the leader of LAPDs Open-Unsolved Unit. Her team is composed of volunteers, and here we are introduced to them. I don’t remember if any appeared in “Desert Star”, a novel wherein Harry Borsch dominated as the primary volunteer. Getting to know this team and their current cases slows the action down, just a little, but soon an investigation gets started on a DNA familial search tying a young man who had recently been arrested to the Pillowcase Rapist—a man who had terrorized the city for five years in the early 2000s until one of his assaults ended in murder. After that, there were no more Pillowcase Rapist cases. The perpetrator stopped or changed his modus operandi. The DNA familial search produces a strong lead to his possible identity and the team goes into full operation mode.

However, while the Pillowcase Rapist case is progressing, Ballard is surreptitiously trying to track down the thieves who stole her badge and gun, and in the process of this search, stumbles onto something more serious. Subsequently, she calls on Harry to assist her in an undercover operation.

Just before Ballard and Borsch join forces, Harry’s daughter, Maddie, asks to join the Open-Unsolved Unit as a volunteer, on her days off as a police officer working at the Hollywood Division. She feels that this experience will give her investigative experience to help her reach her goal as a detective. Ballard responds positively to this request, but there are administrative hurdles to overcome before Maddie is added to the unit. Then, Maddie brings Ballard the third major case—materials discovered in an abandoned locker storage that connect to an 1947 case—the famous “Black Dahlia” case.

Consequently, before the 40% point, the novel is regularly shifting between three independent cases (plus a fourth, in the background, that a volunteer was working on before the story began), as well as inserting short tidbits about Renee Ballard’s childhood experiences. I had no difficulty following the different story threads. I don’t know if someone “completely” new to the series would find it as easy to shift among the scenarios. (But few thriller readers are going to be “completely” new to the Harry Bosch series.)

While reading, I was struck by just how much Michael Connelly loved the greater Los Angeles area, and how much city geography/history was embedded in this series. Reminiscing back to earlier novels, I realized that Connelly has often used Los Angeles geography/history as a backdrop, but usually concentrated on a narrower regional area in any one novel. Here the story traverses a large territorial space and it is more obvious. Descriptions of houses and neighbourhoods were easily visualized as the action proceeded.

Also, although he doesn’t preach, Connelly subtly conveys his dismay at how the LA area has deteriorated. For example, after confronting a thief who stole her gun and badge, and receiving the information she needs to follow up on this matter, Ballard doesn’t even report their names and method of operating to police authorities—which she could have done surreptitiously—because she knows that such minor crimes are no longer seriously investigated. They’re just another example of the recurring scams occurring in the LA area.

The title, THE WAITING, comes a Tom Petty song titled “The Waiting”, which describes “waiting” as being the hardest part. Ballard and her team are constantly waiting to receive information back from a lab or the DOJ before they can proceed with their cases.

To me, the Pillowcase Rapist case was by far the most interesting. All the information collected, even that not relevant to the final outcome, provided a good picture of secrets kept from high school years onward, and how different students ended up in different places 24 years later. My only critique of this part was that no information was forthcoming regarding what happened once the rapes stopped (after the murder). Did he stop completely or just change his modus operandi?

The case that included Harry was relatively straightforward and standard, with only Harry being a standout with regards to how he operated. Even though he is battling cancer and can no longer be physically active, his mind is still razor sharp.

The Maddie Borsch/Black Dahlia case was the least satisfying. I don’t know why Connelly chose to bring a “real” case, one that has never been solved, into the novel. Eons ago, when I first started reading the Harry Borsch novels, I thought that Connelly had based the story of Harry’s mother on the Black Dahlia case, although Harry’s mother was murdered in 1961, and the Black Dahlia murder took place in 1947. But I also vaguely remembered that eventually Harry had solved the mystery of his mother’s killing. (That occurred in “The Last Coyote”—no, my memory isn’t that good but my research skills still endure.) Maybe Connelly wanted to tie Maddie Borsch into the Borsch legacy by giving her this case. If so, he failed. Maddie still hasn’t a compelling backstory, other than being Harry’s daughter, and consequently doesn’t have energizing character traits. She’s nice. She’s competent. But she isn’t driven.

So, my conclusion is that THE WAITING is not as good as “The Dark Hours” but definitely as good as “Desert Star”. 4.5 stars upped to 5.

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My reviews for previous books in this series:
<a href = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5003965074 > Desert Star (Renee Ballard #5, Harry Bosch #24)</a>
<a href = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3972099302 > The Dark Hours (Renee Ballard #4, Harry Bosch #23</a>
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“The Waiting” Will be released in North America on October 15, 2024.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

There is no one better than Connelly, and I rejoice for a new Ballard/Bosch and this boom is no exception. Read it in one sitting, and loved the idea of not only having a terrorist plot, but to throw in The Black Dahlia too-totally enthralling and terrific as always. Hope the next one comes quickly!

I love the Harry Bosch series and having daughter, Maddie on board is even better as she brings a woman's perspective to the cases even though lead detective Renee Ballard is a kick-ass woman by herself! As it begins, Ballard is surfing when she discovers her wallet, gun, and badge are missing from her car. Determined to get it all back, she's focused on the "who" and "why" of it all. And then they work a "cold case" which is The Pillowcase Rapist of 20 years ago as well as The Black Dahlia case--both of which are grisly murders. Of course Harry Bosch is still involved and although he's older, he's still got the wisdom of a great detective!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Lots of fast- paced action! This is my type of mystery, -thriller! I love the detective Rener Ballard. She is good at her job but not perfect! It makes the book very real! There were twists and turns and a great ending that had me cheering! Michael Connelly knows how to write a fabulous police procedure novel. This is one for your TBR list!

Thank you to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC to read and review!

4.25 stars. I love spending time in the Harry Bosch universe!

My minor quibbles: 3 cases was maybe one case too many. Felt a smidge overstuffed. And the decision Ballard made at the beginning of the book that set us off on one of the cases seemed unwise and not very believable to me. (also takes some getting used to to read "Bosch" and wonder whether they're referring to Maddie or Harry).

But overall, I enjoy the characters, enjoy watching these folks chase down clues and put puzzle pieces together. Will continue reading whatever Connolly writes!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publishes on October 15, 2024.

The Waiting
by Michael Connelly
Pub Date: October 15, 2024
#6 Renee Ballard series
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read this book in two days and loved it. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy crime thrillers.
Michael Connelly does not disappoint with this unputdownable crime thriller. Clearly his experience in crime reporting in Los Angeles years ago has given him an inside track to policing and lawbreaking. His most recent fictional creation is Renée Ballard, and he is developing a TV series for her as he has done with both Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer.
5 stars

Another great book in the Ballard & Bosch series. . I read this book in less than two days and could not put it down. Interseting plot, well developed. Looking forward to the next one. Connelly at his absolute best. This will be a define money maker for the publisher. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

A good Ballard/Bosch novel, only with the next Bosch generation. Connelly’s still got it! ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The “wait” for a new book featuring Renee Ballard with Harry, Madeline Bosch and the unsolved cases crew was well worth it! They are involved in solving three cases, one being the infamous Black Dahlia. Unfortunately Connelly kills off one beloved character, but also gives Ballard some closure on finding the mother who abandoned her. Kudos to another great book & thanks for the advanced copy!

Send your family to the beach for the weekend so that you can spend enough time to read this book from cover to cover. Usual unputdownable addition to the Connelly oeuvre.
This is a Rene Ballard book but I was glad to see Harry still helping. Harry's daughter is also part of the story. My one complaint is that I would like to see Rene with a more gratifying and fulfilling social life. Would like her to have a "special" friend.

Another wonderful book by Michael Connelly.Enjoyed his daughter Maddy as a character a strong part of the storyline.#netgalley #littlebrown

I have always loved Michael Connelly's books . Bosch and Ballard are two of my all time favorite characters. This was as good as all the rest.usual shenanigans and some sad things

I can think of few things that I love more than a new Connelly novel and THE WAITING is superb. This is focused on Renee Ballard and her cold case unit. Connelly blends several subplots, including one about the best known murder in the history of LA.

Connelly uses Harry Bosch as a mentor for Renee, and also introduces Maddie Bosch as a member of Renee’s team. The action is fast, the story is fascinating. All Connelly lovers REJOICE! This is a compelling and wonderful book that brilliantly follows Ballard and Bosch (father and daughter.)

Without a doubt, Connelly lovers, you will love this addition to your library! Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful ARC, I loved it!

Michael Connelly never disappoints. I liked the addition of the daughter as a full blown character and can see her becoming a new heroine in a new series with a new romance and using the other characters as a link. I read this book in an afternoon and loved it.

The Waiting, the title of the latest from author Michael Connelly, is an allusion to the Tom Petty song by the same name, referring to all the waiting law enforcement officers have to do from the time of taking evidence to the processing of same being “the hardest part.” Renée Ballard is featured in this offering coming out October 15, but Harry Bosch and Maddie Bosch are also characters in this novel.

Ballard, the leader of the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit, works with a team of volunteers to get these incidents solved, reaching back in the cold cases to as far as 1975, reasoning that anything older than that is not likely to turn up a living suspect.
Using modern techniques like DNA matches allow the team to tie a recently arrested man to a serial rapist and murderer who dropped off the radar 20 years ago. Evidence shows that the Pillowcase Rapist is clearly the young man’s father but the pursuit of the father is complicated by a series of secrets and legal snags.

Complicating life for Ballard occurs when she is out surfing before work, and her badge, gun, and ID are stolen from her vehicle. She is not in a position to report the theft fearing it could end her career thanks to the enemies she has made over the years in the department. Instead, she decides to investigate the theft herself, turning to Harry, who is now retired and undergoing cancer treatments, to help her recover these items after discovering possible evidence on the beach. Together they uncover a far greater danger than just some stolen goods, referring the situation to the FBI.

Maddie approaches Ballard about becoming a volunteer on the cold case unit, saying she wants to use the experience to help her become a detective rather than continue as a uniformed officer on street patrol. What Maddie does not tell Ballard is that she has a strong lead on a famous unsolved Los Angeles murder, and having access to the library of cold cases could further her personal investigation.
Michael Connelly does not disappoint with this unputdownable crime thriller. Clearly his experience in crime reporting in Los Angeles years ago has given him an inside track to policing and lawbreaking. His most recent fictional creation is Renée Ballard, and he is developing a TV series for her as he has done with both Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting July 11, 2024.

I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.