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.