Friday, June 11, 2021

Sampling Michael Connelly...

 
I've heard people rave about Michael Connelly's books for years, and this summer I finally decided to read one. And since everyone who loves Connelly loves his character Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch, I knew I had to start with the first book about him, The Black Echo. 

And you know what?

 Everyone is right! Michael Connelly is an amazing writer--so skillful at creating memorable characters, crafting sentences and telling a good story. And Harry is such an engaging character! I can see why he's everyone's favorite. I'll definitely be reading more books about him.



So, then, while I was in a Michael Connelly mood, I decided to watch The Lincoln Lawyer movie with Matthew McConaughey. Having never read the book, I don't know how the two compare, but I thought they did a really good job with the movie. I ended up watching it with my mom, and we both thought it was a very fun and entertaining legal thriller. But then, I do like Matthew McConaughey. And I also really like Mickey Haller, the character he plays. Which made me want to try one of Connelly's Mickey Haller novels.

And the novel that was on the shelf at the library? The Gods of Guilt.


So I read it first. And even though it's the 5th Mickey Haller book, and I haven't read the other four, I still ended up loving it. Because Mickey Haller is another great character. And Michael Connelly is a really good writer!

I'd like to read one of his Jack McEvoy novels next. And then I'll go back to Harry Bosch. The nice thing is being able to share these books with my mom. She's quite the reader and loves discovering new-to-her authors, and Connelly has quickly become a favorite of hers...and mine.

And to everyone who ever recommended that I read a Michael Connelly book...THANKS! You were right. 


Happy Reading!


 



46 comments:

  1. I haven't read this author in a decade or more but, I recall enjoying a couple of his books.

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  2. Michael Connelly is one of my favorites. Did you know that the Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch are half-brothers. Several novels see them working together on cases...sometimes Haller is helping out Bosch and sometimes it's the other way around - especially in the newest Lincoln Lawyer book where Haller is himself accused of murder.

    Oh, and there are seven seasons of Bosch on Prime that are really good. The final season starts on June 25 and they have already started work on the new spinoff series that, I think, will feature Bosch and his new partner.

    There's so much to like about these two series, especially the way that Connelly combines them. Enjoy...you've just made a wonderful discovery.

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    1. I didn't know that Bosch and Haller are half-brothers. That's so fun! And I knew that there's a TV series about Bosch, but I haven't seen any of it. So, lots to look forward to this summer. :D

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  3. Yes, Michael Connelly is a good writer. I've read three of his books so far. I have also watched the Bosch series on Amazon Prime too, which has been enjoyable.

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    1. I've heard good things about that series. :)

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  4. I haven't read many Michael Connelly books, but those I have read, I have really enjoyed. My dad was a huge fan of his when he was alive. I think The Poet is my favorite of his that I've read, followed by The Lincoln Lawyer. I should read more of his books.

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  5. I've read one book, never got around to any others. Thank you for highlighting some of the books.

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  6. I remember reading the first Bosch books. :) Haven't read any in a while, but I remember looking forward to them for a long time and searching the library for new entries!

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    1. Connelly has written so many books it's amazing. I'll probably never manage to read them all, but I'm looking forward to reading more of them. :)

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  7. That's so fun that you're able to share these with your mom! I love discussing and sharing books with my mom, too. It always leads to some really great conversations. :)

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    1. It's nice to be able to share the books you love with the people you love!

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  8. I read several of the Harry Bosch stories a long time ago and enjoyed them too. Never read the book, but I also loved The Lincoln Lawyer! It's fun sharing books with family! :)

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    1. It is fun. I'm lucky to have grown up in a family of readers. :)

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  9. I like Matthew McConaughey too! Especially after True Detective. I didn't realize Lincoln Lawyer was based on a series of books. Really need to watch that movie.

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  10. I like Matthew McConaughey, I might have to look for that movie.

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    1. It's a really good movie! I liked it a lot.

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  11. Hi Lark, Have heard about Michael Connelly. Never read him but your review has me interested and its rare for an author to create two mystery series where we like both of the characters they have created Harry Bosch and Micky Haller and Michael Connelly has done just that.

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    1. And apparently his two characters cross over into the other's series, which is also fun.

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  12. I wasn't familiar with this author!

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    1. I'd never read him until now, but his writing is amazing.

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  13. I've only read the first two Mickey Haller books and I liked them a lot. One of these days, I'll read the Bosch series. So many books...

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    1. Too many books! But it's a nice problem to have. :)

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  14. I can't remember if I've read this author's books, but it sounds like it has great characterisations and I love a good character-driven story. :)

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    1. Connelly combines mystery and action and character development so well in his books! They make for very good reads. :)

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  15. I've only read The Lincoln lawyer, but I loved it so much, I've actually read it twice already! Also enjoyed the movie a lot. I should read the rest of the series.

    Glad you are enjoying it!

    Elza Reads

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    1. I need to read the rest of The Lincoln Lawyer series, too. :D

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  16. I was late to the Michael connelly bandwagon too- but I am such a fan now. The Lincoln Lawyer was a movie I really enjoyed but I also found the movie’s Mickey very different from the book one 🤷🏽‍♀️

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    1. I'm late to many reading bandwagons, but at least the books are still around to enjoy by the time I finally get around to reading them. ;D

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  17. My husband keeps telling me I need to read this author but I haven't tried one of his books yet. He really loves that Lincoln Lawyer series.

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    1. I'm liking that series, too. And my mom loves it. :)

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  18. I've never read anything by Connelly, but I've always meant to. Glad you're enjoying his books! I also really like McCounaghey and prefer him in more serious roles. I'll have to check out The Lincoln Lawyer.

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  19. Harry Bosch is iconic. "Everybody counts or nobody counts." I'm glad you took everyone's advice and discovered just how good Connelly is. I'm currently listening to The Wrong Side of Goodbye which is narrated by Titus Welliver, the actor who portrays Bosch in Amazon's series. What a treat!

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    1. Oh, how fun! I bet that makes the book even better. :D

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  20. I read the first Bosch book in 2006, then did not read the 2nd one until 11 years later. I have 7 more books in the series on my shelves so I should read some of them... soon.

    We are also fans of the Bosch TV series.

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    1. I've heard good things about the Bosch TV series! :)

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  21. My sister and father were big fans for years before I realized how much I like Harry in particular and police procedurals in general. The one annoying thing about Harry is that despite being gruff and uncommunicative and not very attractive women are always falling for him! But you learn to go with the flow on that one.

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    1. Maybe that part of Harry Bosch's character is a guy's version of romance. ;D

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  22. I read The Black Echo many years ago and unfortunately didn't continue and now that I've watched the Bosch series I don't know if I can because I'd probably be comparing the two. But maybe I should try the Haller series instead. That sounds really good too!

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    1. Give the Haller series a try. It's really good! :)

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  23. Thanks for this post, Lark. I'll look out for his books for my husband.

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    1. Definitely! They're so well written, and so fun. :)

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