Product Description

In his first case since he left the LAPD's Open Unsolved Unit for the prestigious Homicide Special squad, Harry Bosch is called out to investigate a murder that may have chilling consequences for national security. A doctor with access to a dangerous radioactive substance is found murdered in the trunk of his car. Retracing his steps, Harry learns that a large quantity of radioactive cesium was stolen shortly before the doctor's death. With the cesium in unknown hands, Harry fears the murder could be part of a terrorist plot to poison a major American city.
Soon, Bosch is in a race against time, not only against the culprits, but also against the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI (in the form of Harry's one-time lover Rachel Walling), who are convinced that this case is too important for the likes of the LAPD. It is Bosch's job to prove all of them wrong.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66117 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 6.75" h x .75" w x 4.13" l, .35 pounds
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Bestseller Connelly's dazzling 13th Harry Bosch novel (after 2006's Echo Park) reunites Bosch with his former flame, FBI agent Rachel Walling. Bosch must break in a new partner, rookie Iggy Ferras, when they're called to look into the execution of physicist Stanley Kent on a Mulholland Drive overlook. When a special FBI unit, headed by Walling, arrives and tries to usurp his case, claiming it's a matter of national security, Bosch refuses to back down. Walling's focus on the potential theft of radioactive material from the hospital where Kent was lending his expertise to cancer treatment and her unwillingness to share information only make Bosch more determined to solve the case. This is a quick read, almost half the length of Connelly's previous novels, but he spares no punches when it comes to complexity and suspense. The scramble to investigate threats to national security, justified or otherwise, is a timely subject and one on which Connelly puts a brilliant new spin. (May 22)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
By now, most listeners will agree that Len Cariou IS Harry Bosch. Cariou took over about five novels back and has made his own mark with the Connelly books. The only negative fans may voice about Connellys latest is that its very short--about half the usual length. Thats probably because it started out as a New York Times serialized novel (16 weeks) and was expanded for hardcover and audio publication. In it, Bosch investigates the murder of a doctor and the disappearance of some radioactive cesium. Naturally, Bosch and the FBI lock horns. The case also brings back Boschs lost love, Agent Rachel Walling. Cariou handles all his characters with aplomb, and Bosch with the gruff preciseness listeners have come to expect. A.L.H. AudioFile Best Audiobook of 2007 © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
This short novel began life as a 16-part serial in the New York Times. Despite being expanded somewhat for book publication, the story's roots as a plot-driven serial remain visible: readers familiar with Connelly's celebrated Harry Bosch series--And what hard-boiled fiction fan isn't?--will notice less character development and less psychological texture here than in any of the full-length Bosch novels, but that isn't to say the story doesn't pack a wallop. In the wake of the controversial events at the conclusion of Echo Park (2006), Bosch has a new assignment, with LAPD's Homicide Special Unit. He lands his first case when a body is found on the overlook near Mulholland Drive. The victim, Dr. Stanley Kent, turns out to have had access to radioactive materials stored at hospitals throughout L.A. As the clues point toward a terrorist plot, Bosch must contend with various crime-fighting bureaucracies, including the FBI and Homeland Security. Bosch reacts to bureaucratic interference (even from former lover and FBI agent Rachel Walling) like the body reacts to radiation, so the sparks begin to fly immediately. Unlike other Bosch novels, which effortlessly mix action with the hero's inner struggles, this one unfolds like an episode of 24, pounding its way relentlessly to a surprising conclusion. Treat The Overlook like a tasty hors d'oeuvre: down it in one quick gulp, and look forward to the next Bosch entree. Bill Ott
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