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The Safe Man: A Ghost Story
Published for the first time under his own name, a dark and haunting story from Michael Connelly.
Like his father before him, Brian Holloway is a safe man. That is, his specialty is opening safes. Every job is a little mystery, and he has yet to encounter a lock he can’t break or a box he can’t crack. But the day Holloway gets called in to open a rare, antique safe in a famous author’s library, his skills open a door that should have remained closed.
This story was previously published in print anonymously in The Secret Society of Demolition Writers in 2005.
Like his father before him, Brian Holloway is a safe man. That is, his specialty is opening safes. Every job is a little mystery, and he has yet to encounter a lock he can’t break or a box he can’t crack. But the day Holloway gets called in to open a rare, antique safe in a famous author’s library, his skills open a door that should have remained closed.
This story was previously published in print anonymously in The Secret Society of Demolition Writers in 2005.
Audiobook
First published January 1, 2012
2003 people are currently reading
3595 people want to read
About the author
Michael Connelly
381 books34.8k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
December 15, 2019
A locksmith is called to the house of a famous author who’s just moved in. He wants an old safe in the floor removed - in case any locals hear about it and decide to re-enact In Cold Blood (he’s a wee bit paranoid)! But when the safe is opened, something strange will be released…
The Safe Man: A Ghost Story is really good! I’ve been reading Michael Connelly for years now and enjoyed plenty of his crime novels, so it’s surprising how effectively he can switch genres to horror.
The pacing is perfect so it’s never dull, the mystery develops nicely, there’s a couple of left turns to keep you guessing, and it ends on a fine note. Connelly’s writing is as fluid and masterful as always - it’s very accessible and easy to read with just the right amount of detail - and I enjoyed the characters of Brian the locksmith and Robinette the crabby author.
I won’t mention any of the later scenes, because the unexpectedness is half the fun, but they were my favourite with Connelly’s experience as a crime writer coming in to make them all the more convincing and powerful.
My only major issue with The Safe Man was how abruptly it ended. I get that it’s a short story and it’s all very well for publishers to include previews of the author’s forthcoming book but it beefs up the page count of the ebook and makes you think you’ve got 30-40 pages more to go - and then the story’s suddenly over. Like I said, it ends well, but initially the feeling is quite confounding to see you’ve finished so seemingly early.
That and the origins of the rare safe itself were underdeveloped. That’s why I thought there’d be more to the story as that aspect was almost totally ignored. Maybe Connelly could adapt this into a full length horror novel, exploring those origins? Probably not - the Harry Bosch books are too profitable I imagine - but he’s shown he’s at least capable of writing this kind of story well if he chose to.
The Safe Man may not be a scary ghost story but it is a compelling one that’s well worth a read for horror fans.
The Safe Man: A Ghost Story is really good! I’ve been reading Michael Connelly for years now and enjoyed plenty of his crime novels, so it’s surprising how effectively he can switch genres to horror.
The pacing is perfect so it’s never dull, the mystery develops nicely, there’s a couple of left turns to keep you guessing, and it ends on a fine note. Connelly’s writing is as fluid and masterful as always - it’s very accessible and easy to read with just the right amount of detail - and I enjoyed the characters of Brian the locksmith and Robinette the crabby author.
I won’t mention any of the later scenes, because the unexpectedness is half the fun, but they were my favourite with Connelly’s experience as a crime writer coming in to make them all the more convincing and powerful.
My only major issue with The Safe Man was how abruptly it ended. I get that it’s a short story and it’s all very well for publishers to include previews of the author’s forthcoming book but it beefs up the page count of the ebook and makes you think you’ve got 30-40 pages more to go - and then the story’s suddenly over. Like I said, it ends well, but initially the feeling is quite confounding to see you’ve finished so seemingly early.
That and the origins of the rare safe itself were underdeveloped. That’s why I thought there’d be more to the story as that aspect was almost totally ignored. Maybe Connelly could adapt this into a full length horror novel, exploring those origins? Probably not - the Harry Bosch books are too profitable I imagine - but he’s shown he’s at least capable of writing this kind of story well if he chose to.
The Safe Man may not be a scary ghost story but it is a compelling one that’s well worth a read for horror fans.
September 11, 2024
A perfect ghost 👻 story for the Fall! Free through Audible with full cast narration.
It's so good! 🤍🤍
It's so good! 🤍🤍
May 24, 2024
Fooling the NABers
Review of the Audible Original podcast edition in 8 episodes (May 16, 2024) adapted from the original short story (October 23, 2012).
As with most of the reviews from May 2024 onwards, this is a review of the new multicast Audible Original edition performed by Jack Quaid and Titus Welliver along with several other voice actors in smaller roles. The 8 podcast episodes total 2 hours and 18 minutes. This new adaptation extends the original short story which was narrated by only a single voice actor in 1 hour and 33 minutes. All of the new reviews to date are being posted on the original 2012 version as no librarian has yet added the podcast adaptation (as of May 24, 2024 at least).
Posting a review on the older edition seems the safer option as the GR librarian rules about podcasts are still somewhat vague and may cause the new edition to be deleted by a GR NABer (ie. a librarian who deletes books and associated reviews by labelling them as Invalid or Not A Book). Once upon a time all podcasts were considered "Not a Book" but the latest Librarian manual on Valid Book Records allows for "Podcasts that are a reading/narration of a book's content." The grey area here is that the rules on Non Book Items says that "Theatrical production recordings" are considered not a book.
Since the new podcast edition adaptation has no print equivalent it might be targeted as a theatrical production and then deleted by an overly zealous librarian. Safer then to leave your review with the earlier version.
Cover image for the 2024 Audible Original podcast edition. Image sourced from Audible.
Even though the author here is crime/mystery writer Michael Connelly and one of the narrators is Titus Welliver (the actor who performs as Harry Bosch in the various TV adaptations), this is not a Harry Bosch detective book. It is instead a rather effective ghost story about a locksmith (the Safe Man of the title) who is called to the home of a horror/mystery fiction writer to open a locked safe which had been installed by the previous owner, who had been an occultist. The brand name of the safe is that of a mysterious "Le Seuil" (French: The Threshold) company. Once the safe is opened, manifestations from 'the other side' begin to appear. The locksmith and the writer are then caught up in a quest to discover the secrets behind the Le Seuil safe and how to close it off.
The cast of voice actors in the new 2024 Audible Original production of Michael Connelly's "The Safe Man". Image sourced from Audible.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new adaptation and the voice performances by the entire cast were excellent. It was also interesting to discover that Michael Connelly once wrote a ghost story mystery separate from his regular crime genre. I had totally missed the 2012 story when it first appeared.
Review of the Audible Original podcast edition in 8 episodes (May 16, 2024) adapted from the original short story (October 23, 2012).
As with most of the reviews from May 2024 onwards, this is a review of the new multicast Audible Original edition performed by Jack Quaid and Titus Welliver along with several other voice actors in smaller roles. The 8 podcast episodes total 2 hours and 18 minutes. This new adaptation extends the original short story which was narrated by only a single voice actor in 1 hour and 33 minutes. All of the new reviews to date are being posted on the original 2012 version as no librarian has yet added the podcast adaptation (as of May 24, 2024 at least).
Posting a review on the older edition seems the safer option as the GR librarian rules about podcasts are still somewhat vague and may cause the new edition to be deleted by a GR NABer (ie. a librarian who deletes books and associated reviews by labelling them as Invalid or Not A Book). Once upon a time all podcasts were considered "Not a Book" but the latest Librarian manual on Valid Book Records allows for "Podcasts that are a reading/narration of a book's content." The grey area here is that the rules on Non Book Items says that "Theatrical production recordings" are considered not a book.
Since the new podcast edition adaptation has no print equivalent it might be targeted as a theatrical production and then deleted by an overly zealous librarian. Safer then to leave your review with the earlier version.
Cover image for the 2024 Audible Original podcast edition. Image sourced from Audible.
Even though the author here is crime/mystery writer Michael Connelly and one of the narrators is Titus Welliver (the actor who performs as Harry Bosch in the various TV adaptations), this is not a Harry Bosch detective book. It is instead a rather effective ghost story about a locksmith (the Safe Man of the title) who is called to the home of a horror/mystery fiction writer to open a locked safe which had been installed by the previous owner, who had been an occultist. The brand name of the safe is that of a mysterious "Le Seuil" (French: The Threshold) company. Once the safe is opened, manifestations from 'the other side' begin to appear. The locksmith and the writer are then caught up in a quest to discover the secrets behind the Le Seuil safe and how to close it off.
The cast of voice actors in the new 2024 Audible Original production of Michael Connelly's "The Safe Man". Image sourced from Audible.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new adaptation and the voice performances by the entire cast were excellent. It was also interesting to discover that Michael Connelly once wrote a ghost story mystery separate from his regular crime genre. I had totally missed the 2012 story when it first appeared.
May 22, 2024
21/5/24
I have to admit that I didn't remember anything about this short tale. Ok, it was eleven years ago that I first read it, but you'd think something would stick in my mind. Perhaps it's the fact that listening to this dramatised version of the story - sound effects, full cast etc - was more akin to watching a televised version without the visual element. It's actually really well done. Definitely with catching.
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19/5/24
Re-visiting this one (I forgot I'd already read it) as a podcast series on Audible. Great cast and with all the trimmings. Even has Titus Welliver (Bosch in the Amazon tv series) playing a leading part.
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23/1/13
I read this short story in bed last night. I'm not one for ghost stories and since the title clearly signalled it's intent I'd put this one off for a while. But once I started I was quickly gripped by the tale of a locksmith being called out to open a long unopened safe. All I'll say is that I found the whole think pretty spooky. I even had trouble sleeping! One for ghost story fans and mystery fans and anybody who reads Connelly.
I have to admit that I didn't remember anything about this short tale. Ok, it was eleven years ago that I first read it, but you'd think something would stick in my mind. Perhaps it's the fact that listening to this dramatised version of the story - sound effects, full cast etc - was more akin to watching a televised version without the visual element. It's actually really well done. Definitely with catching.
-------------------------------
19/5/24
Re-visiting this one (I forgot I'd already read it) as a podcast series on Audible. Great cast and with all the trimmings. Even has Titus Welliver (Bosch in the Amazon tv series) playing a leading part.
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23/1/13
I read this short story in bed last night. I'm not one for ghost stories and since the title clearly signalled it's intent I'd put this one off for a while. But once I started I was quickly gripped by the tale of a locksmith being called out to open a long unopened safe. All I'll say is that I found the whole think pretty spooky. I even had trouble sleeping! One for ghost story fans and mystery fans and anybody who reads Connelly.
June 9, 2020
Fabulous short story. I was mesmerized by the direction it took. I always trust my remembered dreams and pit of the stomach hunches. That bothered by something feeling is so very real to me. Take heed like the box man did.
May 23, 2024
I was not expecting a paranormal suspense from Michael Connelly.
October 2, 2025
A surprisingly good ghost story from Michael Connelly. Nice to see him writing something outside of his usual crime genre.
May 30, 2024
A ghost story from Michael Connelly 👻 so fun. It had been a long time since ai had read this, and the new Audible Original with Titus Weliver was so well done.
November 2, 2016
I had this listed as part of the Harry Bosch universe, but it isn't, just a stand alone story that was quite good. Not Connelly's normal fare & the better for it. I'd like to write more, but it would have to be a spoiler. Just read it.
January 17, 2019
This was a quick, little stand alone story by Michael Connelly. It was a mystery, but had a most fantastic ending. Loved it!
November 21, 2018
I can completely understand why Connelly first published this anonymously. Not because it was poor, but because of the supernatural aspect of it so not a part of his crime fiction genre. Its summation (or the lack thereof) certainly had that short story typicality to it. This was my first Connelly short, which I found very interesting given he's one of my favorite writers and I'm quite used to his novel format (which is very particular). I'll certainly be going through his shorts catalogue now, too.
April 22, 2021
The story was mostly meh, or two shoulder shrugs. I rate it higher simply because I love the fact that Connelly still writes short fiction. The answer to why he writes short stories is because he can. As a hugely successful writer, he can publish short fiction, what seems to be mostly dead these days. I like the fact that he had an idea and got it down on paper using only a few pages, as opposed to filling an entire novel with such a thin idea.
I just wish that people would read more short stories and support the people who write them.
I just wish that people would read more short stories and support the people who write them.
October 10, 2017
A haunting little story by Michael Connelly, very different from his Bosch books. I am not normally a fan of the ghost genre, but this tightly written story was pretty good.
August 25, 2013
An excellent short ghost story which is an unusual venture for Michael Connelly.
It amazes me how much detail and tension Connelly can put into so few words. The book could easily be built on and even transferred into film.
A very impressive change of direction.
It amazes me how much detail and tension Connelly can put into so few words. The book could easily be built on and even transferred into film.
A very impressive change of direction.
March 28, 2016
A clever short story about a ghost and a safe. Great Connelly writing, but short.
October 24, 2012
Connelly attempts to channel Poe in this ghost story, and while the set up and the background are intriguing, the rest is left wanting on a few levels. The characters other than the main one vary from two-dimensional to caricaturish. The threat that arises from the main action (opening the safe) never seems to pose a significant threat save causing a couple of people some concern. And the situations that cascade from the main action fall short of Connelly's usual adept handling of the dialogue, nuances, and genuineness of such situations.
It was a bit disappointing considering the source. It also seemed incomplete and more like a quick scary story told around a campfire.
It was a bit disappointing considering the source. It also seemed incomplete and more like a quick scary story told around a campfire.
September 7, 2023
Great ghost story. I recommend it for sure. The storyline grabs you in the first few pages. Then you can’t wait for the ending yet sad it’s over!
June 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
August 16, 2024
A locksmith is called to an author's estate to remove a safe door from a safe that was installed by the original owner of the house. The author feels a secret safe could make him a target for criminals if that information got out. The door is removed, releasing spirits from the other side.
The Safe Man is a short story written by Michael Connelly quite a few years ago. The story is clever and intriguing right to the end. Connelly may have a career as a horror writer if this whole crime thing doesn't work out.
I listened to the full cast Audible version of this story which was very well done. I jumped in a couple of places which is unusual for me.
The Safe Man is a short story written by Michael Connelly quite a few years ago. The story is clever and intriguing right to the end. Connelly may have a career as a horror writer if this whole crime thing doesn't work out.
I listened to the full cast Audible version of this story which was very well done. I jumped in a couple of places which is unusual for me.
September 4, 2025
A short story by Connelly - it was just ok for me.
June 18, 2020
Enjoyable short story by Michael Connelly. Different than what he normally writes, but very good!
May 22, 2024
"Opening that safe door unleashed something sinister—something that continues to haunt him." Well I'm haunted too! This is a short story that was originally published in 2012. Now Audible has given it new life with a cast of 9 talented narrators in an 8 part listening experience that is sure to creep you out. If The story line doesn't do it, then for sure the music will. The audio is so perfect I felt like I was in the room with the characters. I'm thankful I listened during the day as I don't think I would have slept had I listened at night. I'm a huge fan of Michael Connelly's work and I had no idea he dabbled in horror or the paranormal, but I am here for it!
April 1, 2020
I usually don't like short stories but this is Michael Connelly and The Safe Man is a cut above. It astounds me how he can pack so much into so few words...very old Twilight Zone-ish, this.
December 14, 2024
A fun little story with a nasty twist in the tail. No gore, but a ton of dread.
June 13, 2021
Excellent!
March 25, 2024
Quick but enjoyable, very well written.
July 4, 2025
I loved it but it was too short!!!
October 26, 2012
Connelly delivers a great short story, completely out of the genre to which I attribute him. His simple writing style made the story flow easily and the pages turn almost as fast as I could move them. The story is a little eerie, perhaps perfect for this time of year, but also quite reasonable and even plausible.
There is not enough writing to delve into character development or plotlines, for although the length of the eBook is misrepresentative of how much content one finds therein (if that makes any sense). The quick pace and underlying mystery do allow for some connection to the characters and use of some vernacular within makes the story seem realistic.
While Bosch is my Connelly go to, this was a great short story, filled with a hint of the haunted, perfect for tricks and treats!
There is not enough writing to delve into character development or plotlines, for although the length of the eBook is misrepresentative of how much content one finds therein (if that makes any sense). The quick pace and underlying mystery do allow for some connection to the characters and use of some vernacular within makes the story seem realistic.
While Bosch is my Connelly go to, this was a great short story, filled with a hint of the haunted, perfect for tricks and treats!
November 6, 2012
I considered this as a quick appetizer before the main course -- which will be Connelly's latest Bosch, coming in late November. It's a nice short story; though I'm not feeling too emotional about it. I like the idea of the character being a "safe man". That's a job that has never been explored in other stories I've read before.
One thing about the 'ghost' though ()
One thing about the 'ghost' though ()
November 3, 2013
I read THE SAFE MAN: A GHOST STORY for Halloween--a mistake, seeing as the ghost element wound up being the weakest aspect of the story. It's an understatement to say THE SAFE MAN brings absolutely nothing new to the ghost story genre. On the other hand, there are a couple of reasons to go ahead and buy this Kindle Single anyway.
1.) The writing is excellent.
2.) Connelly really did his research on breaking into safes.
3.) One can sense a far better story lurking somewhere just beneath the surface of this one.
1.) The writing is excellent.
2.) Connelly really did his research on breaking into safes.
3.) One can sense a far better story lurking somewhere just beneath the surface of this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews