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Michael Connelly CD Collection 1: The Black Echo, The Black Ice
The Black Echo: For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch - hero, maverick, nighthawk - the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal. The dead man, Billy Meadows, was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who fought side by side with him in a nightmare underground war that brought them to the depths of hell. Now, Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city to the torturous link that must be uncovered, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit. The Black Ice: Narcotics officer Cal Moore's orders were to look into the city's latest drug killing. Instead, he ends up in a motel room with his head in several pieces and a suicide note stuffed in his back pocket. Years ago, Harry Bosch learned the first rule of the good cop: don't look for the facts, but the glue that holds them together. Now, Harry's making some very dangerous connections, starting with one dead cop and leading to a bloody string of murders that winds from Hollywood Boulevard's drug bazaar to the dusty back alleys south of the border and into the center of a complex and lethal game - one in which Harry is the next and likeliest victim.
Audio CD
First published September 16, 2004
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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 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 25, 2019
Another great Bosch book.
May 17, 2024
With this novel, everything started...
January 8, 2012
I have been a Michael Connelly fan for many, many years - Bosch is my #1 favorite fictional character. I did not realize until I finished The Drop that I had not gotten around to reading the first few Bosch books. So I downloaded them to my Kindle and set to work. It is very easy to see how Connelly became such a quick sensation in Crime Fiction. These were great books! I think among his best. Until now, Angels Flight was one of my top Bosch favorites, but now - these two might be! Wonderfully written and keeps your brain thinking. Also shows great initial development of Harry's character.
March 2, 2018
I somehow missed reviewing these first two books in the series so it was a good excuse to go back and reacquaint myself with them. Plus I never pass up a chance to listen to Dick Hill. He is an ace reader.
Like most series, the Bosch books get better further in but these were a pretty good way to get things going. Sure the bad guys are obviously bad and some parts drag and the end was no surprise. Nevertheless, it was fun to go back again and remind myself how Connelly started it all. Plus, like I said, I never pass up a chance to listen to Dick Hill.
Like most series, the Bosch books get better further in but these were a pretty good way to get things going. Sure the bad guys are obviously bad and some parts drag and the end was no surprise. Nevertheless, it was fun to go back again and remind myself how Connelly started it all. Plus, like I said, I never pass up a chance to listen to Dick Hill.
July 28, 2025
I've read all of Michael Connelly's books so I thought it would be interesting to revisit the first two in which Harry Bosch is introduced. Longer than the books he writes now there's maybe a bit more padding but the plots are as intricate as ever. Also I was surprised to see that Mickey Haller is mentioned as being Harry's half brother here, I'd always thought that was a big reveal later on in the series.
July 5, 2024
The book contains a compendium of the first two books in the "Harry Bosch" series. I've written separate reviews on goodreads for each standalone novel.
My ratings for each novel:
3 stars The Black Echo
3 stars The Black Ice
My ratings for each novel:
3 stars The Black Echo
3 stars The Black Ice
November 28, 2018
good story, explains a lot what makes Harry Bosch character
June 8, 2019
My first on Bosch and really enjoyed. I thought it would be just another predictable crime story but this was quite interesting and Harry Bosch is quite a likeable character
Read
December 21, 2022A well-written suspenseful novel that I enjoyed listening as an audiobook.
January 11, 2025
Love Michael Connelly’s books, and have decided to read the series in order. What a great first book, keeps the reader engaged and wondering what’s next!
March 10, 2017
His first novel turns out to be one of my favorites. Interesting first novel that discusses things in Harry Bosch's past like the Doll Maker case. This book was not out when this one was written. References to future stories discussed as having already happened. Read them all to find out the entire story of the life of Harry Bosch. Little by little his biography becomes known but not always in the order it happened.
January 2, 2024
Michael Connelly's "The Black Echo" and "The Black Ice," the first two installments in the Harry Bosch series, lay the foundation for a gripping and intricately woven crime saga. Connelly's masterful storytelling, coupled with the complex and compelling character of Detective Harry Bosch, makes this duo a must-read for fans of the crime genre.
"The Black Echo" introduces readers to Harry Bosch, a seasoned LAPD detective with a haunting past. The novel seamlessly blends the elements of a police procedural with a character-driven narrative. Connelly's writing is taut and atmospheric, plunging readers into the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles. The meticulous attention to detail, particularly in crime scene investigations and police procedures, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.
Bosch's character is a revelation—flawed, brooding, and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice. Connelly skillfully peels back the layers of Bosch's personality, revealing a complex individual shaped by his experiences in Vietnam and his tumultuous relationship with authority. As a protagonist, Bosch is not just a detective; he's a symbol of resilience and moral integrity in a world filled with corruption and deceit.
In "The Black Ice," Connelly takes Bosch beyond the borders of Los Angeles into the treacherous territory of drug cartels. The narrative unfolds with precision, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with a perfect balance of suspense and character development. The exploration of corruption within the police force adds a layer of moral ambiguity, forcing Bosch to navigate a world where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.
The seamless transition between cases, coupled with the continuity of Bosch's character development, makes these novels feel like chapters in a larger, interconnected story. Connelly excels at creating a sense of continuity while introducing fresh challenges for Bosch to overcome. The pacing is expertly managed, ensuring that the tension never wanes, and the stakes continue to escalate.
Connelly's portrayal of Los Angeles as a character in itself adds a distinctive flavor to the novels. The city becomes a backdrop of both beauty and danger, mirroring Bosch's own journey through its streets and alleys. The interconnectedness of the setting with the narrative creates a rich tapestry that enhances the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "The Black Echo" and "The Black Ice" are a captivating introduction to the world of Harry Bosch. Michael Connelly's ability to craft a riveting crime story, combined with the nuanced characterization of Bosch, elevates these novels to a must-read status for fans of detective fiction. The intricate plots, authentic police procedural details, and the moral dilemmas faced by Bosch make this duo a compelling and highly satisfying start to a series that only gets better with each installment.
"The Black Echo" introduces readers to Harry Bosch, a seasoned LAPD detective with a haunting past. The novel seamlessly blends the elements of a police procedural with a character-driven narrative. Connelly's writing is taut and atmospheric, plunging readers into the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles. The meticulous attention to detail, particularly in crime scene investigations and police procedures, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.
Bosch's character is a revelation—flawed, brooding, and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice. Connelly skillfully peels back the layers of Bosch's personality, revealing a complex individual shaped by his experiences in Vietnam and his tumultuous relationship with authority. As a protagonist, Bosch is not just a detective; he's a symbol of resilience and moral integrity in a world filled with corruption and deceit.
In "The Black Ice," Connelly takes Bosch beyond the borders of Los Angeles into the treacherous territory of drug cartels. The narrative unfolds with precision, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with a perfect balance of suspense and character development. The exploration of corruption within the police force adds a layer of moral ambiguity, forcing Bosch to navigate a world where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.
The seamless transition between cases, coupled with the continuity of Bosch's character development, makes these novels feel like chapters in a larger, interconnected story. Connelly excels at creating a sense of continuity while introducing fresh challenges for Bosch to overcome. The pacing is expertly managed, ensuring that the tension never wanes, and the stakes continue to escalate.
Connelly's portrayal of Los Angeles as a character in itself adds a distinctive flavor to the novels. The city becomes a backdrop of both beauty and danger, mirroring Bosch's own journey through its streets and alleys. The interconnectedness of the setting with the narrative creates a rich tapestry that enhances the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "The Black Echo" and "The Black Ice" are a captivating introduction to the world of Harry Bosch. Michael Connelly's ability to craft a riveting crime story, combined with the nuanced characterization of Bosch, elevates these novels to a must-read status for fans of detective fiction. The intricate plots, authentic police procedural details, and the moral dilemmas faced by Bosch make this duo a compelling and highly satisfying start to a series that only gets better with each installment.
November 22, 2014
Harry Bosch is still a policeman so this must be one of the earlier books. Like in the other books I have read the plot is phenomenal: quite intricate but it gradually unfolds with total clarity and the reader is never confused orhas to go back to get his bearings despite the multitude of players. Connelly has obviously a thorough knowledge of the police and describes very well how they work. A nice interesting plus in this book is the theme of the Vietnam vets and in particular of the tunnel rats.
May 16, 2015
I loved the Amazon Instant Video series, so I sought out the first of this LA procedural. It's good on insider acronyms and police slang (one imagines!), but the plot is slow to get moving and the author has the proverbial cloth ear for dialogue. One might even suggest that he can't actually write for toffee, were it not for the somewhat inconvenient fact that he's a multi-squillionaire writer. Annoyingly.
July 4, 2015
On my sister's urging I decided to go back and read the first book in the Harry Bosch series. The Black Echo was an interesting read with a compelling story with a twist at the end. I have been listening to these Harry Bosch books on Audible and I really enjoy the narrators take on voices and accents.
I have moved onto the next one, The Black Ice, and I am sure I will enjoy that one too.
I have moved onto the next one, The Black Ice, and I am sure I will enjoy that one too.
March 4, 2011
okay, but drug a little I thought.
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March 14, 2011Harry Bosch, LA homicide detective, investigates the murder/death of a Vietnam war veteran he knew finding out his death is part of a much bigger bank heist job.
June 20, 2014
They are somewhat suspenseful, have the same detective, set in California. A good tale for easy driving while listening.
March 31, 2015
My first outing with Bosch. Wow!
April 21, 2015
This is a well told tale with plenty of twists and turns.
May 7, 2015
First in the Bosch series, and now that it is streaming on Amazon, I want to read them all.
April 24, 2020
Probably a 5 (a 4.5). The book that made Connelly and Harry Bosch to the top of the list. An excellent police procedural with good characters that appear in later novels.
Read again in April 2020
Read again in April 2020
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
Excellent story. I love the Bosch detective.
April 25, 2017
Actually The Black Ice/ audio book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews