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Catalina #2
Ironwood
Sworn to protect a scenic island meant to be far from the evils of the mainland, Detective Sergeant Stilwell can feel danger closing in.
Detective Sergeant Stilwell knows that his posting on Catalina Island is no paradise, but to most residents, it seems blissfully separated—by twenty-two miles of ocean—from the troubles of Los Angeles County. But now a threat is coming to his safe haven.
Acting on a tip from a confidential informant, Stilwell and his deputies watch a plane land in the middle of the night at the Airport in the Sky, a remote airstrip in the mountains. A duffel bag of drugs is dropped and the deputies move in, but things quickly go sideways. While Stilwell chases the fleeing pickup man into the mountainside brush, shots are fired on the runway and the plane flies off.
An internal inquiry follows, putting Stilwell on the bench until he is cleared of responsibility for the disastrous operation. But he is determined to find out who brought deadly violence to his island, and begins his own secret investigation into the drug deal gone wrong.
While under orders to remain in the sheriff’s substation, he finds in the lost and found a valuable backpack that was never claimed. He traces it to a woman who disappeared while hiking on the island four years ago. But then why was the pack only turned in two months back? Now thoroughly intrigued, he follows the mystery all the way to the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit and Detective Renée Ballard.
Stilwell and Ballard work the case from both sides of the channel, and soon realize they are on the trail of a criminal who revels in taunting the authorities. Meanwhile, frustrated at being shut out of an investigation on his own island, Stilwell risks his already shaky standing in the department to pursue a case whose reach is wider than he ever imagined.
Page-turning, packed with intrigue, and bringing together an unstoppable investigative team, Ironwood continues the Catalina series with all of Michael Connelly’s signature “relentless narrative drive…evocative atmosphere, realistic dialogue, and well-developed characters” (Washington Review of Books).
Detective Sergeant Stilwell knows that his posting on Catalina Island is no paradise, but to most residents, it seems blissfully separated—by twenty-two miles of ocean—from the troubles of Los Angeles County. But now a threat is coming to his safe haven.
Acting on a tip from a confidential informant, Stilwell and his deputies watch a plane land in the middle of the night at the Airport in the Sky, a remote airstrip in the mountains. A duffel bag of drugs is dropped and the deputies move in, but things quickly go sideways. While Stilwell chases the fleeing pickup man into the mountainside brush, shots are fired on the runway and the plane flies off.
An internal inquiry follows, putting Stilwell on the bench until he is cleared of responsibility for the disastrous operation. But he is determined to find out who brought deadly violence to his island, and begins his own secret investigation into the drug deal gone wrong.
While under orders to remain in the sheriff’s substation, he finds in the lost and found a valuable backpack that was never claimed. He traces it to a woman who disappeared while hiking on the island four years ago. But then why was the pack only turned in two months back? Now thoroughly intrigued, he follows the mystery all the way to the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit and Detective Renée Ballard.
Stilwell and Ballard work the case from both sides of the channel, and soon realize they are on the trail of a criminal who revels in taunting the authorities. Meanwhile, frustrated at being shut out of an investigation on his own island, Stilwell risks his already shaky standing in the department to pursue a case whose reach is wider than he ever imagined.
Page-turning, packed with intrigue, and bringing together an unstoppable investigative team, Ironwood continues the Catalina series with all of Michael Connelly’s signature “relentless narrative drive…evocative atmosphere, realistic dialogue, and well-developed characters” (Washington Review of Books).
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Michael Connelly
536 books36.2k 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 990 reviews
June 11, 2026
Michael Connelly proves once again why he remains the gold standard of crime fiction. With this second installment in the Catalina series, he delivers everything readers could want in a police procedural: sharp investigative work, layered characters, relentless pacing, and an ending that lands with real impact.
I was completely hooked from the very first pages.
“I’m always going to think of you when I see that tree. Ironwood.”
Returning to Catalina Island felt like stepping back into a world already rich with atmosphere and tension. While this book could technically work as a stand-alone, readers will gain a much deeper appreciation for Detective Stilwell and the island setting by first reading “Nightshade.” (If interested, my review link is below.)
Connelly continues building this series with such confidence and precision that it already feels destined to become another standout in his remarkable body of work.
“All I want is to enter my house justified.”
When an informant’s tip operation goes disastrously wrong, Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Stilwell finds himself sidelined by his Captain and stuck sorting through forgotten property in the Avalon station’s lost and found. But even in forced exile from active duty, Stilwell’s instincts never stop working. The discovery of a possible clue tied to a missing person’s case pulls him right back into investigative mode — whether he is supposed to be there or not.
Which leads him to partnering with Detective Renee Ballard, who is in charge of the LAPD’s cold case unit of the Robbery-Homicide Division.
Renee Ballard first made her entrance in the Bosch Universe with “The Late Show” in 2017, making this her 8th appearance in Connelly’s ongoing character-driven series.
Ballard continues to be one of Connelly’s strongest characters, and watching her work alongside Stilwell created a dynamic full of intelligence, and mutual respect.
Longtime fans will also be thrilled by cameo appearances from retired detective Harry Bosch and Maddie Bosch, his daughter who is also a cop. Their appearances are woven naturally into the story in ways that feel meaningful rather than forced.
What makes this series so compelling is that Connelly never sacrifices character for action. Even the smaller island cases Stilwell handles reveal his decency, compassion, and dedication as a cop. He is exactly the kind of law enforcement protagonist readers want to root for — flawed, determined, and deeply human.
The short chapters and razor-sharp pacing made this nearly impossible to put down. Every scene pushes the investigation forward, every clue matters, and the procedural details feel authentic without ever slowing the momentum.
Connelly remains a master at balancing gritty realism with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
And for readers who, like me, kept wondering about Stilwell’s first name after ‘Nightshade’ — pay attention. Connelly finally slips it in so casually you might miss it at first.
This series is smart, immersive, addictive crime fiction written by an author operating at the absolute top of his game.
“Nightshade” Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I was completely hooked from the very first pages.
“I’m always going to think of you when I see that tree. Ironwood.”
Returning to Catalina Island felt like stepping back into a world already rich with atmosphere and tension. While this book could technically work as a stand-alone, readers will gain a much deeper appreciation for Detective Stilwell and the island setting by first reading “Nightshade.” (If interested, my review link is below.)
Connelly continues building this series with such confidence and precision that it already feels destined to become another standout in his remarkable body of work.
“All I want is to enter my house justified.”
When an informant’s tip operation goes disastrously wrong, Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Stilwell finds himself sidelined by his Captain and stuck sorting through forgotten property in the Avalon station’s lost and found. But even in forced exile from active duty, Stilwell’s instincts never stop working. The discovery of a possible clue tied to a missing person’s case pulls him right back into investigative mode — whether he is supposed to be there or not.
Which leads him to partnering with Detective Renee Ballard, who is in charge of the LAPD’s cold case unit of the Robbery-Homicide Division.
Renee Ballard first made her entrance in the Bosch Universe with “The Late Show” in 2017, making this her 8th appearance in Connelly’s ongoing character-driven series.
Ballard continues to be one of Connelly’s strongest characters, and watching her work alongside Stilwell created a dynamic full of intelligence, and mutual respect.
Longtime fans will also be thrilled by cameo appearances from retired detective Harry Bosch and Maddie Bosch, his daughter who is also a cop. Their appearances are woven naturally into the story in ways that feel meaningful rather than forced.
What makes this series so compelling is that Connelly never sacrifices character for action. Even the smaller island cases Stilwell handles reveal his decency, compassion, and dedication as a cop. He is exactly the kind of law enforcement protagonist readers want to root for — flawed, determined, and deeply human.
The short chapters and razor-sharp pacing made this nearly impossible to put down. Every scene pushes the investigation forward, every clue matters, and the procedural details feel authentic without ever slowing the momentum.
Connelly remains a master at balancing gritty realism with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
And for readers who, like me, kept wondering about Stilwell’s first name after ‘Nightshade’ — pay attention. Connelly finally slips it in so casually you might miss it at first.
This series is smart, immersive, addictive crime fiction written by an author operating at the absolute top of his game.
“Nightshade” Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 13, 2026
3.5 stars— One thing I can say about my experiences reading Michael Connelly’s books, I have never read a bad one. I’m not sure how many I’ve read in my life, but I always end up being very impressed with how tightly constructed they are and interesting from beginning to end. ‘Ironwood’ is no exception. ‘Ironwood” is the second novel in the Catalina series, and once again the main character is Stillwell, the detective sergeant assigned to run the substation on the island. Detective Renee Ballard, who has appeared in several Connelly books, also makes a few appearances when a case Stillwell is working on bleeds into her jurisdiction as the missing persons unit director. This book follows two separate cases that Stillwell investigates and both are worthy of their own book if Connelly chose to expand the stories. One involves the ambush of two deputies during a drug sting operation set up by an informant. The other is a missing hiker investigation that turns into a bigger investigation involving a possible serial killer. I was more interested in the hiker investigation but the book cuts it much shorter than I would have liked. I was hoping for a Lincoln Lawyer crossover or maybe a consultation from Detective Harry Bosch (two great Connelly characters) but no such luck. Unfortunately, the fact that the author didn’t go as in-depth on either case definitely affected the suspense level as well as my enjoyment of the book as a whole. The author wraps up both mysteries efficiently but talk about leaving a lot of meat on the bone. I would have loved much more backstory on the ‘criminals’ involved in each case and the suspense/tension level could have been ramped up significantly. The book was still solid Connelly, but because he is such a wonderful writer, I left a little disappointed as if I had read a couple of short stories instead of a novel.
May 22, 2026
Story 3 stars. Narration 4.5 stars
Having been a fan of this author for probably over thirty years I wasn’t expecting to rate this book this low. Detective Stilwell of Catalina Island has two cases to solve this time. One a serial killer and one about a major drug drop at the airfield resulting in a huge mess and a loss of life.
I was really interested in the serial killer part, but for some reason the author chose to finish that part quite quickly without much fanfare. The other case didn’t even get finished. We know the truth, but don’t know what happens. Cliffhangers are my most hated happening in any book. Connelly chose not to really finish the book. I’m sure some readers don’t care because it’s Connelly and he’s the best at police procedurals/mysteries, but come on! Could he at least have finished the book? Evidently not. Now we have to wait and see if there’s another book. I know I’m an outlier for how I rated this book and no one is more shocked than me. Let me also add that to me, 3 stars is not a good rating, especially for a writer of this caliber. Rant over.
On another note, Renee Ballard teams up with Stilwell to solve the serial killer case. Harry Bosch is mentioned and Maddie Bosch even shows up in one scene, but has no lines. I enjoyed seeing these characters show up and it was undoubtedly my favorite part of the book.
Having been a fan of this author for probably over thirty years I wasn’t expecting to rate this book this low. Detective Stilwell of Catalina Island has two cases to solve this time. One a serial killer and one about a major drug drop at the airfield resulting in a huge mess and a loss of life.
I was really interested in the serial killer part, but for some reason the author chose to finish that part quite quickly without much fanfare. The other case didn’t even get finished. We know the truth, but don’t know what happens. Cliffhangers are my most hated happening in any book. Connelly chose not to really finish the book. I’m sure some readers don’t care because it’s Connelly and he’s the best at police procedurals/mysteries, but come on! Could he at least have finished the book? Evidently not. Now we have to wait and see if there’s another book. I know I’m an outlier for how I rated this book and no one is more shocked than me. Let me also add that to me, 3 stars is not a good rating, especially for a writer of this caliber. Rant over.
On another note, Renee Ballard teams up with Stilwell to solve the serial killer case. Harry Bosch is mentioned and Maddie Bosch even shows up in one scene, but has no lines. I enjoyed seeing these characters show up and it was undoubtedly my favorite part of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Michael Connelly is an absolute master of the police procedural drama. His books always bring me so much joy and once again in 2026 we are being spoilt with 2 new books. He is my absolute favourite author and I couldn’t wait to dive into Ironwood.
After loving Nightshade last year, I was keen to go back to Catalina Island and catch up with Stilwell. This man never seems to sleep and is 100% committed to his work. Even when spending time with his girlfriend Tash, he is thinking about his cases. He certainly has his hands full in Ironwood. Firstly there is the drugs operation that ended up with his officers being taken out and a missing persons case that comes out of an item in the lost and found shed.
I loved that this book had Stilwell working with Renee Ballard on the missing persons cold case. I hope this continues to happen, I loved their chemistry and team efforts in this case. They make a great team,. We even have a brief appearance from Harry and Maddie Bosch which always makes me smile.
As always, Michael Connelly books move at fast pace, I read this on my plane journey home from Japan in a few hours. There is always something dramatic happening and you just can’t put it down. Much like Harry Bosch, Stilwell does not like to be left out of things and will do whatever it takes to solve the case and I love that about him. His punishment of being sent to the island 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast has done him a lot of good and I hope that we will get many more books in this setting with this character.
I am so thankful to Little, Brown and Company for my early copy of this book to read. Such an honour to be able to do so for such a prolific author.
This one comes out on May 19th. Get reading Nightshade now to prepare for it.
After loving Nightshade last year, I was keen to go back to Catalina Island and catch up with Stilwell. This man never seems to sleep and is 100% committed to his work. Even when spending time with his girlfriend Tash, he is thinking about his cases. He certainly has his hands full in Ironwood. Firstly there is the drugs operation that ended up with his officers being taken out and a missing persons case that comes out of an item in the lost and found shed.
I loved that this book had Stilwell working with Renee Ballard on the missing persons cold case. I hope this continues to happen, I loved their chemistry and team efforts in this case. They make a great team,. We even have a brief appearance from Harry and Maddie Bosch which always makes me smile.
As always, Michael Connelly books move at fast pace, I read this on my plane journey home from Japan in a few hours. There is always something dramatic happening and you just can’t put it down. Much like Harry Bosch, Stilwell does not like to be left out of things and will do whatever it takes to solve the case and I love that about him. His punishment of being sent to the island 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast has done him a lot of good and I hope that we will get many more books in this setting with this character.
I am so thankful to Little, Brown and Company for my early copy of this book to read. Such an honour to be able to do so for such a prolific author.
This one comes out on May 19th. Get reading Nightshade now to prepare for it.
![Profile Image for Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1712357414i/6658001._UY200_CR4,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 16, 2026
3.5-Stars ^ 4-Stars - "I liked it a lot!"
I have eventually settled on my opinion of "Ironwood" and at the end of the day, I more than "Liked It", but I didn't quite "Really Like It" - but I genuinely "liked it a lot", so it gets 4-Stars anyway!
I was very pleased to see Renée Ballard enter the narrative in a meaningful way, although I was just a little saddened by the depiction of our dear friend, Harry Bosch. At 85 I understand a bit about growing old, so I was pleased that he made an appearance🥴.
I enjoyed the empathetic narration by Will Damron, who has become a master narrator in myeyes ears, and he did another fine job with Ironwood.
From My Listening Activity:
Commenced: June 6, 2026
June 6, 2026 @30%: "Hmmm... 30% gone and I am barely impressed. I hope the story picks up a bit soon - this is a Michael Connelly Novel after all!!"
June 7, 2026 @56%: "This book is struggling to get me excited... I really hope the second half is more lively then the first."
June 8, 2026 @89%: "Several crime stories going on at the same time - one appears to be of no consequence at all, one has been solved, leaving one hanging, or maybe I missed one... The last one was not exciting enough to keep me awake for another 53 minutes [so I could finish the book]."
June 9, 2026 @99%: "My home is 12,801 kms (7,950 miles) across the Pacific Ocean from Santa Catalina Island. Of course I am interested in this historic place, but I really didn't need a full-blown travelogue...Contemplating Review + Rating."
[I know this final comment sounds a bit snarky, but I was in bed, feeling unwell, and a bit pissed off that I didn't enjoy the book as much as I hoped. To be fair, it came together for me in the last hour or so, which served to temper my trivial annoyances and improve my appreciation of the book😎!]
Michael Connelly - DS Stilwell 02 - Ironwood - 2026
Audible Direct: 07:43 Hours - Narrator: Will Damron
Commenced: June 6, 2026 - Finished June 9, 2026
I have eventually settled on my opinion of "Ironwood" and at the end of the day, I more than "Liked It", but I didn't quite "Really Like It" - but I genuinely "liked it a lot", so it gets 4-Stars anyway!
I was very pleased to see Renée Ballard enter the narrative in a meaningful way, although I was just a little saddened by the depiction of our dear friend, Harry Bosch. At 85 I understand a bit about growing old, so I was pleased that he made an appearance🥴.
I enjoyed the empathetic narration by Will Damron, who has become a master narrator in my
From My Listening Activity:
Commenced: June 6, 2026
June 6, 2026 @30%: "Hmmm... 30% gone and I am barely impressed. I hope the story picks up a bit soon - this is a Michael Connelly Novel after all!!"
June 7, 2026 @56%: "This book is struggling to get me excited... I really hope the second half is more lively then the first."
June 8, 2026 @89%: "Several crime stories going on at the same time - one appears to be of no consequence at all, one has been solved, leaving one hanging, or maybe I missed one... The last one was not exciting enough to keep me awake for another 53 minutes [so I could finish the book]."
June 9, 2026 @99%: "My home is 12,801 kms (7,950 miles) across the Pacific Ocean from Santa Catalina Island. Of course I am interested in this historic place, but I really didn't need a full-blown travelogue...Contemplating Review + Rating."
[I know this final comment sounds a bit snarky, but I was in bed, feeling unwell, and a bit pissed off that I didn't enjoy the book as much as I hoped. To be fair, it came together for me in the last hour or so, which served to temper my trivial annoyances and improve my appreciation of the book😎!]
Michael Connelly - DS Stilwell 02 - Ironwood - 2026
Audible Direct: 07:43 Hours - Narrator: Will Damron
Commenced: June 6, 2026 - Finished June 9, 2026
June 19, 2026
the setup…
Detective Sergeant Stilwell and two of his deputies have set up a sting to catch a drug drop at a remote mountain airstrip based on a tip from a confidential informant. When the plane arrives and drops the bag, Stilwell and his team move in but things go terribly wrong with one deputy dead and the other seriously wounded. Stilwell is benched during the internal investigation and while clearing out the lost and found room, he discovers a backpack that traces back to a missing woman and LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit headed by Detective Renée Ballard. Of course, Stilwell keeps his hands in both cases.
the heart of the story…
I was hoping for a crossover at some point so I was delighted to not only get Ballard but a whiff of Harry Bosch! I loved getting two complex cases to sink my teeth into and I was completely engrossed. The pacing was pitch perfect and the writing nimble without sacrificing character depth.
the narration…
I’m already a big fan of Will Damron and he was excellent as a storyteller, keeping things taunt and tense. I’m loving him as the voice of the series.
the bottom line…
I loved the temporary partnership between Stilwell and Ballard as they navigated this case almost seamlessly. It was the secondary plot but felt equal to the murder investigation involving the dead deputy. I didn’t have time to form deductions and sat back to wallow in the action. The ending caught me off guard so I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next book. This far surpassed my expectations.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Detective Sergeant Stilwell and two of his deputies have set up a sting to catch a drug drop at a remote mountain airstrip based on a tip from a confidential informant. When the plane arrives and drops the bag, Stilwell and his team move in but things go terribly wrong with one deputy dead and the other seriously wounded. Stilwell is benched during the internal investigation and while clearing out the lost and found room, he discovers a backpack that traces back to a missing woman and LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit headed by Detective Renée Ballard. Of course, Stilwell keeps his hands in both cases.
the heart of the story…
I was hoping for a crossover at some point so I was delighted to not only get Ballard but a whiff of Harry Bosch! I loved getting two complex cases to sink my teeth into and I was completely engrossed. The pacing was pitch perfect and the writing nimble without sacrificing character depth.
the narration…
I’m already a big fan of Will Damron and he was excellent as a storyteller, keeping things taunt and tense. I’m loving him as the voice of the series.
the bottom line…
I loved the temporary partnership between Stilwell and Ballard as they navigated this case almost seamlessly. It was the secondary plot but felt equal to the murder investigation involving the dead deputy. I didn’t have time to form deductions and sat back to wallow in the action. The ending caught me off guard so I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next book. This far surpassed my expectations.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
May 23, 2026
I have read all of Michael Connelly books over the years, so I was waiting for the release day of Ironwood with high expectations — and the book absolutely delivered for me. I rated it 5⭐, just like the first Catalina novel, because I am very happy to see this new series continuing to evolve so strongly.
What makes the Catalina books feel different from Connelly’s Los Angeles stories is the setting itself. A small island where everyone knows everyone creates a completely different investigative system. In some ways, crimes are easier to investigate because connections, movements, and secrets are harder to hide. But at the same time, the social pressure becomes much stronger, especially when powerful local families, law enforcement, and personal relationships are involved.
Stilwell is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy reading about: clever, observant, honest, and brave enough to openly confront corruption instead of quietly accepting it. Across the investigation, the book shows how difficult it can be to pursue justice inside a tightly connected community where influence and loyalty often matter more than truth.
I also really enjoyed seeing the wider Connelly universe continue to connect through familiar characters, while still allowing Stilwell and Catalina Island to develop their own identity. The result is a tense, intelligent procedural that feels both classic Connelly and refreshingly new at the same time.
What makes the Catalina books feel different from Connelly’s Los Angeles stories is the setting itself. A small island where everyone knows everyone creates a completely different investigative system. In some ways, crimes are easier to investigate because connections, movements, and secrets are harder to hide. But at the same time, the social pressure becomes much stronger, especially when powerful local families, law enforcement, and personal relationships are involved.
Stilwell is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy reading about: clever, observant, honest, and brave enough to openly confront corruption instead of quietly accepting it. Across the investigation, the book shows how difficult it can be to pursue justice inside a tightly connected community where influence and loyalty often matter more than truth.
I also really enjoyed seeing the wider Connelly universe continue to connect through familiar characters, while still allowing Stilwell and Catalina Island to develop their own identity. The result is a tense, intelligent procedural that feels both classic Connelly and refreshingly new at the same time.
June 8, 2026
Compelling police procedural from the master! A great follow up to the first book in the series, Night Shade. I love the versatile location and the characters are solid. I especially enjoyed the cross-over of Rene Ballard. This new series is shaping up to be another top-notch adventure and one that I’m totally on board with. I listened to the audio format which was done very well by Will Damron. At under 8 hours, it’s easy to fly through this one.
June 14, 2026
Michael Connelley has a stable full of classic characters, including retired Detective Harry Bosch; his half-brother and Lincoln lawyer defense attorney Mickey Haller; the intrepid investigative reporter, Jack McEvoy; and more recently, Renee Ballard, in charge of the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit, where Bosch’s police officer daughter, Maddie volunteers when not working her beat. I greatly liked and appreciated all of three of them for their own strengths, flaws, and drives to do what they think is best to serve the betterment of society.
Now, Connelly has established a new character to his lineup – Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Detective Stillwell, who has been punished for not playing well with other officers, removed from his homicide investigations on the mainland and exiled to Catalina Island, where he serves as the administrative focal for the local police team.
Following his introduction in 2025’s “Nightshade”, Detective Stillwell returns for a second outing in 2026’s “Ironwood”. It’s very clear from the beginning pages that Connelly has created another detective that is passionate about his work, driven to solve crimes, and carries that internal commitment to do whatever it takes including personal sacrifice to make sure the law works for those who cannot protect themselves. As an additional benefit, Connelly’s also expanded his knowledge and history of Catalina, using it to strengthen its contribution to the characters and plotlines.
“Ironwood” kicks off with Stillwell and two of his team members staking out a secret landing strip on the island that a confidential informant has told them a drug drop is planned to take place. However, things go very bad for Stillwell’s team. While he chases a fleeing man down the mountainside in an ATV, shots ring out above on the runway and officers are left bleeding out and fighting for their lives.
The disastrous incident is followed by an internal inquiry that leaves Stillwell on the bench, waiting to see if he will be cleared or not as the senior officer in charge. However, Stillwell is not someone who can sit and wait for judgment to be decided. He is determined to find out who caused this attack even if it means that he will run his own private investigation at the risk of even more career damage.
While trying to lay low while trying to discover what happened, Stillwell finds a backpack placed in the sheriff’s substation lost and found. After searching through it, he finds a car key that ends up being connected to a woman who disappeared while hiking the mountain range on the island four years ago. However, the backup was turned in about two months ago, so he’s confused why it showed up now years after the woman went missing. Stillwell has himself another mystery on his hands.
Stilwell is able to track the missing backpack to the victim’s cold case which is being investigated by Detective Renee Ballard and her LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit of volunteers. Ballard’s team was already working the case and lets Stilwell know that his victim was one of at least four women killed by the same person. They decide to work together to find a killer who is turning in evidence from his own victims in what appears to be an effort to taunt law enforcement and display his/her ability to get away with serial murders.
Stilwell finds himself being shut out of the drug shooting investigation that took place on his own island and the reasons are more political and dangerous than he knows, increasing the likelihood that he will serve as a sacrifice to clean things up. At the same time, he and Ballard are hunting a killer playing a deadly game, one in which they are in a race against time to keep another victim from being added to the killer’s list…
First of all, I must say that I love me some Michael Connelly crime fiction. For me, he is one of the master storytellers and in my top three favorite writers. Period. No discussion to be had. I have never read a book of his that I didn’t enjoy and I don’t think that I have given him anything less than a 4-star (out of 5-stars) review. So be forewarned, that I have a bias for his writing, but I think it is well defended in truth. If you like the mystery genre and/or crime fiction, Connelly should be on your Mount Rushmore.
The good news is that there were several things that I really enjoyed about Connelly’s newer character, the Catalina Island setting, and the multiple mystery storylines that drove this book.
First, I love the ever-growing Connelly universe of characters that continue to be my friends, role models, and heroes. Stilwell is chip off of the old Harry Bosch school of hardcore detectives that live and breathe the need for justice, regardless of the personal cost. We got Renee Ballard, who is not only younger and prettier, she’s smart. Street smart. Analytically smart. And instinctually smart. She is mentored by Harry Bosch, king of the detectives, and her greatest strength is her ability to stand up to him and match his level of intensity. And speaking of good old Harry, we even get a cameo appearance from him that helps influence and lead Stilwell to look at the evidence in a different and enlightening way that pays off during his investigation. I can’t wait for Stilwell to cross Harry’s path. That will be a lot of fun to read.
Second, Connelly’s no nonsense, straight forward storytelling style and sense of focus is totally present. From the first page, you are pulled into the story as a front seat passenger, right along with Detective Stillwell, another law enforcement officer trying to do the right thing, but not adept enough to avoid the pitfalls that bite you in the backside when you go outside the established political structure of how the Los Angeles Police Department works.
Connelly is such a masterful and polished writer. He uses his previous newspaper writing experience to intertwine three ongoing investigations and multiple secondary character relationships in a connected, peal the onion plotting and pacing that provides a gripping reading experience. I felt like I was standing next to Stilwell as he studied crime scene packages, interviewed various suspects and persons of interest, and took career risks to do what he felt was important to move the cases forward. The mystery driven storylines flowed effortlessly from one scene to another, one conversation to the next, and one twist to another until the multiple climaxes paid off. There was no extra verbiage or unnecessary descriptions taking away from the story’s focus.
I am constantly amazed at how well Connelly uses his characters, plotting, and setting to paint a beautiful canvas. In this particular book, he introduces Catalina, a picturesque island off the coast of Southern California, to play a large role in the location, scenery, and atmosphere of the story. Interestingly enough, Catalina is considered a beautiful tourist destination that can only be reached by a ferry, boat, helicopter, or a private plane. Connelly incorporates history, culture, politics, and economics into this novel by describing the ongoing water shortage issues, the commercial enterprises, the tourist sites, and the local vineyard battling with the community over the use of natural resources. Catalina provides a great setting for crime fiction and Connelly magnifies its use to the highest degree possible.
I have only two constructive comments. The first is that usually Connelly provides a wrap-up chapter or epilogue to tie up the loose ends and provide some level of reflection for the characters and what they’ve been through in the book. This one ended on a highly emotional climatic moment that leaves you hanging a bit on what the outcome will be. There are insinuations and foreshadowing for what is most likely to happen, but it doesn’t provide deliver a full outcome. I realize that there will be another book following this and it motivates you to buy it to find what happens next, but come on man, after 300 plus pages of drama and build-up, we deserve a full payoff for our investment of time and attention. Others may be less concerned about how the ending was delivered, but I am a bit less satisfied because of it.
The second concern is that Connelly provided me everything I needed (except for a fully satisfying ending) that the pages turned by themselves, I lost track of time, and ended up finishing it within 24 hours. I literally devoured this one, and found myself almost depressed that it was over so fast. Trust me. The withdrawals came fast and I will just have to deal with them.
Other than those two concerns, this book was a joyful and immersive summer read.
The good news is that Connelly will have a new Harry Bosch novel out later this year, so I don’t have long to wait for my next Connelly fix. In addition, in his promotional interviews for this book, Connelly stated that he is under contract for at least one more Catalina novel, so Stilwell will be back again. After that, Connelly said we’ll see how things go. He’s got a stable full of characters and it seems that finding ways to combine them together in books helps make things easier to keep them engaged. I, for one, am glad to hear that.
If you haven’t read a Connelly novel, it’s time to start.
And let me close with this personal thought…
You know what you get with Connelly – an excellent crime fiction experience second to none. Statement of fact. Period.
Now, Connelly has established a new character to his lineup – Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Detective Stillwell, who has been punished for not playing well with other officers, removed from his homicide investigations on the mainland and exiled to Catalina Island, where he serves as the administrative focal for the local police team.
Following his introduction in 2025’s “Nightshade”, Detective Stillwell returns for a second outing in 2026’s “Ironwood”. It’s very clear from the beginning pages that Connelly has created another detective that is passionate about his work, driven to solve crimes, and carries that internal commitment to do whatever it takes including personal sacrifice to make sure the law works for those who cannot protect themselves. As an additional benefit, Connelly’s also expanded his knowledge and history of Catalina, using it to strengthen its contribution to the characters and plotlines.
“Ironwood” kicks off with Stillwell and two of his team members staking out a secret landing strip on the island that a confidential informant has told them a drug drop is planned to take place. However, things go very bad for Stillwell’s team. While he chases a fleeing man down the mountainside in an ATV, shots ring out above on the runway and officers are left bleeding out and fighting for their lives.
The disastrous incident is followed by an internal inquiry that leaves Stillwell on the bench, waiting to see if he will be cleared or not as the senior officer in charge. However, Stillwell is not someone who can sit and wait for judgment to be decided. He is determined to find out who caused this attack even if it means that he will run his own private investigation at the risk of even more career damage.
While trying to lay low while trying to discover what happened, Stillwell finds a backpack placed in the sheriff’s substation lost and found. After searching through it, he finds a car key that ends up being connected to a woman who disappeared while hiking the mountain range on the island four years ago. However, the backup was turned in about two months ago, so he’s confused why it showed up now years after the woman went missing. Stillwell has himself another mystery on his hands.
Stilwell is able to track the missing backpack to the victim’s cold case which is being investigated by Detective Renee Ballard and her LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit of volunteers. Ballard’s team was already working the case and lets Stilwell know that his victim was one of at least four women killed by the same person. They decide to work together to find a killer who is turning in evidence from his own victims in what appears to be an effort to taunt law enforcement and display his/her ability to get away with serial murders.
Stilwell finds himself being shut out of the drug shooting investigation that took place on his own island and the reasons are more political and dangerous than he knows, increasing the likelihood that he will serve as a sacrifice to clean things up. At the same time, he and Ballard are hunting a killer playing a deadly game, one in which they are in a race against time to keep another victim from being added to the killer’s list…
First of all, I must say that I love me some Michael Connelly crime fiction. For me, he is one of the master storytellers and in my top three favorite writers. Period. No discussion to be had. I have never read a book of his that I didn’t enjoy and I don’t think that I have given him anything less than a 4-star (out of 5-stars) review. So be forewarned, that I have a bias for his writing, but I think it is well defended in truth. If you like the mystery genre and/or crime fiction, Connelly should be on your Mount Rushmore.
The good news is that there were several things that I really enjoyed about Connelly’s newer character, the Catalina Island setting, and the multiple mystery storylines that drove this book.
First, I love the ever-growing Connelly universe of characters that continue to be my friends, role models, and heroes. Stilwell is chip off of the old Harry Bosch school of hardcore detectives that live and breathe the need for justice, regardless of the personal cost. We got Renee Ballard, who is not only younger and prettier, she’s smart. Street smart. Analytically smart. And instinctually smart. She is mentored by Harry Bosch, king of the detectives, and her greatest strength is her ability to stand up to him and match his level of intensity. And speaking of good old Harry, we even get a cameo appearance from him that helps influence and lead Stilwell to look at the evidence in a different and enlightening way that pays off during his investigation. I can’t wait for Stilwell to cross Harry’s path. That will be a lot of fun to read.
Second, Connelly’s no nonsense, straight forward storytelling style and sense of focus is totally present. From the first page, you are pulled into the story as a front seat passenger, right along with Detective Stillwell, another law enforcement officer trying to do the right thing, but not adept enough to avoid the pitfalls that bite you in the backside when you go outside the established political structure of how the Los Angeles Police Department works.
Connelly is such a masterful and polished writer. He uses his previous newspaper writing experience to intertwine three ongoing investigations and multiple secondary character relationships in a connected, peal the onion plotting and pacing that provides a gripping reading experience. I felt like I was standing next to Stilwell as he studied crime scene packages, interviewed various suspects and persons of interest, and took career risks to do what he felt was important to move the cases forward. The mystery driven storylines flowed effortlessly from one scene to another, one conversation to the next, and one twist to another until the multiple climaxes paid off. There was no extra verbiage or unnecessary descriptions taking away from the story’s focus.
I am constantly amazed at how well Connelly uses his characters, plotting, and setting to paint a beautiful canvas. In this particular book, he introduces Catalina, a picturesque island off the coast of Southern California, to play a large role in the location, scenery, and atmosphere of the story. Interestingly enough, Catalina is considered a beautiful tourist destination that can only be reached by a ferry, boat, helicopter, or a private plane. Connelly incorporates history, culture, politics, and economics into this novel by describing the ongoing water shortage issues, the commercial enterprises, the tourist sites, and the local vineyard battling with the community over the use of natural resources. Catalina provides a great setting for crime fiction and Connelly magnifies its use to the highest degree possible.
I have only two constructive comments. The first is that usually Connelly provides a wrap-up chapter or epilogue to tie up the loose ends and provide some level of reflection for the characters and what they’ve been through in the book. This one ended on a highly emotional climatic moment that leaves you hanging a bit on what the outcome will be. There are insinuations and foreshadowing for what is most likely to happen, but it doesn’t provide deliver a full outcome. I realize that there will be another book following this and it motivates you to buy it to find what happens next, but come on man, after 300 plus pages of drama and build-up, we deserve a full payoff for our investment of time and attention. Others may be less concerned about how the ending was delivered, but I am a bit less satisfied because of it.
The second concern is that Connelly provided me everything I needed (except for a fully satisfying ending) that the pages turned by themselves, I lost track of time, and ended up finishing it within 24 hours. I literally devoured this one, and found myself almost depressed that it was over so fast. Trust me. The withdrawals came fast and I will just have to deal with them.
Other than those two concerns, this book was a joyful and immersive summer read.
The good news is that Connelly will have a new Harry Bosch novel out later this year, so I don’t have long to wait for my next Connelly fix. In addition, in his promotional interviews for this book, Connelly stated that he is under contract for at least one more Catalina novel, so Stilwell will be back again. After that, Connelly said we’ll see how things go. He’s got a stable full of characters and it seems that finding ways to combine them together in books helps make things easier to keep them engaged. I, for one, am glad to hear that.
If you haven’t read a Connelly novel, it’s time to start.
And let me close with this personal thought…
You know what you get with Connelly – an excellent crime fiction experience second to none. Statement of fact. Period.
May 21, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Michael Connelly continues to prove why he rules the police procedural genre with this second book in his Catalina series. Detective Sergeant Stilwell is a solid, highly principled lead, and the island setting provides a great backdrop for the story. The plot is completely gripping as Stilwell balances the fallout of a disastrous drug operation with a cold case involving an abandoned backpack.
The narrative hits another level for Bosch and Ballard fans when the abandoned backpack is traced to a young female hiker who went missing on the island years ago. This discovery flags the attention of the Open-Unsolved Unit, forcing Stilwell onto the mainland alongside Detective Renée Ballard, who is tracking a serial killer. When Stilwell admits he is getting obsessed with the case, Ballard anchors him with some classic Harry Bosch wisdom, advising him to look at the murder book from every angle until something finally jumps out. This specific insight connects the island politics beautifully to the broader Connelly universe.
Attentive readers will finally discover Stilwell’s first name in the dialogue.
However, I am docking points for the ending. Come for the great universe crossovers and detective work but prepare for a cliffhanger.
June 5, 2026
Please read Nightshade first, even though it’s not absolutely necessary.
Ironwood is the 2nd book in the “Catalina” series.
I enjoyed Ironwood and recommend it!
Now, I need to wait for the third book to come out (next year).
Ironwood is the 2nd book in the “Catalina” series.
I enjoyed Ironwood and recommend it!
Now, I need to wait for the third book to come out (next year).
June 10, 2026
This second installment in the series can be read as a stand-alone, yet it benefits from the introduction of Stilwell in the first book. Part police procedural part mystery the real thrill of these novels is the way Connelly develops the characters throughout.
May 20, 2026
CAN ARC REVIEWS BE SEPARATED? PLEASE?
I have loved MC's books since I had to read Concrete Blonde for a Literature Class in college. Some books I've found are better than others, but for the most part, it's a win. I don't know what happened here. There was still a chunk of the book that was left untold, and I was shocked when I got to the end. Not because I was surprised (he didn't even disguise a twist), but because everything was left without a real end.The best part about books are the endings when you learn this ins and outs, why things took place, and where the characters are left. This book offers none of that. Read at your own disappointment.
* Maddie and Bosch are included in a "blink and you miss it" way (name dropped which is more irritating).
I have loved MC's books since I had to read Concrete Blonde for a Literature Class in college. Some books I've found are better than others, but for the most part, it's a win. I don't know what happened here. There was still a chunk of the book that was left untold, and I was shocked when I got to the end. Not because I was surprised (he didn't even disguise a twist), but because everything was left without a real end.The best part about books are the endings when you learn this ins and outs, why things took place, and where the characters are left. This book offers none of that. Read at your own disappointment.
* Maddie and Bosch are included in a "blink and you miss it" way (name dropped which is more irritating).
June 18, 2026
Solid 4 stars, but shorter than normal.
May 30, 2026
The second book in the Catalina series is better than the first. It starts off with a shooting at the airport. Stillwell is on the bench pending the results of the investigation when he discovers a cold case.
Along with a cameo by Bosch, Stillwell winds up teaming with Renee Ballard to work the cold case. Very well written procedural.
Along with a cameo by Bosch, Stillwell winds up teaming with Renee Ballard to work the cold case. Very well written procedural.
May 28, 2026
New book by one of my favorite authors, with great characters, an interesting location, and significant action throughout. But, ugh, that ending.
June 1, 2026
I'm truly in awe of Michael Connelly. He can really turn out the books but they are always of the highest quality and somehow they just get better and better. They are engaging, somewhat complex (yet seamless in the delivery), and Connelly seems to think of everything when it comes to crime fiction. My specific views on this second book in Connelly's Catalina series align perfectly to two of my Goodreads friends, so I'm just going to share their reviews since they are both detailed as well as beautifully stated.
Jan's Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Karen's Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jan's Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Karen's Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 24, 2026
I am not liking this series as much as his others. I really struggle with Tosh who is very passive and boring. (I am not sure if I have spelt her name right - I am doing audio.). I didn’t find it quite as convincing as his other novels. So although an easy read, not as rewarding for me. Just under 4 stars.
May 26, 2026
Not a complete story. This book ends with no resolution. Completely unacceptable for this kind of book.
June 20, 2026
Enter detective Stillwell stationed on Catalina Island in his second book by Connelly in which the book opens with a murder and a wounded policewoman under his command.
There is vandalism on the island which is swiftly put to bed by Stillwell and then there is the case of a victim of what is quickly turned into the victim of a serial killer. In which Stillwell joins forces with Rene Ballard.
Then there is Stillwall's boss who keeps putting the brakes on Stillwell's activities.
The book is an easy read, with a heatwave and my Electric ebike replacing public transport there was less reading time this last week so hence the longer a book lasts.
Connelly knows how to write a book and this one ends in a rather abrupt manner and leaves the reader hanging with a rather open ending.
Which is somewhat annoying for the reader who does not get closure. So three stars is all this book gets.
There is vandalism on the island which is swiftly put to bed by Stillwell and then there is the case of a victim of what is quickly turned into the victim of a serial killer. In which Stillwell joins forces with Rene Ballard.
Then there is Stillwall's boss who keeps putting the brakes on Stillwell's activities.
The book is an easy read, with a heatwave and my Electric ebike replacing public transport there was less reading time this last week so hence the longer a book lasts.
Connelly knows how to write a book and this one ends in a rather abrupt manner and leaves the reader hanging with a rather open ending.
Which is somewhat annoying for the reader who does not get closure. So three stars is all this book gets.
May 21, 2026
Author Michael Connelly could probably write a crime novel like this in his sleep at this point, and occasionally I wonder if he has. His latest volume returns to the setting and characters of last year's Nightshade, where a detective has been punished for still-murky past transgressions and reassigned to a small island off the coast of California as punishment. The action picks up here shortly after, and as usual for this writer consists of a few overlapping investigations, most of which don't directly relate to one another but simply capture the protagonist's busy caseload.
This is all about as solid as long-time readers would expect, and we even get a crossover with Renée Ballard of the LA cold cases division (plus silent cameos from Harry Bosch and his daughter) for anyone fooled into thinking the Catalina books represented a separate continuity from Connelly's primary works. A couple issues keep it from being among his best, however. First, the balance of the plots is off in my opinion, with the more interesting one -- a serial killer taunting the police over their inability to catch him -- wrapping up too soon, while the aftermath of a deputy's shooting ends up occupying the majority of the climax. And second, at the risk of minor spoilers, it feels too convenient that the captain who's been rude to Stilwell for the whole story winds up implicated in some of the wrongdoing in the end too. Sometimes bad bosses are just a pain to work with, and not coincidentally also corrupt criminals that you can righteously take down!
But it remains a joy to watch a clever investigator follow leads and build up evidence against his suspects, and Ballard / Stilwell seems like a productive partnership to continue exploring when the inevitable sequels roll around. I imagine genre fans will appreciate this, though it lands as more good than great overall.
[Content warning for suicide and gore.]
Like this review? Find more of my writing on:
--https://www.goodreads.com/lesserjoke
--https://letterboxd.com/lesserjoke
--https://lesserjoke.home.blog
Or check out these ways to support me, if you'd like:
--https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
This is all about as solid as long-time readers would expect, and we even get a crossover with Renée Ballard of the LA cold cases division (plus silent cameos from Harry Bosch and his daughter) for anyone fooled into thinking the Catalina books represented a separate continuity from Connelly's primary works. A couple issues keep it from being among his best, however. First, the balance of the plots is off in my opinion, with the more interesting one -- a serial killer taunting the police over their inability to catch him -- wrapping up too soon, while the aftermath of a deputy's shooting ends up occupying the majority of the climax. And second, at the risk of minor spoilers, it feels too convenient that the captain who's been rude to Stilwell for the whole story winds up implicated in some of the wrongdoing in the end too. Sometimes bad bosses are just a pain to work with, and not coincidentally also corrupt criminals that you can righteously take down!
But it remains a joy to watch a clever investigator follow leads and build up evidence against his suspects, and Ballard / Stilwell seems like a productive partnership to continue exploring when the inevitable sequels roll around. I imagine genre fans will appreciate this, though it lands as more good than great overall.
[Content warning for suicide and gore.]
Like this review? Find more of my writing on:
--https://www.goodreads.com/lesserjoke
--https://letterboxd.com/lesserjoke
--https://lesserjoke.home.blog
Or check out these ways to support me, if you'd like:
--https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
May 24, 2026
I felt this one was good enough for 5 stars and I turned every page with anticipation and yet I feel it deserves a sequel. I hope one is coming. The ending left lots of things hanging.
May 23, 2026
I don't think this series is as good as the Harry Bosch series. This particular book seemed to be written for a lower reading level. Short sentences, statements of the obvious, simple plot. There were several crimes, some minor, others not so minor that were investigated by detective Stillwell, but all seemed to be too easy. He generally found one clue that lead inevitably to the criminal. There were no false trails or setbacks, not even much action. Kind of boring actually. Also, it ended abruptly with no clue about what would ultimately happen.
April 4, 2026
Michael Connelly is a superstar author: I’ve read all of the Bosch novels; a devoured every single Lincoln Lawyer books and now I have just completed the second Catalina story about to be published in May 2026. The first book in Connelly’s new series was solid if not quite spectacular. This follow up effort improves on the first effort although in my humble, amateur review I believe he still needs to have this series make that big step up from “good” to “great.”
Most of “Ironwood “ again takes place on the touristy island of Catalina just a short boat ride or helicopter ride from the sunshiny beaches of Los Angeles.. This installment begins literally with a bang. Stilwell, our protagonist, remains exiled to Catalina Island where in the dark of night a plane drops a duffle bag of drugs at the island airfield. Shocking events occur that I shan’t write about. An investigation begins that will even include a cameo from Renee Ballard from LA’s unsolved crimes unit. Oh yeah, your friendly critic has also read all of Connelly’s Ballard series also. So, in summary, we heartily recommend Ironwood but just enjoy the plot while Michael Connolly develops his core characters (including Catalina Island itself.)
4 Stars for Ironwood.
Most of “Ironwood “ again takes place on the touristy island of Catalina just a short boat ride or helicopter ride from the sunshiny beaches of Los Angeles.. This installment begins literally with a bang. Stilwell, our protagonist, remains exiled to Catalina Island where in the dark of night a plane drops a duffle bag of drugs at the island airfield. Shocking events occur that I shan’t write about. An investigation begins that will even include a cameo from Renee Ballard from LA’s unsolved crimes unit. Oh yeah, your friendly critic has also read all of Connelly’s Ballard series also. So, in summary, we heartily recommend Ironwood but just enjoy the plot while Michael Connolly develops his core characters (including Catalina Island itself.)
4 Stars for Ironwood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great installment in the new Stillwell series. The character is really growing on me -- and great to see some cameos from other Connelly characters.
Will we see Stillwell in an upcoming season of Ballard?
Will we see Stillwell in an upcoming season of Ballard?
May 25, 2026
In the sequel to Nightshade, Connelly once again enlarges his universe of characters beyond Bosch and Ballard. Detective Stillwell is based in Avalon, on Catalina Island, 29 miles off the Los Angeles’ coast, only an hour or so by ferry, but far enough away that the majority of Angelenos never give it a thought. It’s a whole separate universe with the only population a town of about 5,000. It grows in population on holiday weekends and is the site of many alcohol-fueled problems. Yet, this rocky island is still part of Los Angeles County and it’s where problem deputies in the Sheriff’s Department are sent to cool their heels, deputies like Stillwell, who are determined to close cases anything but the easiest way. In the Connelly tradition, Stillwell is a white knight on a horse who can’t leave well enough alone. Ballard plays a significant role here, but Bosch only gets a walk-on cameo.
Stilwell gets involved with two cases here. One, acting on a tip from a confidential informant, Stillwell and his deputies think they’re taking down s drug delivery on a remote airstrip, but ended up being ambushed by a sniper with the deputies taking bad gunfire. While temporarily not working cases pending the investigation, Stilwell begins cleaning out a storeroom in the substation, and finds a backpack purposefully left on a bench two months earlier. Tracing a key in the pack through a locksmith, Stilwell finds it’s the backpack of a hiker who mysteriously disappeared years earlier and tied into unsolved hiker deaths being investigated by Renée Ballard and her cold case team.
Stilwell is warned to stay away from the first investigation because his own actions are being scrutinized. He also has to push his way into the second when he’s not supposed to be working cases, particularly anything on the mainland.
Stilwell gets involved with two cases here. One, acting on a tip from a confidential informant, Stillwell and his deputies think they’re taking down s drug delivery on a remote airstrip, but ended up being ambushed by a sniper with the deputies taking bad gunfire. While temporarily not working cases pending the investigation, Stilwell begins cleaning out a storeroom in the substation, and finds a backpack purposefully left on a bench two months earlier. Tracing a key in the pack through a locksmith, Stilwell finds it’s the backpack of a hiker who mysteriously disappeared years earlier and tied into unsolved hiker deaths being investigated by Renée Ballard and her cold case team.
Stilwell is warned to stay away from the first investigation because his own actions are being scrutinized. He also has to push his way into the second when he’s not supposed to be working cases, particularly anything on the mainland.
June 15, 2026
Second disappointing entry in a row to start this series for Connelly. This main character continues to have the same traits as Bosch and Ballard therefore making these stories virtually interchangeable. Several plot lines in this one, but again pretty boring (mostly telling and long passages of info dumps with very little action), inevitable and not surprising conclusions. Once again, Connelly uses law-enforcement predominantly as the bad guys which continues to be disappointing and unimaginative. 2.5 stars rounded up.
June 7, 2026
Whew, what a book, a nail biter of a thriller with the best aspects of a Michael Connelly book, compelling characters, vivid settings, crackling police procedural details and criminals who make up the hardest cases. The main characters, Stilwell and Ballard, are the kind of cops you hope make up the majority of the force.
May 20, 2026
2.75.
An anti-climatic novella that is padded to limp over 300 hardcover pages. I had hoped that the Catalina series would be a one and done, but here we are only in book two and we already have Ballard here to pad the pages as a supporting character. Even Maddie shows up in a line of the story just for the hell of it. Bosch appears as a specter, and his limited actions are far more interesting and human than anything Stilwell does. By the way, who is Stilwell? A competent cop. Okay, and? Who is he? I get the idea of him being in exile, but he’s a seventy minute boat ride from LA, so it’s not like he’s ever truly in the wilderness. Who are any of these characters? They’re just names for Stilwell to have a conversation with and to move the plot along. Connelly’s books don’t feel like novels any longer; they read like TV outlines where administrative accuracy is more important than story and character.
If this was a Bosch novel, the final showdown would have happened back out on the airstrip, or a balls out cat and mouse chase through the Catalina forest and trails.
An anti-climatic novella that is padded to limp over 300 hardcover pages. I had hoped that the Catalina series would be a one and done, but here we are only in book two and we already have Ballard here to pad the pages as a supporting character. Even Maddie shows up in a line of the story just for the hell of it. Bosch appears as a specter, and his limited actions are far more interesting and human than anything Stilwell does. By the way, who is Stilwell? A competent cop. Okay, and? Who is he? I get the idea of him being in exile, but he’s a seventy minute boat ride from LA, so it’s not like he’s ever truly in the wilderness. Who are any of these characters? They’re just names for Stilwell to have a conversation with and to move the plot along. Connelly’s books don’t feel like novels any longer; they read like TV outlines where administrative accuracy is more important than story and character.
If this was a Bosch novel, the final showdown would have happened back out on the airstrip, or a balls out cat and mouse chase through the Catalina forest and trails.
June 6, 2026
Second book in the Catalina series. Sergeant Stilwell is caught up in conspiracies and corruption in the department that gets one of his detectives killed and another seriously injured. He is also in hot pursuit of a serial killer and teams up with Ballard and her team to catch him. This is a fast and gripping read. Loved the cameo appearances of Harry Bosch and Maddie. Waiting desperately for the next book.
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