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Harry Bosch Universe #7
Blood Work
Alternative Cover ISBN 0-446-60262-0
New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly presents his most ambitious, most gripping achievement to date--a novel of masterly suspense and righteous obsession that will never let you go.
New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly presents his most ambitious, most gripping achievement to date--a novel of masterly suspense and righteous obsession that will never let you go.
When Graciella Rivers steps onto his boat, ex-FBI agent Terrell McCaleb has no idea he's about to come out of retirement. He's recuperating from a heart transplant and avoiding anything stressful. But when Graciella tells him the way her sister Gloria was murdered, it leaves Terry no choice. Now the man with the new heart vows to take down a predator without a soul. For Gloria's killer shatters every rule that McCaleb ever learned in his years with the Bureau--as McCaleb gets no more second chances at life...and just one shot at the truth.
498 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 1998
3491 people are currently reading
15522 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 2,106 reviews
November 5, 2022
This was a chore, despite being one of the more competently written Michael Connelly books. If you enjoyed it, fabulous. Sincerely. (And if you like Connelly but haven't tried it, there's a good chance it'll work for you--although reviews from my friends are mixed, so there's also a chance you won't. In other words, no guarantees). But I think this is where he and I part ways: I find him generally uninteresting, mildly irritating, and reading what seems to be a better example of his craft actually made the experience more disappointing. To push a metaphor, if a normal blood pH falls somewhere between 7.35 and 7.45, I spent most of the book at about a 7.31. Don't understand? Feel vaguely annoyed?
Exactly.
The main character, ex-FBI agent Terry McCaleb, is recovering from a recent heart transplant when the donor's sister approaches him to help solve the donor's murder. Reluctantly--because he's recovering from a heart transplant and his cardiac surgeon tells him it's a terrible idea--he becomes involved and what follows is a fairly predictable police procedural. Though published in 1998, it feels more dated, say early 90s, and I found myself particularly distracted by the frequent mentions of Terry's medical issues. I had to fight temptation to do some research and see what the state of cardiac transplant in the L.A. area would have been in this time period, because I have these suspicions that this isn't it.*
I did manage to make it through much of the story in a couple of big chunks, ignoring the medical issues, until I ran into other problems. One is that despite being told how brilliant Terry was as an agent (and we're told this a lot), he essentially cracks a case by diving into the evidence and observing conflicting details. In other words, it's the Encyclopedia Brown method of detection. Is that cleverness or persistence? In fact, there's a couple moments where Terry is astonishingly stupid, particularly with risks to others. Second, as with many of Connelly's works, this feels made-for-Hollywood, complete with a wildly awkward love relationship. Third, it eventually resorts to an annoying plot device that stalled me out again, partly because it (again) required Terry to make some TSTL decision-making. In fact, there's a couple times I stopped because I couldn't believe our 'famous' FBI detective was being so unprofessional and dismissive. What finally got me to finish was my ex (of the dubious choice in books) pushing it back on me, saying it takes another 'really good turn.'
I did finish and I agree, there was a good turn that was genuinely surprising. Unfortunately, it also felt like the twist came out of left field, so while I appreciated it, I was equally cross about it. It's the plot equivalent of having someone's long-lost brother show up after they were mentioned once in the beginning of the book.
Make that pH of 7.29. Excuse me while I go find some sodium bicarbonate.
Two and a half vials of blood, rounding down because someone needs to.
*In the afterward, Connelly thanks his friend who had a transplant in 1993 and shared so much of his story with him that it moved Connelly to write a story. This absolutely makes sense to me, and explains the wonky recovery timeline and the strangely specific but contradictory details (such as being careful to take and track his temperature twice a day but then regularly go all day without eating 'until he was weak from hunger'). These are absolutely the kind of details a friend might remember later but may not put into very clear context of overall physical state.
Exactly.
The main character, ex-FBI agent Terry McCaleb, is recovering from a recent heart transplant when the donor's sister approaches him to help solve the donor's murder. Reluctantly--because he's recovering from a heart transplant and his cardiac surgeon tells him it's a terrible idea--he becomes involved and what follows is a fairly predictable police procedural. Though published in 1998, it feels more dated, say early 90s, and I found myself particularly distracted by the frequent mentions of Terry's medical issues. I had to fight temptation to do some research and see what the state of cardiac transplant in the L.A. area would have been in this time period, because I have these suspicions that this isn't it.*
I did manage to make it through much of the story in a couple of big chunks, ignoring the medical issues, until I ran into other problems. One is that despite being told how brilliant Terry was as an agent (and we're told this a lot), he essentially cracks a case by diving into the evidence and observing conflicting details. In other words, it's the Encyclopedia Brown method of detection. Is that cleverness or persistence? In fact, there's a couple moments where Terry is astonishingly stupid, particularly with risks to others. Second, as with many of Connelly's works, this feels made-for-Hollywood, complete with a wildly awkward love relationship. Third, it eventually resorts to an annoying plot device that stalled me out again, partly because it (again) required Terry to make some TSTL decision-making. In fact, there's a couple times I stopped because I couldn't believe our 'famous' FBI detective was being so unprofessional and dismissive. What finally got me to finish was my ex (of the dubious choice in books) pushing it back on me, saying it takes another 'really good turn.'
I did finish and I agree, there was a good turn that was genuinely surprising. Unfortunately, it also felt like the twist came out of left field, so while I appreciated it, I was equally cross about it. It's the plot equivalent of having someone's long-lost brother show up after they were mentioned once in the beginning of the book.
Make that pH of 7.29. Excuse me while I go find some sodium bicarbonate.
Two and a half vials of blood, rounding down because someone needs to.
*In the afterward, Connelly thanks his friend who had a transplant in 1993 and shared so much of his story with him that it moved Connelly to write a story. This absolutely makes sense to me, and explains the wonky recovery timeline and the strangely specific but contradictory details (such as being careful to take and track his temperature twice a day but then regularly go all day without eating 'until he was weak from hunger'). These are absolutely the kind of details a friend might remember later but may not put into very clear context of overall physical state.
November 19, 2024
I gave this 4* because from the previous Connelly books that I've read, only one got less than 5*. I had to show somehow that I enjoyed this one slightly less than the others, although I loved it nonetheless.
From time to time. Connelly takes a break from Bosch and writes another character. This time we have Terrell McCaleb, an ex-FBI agent specialised in serial killers and a fresh receiver of a new heart. He needs to avoid doing anything stressful, but when Graciela Rivers asks for his help to identify her sister's killer, he cannot say no due to the way she was murdered.
I am amazed how Connelly managed to write another different main character so well. I enjoy that he does not copy the same recipe. Anyway, the writing and the plot was good as ever. My only reason for not giving this 5* is that I usually do not appreciate novels about serial killers.
From time to time. Connelly takes a break from Bosch and writes another character. This time we have Terrell McCaleb, an ex-FBI agent specialised in serial killers and a fresh receiver of a new heart. He needs to avoid doing anything stressful, but when Graciela Rivers asks for his help to identify her sister's killer, he cannot say no due to the way she was murdered.
I am amazed how Connelly managed to write another different main character so well. I enjoy that he does not copy the same recipe. Anyway, the writing and the plot was good as ever. My only reason for not giving this 5* is that I usually do not appreciate novels about serial killers.
July 29, 2017
Terry McCaleb was once a top-ranked F.B.I. agent, but then a heart attack brought him down and forced him into early retirement. After an interminable wait because of his very rare blood type, McCaleb has finally had a heart transplant and is recuperating aboard his boat which is docked in the harbor at San Pedro, California.
Terry is still early in his recovery when a beautiful woman named Graciella Rivers shows up at his boat and begs him to investigate the murder of her sister, Gloria, who was shot to death in the robbery of a convenience store. Terry explains that this would be impossible and that his condition would not permit it. Then Graciella drops the bomb that leaves him no choice.
Against the advice of his doctor who is enormously upset with him, McCaleb agrees to investigate Gloria's death. It's going to be an uphill battle, given that he's now a private citizen and, ex-F.B.I. agent or not, the local cops who investigated the crime originally are going to stonewall him. They've written off the case as a run-of-the-mill homicide in the course of an armed robbery. They have no suspects and aren't looking particularly hard to find any. The last thing they want is for some outsider to come in and show them up.
McCaleb pretty quickly concludes that there is probably more to this crime than a simple robbery gone wrong and his investigation turns up several interesting developments. He's a unique and sympathetic protagonist, and it's fun watching him work his way through all of the obstacles thrown in his path. It's a taut compelling story--basically what anyone who reads him would expect from Michael Connelly.
I'm giving this three stars rather than four, however, because of something incredibly stupid that happens near the end of the book. (WARNING: Do not read the following unless you want a good idea how the book ends.)
Terry is still early in his recovery when a beautiful woman named Graciella Rivers shows up at his boat and begs him to investigate the murder of her sister, Gloria, who was shot to death in the robbery of a convenience store. Terry explains that this would be impossible and that his condition would not permit it. Then Graciella drops the bomb that leaves him no choice.
Against the advice of his doctor who is enormously upset with him, McCaleb agrees to investigate Gloria's death. It's going to be an uphill battle, given that he's now a private citizen and, ex-F.B.I. agent or not, the local cops who investigated the crime originally are going to stonewall him. They've written off the case as a run-of-the-mill homicide in the course of an armed robbery. They have no suspects and aren't looking particularly hard to find any. The last thing they want is for some outsider to come in and show them up.
McCaleb pretty quickly concludes that there is probably more to this crime than a simple robbery gone wrong and his investigation turns up several interesting developments. He's a unique and sympathetic protagonist, and it's fun watching him work his way through all of the obstacles thrown in his path. It's a taut compelling story--basically what anyone who reads him would expect from Michael Connelly.
I'm giving this three stars rather than four, however, because of something incredibly stupid that happens near the end of the book. (WARNING: Do not read the following unless you want a good idea how the book ends.)
January 7, 2023
Did you catch the double meaning of "BLOOD WORK"?
Terry McCaleb, ex-FBI agent and skilled profiler of serial murderers, retired to a quiet peaceful shipboard existence on his boat anchored in Los Angeles harbour after a heart attack and heart transplant surgery forced him off the job. When Graciela Rivers introduces herself to McCaleb and tries to solicit his assistance finding her sister's murderer, his first inclination was to politely beg off and recommend she seek the services of a licensed private detective. But she got his full attention and completely snared him with an overwhelming sense of personal obligation when she revealed that the heart he had received in surgery was her sisters, available as a transplant organ only because of her apparently senseless murder. As McCaleb internalizes that debt and cautiously begins the investigation, he soon discovers that, far from being the apparent robbery-related homicide that the LAPD had given up hope of solving as a now cold trail case, the murderer was by some bizarre coincidence, much more likely to be the type of serial killer with which he was all too familiar.
Connelly's fans, by now thoroughly familiar with his skill at writing sophisticated, engaging police procedural novels, will not be disappointed by BLOOD WORK. Not only does he lead the reader through a complex set of clues, forensic procedures, dead-end investigations, twists and turns, interrogations and the minutiae of a realistic, complex homicide investigation but he adds in the gut-wrenching tension of a first-rate thriller as well. The growth of the relationship between McCaleb, Graciella Rivers and Raymond Torres, the young 9 year old son of Rivers' callously murdered sister, is heartwarming and never drifts into soap opera or melodrama. The very clever double meaning of Connelly's title, BLOOD WORK, will be revealed to readers as the climax approaches.
Already a rabid fan of Connelly's hero, Harry Bosch, I've now added Terry McCaleb to my list of characters to watch for in Connelly's future novels. With some amusement, I also spotted a reference to Michael Haller Jr, a noted LA attorney who I was pleased to read about in one of Connelly's much later novels, THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Connelly has got his finger on the pulse of the LA police and crime scene. No doubt about it ... he's the man!
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Terry McCaleb, ex-FBI agent and skilled profiler of serial murderers, retired to a quiet peaceful shipboard existence on his boat anchored in Los Angeles harbour after a heart attack and heart transplant surgery forced him off the job. When Graciela Rivers introduces herself to McCaleb and tries to solicit his assistance finding her sister's murderer, his first inclination was to politely beg off and recommend she seek the services of a licensed private detective. But she got his full attention and completely snared him with an overwhelming sense of personal obligation when she revealed that the heart he had received in surgery was her sisters, available as a transplant organ only because of her apparently senseless murder. As McCaleb internalizes that debt and cautiously begins the investigation, he soon discovers that, far from being the apparent robbery-related homicide that the LAPD had given up hope of solving as a now cold trail case, the murderer was by some bizarre coincidence, much more likely to be the type of serial killer with which he was all too familiar.
Connelly's fans, by now thoroughly familiar with his skill at writing sophisticated, engaging police procedural novels, will not be disappointed by BLOOD WORK. Not only does he lead the reader through a complex set of clues, forensic procedures, dead-end investigations, twists and turns, interrogations and the minutiae of a realistic, complex homicide investigation but he adds in the gut-wrenching tension of a first-rate thriller as well. The growth of the relationship between McCaleb, Graciella Rivers and Raymond Torres, the young 9 year old son of Rivers' callously murdered sister, is heartwarming and never drifts into soap opera or melodrama. The very clever double meaning of Connelly's title, BLOOD WORK, will be revealed to readers as the climax approaches.
Already a rabid fan of Connelly's hero, Harry Bosch, I've now added Terry McCaleb to my list of characters to watch for in Connelly's future novels. With some amusement, I also spotted a reference to Michael Haller Jr, a noted LA attorney who I was pleased to read about in one of Connelly's much later novels, THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Connelly has got his finger on the pulse of the LA police and crime scene. No doubt about it ... he's the man!
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
July 19, 2016
Terry McCaleb is a retired FBI agent in L. A. who's just undergone a heart transplant. He's recuperating on his boat and figuring out what he's going to do with his new lease on life. When he's approached by Graciella Rivers to help investigate her sister's murder, Terry's reluctant until she gives him a compelling reason to go all in.
Typical of a Connelly procedural, this story winds around the bend and back before things start to fall in place to make sense and provide motive. Still, I was a bit blindsided by the revelations even though the clues were there (along with some convincing red herrings). I liked Terry and the hype about his skills were well founded. It's a good story with some interesting secondary characters.
I'm a big fan of Dick Hill so the narration just works for me in this series (Harry Bosch Universe). I listened to this one as McCaleb shows up in the next HB story and I wanted the background. It was well worth my time and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to him.
Typical of a Connelly procedural, this story winds around the bend and back before things start to fall in place to make sense and provide motive. Still, I was a bit blindsided by the revelations even though the clues were there (along with some convincing red herrings). I liked Terry and the hype about his skills were well founded. It's a good story with some interesting secondary characters.
I'm a big fan of Dick Hill so the narration just works for me in this series (Harry Bosch Universe). I listened to this one as McCaleb shows up in the next HB story and I wanted the background. It was well worth my time and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to him.
January 11, 2019
Blood Work is a decent Michael Connelly novel till about the end and then it elevates itself in the last few chapters.
The standard Michael Connelly attributes are present in this novel with one twist - this time the main character is literally 'broken'. Terry McCaleb is a retired FBI agent who undergoes a heart transplant. He is tasked by the sister of the heart donor to provide some closure for her murder. And this leads to a deep mystery that showcases gritty detective work as well as the incredible characterization that Connelly brings to the table. The story would have been good with just these attributes. But then, there is a twist and OMG, what a doozy it is. I was reading in bed half-asleep, when this twist woke me up fully. That's how awesome and unexpected it was.
The standard Michael Connelly attributes are present in this novel with one twist - this time the main character is literally 'broken'. Terry McCaleb is a retired FBI agent who undergoes a heart transplant. He is tasked by the sister of the heart donor to provide some closure for her murder. And this leads to a deep mystery that showcases gritty detective work as well as the incredible characterization that Connelly brings to the table. The story would have been good with just these attributes. But then, there is a twist and OMG, what a doozy it is. I was reading in bed half-asleep, when this twist woke me up fully. That's how awesome and unexpected it was.
February 20, 2016
The author never disappoints. I have enjoyed many of his Harry Bosh novels and also Lincoln Lawyer and this book was no exception but I have to say it fell short of being great.
The protagonist of the novel is Terry McCaleb - an ex-FBI agent who recently had a heart transplant and now is staying in a boat. One day he is visited by a lady, Graciella, who wants Terry to investigate her sister's murder. Terry, who has to avoid anything stressful is reluctant to take on the case, but when Graciella reveals something about her sister Terry simply had to get involved.
Then the story continues with Terry's investigations and we get to meet arrogant and egoistic cops, hear stories about the cases (and the horrors) handled by Terry during his tenure in the FBI, we get to learn more about Terry the human being. The complex relationship that develops between Terry and Graciella was a bit predictable though.
Michael Connelly has given some great clues through out the book and you have to read carefully and think to connect the dots. There are twists and red herrings as well. One thing I have to say - that the villain was a pretty complex and dangerous character.The book shows the research the author had put in to create the story. This is true for many of his books.
This is a pretty decent mystery novel but I was expecting something more -- the story had enough ingredients to create an atmosphere of fear but I felt it was not there. The story would hold your interest no doubt about that but it could have been much more better. The end was also a bit "hurried" for a lack of a better word.
Overall, a decent read if you love mysteries. If you have enjoyed other books by Michael Connelly then do give this one a try and if you have never tried any of his books then why not - it will be a good time pass.
The protagonist of the novel is Terry McCaleb - an ex-FBI agent who recently had a heart transplant and now is staying in a boat. One day he is visited by a lady, Graciella, who wants Terry to investigate her sister's murder. Terry, who has to avoid anything stressful is reluctant to take on the case, but when Graciella reveals something about her sister Terry simply had to get involved.
Then the story continues with Terry's investigations and we get to meet arrogant and egoistic cops, hear stories about the cases (and the horrors) handled by Terry during his tenure in the FBI, we get to learn more about Terry the human being. The complex relationship that develops between Terry and Graciella was a bit predictable though.
Michael Connelly has given some great clues through out the book and you have to read carefully and think to connect the dots. There are twists and red herrings as well. One thing I have to say - that the villain was a pretty complex and dangerous character.The book shows the research the author had put in to create the story. This is true for many of his books.
This is a pretty decent mystery novel but I was expecting something more -- the story had enough ingredients to create an atmosphere of fear but I felt it was not there. The story would hold your interest no doubt about that but it could have been much more better. The end was also a bit "hurried" for a lack of a better word.
Overall, a decent read if you love mysteries. If you have enjoyed other books by Michael Connelly then do give this one a try and if you have never tried any of his books then why not - it will be a good time pass.
December 14, 2023
Well a Michael Connelly was my first read for 2022 and now also for 2023. Additionally, I finished the second Terry McCaleb at the end of ‘21 and this at end of ‘22. What a shame there were only two McCaleb books in the series and as usual I read the last one first🤦♂️
Terry McCaleb is a retired FBI profiler. In this book he receives a new heart. I can’t really describe much more as don’t want to spoil the story. Suffice to say the apparent random murders are not what they seem.
But like Connelly’s other characters- Bosch, Haller, Ballard etc he is analytical and focussed. Relentless in pursuit of justice. This story is an easy read and McCaleb and his mate living on a boat moored nearby do some impressive investigative work. Managing to upset the police and FBI in the process.
Will be looking out for more Connelly reads this year. Unfortunately, they won’t feature Terry McCaleb.
Terry McCaleb is a retired FBI profiler. In this book he receives a new heart. I can’t really describe much more as don’t want to spoil the story. Suffice to say the apparent random murders are not what they seem.
But like Connelly’s other characters- Bosch, Haller, Ballard etc he is analytical and focussed. Relentless in pursuit of justice. This story is an easy read and McCaleb and his mate living on a boat moored nearby do some impressive investigative work. Managing to upset the police and FBI in the process.
Will be looking out for more Connelly reads this year. Unfortunately, they won’t feature Terry McCaleb.
June 16, 2025
Препрочетох "Примката на совата" и се присетих, че всъщност преди нея има друга книга с главен герой Тери Маккейлъб, която не бях чел. Може би, и защото навремето гледах филма с Клинт Истууд в главната роля. Екранизацията доста ми бе харесала, макар вече да не я помня. Между двете книги няма голяма връзка и много препратки, така че могат да се прочетат в произволен ред.
Тери е напуснал ФБР преди две години, болен и изтощен, на ръба на смъртта. Но му е провървяло - присадено му е сърцето на млада мексиканка, убита при въоръжен грабеж. Той се възстановява от трансплантацията и полека ремонтира яхтата, която е получил в наследство от баща си.
Един ден при него идва неочакван посетител - сестрата на жената, чието сърце носи. И която търси неговата помощ, защото убийството не се разследва и правосъдие за жертвата няма да има.
Интригата е интересно развита и до края ще ви кара да отгръщате лист след лист.
P.S. За съжаление, преводът е много нескопосан, което много ме дразни и показва, че и преди двайсетина години качеството на работата на издателство Бард е било отчайващо ниско, каквото е твърде често и сега…
Тери е напуснал ФБР преди две години, болен и изтощен, на ръба на смъртта. Но му е провървяло - присадено му е сърцето на млада мексиканка, убита при въоръжен грабеж. Той се възстановява от трансплантацията и полека ремонтира яхтата, която е получил в наследство от баща си.
Един ден при него идва неочакван посетител - сестрата на жената, чието сърце носи. И която търси неговата помощ, защото убийството не се разследва и правосъдие за жертвата няма да има.
Интригата е интересно развита и до края ще ви кара да отгръщате лист след лист.
P.S. За съжаление, преводът е много нескопосан, което много ме дразни и показва, че и преди двайсетина години качеството на работата на издателство Бард е било отчайващо ниско, каквото е твърде често и сега…
September 27, 2022
This is a must read & movie!!!
IMDb - movie review
YouTube - Official Movie trailer
Two years ago, Terrell McCaleb, had a bad heart problem & needed a new heart with his rare blood. He was lucky, a organ donator with the rare blood was found & heart transplanted.
Two years later as a retired FBI agent, he comes home to his boat in LA’s San Pedro marina, where Graciela Rivers waits on his boat. Recent newspaper articles lead her to him.
Graciela tells him, his new heart came from her sister, Gloria, killed in a 2 year old convenience store murder? Gloria’s heart donation saved his life. Asks for his help to find her sister’s killer... After apprehension, he calls Graciela to do the investigation. His past FBI experience always said killers like this needed to be paid with “Blood Work”.....
The ending is great, can he save Graciela & Raymond(Gloria’s son) from the dangerous trap the mystery man has placed them, will he kill or capture this mystery man & how happy all this has made him....
August 30, 2023
Deuda de sangre
Otra genial novela de Connelly contando la historia de un ex agente del FBI.
Terry McCaleb, retirado del servicio a causa de un trasplante de corazón. Su vida a cambiado drásticamente, ahora se recupera plácidamente dedicándose a su barco, en el que vive, con el que sale a pescar.
La visita de una mujer le hace ver que tiene una deuda pendiente que debe que resolver. La hermana de esta mujer fue asesinada sin que se haya encontrado al culpable.
McCaleb lleva el corazón de esta persona asesinada. Se ve con la obligación de investigar el caso.
Después de leer "Más oscuro que la noche" novela de la serie de Harry Bosch en la que interviene McCaleb, no quedaba otra que leer esta donde es el verdadero protagonista y que se debería leer antes que aquella.
Gran personaje este que nos ocupa, lástima que no tenga mucho recorrido en el universo de Connelly. Un hombre con mucha calidad humana que se hace en parte culpable por llevar el corazón de otra persona. La novela se la dedicó a un amigo que tenía un corazón trasplantado, quizás ese fue el motivo de escribirla.
Hay una película del mismo nombre dirigida y protagonizada por el gran Clint Eastwood.
Otra genial novela de Connelly contando la historia de un ex agente del FBI.
Terry McCaleb, retirado del servicio a causa de un trasplante de corazón. Su vida a cambiado drásticamente, ahora se recupera plácidamente dedicándose a su barco, en el que vive, con el que sale a pescar.
La visita de una mujer le hace ver que tiene una deuda pendiente que debe que resolver. La hermana de esta mujer fue asesinada sin que se haya encontrado al culpable.
McCaleb lleva el corazón de esta persona asesinada. Se ve con la obligación de investigar el caso.
Después de leer "Más oscuro que la noche" novela de la serie de Harry Bosch en la que interviene McCaleb, no quedaba otra que leer esta donde es el verdadero protagonista y que se debería leer antes que aquella.
Gran personaje este que nos ocupa, lástima que no tenga mucho recorrido en el universo de Connelly. Un hombre con mucha calidad humana que se hace en parte culpable por llevar el corazón de otra persona. La novela se la dedicó a un amigo que tenía un corazón trasplantado, quizás ese fue el motivo de escribirla.
Hay una película del mismo nombre dirigida y protagonizada por el gran Clint Eastwood.
August 22, 2017
Fantastic Read! I read this book to prepare for A Darkness More Than Night, Harry Bosch#7/Terry McCaleb#2 as I continue my journey through the Bosch series. Bloodwork introduces McCaleb thus leading into book #2, A Darkness More Than Night, where Bosch & McCaleb work a case together. I am so glad I didn't skip this book! It is suspense at it's best! Absolutely A Page Burner!
January 27, 2021
E vorba de un roman polițist în sensul cel mai pur. Un detectiv ieșit la pensie (are nevoie, săracul, de un transplant de cord) e chemat să descurce ițele unor crime. La un moment dat, își dă seama că ancheta îl privește în mod direct și personal. S-ar putea, cît de ciudat!, ca beneficiarul crimelor să fie chiar el... Dacă găsiți cartea în bibliotecă (sau pe un site cu lucrări piratate) și aveți cîteva ore libere, vă recomand călduros s-o citiți.
Recomandarea vine, desigur, de la un ageamiu în domeniu. Nu vă bizuiți pe flerul meu...
P. S. Am citit și alte romane de Connelly. M-au dezamăgit.
Recomandarea vine, desigur, de la un ageamiu în domeniu. Nu vă bizuiți pe flerul meu...
P. S. Am citit și alte romane de Connelly. M-au dezamăgit.
May 1, 2015
5/10
This is one of those times that the book is let down by the authors name. For me, Michael Connolly is one of the best crime writers out there and I’ve not come across a poor novel from him. Until now.
High expectations don’t usually help when you go into a book but after reading about 10 or so of Connolly’s other work and every one of them a finely crafted crime tale with interesting main characters you think that you are in safe hands. I’ll also caveat that I had just finished Lonesome Dove before reading this which would probably ruin any following book(s). Damn you Gus!!
I was keen to read this as I knew the main character from this novel turns up in a Harry Bosch novel which I’m planning on reading this year so I thought it would be good to read about this guy and see what he was like etc. so I wasn’t blindsided when going into the Bosch novel. Unlike all the other novels, the main character just isn’t all that likeable. I find it hard to read a book with a poor lead, it just doesn’t let the story flow and you’re not rooting for them when they come a cropper.
The plot is quite unique in that Terry, an ex-FBI agent is tasked with hunting down the killer of the woman who has donated her heart when she dies which happens to be the heart that is currently inside Terry’s chest. Interesting enough but then it just fizzles out a bit and drags on. When the climax happened I read it and then sort of thought “was that it?”. There were a few interesting moments but not enough to keep me interested throughout and at times it was a chore to read.
A rare blip from Michael Connolly but in no way will this put me off picking up anything further from him. I know this guy can write and everyone has a bad day at the office once in a while. I will try and watch the movie with Clint Eastwood too as this might translate better into a 2 hour film.
If you like this try: “Lincoln Lawyer” by Michael Connolly
This is one of those times that the book is let down by the authors name. For me, Michael Connolly is one of the best crime writers out there and I’ve not come across a poor novel from him. Until now.
High expectations don’t usually help when you go into a book but after reading about 10 or so of Connolly’s other work and every one of them a finely crafted crime tale with interesting main characters you think that you are in safe hands. I’ll also caveat that I had just finished Lonesome Dove before reading this which would probably ruin any following book(s). Damn you Gus!!
I was keen to read this as I knew the main character from this novel turns up in a Harry Bosch novel which I’m planning on reading this year so I thought it would be good to read about this guy and see what he was like etc. so I wasn’t blindsided when going into the Bosch novel. Unlike all the other novels, the main character just isn’t all that likeable. I find it hard to read a book with a poor lead, it just doesn’t let the story flow and you’re not rooting for them when they come a cropper.
The plot is quite unique in that Terry, an ex-FBI agent is tasked with hunting down the killer of the woman who has donated her heart when she dies which happens to be the heart that is currently inside Terry’s chest. Interesting enough but then it just fizzles out a bit and drags on. When the climax happened I read it and then sort of thought “was that it?”. There were a few interesting moments but not enough to keep me interested throughout and at times it was a chore to read.
A rare blip from Michael Connolly but in no way will this put me off picking up anything further from him. I know this guy can write and everyone has a bad day at the office once in a while. I will try and watch the movie with Clint Eastwood too as this might translate better into a 2 hour film.
If you like this try: “Lincoln Lawyer” by Michael Connolly
April 21, 2023
Rounded up - 4.5 stars
Book started out very strong, dragged a bit in the middle - even though it’s pacing was still good……the ending felt a little weak to me. In my opinion, this book was 2-3 chapters too long (which perhaps gave it a weak/watered down feel to the conclusion). Still, an excellent read. I enjoyed the last Connelly book that I read, “The Poet,” more.
Book started out very strong, dragged a bit in the middle - even though it’s pacing was still good……the ending felt a little weak to me. In my opinion, this book was 2-3 chapters too long (which perhaps gave it a weak/watered down feel to the conclusion). Still, an excellent read. I enjoyed the last Connelly book that I read, “The Poet,” more.
April 13, 2017
Very neat, clever plot. Fast paced and gripping from start to finish, and boy what a beginning - so original. If you like detective stories this one is not to be missed.
September 8, 2020
More reviews at----https://mohammedsreview.wordpress.com
Terry McCaleb a former FBI agent had undergone a heart transplantation recently and now is on a recovery process in his boat "Following sea". He got the organ from a organization called BOPRA, and the patient is actually don't have any idea where he/she got the organ from. but when Graciela Rivers sister of victim Gloria Toress walks on to the boat and seek help from Terry McCaleb, he is now on the move to catch the killer despite his physical inability. As he gets started he collects enough evidence that ensures him that he is after a serial killer and case is not a simple case of robbery. And he made really advancement in the case he finds himself in a grave peril as he is trapped in the setup the killer had set, and he is the prime suspect of a series of killings with a loads motives to kill.
Brilliantly crafted thriller from the very beginning to the end . A real page turner, liked the way the story approached. Have a lot of surprising element,enjoyed the novel thoroughly.
Rating : 4.2/5
Terry McCaleb a former FBI agent had undergone a heart transplantation recently and now is on a recovery process in his boat "Following sea". He got the organ from a organization called BOPRA, and the patient is actually don't have any idea where he/she got the organ from. but when Graciela Rivers sister of victim Gloria Toress walks on to the boat and seek help from Terry McCaleb, he is now on the move to catch the killer despite his physical inability. As he gets started he collects enough evidence that ensures him that he is after a serial killer and case is not a simple case of robbery. And he made really advancement in the case he finds himself in a grave peril as he is trapped in the setup the killer had set, and he is the prime suspect of a series of killings with a loads motives to kill.
Brilliantly crafted thriller from the very beginning to the end . A real page turner, liked the way the story approached. Have a lot of surprising element,enjoyed the novel thoroughly.
Rating : 4.2/5
February 20, 2021
FBI profiler, Terry McCaleb was forced to retire due to a bad heart. After being on a transplant list, he has a successful transplant and is on the road to recovery. Weeks later, as he is healing, he is approached by a woman who claims to be the sister of the woman whose heart now resides in Terry’s chest. The woman who had been murdered in a convenience store robbery. The sister convinces Terry to look into the case as the L.A. Police seem to have set it aside as a cold case.
This starts a high-speed case of a killer who is always one step ahead of Terry. The reason behind the killings will blow the reader away. I guessed at the killer’s identity, but for all the wrong reasons. Very satisfying read!
This starts a high-speed case of a killer who is always one step ahead of Terry. The reason behind the killings will blow the reader away. I guessed at the killer’s identity, but for all the wrong reasons. Very satisfying read!
August 26, 2018
Me ha gustado, y el suspense es bueno. Aunque admito que habiendo visto la película, la sorpresa y el misterio ha sido 0. Eso me ha fastidiado un poco la lectura. Pero es una lectura recomendable y está bien escrito.
Me he quedado un poco descolocada, porque el final de la película no es igual al del libro... no sé si en todo porque con los motes ando perdida.... eso ha sido muy bueno jajaja
No había leído nada de este autor y la experiencia ha sido muy entretenida
Nada como estar de vacaciones y con mal tiempo para dar un estirón a las lecturas pendientes ;)
Me he quedado un poco descolocada, porque el final de la película no es igual al del libro... no sé si en todo porque con los motes ando perdida.... eso ha sido muy bueno jajaja
No había leído nada de este autor y la experiencia ha sido muy entretenida
Nada como estar de vacaciones y con mal tiempo para dar un estirón a las lecturas pendientes ;)
September 16, 2025
When Graciella Rivers steps onto his boat, ex-FBI agent Terrell McCaleb has no idea he's about to come out of retirement. He's recuperating from a heart transplant and avoiding anything stressful. But when Graciella tells him the way her sister, Gloria, was murdered, Terry realizes he has no choice. Now the man with the new heart vows to take down a predator without a soul. For Gloria's killer shatters every rule that McCaleb ever learned in his years with the Bureau-as McCaleb gets no more second chances at life...and just one shot at the truth.
I was surprised when this one came up as the September read on the Mystery & Suspense group's "Group Read" on Library Thing. 6-8 of us have done this group read for years even before joining LibraryThing, and the Harry Bosch series has always been a group favorite. I was a bit surprised that this was about a former FBI agent Terrell “Terry” McCaleb, instead of our usual LAPD detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch.
I was surprised, but not especially disappointed. It was in its own right, a good story, and even has a reference to another Michael Connely character, Michael Haller Jr., seven years before The Lincoln Lawyer had even been published. On to this one. We follow McCaleb’s investigation into the murder of Gloria Rivers. At first, her murder seemed to be the random act of the robber of a convenience store...but as McCaleb starts digging into the case at the request of Gloria’s sister Graciela, he uncovers a much deeper and more sinister background to the case that is hitting just a little too close to home.
I've always felt that Michael Connelly had a bit of trouble with the "romance" parts of his books...but he's a top-notch mystery writer, not a romance writer so I'll forgive him. What Blood Work is, is a good solid detective story with a good plot. The trail of clues was exceptional. The personal life of the main character and his encounter and experience with love was rather "flat", for lack of a better word.... but I've already covered that. I also couldn't make much of any connections with his friend, his girlfriend, or the orphan boy, or the villain. Sorry, Mr. Connelly. Good thing that I really liked the character of McCaleb.
The police were depicted as is usual with this author, as being almost more of a threat then the serial killer was. Poor McCaleb may never come back to another book since he was constantly under attack by the people that he worked with...his fellow police officers. They gave him absolutely no respect and seemed to always be trying to block him at every turn. My husband was a police officer and believe me; they do HAVE each other's backs when it counts no matter how they may personally feel about each other off the job. None of them want to hear "Taps" played over a flag draped coffin. That really wasn't at all realistic. The only other thing that I found a bit odd, but I believe it was to build the audience for future books, was that for someone who had recently had a heart transplant Terry seemed to be entirely too active and undertaking way too many stressful situations....and it was being allowed by the people higher up.
I love the movie by the same name, that was based on this book with Clint Eastwood as the new lead detective, Terrell McCaleb. This was fun, as usual, to read with our group. I'm not going to be too picky with the story and give it 5 big stars. I may not be so generous with the next one if things don't change a bit.
I was surprised when this one came up as the September read on the Mystery & Suspense group's "Group Read" on Library Thing. 6-8 of us have done this group read for years even before joining LibraryThing, and the Harry Bosch series has always been a group favorite. I was a bit surprised that this was about a former FBI agent Terrell “Terry” McCaleb, instead of our usual LAPD detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch.
I was surprised, but not especially disappointed. It was in its own right, a good story, and even has a reference to another Michael Connely character, Michael Haller Jr., seven years before The Lincoln Lawyer had even been published. On to this one. We follow McCaleb’s investigation into the murder of Gloria Rivers. At first, her murder seemed to be the random act of the robber of a convenience store...but as McCaleb starts digging into the case at the request of Gloria’s sister Graciela, he uncovers a much deeper and more sinister background to the case that is hitting just a little too close to home.
I've always felt that Michael Connelly had a bit of trouble with the "romance" parts of his books...but he's a top-notch mystery writer, not a romance writer so I'll forgive him. What Blood Work is, is a good solid detective story with a good plot. The trail of clues was exceptional. The personal life of the main character and his encounter and experience with love was rather "flat", for lack of a better word.... but I've already covered that. I also couldn't make much of any connections with his friend, his girlfriend, or the orphan boy, or the villain. Sorry, Mr. Connelly. Good thing that I really liked the character of McCaleb.
The police were depicted as is usual with this author, as being almost more of a threat then the serial killer was. Poor McCaleb may never come back to another book since he was constantly under attack by the people that he worked with...his fellow police officers. They gave him absolutely no respect and seemed to always be trying to block him at every turn. My husband was a police officer and believe me; they do HAVE each other's backs when it counts no matter how they may personally feel about each other off the job. None of them want to hear "Taps" played over a flag draped coffin. That really wasn't at all realistic. The only other thing that I found a bit odd, but I believe it was to build the audience for future books, was that for someone who had recently had a heart transplant Terry seemed to be entirely too active and undertaking way too many stressful situations....and it was being allowed by the people higher up.
I love the movie by the same name, that was based on this book with Clint Eastwood as the new lead detective, Terrell McCaleb. This was fun, as usual, to read with our group. I'm not going to be too picky with the story and give it 5 big stars. I may not be so generous with the next one if things don't change a bit.
May 11, 2018
Number one in the Terry McCaleb series.
First up,this is a great read.
It takes the donor organ theme and turns it evil.
Terry is a retired FBI agent and the recipient of a new heart, the reason for his early retirement.
Terry is approached by the sister of the donor of Terry's heart. The reason Terry was able to receive his new heart was because the donor was murdered. Graciella Rivers, the donors sister, now wants Terry to find her sisters killer. Graciella is at her wits end because the police are not taking her sisters murder seriously enough.
Terry, who is still recovered from his heart transplant, is not happy at the prospect of running down a killer. But feels he owes Graciella, to at least look into her sisters murder.
The FBI and the LAPD are none too happy at Terry's interference in the case and try hard to keep him on the outside. One officer, Sheriff Jaye Winston, does what she can to help Terry.
What Terry discovers will change his life forever.
The story has a strong, intense plot that will keep most readers turning pages into the night.
Highly recommended.
First up,this is a great read.
It takes the donor organ theme and turns it evil.
Terry is a retired FBI agent and the recipient of a new heart, the reason for his early retirement.
Terry is approached by the sister of the donor of Terry's heart. The reason Terry was able to receive his new heart was because the donor was murdered. Graciella Rivers, the donors sister, now wants Terry to find her sisters killer. Graciella is at her wits end because the police are not taking her sisters murder seriously enough.
Terry, who is still recovered from his heart transplant, is not happy at the prospect of running down a killer. But feels he owes Graciella, to at least look into her sisters murder.
The FBI and the LAPD are none too happy at Terry's interference in the case and try hard to keep him on the outside. One officer, Sheriff Jaye Winston, does what she can to help Terry.
What Terry discovers will change his life forever.
The story has a strong, intense plot that will keep most readers turning pages into the night.
Highly recommended.
September 22, 2023
Qué tensión "pon dió"!!. Casi enfermo yo del corazón, en vez del protagonista.
Claro, ahora entiendo mejor el diálogo final del libro que leí ayer (y que debería haber leído antes de este: "Más ocuro que la noche") en el que sólo entendí los reproches de McCaleb a Bosch, pero no los que éste le devolvía. Ahora lo entiendo.
Pues thriller trepidante por un acosado, que te tiene sufriendo todo el rato. Hubo un cierto momento que me recordó remotísimamente a Robin Cook, no sé si por el tema médico, pero creo que fue por esa carrera contra reloj tan a lo Cook. Pero sólo fue un momento.
Este hombre me hace disfrutar mucho. Incluso aquí, sin Bosch.
Claro, ahora entiendo mejor el diálogo final del libro que leí ayer (y que debería haber leído antes de este: "Más ocuro que la noche") en el que sólo entendí los reproches de McCaleb a Bosch, pero no los que éste le devolvía. Ahora lo entiendo.
Pues thriller trepidante por un acosado, que te tiene sufriendo todo el rato. Hubo un cierto momento que me recordó remotísimamente a Robin Cook, no sé si por el tema médico, pero creo que fue por esa carrera contra reloj tan a lo Cook. Pero sólo fue un momento.
Este hombre me hace disfrutar mucho. Incluso aquí, sin Bosch.
February 4, 2015
4 ½ stars. Wow. This was good. A lot of things I didn’t expect. I didn’t want to stop reading.
STORY BRIEF:
McCaleb is 46 years old, retired from the FBI, and lives on a fishing boat in a Los Angeles Harbor. Two months earlier Gloria was killed in a convenience store hold up. Her organs went to several people. McCaleb got her heart. Gloria’s sister Graciela, a nurse, figures this out and asks McCaleb to help find the shooter. The police have stopped working on the case and are either incompetent or don’t care. Partly out of guilt, McCaleb begins investigating. Since he no longer has a badge it’s difficult for him to get information, but he’s resourceful and effective.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This definitely is not a formulaic slowly uncovering the clues kind of story. Yes it is a police procedural and we do slowly uncover clues, but it is fascinating and entertaining during the process. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it was almost too good in the following ways. (1) Toward the end, it kept me awake one night. I couldn’t stop thinking about it – too much anxiety and fear. (2) For a while, Terry is being framed. That plot device is not a favorite of mine. It’s such a helpless victim feel when a killer plants evidence and then calls the police. I’m fine with good guys being in danger, but doing it that way is more frustrating than entertaining.
It’s interesting to think about how times have changed. The characters didn’t use cell phones in this story - the way we do today. The cops used pagers. McCaleb used pay phones a lot. This is not a complaint, just something I noticed.
THE MOVIE:
Clint Eastwood played McCaleb in the 2002 movie of this book.
NARRATOR:
Dick Hill was very good.
SERIES:
The author has four series. The characters sometimes overlap and refer to each other. So far each book I’ve read could be read as a stand-alone, but I like doing them in chronological order. The chronological order is as follows.
Harry Bosch books 1 through 5 (Harry is LA homicide detective)
McCaleb book 1 (this book – he is former FBI)
Bosch book 6 – Angels Flight
Bosch book 7 and McCaleb book 2 – A Darkness More Than Night (They’re working on the same killer.)
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 41 mins. Narrator: Dick Hill. Swearing language: strong but not frequently used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two, told not shown. Setting: 1995 or earlier mostly Los Angeles, California, plus Mexico. Book Copyright: 1998. Genre: crime mystery thriller. Ending: Satisfying. The good guys win.
STORY BRIEF:
McCaleb is 46 years old, retired from the FBI, and lives on a fishing boat in a Los Angeles Harbor. Two months earlier Gloria was killed in a convenience store hold up. Her organs went to several people. McCaleb got her heart. Gloria’s sister Graciela, a nurse, figures this out and asks McCaleb to help find the shooter. The police have stopped working on the case and are either incompetent or don’t care. Partly out of guilt, McCaleb begins investigating. Since he no longer has a badge it’s difficult for him to get information, but he’s resourceful and effective.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This definitely is not a formulaic slowly uncovering the clues kind of story. Yes it is a police procedural and we do slowly uncover clues, but it is fascinating and entertaining during the process. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it was almost too good in the following ways. (1) Toward the end, it kept me awake one night. I couldn’t stop thinking about it – too much anxiety and fear. (2) For a while, Terry is being framed. That plot device is not a favorite of mine. It’s such a helpless victim feel when a killer plants evidence and then calls the police. I’m fine with good guys being in danger, but doing it that way is more frustrating than entertaining.
It’s interesting to think about how times have changed. The characters didn’t use cell phones in this story - the way we do today. The cops used pagers. McCaleb used pay phones a lot. This is not a complaint, just something I noticed.
THE MOVIE:
Clint Eastwood played McCaleb in the 2002 movie of this book.
NARRATOR:
Dick Hill was very good.
SERIES:
The author has four series. The characters sometimes overlap and refer to each other. So far each book I’ve read could be read as a stand-alone, but I like doing them in chronological order. The chronological order is as follows.
Harry Bosch books 1 through 5 (Harry is LA homicide detective)
McCaleb book 1 (this book – he is former FBI)
Bosch book 6 – Angels Flight
Bosch book 7 and McCaleb book 2 – A Darkness More Than Night (They’re working on the same killer.)
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 41 mins. Narrator: Dick Hill. Swearing language: strong but not frequently used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two, told not shown. Setting: 1995 or earlier mostly Los Angeles, California, plus Mexico. Book Copyright: 1998. Genre: crime mystery thriller. Ending: Satisfying. The good guys win.
March 29, 2021
গল্পটা ভালো। কিন্তু খুনী বা খুনীর সহকারী হিসাবে আরো কাকে কাকে সন্দেহ করা যেতে পারে সেটা অনেক শুরু থেকেই মনে হচ্ছিল - এত বড় বড় অভিজ্ঞ অফিসারদের মাথায় আসলো না একবারো - যতই অন্য রকম ঘটনপ্রবাহ থাকুক - ব্যাপারটা এত সুন্দর প্লটের সাথে যায় না। আবার ভেবে দেখলাম তাহলে হয়তো গল্পটাই পালটে যেত, ভালো লেগেছে সব মিলিয়ে।
অনুবাদের মান ভালো, অনেক সহজ, সাবলীল। কিন্তু কিছু জায়গায় কিছু কিছু আক্ষরিক অনুবাদ মনে হয়েছে।
অনুবাদের মান ভালো, অনেক সহজ, সাবলীল। কিন্তু কিছু জায়গায় কিছু কিছু আক্ষরিক অনুবাদ মনে হয়েছে।
May 18, 2024
Terrell McCaleb. Harry's brother from another mother. With a ticker from another person. Terry's achy breaky heart. A key role. For multiple reasons. Connelly can be great, but not when he does romance. What's wrong with a happily married detective anyway?
As if the heart thing wasn't enough.. Or the trauma of old cases.. Or the family history.. Or the.. Anyway, Terry is a bit rude. I like that. He lives on a boat. That's cool. But I have to agree with his doctor. Aggravating a huge Russian gangster in his condition? Bad idea. And that's not all he shouldn't be doing. This McCaleb.. I don't know. An overwritten protagonist if you ask me. So much dead weight. I wish I could say that the case saved it, but no. It had me shaking my head in disbelief.
When it comes to the major characters (and that includes the killer) actions, motivations and such barely make sense when you think about it. It's all just so implausible. If not preposterous. Rock bottom? When Terry gets sentimental. Tears in my eyes. From laughing.
P.S.
Cannoli, anyone?
As if the heart thing wasn't enough.. Or the trauma of old cases.. Or the family history.. Or the.. Anyway, Terry is a bit rude. I like that. He lives on a boat. That's cool. But I have to agree with his doctor. Aggravating a huge Russian gangster in his condition? Bad idea. And that's not all he shouldn't be doing. This McCaleb.. I don't know. An overwritten protagonist if you ask me. So much dead weight. I wish I could say that the case saved it, but no. It had me shaking my head in disbelief.
When it comes to the major characters (and that includes the killer) actions, motivations and such barely make sense when you think about it. It's all just so implausible. If not preposterous. Rock bottom? When Terry gets sentimental. Tears in my eyes. From laughing.
P.S.
Cannoli, anyone?
April 13, 2014
Part detective tale, part police procedural, "Blood Work" is the story of a retired FBI agent who takes on one last case for a very personal reason. I finished it and enjoyed it well enough, but this book is not as good as the other Michael Connelly novels I've read. The main character is okay, and his rationale for taking on the case is believable. The 'love interest' stretches the bounds of believability somewhat.
But little niggles here and there ding it. (Nobody would do that. That's just outright stupid. Etc.). And a couple of major ones seriously damage it. For example, for medical reasons he's supposed to take umpty dozen medications twice daily and not drive (and a big deal is made of this early in the book) yet he seems to forget all that as the story goes on (a matter of a few days), and no mention is made of it as he drives hither and yon and confronts bad guys.
Bottom line: "Blood Work" is an okay read, but if you're new to Michael Connelly, try one of his Harry Bosch novels first. They're way better.
But little niggles here and there ding it. (Nobody would do that. That's just outright stupid. Etc.). And a couple of major ones seriously damage it. For example, for medical reasons he's supposed to take umpty dozen medications twice daily and not drive (and a big deal is made of this early in the book) yet he seems to forget all that as the story goes on (a matter of a few days), and no mention is made of it as he drives hither and yon and confronts bad guys.
Bottom line: "Blood Work" is an okay read, but if you're new to Michael Connelly, try one of his Harry Bosch novels first. They're way better.
February 22, 2021
এফবিআই এজেন্ট যার স্পেশালিটি হচ্ছে সিরিয়াল কিলারদের নিয়ে কাজ করায়, সেই টেরি সাহেবের হৃদয়ে গন্ডগোল জলদি নয়া হার্ট না মিললে মরতে হবে দশা। এমন সময়ে মাথায় গুলি খেয়ে মারা যাওয়া এক ভদ্রমহিলার হার্টের সাথে সব ক্রাইটেরিয়া মিলে যাওয়ায় হার্টখানা তাকে দেয়া হয়। এযাত্রায় বেঁচে যায় টেরি ম্যাকেলেব।
পৈত্রিক সূত্রে পাওয়া বোটে ভালোই সংসার গুছিয়ে নিয়ে বসেছিল সে...একদিন নিজ পায়ে হেঁটে সুন্দরী ঝামেলা আইমিন গ্রেসিএলা এসে হাজির হয় তার বোটে।
বোনের খুনির সন্ধান চায়। দেখা গেলো সেই বোনেরই হার্ট নিয়ে বেঁচেবর্তে আছে টেরি সাহেব।
আনঅফিসিয়ালি কেসটা হাতে নেয় সে....পাঠক সিটবেল্ট বেঁধে বসুন এরপর দুর্দান্ত গতিতে ঘটে যাবে একের পর এক ঘটনা হাতে আসবে ছোট্ট ছোট্ট সূত্র চোখকান খোলা রেখে শুধু টেরির সাথে থাকুন...বাকিটা সেই ই সামলে নেবে।
মাইকেল কনেলির সাথে পরিচয় পর্বটা বেশ জম্পেশ হলো। একটানে পড়ে ফেললাম বইটা।
পৈত্রিক সূত্রে পাওয়া বোটে ভালোই সংসার গুছিয়ে নিয়ে বসেছিল সে...একদিন নিজ পায়ে হেঁটে সুন্দরী ঝামেলা আইমিন গ্রেসিএলা এসে হাজির হয় তার বোটে।
বোনের খুনির সন্ধান চায়। দেখা গেলো সেই বোনেরই হার্ট নিয়ে বেঁচেবর্তে আছে টেরি সাহেব।
আনঅফিসিয়ালি কেসটা হাতে নেয় সে....পাঠক সিটবেল্ট বেঁধে বসুন এরপর দুর্দান্ত গতিতে ঘটে যাবে একের পর এক ঘটনা হাতে আসবে ছোট্ট ছোট্ট সূত্র চোখকান খোলা রেখে শুধু টেরির সাথে থাকুন...বাকিটা সেই ই সামলে নেবে।
মাইকেল কনেলির সাথে পরিচয় পর্বটা বেশ জম্পেশ হলো। একটানে পড়ে ফেললাম বইটা।
March 16, 2023
I'm making my way through the Harry Bosch series and Terry McCaleb makes an appearance in the next Bosch book so I thought I'd try Blood Work, Terry's first appearance in a novel. It has great reviews and I loved it too! I love McCaleb's character. He's not as rebellious as Bosch, but he does bend some rules to get the job done. He's definitely more of a softie than Bosch. I'm excited to see him and Bosch together in the next one. McConnelly knocked it out of the park again.
April 22, 2012
This work by Connelly is, my my opinion, one of his better ones and surely worthy of praise. He comes at the detective angle in a somewhat unique fashion and the story plays out from there. While not as exciting as a BOSCH or HALLER story, Connelly does keep the reader's interest with his attention to detail and the ongoing search for the murderer.
In what seems like a fairly cut and dry case, the reader learns that there are many nuances left to figure out before shaping the entire storyline together and making sense of how random murders seem to tie in so closely. An exploration of the world of transplantation organs also allows the reader to hone their knowledge on another area in which Connelly acts as a quasi-teacher, if only within the confines of the book.
The crumbs left here tie in nicely (as you may have read in some of my other reviews, I am always on about the connections that Connelly creates between hios characters in all his books) and mention of some key events and people were not lost on me.
Excellent work, Mr. Connelly. It was a long road, but I finally made it through your entire collection. Now... I have to wait for a Connelly fix, as your next novel is a while off.
In what seems like a fairly cut and dry case, the reader learns that there are many nuances left to figure out before shaping the entire storyline together and making sense of how random murders seem to tie in so closely. An exploration of the world of transplantation organs also allows the reader to hone their knowledge on another area in which Connelly acts as a quasi-teacher, if only within the confines of the book.
The crumbs left here tie in nicely (as you may have read in some of my other reviews, I am always on about the connections that Connelly creates between hios characters in all his books) and mention of some key events and people were not lost on me.
Excellent work, Mr. Connelly. It was a long road, but I finally made it through your entire collection. Now... I have to wait for a Connelly fix, as your next novel is a while off.
February 14, 2012
Best Connelly book ever! I could not stop listening to this book. Terrel MacCaleb is a retired FBI profiler who recently had a heart transplant. He gets a visitor at his boat, a woman who tells him his heart came from a murder victim. She wants him to find the killer since the police have hit a wall. He can't keep himself from feeling guilty and inserts himself in tot he investigation. Little does he know how connected he has been to the case all along.
The characters in this story are some of the best that Connelly has created so far. You can't help but become invested in their challenges and celebrations. The story takes some of the most unpredictable turns. When I thought I had things figured out Connelly throws me for a loop and blows my mind.
I made the mistake of watching the movie after I lstened to this. The story had been changed to actually be more predictable and the things I thought I saw coming in the book actually happened in the movie. Skip the movie, read the book.
The characters in this story are some of the best that Connelly has created so far. You can't help but become invested in their challenges and celebrations. The story takes some of the most unpredictable turns. When I thought I had things figured out Connelly throws me for a loop and blows my mind.
I made the mistake of watching the movie after I lstened to this. The story had been changed to actually be more predictable and the things I thought I saw coming in the book actually happened in the movie. Skip the movie, read the book.
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