Perhaps it’s a harsh appreciation after only reading two of his books, but I think Michael Connelly is an overrated Crime Fiction writer. “The Black Ice” is a good crime mystery but nothing extraordinary. The book will not transcend like “Mystic River” or “Gorky Park”. Fact is a more accurate word to describe this author would be ordinary.

“The Black Ice” follows the same pattern as “The Black Echo”. Michael Connelly slows the pace of the story with his perfectionist way of describing things, many of which are irrelevant for the plot. He also has big issues when it comes to describe people’s feelings such as love, despair or fear, or reactions to different situations that aren’t tangible.
Harry Bosch isn’t the most appealing person either, he definitely lacks the charisma of characters such Patrick Kenzie, Charlie Parker or Dave Robicheaux.
I would say that “The Black Ice” has a stronger ending, but nothing spectacular here either.

But Michael Connelly will have more chances to prove how good he is, I’ve “The Concrete Blonde” waiting to be read. Hopefully I’ll see this author with the same eyes lots of people see him.


cheers
Cristian

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