Michael Connelly's new book, THE NARROWS, will be released on May 3 in the USA and Canada and on May 10th in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. But review copies are making the rounds and people are already talking about the book. So, this is the place to come and discuss this book in its entirety--spoilers and all. Please do not discuss it at length anywhere else on this board or you might spoil it for other readers.

By Anthony on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 05:52 pm:

Like a few other places, I shall make the first visitor message. :-)

Does anyone know someone who has read a review copy of the book? If so, do you know what they think of it? I just want to get a good idea of how good it will be when I finally get it in the first week of May.

By plabadie on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:11 am:

I'm expecting my copy of "The Narrows" from Dennis McMillan Publishing within two days. I ordered some collectible copies from him. I'll give you my perspective after I've read it, which will be within 24 hours of receiving it.

By Mel White on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:25 am:

I read a review by Harriet Klausner. She liked it and gave it 10 out of 10. But she also revealed something about the story that really took me by surprise. It seems like a spoiler so I won't repeat it here. I am just warning you before you go searching for reviews.

By Jane Davis on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 11:59 am:

Two reviews are in so far:

"There's a gravitas to the mystery/thrillers of Michael Connelly, a bedrock commitment to the value of human life and the need for law enforcement pros to defend that value, that sets his work apart and above that of many of his contemporaries. That gravitas is in full force in Connelly's newest, and as nearly always in the work of this talented writer, it supports a dynamite plot, fully flowered characters and a meticulous attention to the details of investigative procedure. ...The suspense is steady throughout but, until a breathtaking climactic chase, arises more from Bosch and Walling's patient and inspired following of clues and dealing with bureaucratic obstacles than from slash-and-dash: an unusually intelligent approach to generating thrills. Connelly is a master and this novel is yet another of his masterpieces."
— Publishers Weekly (Starred, Boxed Review)

"Harry Bosch is at his best in this thriller as he balances fatherhood, love and a debt to a deceased friend while trying to outwit a brilliant killing machine."
— Harriet Klausner, AllReaders.com

By Anonymous on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

Publishers Weekly doesn't give out very many starred, boxed reviews. It sounds like Connelly has hit another grand slam with The Narrows, which is no surprise to those of us who have been reading his books for years.

By Anonymous on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 10:54 am:

I just read THE NARROWS and loved it!! (I work for a publishing house, that is how I got the book early) My only question is where is Cassie Black mentioned in the book? I did not come across her name. Wasn't she supposed to be mentioned?

By Kathy Fite on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 12:04 pm:

Michael: Well, I just found out the answer to my question regarding Cassie Black. I figured out that she is Jane Davis, Harry's neighbor in his motel/apartment.

I like how you use your family and friends names in your books. If I'm not mistaken, hasn't Jane Davis been used for two different characters?

By victoriaholguin on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 08:58 pm:

Hey there Mr. Connelly:

I won't spoil the book, but more so the DVD. I live in L.A. and had no idea you were at a ceremony with Chief Bratton. That was so cool, especially when the Chief invited the famous Detective back! I have to admit that Harry became real to me at that moment, and not just a fictional character. How did you feel about that? Is Chief Bratton a fan of Bosch?

Great DVD! Made me start reading the books all over again and recreating the visuals as they were read by W. Petersen and filmed.

See you in Pasadena at Vromans!! Put a Native American character in one of your books sometime.

Victoria Holguin

By Preston on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:29 am:

I just finished reading my copy of THE NARROWS that I bought from McMillan Publishing. The book is an excellent, collectable version of THE NARROWS. I highly recommend it to those who can afford a copy.

THE NARROWS is an excellent book. The Poet is back, but Harry is better. It is a great read, and an excellent ride. IMHO, it is Michael Connelly's best work yet. The book answers a lot of questions, but provokes many more.

By Anthony on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:06 am:

The reviews of it here seem pretty good. I still have yet to reserve my copy, but I'll be happy to finally pick one up later on.

By Judy B on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 02:40 pm:

Oh happy day!...Barnes & Noble mailed me my copy early so I'm already done with it and it was very good, as usual. I'd like to make a prediction that within the next couple of books that Madddie (with or without Eleanor) will be coming to live with Harry.
Excuse me now, I'm going to reread it and get to pickup what I missed the first time.

By Anonymous on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 03:33 pm:

Judy B--Did you get the DVD too? If so, how was it?

By Judy B on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 02:04 pm:

To Anonymous...I haven't watched the DVD yet. Expect to this weekend. I didn't have a DVD player but have bought one. It's sitting on the table waiting for my grandson to set it up. Will let you know when I watch it.

By Borashi on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 09:47 am:

Blue Neon Light DVD was spectular, gave a rich history of special places that Connelly wrote about in his books and also gave special insights about some of his writing techniques, how he came up with the plot for his first story the Black Echo.

I just finished reading the narrows in under 2 days! I definitely liked this book a lot more than Lost Light, I think tying up the loose end with the Poet was brilliant. Also Harrys decision to join the force again is a great choice. I just felt that in Lost Light when Bosch was a private investigator that there was something missing, the politics of the department wasn't there, Edgar and Kiz weren't really along for the ride, and the feeling wasn't there like his previous novels, Lost Light was a turning point in Boschs life, but The Narrows is a great step towards Harrys redemption back onto the force. I'd rate the Narrows definitely 10/10 as it had a great plot, characters, and story behind the novel. Its a first rate novel by one of the most talented fiction writers in the game. Definitely don't miss one of this years best.

By Judy B on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 03:23 pm:

I finally got to watch the DVD and it was very good. There was scenes of places that are mentioned many times in the books. ie: Harrys street, the view from his house, Hollywood Blvd. If you can get the book with the DVD it is well worth the search. I know anyone who sees the DVD will enjoy it.

By Gretchen Passantino on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 02:21 am:

Wrecked my work day for tomorrow by staying up to read The Narrows all in one sitting. Well worth the sacrifice. I can't begin to enumerate the excellent qualities of this book. I have followed Connelly and Harry since the first book many years ago (only in paperback, never a hard cover, in those days), and both simply get better and better book by book. I am so glad Connelly takes chances and stretches his characters -- especially Harry -- from book to book, but never stretched beyond the potential of the soul inside. In that stretching, he also stretches us readers. I couldn't imagine Harry no longer LAPD -- and then it was so right, and now it's so right that he's going back. And how could I imagine Cielo Azul growing up without her father, but I know now she will. And Harry with a daughter? And yet, now, what this exemplifies about Harry's never-wavering belief in starting over, a new day, a baptism, a second chance, a new life -- an innocent daughter in his own marred image. Thank you, Mr. Connelly, for never compromising your standard of excellence, for remaining faithful to your mission.

By Jane Davis on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:52 am:

Join The BarnesandNoble.com Online Book Group Discussion Of The Narrows. Michael will be taking part in this group discussion. It takes place in a Message Board environment--no live chats. Discussion begins in June 7th. Sign up now at BN.com.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookclubs/RG_cds2.asp?PID=5874

By limeyf on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

Wow, what a great opening,and what a great Terry McCaleb story, The best yet about him.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 06:48 pm:

I just finshed the book. It was great. I can't wait for another. What will Harry be up to next. I'm glad he went back to the job. He needed to go back. Thankyou Michael for such a wonderful book I read it in one day with two young chidren to look after. I guess they were on their own while I was reading LOL. I Love your work Please keep writing. Thankyou for such a wonderful peice of mystery. I can't wait for another!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By breilly on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 06:50 am:

THE NARROWS was amazing. It definitely answered my question about the possibility of another Terry McCaleb book coming down the pipeline. I had the chance to Meet MC and get my book signed in Boston and he's a really nice guy. The Q&A session was great and really shed some light on his methods, intentions and why he chose to revisit the Poet. To be honest, I never expected the reason to be the one he offered. Anyway, he said he's already working on the next Bosch book and I can't wait for it. I am very curious to see if Irving pops up and if so what nasty little things he has in store for LAPD (as is alluded to in The Narrows). I also can't wait to see if Harry choses the new Cold Case Division in the next book or goes back to Hollywood Homicide. And I thought that was pretty interesting how MC snuck the name Jane Davis in there for his neighbor. Kudos.

By Anthony on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

Quick note: Jane Davis is the web site manager, but also the alias for Cassie Black from Void Moon. When Connelly says that there's a reference to Cassie Black somewhere if you look carefully, I think this is what he's talking about.

I finished reading this book in two days, and I must say. This is probably the best Connelly novel yet, although all his books are great from the first one. I really like how so many characters return, from Terry McCaleb's death to Maddie to Rachel Walling. It was also nice to see Bosch deciding to come back to the LAPD. I won't repeat anything else mentioned here already, except...

Read this book, or else you'll miss one of the best books ever written.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 08:20 pm:

I'm one of the people who buy Michael's books the first day they are available and I have thought all of them excellent. Having said that (and knowing in advance I will be trashed by others), I did not like the first third of The Narrows. The too many references to Blood Work, the movie, Clint Eastwood, etc., were off-putting and . . . what was the point?

The rest of the book was prime Connelly, however, and I was happy for that!

By connie on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:47 am:

I disagree with the above posting, I thought the discussion between Harry and Buddy were very real. I think if a movie was made based on a friend's experience that you would naturally talk about it with some one who had known and worked with him. Anyway, I thought it added to the story. I also like the way MC refers to current events, like the Laci Peterson case. Makes the people seem more real to me. Anyway so far I really like the book, I have read about half and hope to finish it this week end. Already looking forward to the next "Harry" book.

By Anonymous on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 12:04 pm:

I agree with Connie. I think bringing in real life stories, like the Blood Work movie, Robert Blake and Laci Peterson and Ted Bundy, all worked to make this story even more effective. It is as if this is all happening in the real world that we all live in. A real life story in a fictional world.

By Mel T on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 01:07 pm:

Okay, I just finished it. I now need to decompress. I feel like I have been living it for the last two days. What an outstanding book. It wraps up many characters and yet leads to a potential new future for Harry, Rachel, Eleanor and Maddie. I love the idea of Harry and Kizmin together again. I loved the relationships in this book: Harry with Buddy, Harry with Rachel, Harry with Maddie. What a great book!

By jason keith on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 02:20 am:

Just finished the book it was awesome. As a response to the comments about the Blood Work references, it had to be done. Harry commented on the movie/book being made to his partner in Angel's Flight. I don't think Buddy could have been in the novel (and the whole McCaleb storyline for that matter) without referencing it. I guess Connelly could have made up stuff about the fictional movie, but why not use the real characters. My only regret is that the movie was so bad.

As for Cassie Black, it took me a day or so after reading the book to make the Jane Davis connection. I think I read it too quick to catch all the details.

My only question is, are Harry's stories going to return to the 3rd person now that he is back on the force? I didn't like lost light due to the first person, but I thought it was better in this one. Switching back and forth from first to third was a little akward at times, but he pulled it off.

By Auskar on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 01:19 am:

I bought it. I finished it. I liked it. Haven't viewed the DVD yet, but since I live in the county just to the south, I think it will be pretty interesting.

Actually, I like Harry better in his retirement than in the early books. He isn't so angry all the time, but more emotional in different ways. I also prefer it when the books don't constantly present management as stupid and such, but leave it in the background (like we know it is there but don't need to be hit over the head with it constantly).

I like that McCaleb got killed off. It was an interesting opening twist for Blood Work, but I couldn't identify with the character.

I was kind of worried that Harry would end up happily every after with Eleanor and Maddie and the books would be done. I'm kind of glad that Harry has his Alafair.

Poor Harry. Sometimes on the verge of happiness, but never quite there.

By Jonathane on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 09:02 am:

Some musings on the book:

Bringing The Poet, Bloodwork and Harry Bosch altogether in one book must have been a massive undertaking. The skipping between first and third person took a little getting used to, however I liked the first person of Harry Bosch the best.

Got a kick out of the mentioning of "The Tin Collectors" by Stephen Cannell (yes the producer) and his Shane Scully series.

I really like the idea of Harry going back to the LAPD. I really was taken back in the book where he was supposed to go to Robbery/Homicide and ended up quitting instead. Thought for sure he would go back and then after Lost Light was sure that he never would.

Being a police officer, I sometimes laugh at how authors protray the work of police officers; however, I did have some problems with the story. I would have a difficult time believing that a FBI agent with as much training as Rachel Walling would still enter the Backus trailer even after being ordered not to by her supervisor. The fact that the trailer blew up almost killing her would be a very-very difficult screw up to ignore and insubordination like disobeying a direct order is terms for being fired. So any thought of pulling the bait stunt and going to OPR would really look like a disgruntaled employee thing. She really should have been fired for that stunt.

Rachel and Harry confronting Backus in the house was another dumb tactical move both should have known better about. The old saying, "there are old pilots and there are bold pilots, however there are no old bold pilots" also is true in law enforcement. Again, I would think Rachel would have a lot of explaining to do as for why she did not call for back up.

For once I would like to see Harry in a relationship. If I remember correctly, I think his time with Julia Brasher was the closest we have seen to an actual relationship and we know how that one ended. With the way Rachel walked out of Harry's door, I am guessing we are not going to be seeing much more of her.

The one thing I was really confused about was Harry's putting Terry's suicide togeather at the end. That whole thing seems kind of a stretch, espeically since it was Harry's ticket into the whole thing. Harry does a great job of laying out his case, however I really do not understand how the author makes the leap that they know Terry committed sucide. Sure they had worked with Terry before, however they also worked with Backus and came away from that encounter not the smartest sounding people. Harry had a lot more information than Rachel did about Terry and I think it is a stretch to think she could have made that determination long before Harry did.

Overal, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.

By Jack Evans on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 11:29 am:

I really loved The Narrows. I found it very interesting how Harry did his thing despite the FBI's efforts to "do it their way". It was good to see Buddy and Rachel and Kiz back in Harry's life, and I like the idea that he will return to the LAPD.

However, I have to agree with Jonathane's remark concerning the final plot twist. I too have to wonder why Terry's death had to turn out to be a suicide. I question how Rachel (or the FBI) would have come to that conclusion before Harry did? I also wonder why Bachus didn't finish McCaleb off (he apparently had the opportunity, means and motivation). I guess we'll never know. But I can't see how the suicide angle added anything other than confusion to an otherwise great story line. I suppose we'll just have to accept MC's decision in this matter.

I must also comment on Blue Neon Night. I found it absolutely fascinating, and a MUST for all of Michael's readers. From the haunting saxophone sound of "Lullaby" to the L.A. scenes so vividly described in the books, this DVD captivated me for the full 56 minutes. To actually see those cantilevered houses, the Angels Flight railway, Mulholland Drive and so many other places in Harry's world gave me goosebumps. If you haven't already viewed this fascinating DVD, please make sure that you do! And don't miss LAPD Chief Bratton's tribute to Michael and Harry at the end of the film. He needs you, Harry!

By Anonymous on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 11:43 am:

Johnathane,
You've got a good road ahead catching up with Harry Bosch's life. Enjoy and it is best to take them in order. I definately would not read The Last Coyote before first reading the preceeding books.
The Black Echo
The Black Ice
The Concrete Blonde
The Last Coyote (my all time favorite) The Poet (Rachel W)
Trunk Music Blood Work (Terry McCaleb)
Angels Flight
A Darkness More Than Night
City of Bones
Lost Light (second favorite---MC, what will you come up with next for HB and his loves)
Harry's longest relationship is either Ellenor Wish his wife or Silvia Moore. Forgive me if I misspell the names as I buy the audio books and listen to them to or from work.
I'm sure you are right with the idea that backup should have been called but the life of the book seller/ex-homicide cop and friend of Harry's did call for direct action. Tell that to the brass, right!
Anyway, an author presents his characters actions and you buy into the story line what you will. Michael Connelly's writing has hooked me where Cannell, Kellerman, Turrow, etc. just fill in some time till the next MC novel. Grisham comes closest (loved The Runaway Jury and King Of Torts).
Rachel Walling's actions in the trailer made me think of Ahab in Moby Dick and I could not help but wonder if Backup would get her in the end.
I agree completely with your acessment of why Harry 'knew' Terry McCaleb had killed himself. What about the pictures Bacus had sent him, didn't they mean Terry was in his sites, not just an intrusion or whatever? Need to write down Harry's timeline to follow his events in order sequence. Anyway, I can see Harry posibly making a mistake there with his belief that 'there are no coincedences'. A flaw in character? Love our character's flaws/beliefs. Harry Bosch is the best in his first person of putting life in perspective and I can't help but buy into his beliefs even if they do lead to his ultimate distruction some day...'There is no end to things of the heart'..as MC wrote.
TerryB

By Anonymous on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 12:57 pm:

Okay, here is my take on the ending about Terry. I think while Terry was investigating the deaths in Vegas and the guy who came on his boat, he found out that his heart was failing. And he didn't want to put his family through the ringer so he ended things quickly himself. Remember on Terry's file about the Poet was the name William Bing and a Las Vegas phone number. Harry called the number and reached a hospital. He assumed that Terry was trying to reach a doctor or a patient there and wondered why it was written on the Poet file. Later, when the FBI got the file, they asked Rachel to look into the William Bing thing. She reports back that William Bing was a heart transplant patient at the hospital. The FBI made the assumption that he was a friend of Terry's. She let that assumption stand. What is not reported in the book is her actual research of William Bing. So we are suppose to figure out that she checked into it and discovered that William Bing was actually Terry and that his heart was failing. She must have realized that the Poet would not have messed with his pills--that was not his style. She puts two and two together but doesn't say anything to anyone in an attempt to save Terry's family from finding out. Backus did become aware of Terry and did have him in his sites but he admitted to Bosch that he hadn't had time to finish him off yet. Then when Harry sees that Terry's daughter's favorite book is with William Bing, and he recalls what the Poet said about Terry and how Rachel tried to quiet him down about it, and looks at the method of how Terry died, he figures things out and figure out that she knew all along.

By Anonymous on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 02:49 pm:

Good explanation, Anon. I just finished the book minutes ago, and I enjoyed it. It's not MC's best book by any stretch, but it's somewhere in the middle. I agree with the earlier post that all the references to the movie and Eastwood added nothing to the book. Thomas Harris's Lector series and the movies have diverged substantially, and neither has any obligation to reference the other. To me, this was a constant annoyance.

I got the impression in Chasing the Dime that MC had Hollywood very much in mind when he wrote it, with some cliches that really only make sense when you're watching a screenplay. I get the same impression with The Narrows, as if MC is strongly hoping for a movie deal and wants to give Hollywood an "out" for the sub-par Blood Work movie. I imagine the money from selling Blood Work was pretty fat, so I really can't blame him for seeking another movie deal if that's what he wants, but the new book would have been just fine without acknowledging the movie.

The DVD was informative, especially with views of Harry's neighborhood, etc., but the music got very repetitive. You end up hearing Lullabye a dozen times or so throughout the thing, and I got very sick of hearing that song. Which is too bad, cuz it's a good tune. It really didn't strike me as a "pro" production, either--some of the camera work seems like it was shot in a hurry, with poor lighting. But, hey, it was free.

By Charlotte on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 04:31 pm:

I just finished The Narrows and I loved it. I don't want to say too much to spoil it, even though this is the place where I could. I do want to say that I'm glad Harry went back to the job. Now, all I want to know is when is the next book due out? Just kidding. Still it can't be too soon.

By Anonymous on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 09:46 pm:

I forgot to mention that two years ago during his City of Bones tour, MC split some of his appearances with another author, Jonathan King. King's book was The Blue Edge of Midnight, which MC recommended. In this book the bad guy uses GPS units to tell the cops where his victims can be found. When I saw the same concept in The Narrows, I felt like I was reading a secondhand idea.

King's book was just OK, nothing special. Seems like his website is down, too.

By Lisa on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 11:10 am:

Just finished reading The Narrows last night. AWESOME!!! I didn't know how I would like the pairing of Bosch and Rachel Walling, but it worked well. Am I the only one who wanted to see Jack McEvoy again??? I was hoping he would turn up somewhere in the book! I thought it was brilliant how MC brought together all the different elements from his other books and incorporated the characters so seemlessly. I still haven't watched the DVD, but plan to soon!

By Kevin A. on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 05:01 pm:

I had a lousy day yesterday: sleep-deprivation due to having stayed up too late the night before in order to finish THE NARROWS. But it was worth it!

As for Jack McEvoy: He does, indeed, show up in THE NARROWS. He is the "sultan" in the maroon turban that Bosch and Jane Davis spot getting off the black jet.

It's a long story...

By Anthony on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 09:27 am:

Jack McEvoy is that sultan? OK. This is something I didn't notice. Can you explain?

By Lisa on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 11:13 am:

Kevin:

Let's hear the "long story" How do you know that is Jack?

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 01:49 pm:

Anon,
Very good, you explained it right. I had not put it together when I was listening to the CD of the book and it makes sence now how Harry puts it together. I see where Rachel Walling did identify William Bing as Terry McCaleb. Either that or she hadn't put it together and when Harry confronted her with it, she was upstaged.
As for MC writing the book to get a Hollywood deal, I saw it more as a slap at them putting Buddy Lockridge so prominent in the story line. Here Hollywood, try to do a screanplay with one of the main characters someone you killed off earlier in Blood Work. You should not have changed my story! Anyway, I always liked Buddy and thought it was a big mistake what Hollywood did to his character in the movie. Now there are three books with Buddy in them. And in a way, Buddy is all of us fans wanting to be a part of the story. Now MC, tell me that didn't cross your mind?
The Blue Neon Night DVD was very good and it's nice to hear MC explaining his writing and the places his stories are set in. Also, great to hear he has more stories about LA to tell.

By Jeff on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 04:01 pm:

Just finished Narrows. Loved every bit of it particularly the last sentence "...build a future"

Kevin A: I too would like to know how Jack is the "sultan."

Also what was with the Monte Carlo boxes in Jane's trunk?

By Me on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 04:45 pm:

Hey guys, I think Kevin is joking.

By Judy B on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 08:34 pm:

So Anonymous didn't think the DVD was professional? It was true to life as if Harry was showing us around LA. It felt like we were being given a personal tour. This gave us a chance to see Harry's LA and not some travelog. What more could you want?

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 08:10 am:

Just finished The Narrows. I paced myself so I could enjoy it for at least four days. I thought the references to Blood Work the movie, Clint Eastwood and other current events only added to the book. I wondered how Rachel was going to get away with entering the trailer and destroying evidence--such a truly unprofessional move. The two of them entering the Turrentine house alone again heigtened the suspense, but seemed unlikely considering their combined professional experience. I had to go over the McCaleb suicide scenario three times before I could even understand it. I'd rather have believed that it was part of the Poet's work than done by McCaleb himself. He was already on the "dole" since he was on Medicaid and how would it have affected his pension or retirement if he had simply lived his life out? Having said that, I thought the book was excellent. I feel as though Harry is a personal friend after reading all the HB books and I 'm glad he's going back to the LAPD.

By Jilly Howe on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 01:00 pm:

Just finished The Narrows and thought it was great. The only problem is that everyone seemed "mean" somehow. Harry treated poor Buddy like dirt. Those FBI people were awful...Rachael not much better....Eleanor was on the rag as usual. Too bad things can't lighten up alittle for Harry B.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 09:28 pm:

JudyB, the only thing you mentioned in your post was the content of the DVD, and I was talking about the production quality. In some cases when MC spoke on camera, it looked like they'd simply started impromptu filming with a camcorder--the lighting was poor, and background noises obscured MC's words sometimes. Rather than being a deliberate stylistic aspect, it seemed like it was just hastily put together with a "close enough" attitude. The content was fine, I just didn't care for the audio and video aspects of it. That and hearing Lullabye twelve times in a row. But like I said, it was free, so it's not like I feel ripped off or anything.

By Peter Van Skyler on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 03:45 am:

Good book, it kept me from doing my work for a day. The final exchange with Rachel is too abrupt, though: I think MC needed to unpack the scene a little. It's bizarre when Bosch surmises that he won't be seeing her again, when what she did wasn't so terrible. (And Bosch should appreciate her loyalty to McCaleb.) But I can understand why MC doesn't want to fall into the cozy domesticity thing that has taken the edge off Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder, among other gumshoes...

The shark cartilage thing is a bit clunky, isn't it, especially for a character like McCaleb, who lived in a world where people always check the contents of pill bottles. But I agree that the references to the tepid Eastwood picture were great: MC slyly makes fun of Brian Helgeland turning Buddy into a "creep" while exploiting our memory of Jeff Daniels' performance. There's even a suggestion that Buddy might be a creep, after all.

MC is great at maintaining a kind of dread--an awareness of some higher evil--that often dissipates when you get to the wrap-up. The Narrows is better on that score--maybe because the narrows themselves (and the L.A. river) offer such a potent metaphor for the climax and aftermath.

By DorieAnn on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 06:16 pm:

Finished the book today and I loved it. Jilly, your comment about Eleanor had me LOL. She's bugged me since she and Harry first got married.

I too suspected MC might be setting Buddy up to have killed Terry, but was happy when that wasn't the case. I felt really bad for Buddy, always wanting to help both Terry and Harry but always given the brush-off. He's a very sympathetic character.

I loved the scenes with Harry and his daughter, they were so poignant. I'm glad Harry that he has her in his life.

And hurray! Harry's heading back to the force! How happy am I? I was talking to a friend right before I started reading the book, saying I hope that it would be better than 'Lost Light' because I really didn't like Harry as a private eye -- he's a cop, darn it. And now he's going back! Can't wait to see what Irving is up to. The dynamic of his relationship with Harry is fascinating to me.

By CFioren317 on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 09:10 am:

I finished the book yesterday and while it was very good, it wasn't really the usual "WOW" I expect from a Bosch story.

I think it is rediculous that Rachel would sleep with Harry, because she is supposed to be a professional and she really appears to be a slut. It was bad enough she started sleeping with Jack in The Poet, but at least there, it appeared they liked each other and it was a relationship. Here, MC called it "gladiator love", which is just an excuse to have 2 people have sex, in my opinion. Of course, she was also married to the FBI Agent Gordon in the Poet, so maybe MC is just keeping up with one of her personal faults, which is to have sex with the men with whom she works. If this is the case, then OK, I guess. But it devalued her in my eyes.

Another thing that annoys me is Harry's attitude regarding the whole Maddy/Eleanor thing. There was a clear point in the book where she says he is welcome there, but he CHOOSES not to be there with them. To me, this makes him selfish. He could live there and be the nanny instead of the live-in she currently has. But poopsey doesn't like Vegas or Eleanor's poker playing so he leaves his kid there. BS. Butch-up Harry. Suck it up for the sake of your daughter and live there with them. If Eleanor didn't want him there and hated him, then I could see him not staying. But some of the things she says makes it clear he could stay if he wanted. Sometimes, Harry, you need to put the life of your daughter ahead of finding killers in LA. Again, just my opinion.

I liked how MC brought in Cassie from Void Moon, as Jane the balcony neighbor. It was disappointing to see someone as intuitive as Harry make the mistake of prying too much and pushing her away. I think the shoe boxes may have been a reference to how her old boss told her how to always be prepared to leave where you are in 5 minutes. No attachments and little personal belongings.

Buddy was a goof in Blood Work, both the movie and book. And he was a bigger goof here. Interesting how MC says he has a pocket full of red $5 chips in his pocket, meaning he won alot at a BJ table. Of course, he would need a big pocket to have won more than a couple hundred in red chips, and wouldn't the BJ dealer or pit boss have requested a color-up for those chips. Assuming they did and Buddy declined, that makes him an even bigger goofball.

By Dena Bishop on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 04:43 pm:

I thing the reason Harry does not move in with Eleanor is they cannot stop fighting. I think Eleanor does hate Harry. And maybe the other way around. Staying in a relation ship with the way they treat each other, just for the kid, can be even worse than living seperatly. Kids pick up on the bitterness and stress alot more that most adults think. I am sure Harry wants to minimize this, and living in L.A. (far away, but not to far for frequent visits) brings a certin reduction on the emotional upheavel.

By Anonymous on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 06:01 pm:

Wow, I saw the review that Stephen King gave The Narrows in his Entertainment Weekly column today. He is quite the fan. That is a pretty amazing review. Congrats MC!

By Mike Leahy on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 03:21 pm:

Just finished the Narrows. Great book !

I was disappointed to see that MC had Terry McCaleb die in this one. I liked having Terry and Harry work together.

Glad to see Harry is headed back to the LAPD.

Not disappointed at all about the Eleanor/Harry conflict... seems that MC wants to always leave Harry the option of some romantic encounter in each new book -- either a reconciliation with Eleanor OR a Rachel Walling connection.... Long term, Rachel may be a better match for Harry....she is still in the hunt for bad guys and has not been disgraced professionally to the degree that Eleanor has. Eleanor may still harbor some resentment that Harry can still go after the bad guys, while she is forced to just make a living like the rest of us !

I think Harry's heart will only ever be fully captured by his daughter Maddy.... Let's see -- in 17 years when she graduates from college she'll end up...... on the LAPD ????

By pgd_melb on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 08:23 pm:

Great book, as usual. Left me with the customary post-Connelly tristesse when I finished it. At least I can re-read all the salient books which preceded this one. Hope I can get a copy of the DVD, but living in Australia might make it difficult.

I drove from LA to Vegas a couple of times in the last 3 or 4 years. I always wondered about that Zzyzx Rd. Now I know - because it never seemed to lead anywhere significant.

I too was conflicted about the changes from 3rd person to 1st person. I remember ridiculing James Patterson because it takes great skill to make it work. MC achieved it miles better than JP. Not surprising really.

By nancyk on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 05:05 am:

Thank you Jane for the DVD. Watched it last night and then finished the book.Enjoyed seeing MC 's and Harry's surroundings.As with all of Mc's books, I need to read it a second time to pick up all the details. The first reading is always just for the stories. Later.

By 6 on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 05:50 am:

I just finished reading the Narrows, and found it to be pretty gripping. I liked how MC seamlessly blended *actual* fact and fiction together so well, where the reader didn't know where fact left off and fiction took over.

There really was a "Bloodwork" movie, and it really did star "Clint Eastwood," and to mix references to the movie in with the story line made it all the more believable, and I might add, fun to read.

I'm sure I'll have more to say about the book, after I've had some time to digest it.

By Anonymous on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 06:47 pm:

Just finished reading "The Narrows". I thought the first 3/4's of the book was sensational and I have to say I found the final 1/4 to be rushed, and disappointing. I felt that the climactic seen where Backus dies in the narrows was weak, considering all of the build up to this climax over the course of two books. I also felt that there were way too many loose ends at the end. Maybe, I missed something, but who was the corpse in the trailer identified as??
What about Robert Finder?? Was he Backus after more plastic surgery?? Loose ends.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 10:55 am:

I wonder if it was MC's intention for the McCaleb story to end prior to the release of "Blood Work" the movie. I also wonder if MC thought that McCaleb's character had been destroyed by Clint Eastwood's interpretation and subsequent butchering of the book. Therefore he chose to take McCaleb out on his own terms.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 06:52 pm:

I like Michael Connelly and I like his writing but I thought the Narrows was not as good as some of his other books. I guess I prefer my characters one at a time: I am obviously in the minority here.

By marvin on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 08:06 am:

Have just finished 'The Narrows'. Why did Terry have to die? Bloodwork is my favourite book and I was looking forward to another. Maybe he didn't want Clint Eastwood making another movie. Maybe Buddy would have killed Bosch in the next one.

By Misty on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 10:25 am:

Just finished reading The Narrows, couldn't put it down, but I haven't looked at the DVD yet. I liked the way Harry found the Poet---this former FBI mastermind was hunted down for something he didn't do, kill Terry---is it poetic justice?

Rachel thought the dead guy in the trailer was a passenger on the plane with her when she flew out to Vegas...I was actually hoping it would be Alpert.

By Anonymous on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 07:04 am:

Misty, Who is Albert? Someone also memtioned the name Robert Finder, I do not recall either of those names, maybe I need to re read The Narrows.
Willsomeone fill me in?

By Anthony on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 07:21 am:

I think Alpert is one of Rachel's supervisors.

By Misty on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 07:30 am:

Albert is the FBI agent in charge who gave Rachel a hard time and at the end was sending her back to the boonies until she let him have it over having her followed, putting a GPS on her vehicle, and tapping her phones. He would have then been the one under investigation. There was one thing that bothered me that neither Harry nor Rachel picked up on the fact they had so many people following them.

By help on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 09:24 am:

Robert Finder is the name that Backus used when he went fishing with Terry McCaleb.

By morehelp on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 10:40 am:

Jordan Shandy was the name Backus used when he chartered Terry's boat. Robert Finder is the boat charter competitor that Buddy thought broke in and stole the GPS.

By Anonymous on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 02:36 pm:

I've not long finished the narrows and i'm glad to say that i was not disappointed. After having read the Poet, the first ever Michael Connelly book i've ever read i just could not wait to read the sequal,buying it in hardback,instead of waiting as i usually do for it to come out in paperback.Needless to say i'm glad to discover many more books by Michael Connolly i can read. So i'm just about to read "lost light" I'm sure again that I will not be disappointed.

By Anonymous on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 03:08 pm:

jUST FINISHED THE NARROWS AND I ALL READY MISS
HARRY. I WISH HE WOULD FIND SOME HAPPINESS. I THINK HE MUST BE AROUND 53 BY NOW. I WAS SORRY T.C. WAS NO LONGER WITH US, BUT IT MADE FOR AN INTERESTING STORY. I ENJOYED THE DVD. SINCE THE REASON I STARTED READING MICHAEL'S BOOKS IS BECAUSE IT TOOK PLACE IN CAL. ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT. HOPE HE COMES OUT WITH A NEW BOOK SOON.

By Allan Beacham on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 06:55 pm:

I loved the The Narrows. Is the Cassie Black parts in the book an introduction to a new Cassie Black book. What was she packing in the back of her car? I loved the interaction between buddy and Harry, it showed that harry has less patience then Terry when dealing with people. The switching between Rachels third person POV and Harrys first person POV was excellent.

By Bill Rodman on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 06:35 am:

I too stretched it out so I could finish it on a coast to coast plane trip. Really thought there'd be more exploration into Backus and his father and/or what "created" him. Did I miss it?
The Blood work movie caused me to see Jeff Daniels with every mention of Buddy, and he was closer to his role in Dumb and Dumber.
anyone else see the humor in Harry's musing about the price for the rare Pelecanos book?...
Over all enjoyed it, but have to agree with many postings about the anti-climactic demise of Backus and a few other details.
when I can do better I'll consider actual criticism.

By Anonymous on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 07:44 am:

It's funny, but ever since I read ADMTN I could see only one actor in the role of "Buddy Lockridge". And after reading The Narrows, that impression remains in my mind's eye. The actor I have in mind is none other than Jerry Van Dyke. Think about it.

By Jean Duncan on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 10:33 pm:

Just finished The Narrows and loved it. His books are a cut above other contemporary mystery writer's. Although Michael Connelly is my favorite, John Lescroart is also excellent, with his Dismas Hardy mystery novels. A good author to try to get you through until the next Michael Connelly book.

By Liz Cooper on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 10:24 am:

Just finished THE NARROWS. As usual, couldn't put it down. I loved the way the characters, particularly Buddy, slated the movie of BLOOD WORK. After seeing the movie I had to re-read the book to make sure that I was not imagining a totally different book. Thank you for sending Harry back to LAPD. It's where he belongs and he will be great on the cold case team. Can't wait for the next one!

By Michelle on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 02:38 am:

Hi, I have just finished The Narrows in record time (the world stops while I am reading MC's novels). Loved it...as usual and I cannot wait for the next one. Does this mean I have to attend a MC Anonymous? (Just kidding).

I have just one question concerning the book...Is Bob really dead this time?????8-))

By Andrea Meany on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 04:48 am:

Just finished reading the narrows. Brilliant as ever. I was thrilled to find it in Kuala Lumpur so soon. I've been living here now for almost a year and have been on constant alert for more Connelly books.
Hope the next one will be not too long away!, just hope that Harry finds love somewhere along the line.

By David Fleming on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 06:50 am:

had a few days to digest the book now, and some comments.

(1) This book had the feeling of a 'book end' about it - the bringing together of most of the HB Universe characters, the death of Terry, HB going back to the LAPD =- like the end of one chapter, preparing for the beginning of the next one - presumably Harry doing Cold Case work, a good move for MC as it gives a lot of creative scope

(ii) I liked the way Jane Davis/Cassie Black appeared - and there were some other familiar 'real word' names as well if I'm not mistaken!

(iii) The Bloodwork movie references - I thought these were actually a brilliant literary device by Michael - allow his characters to express the dissatisfaction with their movie portrayal that he felt. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but...

By David Fleming on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 07:01 am:

Ooops, meant to say, i also like the way he name-checks both Ian Rankin and Dean Koontz.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 01:08 pm:

I like the way several people from past books have shown up in The Narrows. It makes perfect sense to me that they should, in real life you will go with out seeing someone for a long time and look up one day and there they are. I hope Backus is really gone this time. Looking forward to Harry's next adventure. Keep up the good work.

By Dave Worrell on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 05:25 pm:

I enjoyed the book a lot, although I was sad to see McCaleb die. My father passed away from a heart attack in April and I probably mourned Terry's passing moreso because of it. I think Michael probably killed Terry off more in acknowledgement that he'd had a pretty long life with the transplant, as far as those go, and it wasn't going to be realistic for him to go on for many more years, rather than any kind of commentary on Hollywood or anything. It's funny, but I intentionally refrained from reading much about the book before I read it. The only thing I knew was that The Poet was back and Harry was involved because of the death of an old friend. I was sure Jerry Edgar was the victim. Man, was I shocked! I miss Jerry. I'm more interested in seeing him again than Kiz, although I don't dislike her.

Dropping Robert Finder bugged me, as it seemed like it should be more than a red herring, Bob Backus being the villain and the FBI and Harry essentially trying to be "Bob finders". As Harry says, there are no coincidences, but I guess there are in this case.

I assumed all the shoe boxes were Cassie Black's money she kept from Void Moon, but I haven't read it in a while. She probably should have been able to find a way to move it into an overseas account or something. And I doubt she left a bunch of shoe boxes filled with money in the trunk of a car in long term parking back when she went to Hawaii, but for some reason that's what I assumed was in the shoe boxes. I'd have much more enjoyed Harry jumping across the smoking balcony and looking into her room instead of having Rachel come in for some survivor sex, but I guess that's a story for another day. Maybe Bosch will meet her again. I'm not sure how all that played out for a first time reader, though.

Did anyone from Chasing the Dime make an appearance?


Loved the Tin Collectors reference. I didn't realize Cannell had done a sequel to that, let alone three, so that little nod has increased my summer reading.

All in all I enjoyed the book. I actually liked Lost Light more, but this one was plenty good in its own right. Looking forward to more.

By PabloMc2 on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 02:47 pm:

I have just been to my first ever Michael Connelly book signing at Milton Keynes (UK) and it was extremely interesting. MC somehow managed to talk for a good 30 minutes about his decision to write a sequel to The Poet, about the various meanings behind the title of "The Narrows", and generally about his career, characters and novels without giving away ANY spoilers for ANY of his books ! Very impressive !

The Q & A session was good too, and I even managed to ask one ! I had prepared a fairly lame question about whether MC thought HE would make a decent detective (or serial killer !) as he wrote about them so well, however, MC's answer to the first question he was asked thankfully prompted me to ask him a different one instead !

Someone had asked MC how Stephen King had become involved in writing the introduction to the relaunched version of The Poet, and during his answer MC mentioned that King had been directing his OWN version of "The Shining" as he hadn't liked Kubrick's version, so I asked MC if that meant that in 10/15 years time, we could expect to see HIM directing HIS version of "Blood Work" !

I was also determined to pass on my appreciation to MC while he signed my copy of "The Narrows" without sounding like a starstruck fan or telling him what everyone else does ! Here's what I managed to come up with ! :-

MC : Hi, thanks for coming
Me : No, Thank YOU for coming ! You've come a hell of a lot further than I have - I only work around the corner !

I then went on to (quickly !) tell him how much I appreciate his active feedback back to his fans, such as the signing tours, the Q & A section on this website, and the short stories etc. that we get on the mailing list and how rare it was for an author. He seemed pleased by this and thanked me for saying so ! :-)

Anyway - I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do this or not (I'm sure Ms Davis will slap my wrist and remove the link if not !) but I took a few photographs tonight which can be seen here if anyone is interested :-
Pictures from Michael Connelly Book Signing - Milton Keynes, UK

Thanks Michael - will hopefully be back on the front row again next time you visit :-)

Paul

By Anonymous on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 12:03 am:

The Poet being the first MC book I ever read and also being my favourite, I was extremely excited when I found out The Narrows was going to be the sequal. I'd like to say that I was rapt it lived up to all I expected (and more!) I thought the bringing of so many characters together in the one book was fantastic. Well done MC.

By Leah on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:09 pm:

Really loved Blood Work movie references, it shows us MC's opinion of the destruction of such a great book. Not sure how I feel about The Narrows overall though, Harry and Rachel getting together was not neccessary enough to make it in there and really wanted Jack to make an apperence at some stage. I understand that Harry is the demon hunter and that he can never stop being an avenger but I would still love to see him settled, even if that means the end of the road for the series. MC is such a good writer and is well able to create brilliant novels outside of Harry Bosch, as seen in Chasing The Dime etc., so I feel reassured that he could still keep us all gripped, no matter what he chose to write. The Narrows was a book I could not put down, even if it seems I am only critising it.

By Dave Worrell on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 05:32 pm:

I was thinking about the Cassie Black scenes today and it struck me that Harry probably should have recognized her. Didn't he see her on his honeymoon with Eleanor? I don't have Trunk Music handy, but it seems to me he noticed her while he was on the beach. I mean, it's one face in Hawaii among so many others he saw and he had other things going on at the time and she may have been in sunglasses and some sort of head covering for all I can remember, but it'd be neat if they ever meet again for him to recall seeing her that first time.

By Anonymous on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 09:16 am:

Dave-
You are confusing the stripper from Trunk Music with the burglar from Void Moon. Cassie was the burglar.

By eoin pluinceid on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 10:29 am:

I was sitting in my bed finishing the narrows this morning (got it new and signed yesterday) and oh my god the way he tied Cassie into it, incredible storytelling!

By Dave Worrell on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 08:44 pm:

Yeah, I know who Cassie is. I was thinking Harry sees Cassie in Hawaii on his honeymoon with Eleanor. It's at the end of the book (maybe I'm getting the book wrong) when they are on the beach and he notices a woman walking by. I don't have the book handy and I haven't read it in a couple years, but I'm pretty sure about it.

By Dave Worrell on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 08:53 pm:

I see. You're saying the stripper that was on the run was who Harry saw on his honeymoon?

I can see that. For some reason I assumed it was Cassie, but I see Void Moon was written after Trunk Music. I think I must have read TM right after VM and got confused.

By Dave Worrell on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 05:05 pm:

And now I've pulled it out and see they explicitely state it was the stripper, so I've no idea how I became convinced it was Cassie. Thanks for the correction.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 01:21 pm:

Ok, I've just finished The poet and The Narrows My first MC books And I have to say I totally enjoyed both. Any suggestions on which one to read next? Also I was very intrigued by Jane. I've read the other post and I'm confused about her and this Cassie, somebody fill me.

By Andrew Jones on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 02:18 pm:

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that they liked Harry better in retirement because he "wasn't angry all the time." Man, I am just the opposite. The Narrows was the least satisfying of all the Bosch books, for me, because Harry, off the force and relying on others for help, seems to have completely lost his edge. His anger and intensity is what endeared him to me. I am rejoicing that he is going back on the inside. It would be even better if Connelly would go back to third person writing; I think Bosch's intensity is more clearly communicated through that style.

I was initially sad to lose McCaleb, but quickly got over it as I realized how well Connelly stuck it to the movie version of Blood Work.

By Jane Davis on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 04:45 pm:

Two things:
1. Michael is going back to third person writing in the next book--which he is writing now.

2. Cassie Black and Jane Davis are the same person. Cassie was the main character in Void Moon and you have to read it to understand who she is.

By Brian Dunne on Wednesday, June 02, 2004 - 10:49 am:

Finished the Narrows last night and i thought it was excellent. Have read five MC novels now and have geniunly loved them all. Im off to start Void Moon now.

By Matthias Schmidt on Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

I have just finished the book in englich language since it will be long until it will be released here in Germany. I liked it very much, but I got aswell confused a bit with Jane. So I will have to read Void Moon, the only one I haven't read yet.
So even in english I appreciated the book very much and didn't find it hard to understand. So I am really looking for the next HB.

By JoLee on Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 03:18 pm:

Awesome, awesome book. I LOVED the way so many loose threads united, and also the many in- jokes to do with Bloodwork and other writers. I'm annoyed with myself that I didn't place Jane Davis as Cassie Black from Void Moon, as I knew this seeming diversion would likely lead to something of note in Harry's future. Many of us have expressed enthusiasm for Harry and Cassie to cross paths, but I NEVER expected he and Rachel to get together. Maddie was utterly adorable, but I'm not sorry that he and Eleanor can't make a go of it - I've never cared much for her.

I'm also very happy that Harry found a way to get back to the LAPD and look forward to he and Kiz teaming up again - roll on the next book.

By Anonymous on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 09:22 pm:

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

You tricked us! No wonder you cannot write a another book about Terry. Boring, hah!

Great book. Looking forward to Harry and Kiz back in the saddle again too!

By Judy B on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 10:04 am:

Am I the only one in the world that likes Eleanor? For Maddie to be as sweet and adorable as she is you have to thank Eleanor. She is the one raising her. Yes, she has some of Harrys genes but she lives with Eleanor and she's the one that has the most influence on het.

By Robin Hull on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 11:50 am:

Just finished reading 'The Narrows' - I love Harry Bosch and I am really pleased that he is back in harness with the LAPD - but I found the book a little weak and at times the clues were solved all too quickly and without little effort. And why does Harry always have to 'shag' the birds?

Nethertheless, another cracking read! Well done!

By Robin Hull on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

me again...

Echoing Pablomc2 - the book signing at 'Murder One', London, was cool. To chat about French dip sandwiches and 16c coffee at Philippe's and to top it all, getting a book signed. Brilliant!

Thanks again!

By Travis Leamons on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 04:09 pm:

Hello all,

I have also finished reading Michael Connelly's latest "The Narrows." I found it to be fantabulous. (I know that's not a word but it sounds funny nonetheless.)

Is it me or am I the only one that found it ironic that by mere coincidence Rocky Mountain News reporter Jack McEvoy's life has come full circle.

What I mean is path of melancholy started after the death of his sister, continued when his brother die, and ended when Backus drowned. Notice that both Backus and sister suffered the same fate.

Just my two cents,

Travis

By Jane Davis on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:22 am:

The BarnesandNoble.com online group discussion of The Narrows began today. It will run through July 12th. Michael will join in the discussion. You can find out more about this at: http://www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com

By JoLee on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 05:12 pm:

Judy B - I still haven't forgiven Eleanor for keeping Maddie a secret in the first place, or for those earlier betrayals either I guess. I'd like to re-visit she and Harry at a time when they were happy, so I must go back and re-read, er,..... which book do they first get together in? I'm just flicking through Trunk Music, which is very interesting with hindsight. There is an extremely significant moment in Harry and Eleanor's history

By Anonymous on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 07:43 am:

Judy B, How in the world can you like Eleanor? From the very begining she has treated Harry badly, she set him up as a suspect in the Black Echo, of course she said that she would have come clean if it came to him being arrested, but I have my doubts, and to keep Maddie a secret, how cruel. I wish Harry could find some happiness with someone, but he does seem doomed where women are concerned.

By Koen on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 04:56 am:

Congratulations on another wonderful book. I especially liked the switching between characters and going from first- to third-person gave the story an extra vibe. It highlights different angles and perspectives, and made the read all the more enjoyable for me.

As most others undoubtedly, I am looking forward to seeing Harry and Kiz working cases together again. They complement eachother in a lot of ways. Harry rejoining the LAPD is something that fits in my view of his character, as he has to make a pragmatic choice with regard to what he calls his mission: working as a lone wolf with all the difficulties that entails, or using the resources available to him through the department. The latter will most likely be more effective for the mission, even though the politics will surely haunt him again. But hey, he didn't let that stand in his way before...and I'm sure he never will. The new resolve that comes from his love for his daughter will help him along, and gave him more depth as a character.

So two thumbs up for Harry and MC.

By Bill Millan on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 01:15 pm:

I loved the Book, but the Suicide twist at the end doesn't work. McCaleb would have had to have the insurance before his heart was diagnosed as bad. They would never issue it after that. All Insurance policies have a mandatory two year max on Suicide. After that they pay off if you do away with yourself.

So McCaleb had no reason to hide a suicide. The policy had to have been over 6 years old.

By Elsewhere on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 01:40 pm:

I liked the book but it let me down in some areas I won't go into too much (Jane Davis, anyone?).

One thing that sort of struck me - the climax at the "narrows". I grew up in LA. I remember being thrilled at the sight of the torrents going down the concrete-lined river channels when the rains got bad. I remember having bad dreams of being caught in them.

There are four seasons in LA: Riot, Earthquake, fire and flood. This is part of the reason my wife and I live and raise our kids somewhere else now.

I didn't want my kids to have the same kind of dreams.

By Anonymous on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 01:57 pm:

Bill, I don't think he was hiding the suicide from the insurance company, I think he wanted his family to think he had justed dropped dead. I think he knew as the book pointed out that it would take every cent that they had to get the care he needed and would only add a few more years to his life and then when he died his family would be in a real tight moneywise, so he took the suicide route to protect his family.

By Bill Millan on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 03:35 pm:

You may be right, but I read it differently. I liked the way he brought "The Poet" in and used Clint's movie as if it were a real event. And using Bratton's change in policy, which is real, as a way to get Bosch back on the force was excellent.

I have been following Bratton for years, and he is outstanding. If they want make real changes in the FBI, they should make him Director.

By Roger Mathieson on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 01:57 am:

Have just finished THE NARROWS and M.C. has again showed he is the pre-eminent story-teller in this genre. He very very cleverly advised Clint Eastwood and others in Hollywood how he felt about the pathetic way those guys meddle with intelligent writer's well thought out plot-lines. Please Michael, don't let such a travesty happen again as you have garnered a huge world-wide and intelligent following. By the way I really enjoyed THE NARROWS, the opening grab with the G.P.S. was superb as were all the other sub-plots through out. The ending was alittle disappointing; it didn't quite fit with the overall high standard of the story that led to the ending. Having said that I can't wait for the next H.B. and/or Cassie Black adventure. I look forward to seeing M.C. here in Sydney, Australia in August. Jane: Will the D.V.D. be available in Australia?

By Jane Davis on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 08:47 am:

Roger-
No, the DVD was a promotion by the US publisher only. IT will not be available in other countries. You can still find the DVD/Book combo available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com though.

By GloMac on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 11:03 am:

I just finished The Narrows, my first (and most certainly not last) MC book, I was thrilled to find this site and discussion. The characters were great and the plot riveting. I just have one thing that's lingering in my mind and I can't get past it: The FBI found McCaleb's fingerprints on the boat in the desert, but that was never explained (if it was, I apologize but I must've missed it!)

Can someone please fill me in as to how they got there and what it meant?

I'm now a certified MC fan, just makes me wish I had read the other books first so I could know the characters better, but now I have a lot of catching up to look forward to.

By Patti Cancellier on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 08:59 am:

Elsewhere--I grew up outside LA in La Mirada. We had the concrete lined channels as well. We called them "the wash". All the parents in the neighborhood warned us about going into the wash because of the danger of sudden flooding. There were stories about children being washed away. But to us it was a place to find tadpoles in the spring and a place to rollerskate (none of the 1950s housing developments had sidewalks to skate on).

I love Michael Connelly's books--the characters; the mysteries; and most of all the references to places and things in the LA area that I miss.

By Sue H on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 07:00 am:

Michael Connelley is just the coolest. I love how he's essentially created a world for us to step into for a few hours each year! I'm still finishing up The Narrows, but when I got to the part where Harry talks to Jane and she was sad because of her daughter living in France, I knew right away that that MC had done it again! We were catching a glimpse of our long lost Cassie Black. I was so excited by the Harry/Cassie interaction that I couldn't concentrate on the next page and a half of story!

As for Jack McEvoy, someone below said he was the "sultan" at the airport. Is it because I haven't finished the book yet, but how would you make that connection?

Is that three-year rule for the LAPD for real? I only assume it is b/c MC wouldn't make up something like that, but it just seems awefully convenient for HB and the storyline.

By Steven Weakley on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 08:46 pm:

I don't fully understand the final twist in the Narrows. I understand that Terry McCaleb committed suicide, and I understand that Rachel knew it, but were Terry and Rachel in cahoots? Why did Rachel deceive Harry? Why is she mad at the end of the book? Can someone briefly explain the final twist involving Rachel?

By Bob Dolan on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 07:25 am:

I do not understand why The Poet chartered a fishing trip with Terry if his intenetion was not to kill him. I also don't understand the importance of the wife and kid photos taken by the Poet and mailed to Terry. What am I missing?

By mike on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 11:37 am:

Here is what I think. The Poet read that McCaleb was looking into the deaths in the desert--remember the newspaper reported that. He came out and checked Terry's life out--followed his family, went on his boat. Sent him the photos to spook him. He mentions to Bosch that McCaleb was on his list but he didn't get to him before he died. I think Backus is the type that would have loved stalking his victims first.

As for Rachel and Terry being in cahoots--no they weren't. Terry knew he was dying and sped up the process. He didn't want his family dragged through the medical expenses and struggle. If you remember, Rachel volunteered to look into the name William Bing and the hospital phone number that were marked down on Terry's folder. She must have discovered that Terry was William Bing and a patient at the hospital. She must have also discovered the Terry knew that he was dying. She reports back that Bing was a a heart transplant patient at the hospital and allows the FBI to assume that it was just a friend of Terry's. I think she covered it up to keep his family getting the insurance/pension money. Harry puts it all together at the end, thinking about what Backus said, knowing that William Bing was the name of Terry's daughter's favorite book, knowing that Terry had a receipt from a health food store where he could get the fake pills, knowing that Graciela had said that their insurance had run out, knowing that his death didn't match up with Backus's usual style. He puts it together. I think Rachel got mad at him because she was afraid he would spill the beans. I doubt he would.

I like that Michael doesn't tie up every loose end for us. He expects us to do some of the thinking. I appreciate that confidence in his readers.

By Bhavinder Ral on Sunday, June 20, 2004 - 11:40 am:

Last year I sent a message to MC saying how much I love Harry Bosch & Terry McCaleb the characters in his books, and when he said his next book The Narrows will feature both these characters I was over the moon looking forward to reading the book when it comes out following year. And after reading it The Narrows is a excellent read but I was left sad and disappointed about Terry McCaleb's character being killed off like that, guy was worth at least 2 more books but ideas for new stories don't grow on trees, and I pray MC doesn't do that to Harry?

By Gigi Diorio on Sunday, June 20, 2004 - 06:17 pm:

I loved the book! I started it and didn't put it down until I finished it. It was great! I too would have like to seen what Harry found in Jane Davis' room rather than the survial sex between him and Rachel. I was hoping maybe Harry would have gotten Jane/Cassie to talk about herself. To find out what she's been up too lately. I hope MC writes about Cassie Black soon. I really didn't like MC having Terry McCaleb committing suicide. About the fingerprints on the boat, did McCaleb put them there himself on his way to the hospital in Vegas in case someone found out about his plan and if his plan didn't work Backus would have been blamed for it?

By Sue H on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 07:12 am:

GloMac, I guess the way I read it, Backus led McCaleb to the desert like he was baiting Rachel to solve his case. What I can't figure, then is why, if McCaleb got to the desert, he didn't tell the FBI what he found.

I wasn't so keen on the suicide twist either. If William Bing was Terry's alias at the hospital, why didn't Harry find that out when he called the hospital. The hospital told him they had no record of a William Bing, or was it that Terry never actually checked into the hospital?

Also, if Terry's such the "empath" as Rachel describes it, why would he kill himself on the verge of cracking the missing persons case- especially being led into the desert but not telling anyone about his findings.

Judy B- I have to think you are one of VERY few who still likes Eleanor. The Maddie secret was just too terrible of her.

By Anonymous on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 08:08 am:

Hey Sue H--I think the person was joking when they said that Jack was the sultan. Jack is not in this book.

As for the other comments, Terry didn't find anything in the desert but a boat. The bodies were buried. He didn't have the GPS. He just had a photo of the road and the boat. Period. He went out there to find out what it all meant but he could only have assumed that there were bodies there.

And regarding William Bing, Harry called that number and got the hospital. He asked if there was a staff member or patient named William Bing and was told no. But Terry would not have been a current patient so would not have been listed.

I think it is helpful to go back and re-read sections of the book if you are missing information. I didn't have any of these misunderstandings when I read it but I read it completely without interruption or distractions. That helped.

By Jim Heffman on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 - 03:59 pm:

Sue H:
>What I can't figure, then is why, if McCaleb got
>to the desert, he didn't tell the FBI what he
>found.

As I recall, he did; or at least he contacted them that something was happening on the Backus case, and he got told to buzz off because the FBI wasn't interested.

I also got the idea that Backus started threatening him right after McCaleb went to the desert. That was yet another motivation for his suicide--if Backus saw that McCaleb was dead, he would lay off Terry's family.

I liked "The Narrows"; like someone earlier said, it would be difficult for a first-time Connelly reader, because there are so many characters that there isn't much backstory about each of them. But that's to be expected, this is sort of the "Giant-Sized Team-Up" issue of the Michael Connelly universe. All we needed was to get...whatsername, the girl from "Black Ice" and "Concrete Blonde". Or maybe she'll hook up with the group from "Chasing the Dime".

By roger on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 - 02:35 am:

QUESTION FOR JANE.

The Narrows is the only Michael Connelly book that I haven't read yet. I have my signed copy and will read it on my summer break in two weeks time,and very much looking forward to it.

I have also started to get interested in an excellent author called Jeffery Deaver, and have noticed that you do an excellent web site for him, just like you do for Michael.

My question to you Jane is there anymore sites that you do,that I and many other should look out for?

Thanks for all your efforts.

By Jane Davis on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 - 08:32 am:

Roger-
You are a brave man coming to this part of the board before you have read The Narrows. There are lots of spoilers here so look out!

And yes, I work with three writers: Michael Connelly, Jeffery Deaver, and Stephen White. Jeff's web site is JefferyDeaver.com. Stephen's web site can be found at AuthorStephenWhite.com.

By Roger on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 - 09:21 am:

Thank you Jane,

I have read none of the comments on The Narrows part of the board, but I thought I would get a reply quicker here.

Many thanks.

By Judy B on Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 02:07 pm:

Since we're talking about websites let me add my two cents. Jane, you do a terrific job. You are the reason I became such a big MC fan. I had read his books from the library but I buy them now so I can refer back to them. The message board gives me more insight and understanding of the books. It is fun to read other peoples remarks. Very few authors have interactive websites (James Lee Burke and John Sandford are the only two that come to mind). The others don't seem to realise how many fans these sites bring to their books. Keep up the good work.

By Jane Davis on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 12:01 pm:

Thanks Judy!

By hugh on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 05:34 pm:

this is Hugh From Ireland,
i am a great fan of MCs as are the rest of my family.Thank goodness Harry is going back working with the LAPD , i think he is a bit lost out in the real world with out a badge. And although "the Narrows" was good it did not have that much intensity as some of the other books. But keep up the good work.

Also , alot a people on this message board mention other detective novel writers, i have just read three books by Martin Cruz Smith " (the Arkedy Renko triligy) , red square , polar star and gorky park . i can not stress how much i enjoyed them . Renko is like bosch but in Moscow.

By JoLee on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 11:24 pm:

Sorry to jump in on the off-topic here, but I wanted to mention Lee Child's site. Although not run by Jane, it's another fine example of a truly interactive little community. I had to cut back on my usage there due to the overwhelming amount of fantastic books and authors being recommended!

By mjoy on Monday, June 28, 2004 - 02:30 pm:

Hugh, Martin Cruz Smith has published another Arkady Renko novel....entitled Havana Bay. I really enjoyed that one as well.

By 6sheep on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 03:48 am:

>>By Steven Weakley on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 08:46 pm:<<

"I don't fully understand the final twist in the Narrows. I understand that Terry McCaleb committed suicide, and I understand that Rachel knew it, but were Terry and Rachel in cahoots? Why did Rachel deceive Harry? Why is she mad at the end of the book? Can someone briefly explain the final twist involving Rachel?"

..although this was cleverly tied up i think it was a little contrived, makes me feel MC doesn`t want rachel`s character to be an ongoing distraction in further harry bosch storylines, so they have to end badly.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 09:03 am:

I think neither was mad at the other. For Harry it simply meant that Rachel didn't trust him enough to tell him what she found out about Terry. For Rachel, she was afraid that Harry would spill the beans about Terry's actions. This scene in the book was all about miscommunication. Now they will be less trusting in the future when they see each other. I think Rachel will continue to be a good adversary for Harry.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 09:02 pm:

Hi, I just wanted to say that I just finished reading The Narrows and it was excellant. I must say that I have thouroughly enjoyed all of the MC books, and I have them all, at least the one's available in the U.S. anyway.

So, now that Harry has rejoined the LAPD, does this mean there are going to be more Harry Bosch novels? I sure hope so, because he is one of my favorite characters. When will your next book be coming out MC? I sure hope it's this year.

By DaveH on Thursday, July 08, 2004 - 06:25 am:

Hi, just finished The Narrows and have to admit the overall feeling I was left with was one of disappointment.

Hopefully the next book will indeed go back to the third person, I am not a fan of first person Harry, I felt the narration in the Narrows again gave the book a disjointed feel and was stop-start.

The whole Rachel/Harry situation I thought was contrived and unneccessary. I also found the seemingly constant name-checking and references to be movie to be annoying and distracting rather than clever.

Don't get me wrong, I am one of the biggest Michael Connelly fans, but I just feel slightly let down by the Narrows, while excellent I just feel that it could have been better, maybe my expectations were too high. This is only my opinion, hope I don't offend!!

By malou roth on Thursday, July 08, 2004 - 06:39 pm:

I just finished listening to The Narrows on CD.
Len Cariou is the narrator/reader and he is excellent.
I thought the book was terrific as usual but agree with some of the other fans... Harry did not seem as edgey. That is ok though. After all, if he acted the same way all the time in all the books, we would be complaining about that.

I get Kiz Ryder and Keisha Russell mixed up. The names seem similar to me -- both KRs.

What did Rachel look like. I dont remember any description of her.

I also think Eleanor is a big fat fool.
She is selfish and I wonder if she ever did love
Harry. First, being a professional poker player when you have the education and experience of a successful FBI agent is hard to swallow. One thing we know for sure.. they will never get together because neither can compromise.. nor should they... to the other's wishes.

Thanks MC... you are the best.

By Anonymous on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 01:10 pm:

i just started reading the Narrows and maybe i missed something, nut when when did McAleb die? Is The Narrows the first mention of his death or have i missed a book somewhere. I was almost o vercome with grief

By Cerulean on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 03:02 pm:

I, too, have just finished reading The Narrows. It was my fifth MC book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to admit that I was a little confused with some of the references to previous books, but that just means that I need to read the rest of them so that it will all make sense.

I was also a little confused about the Harry/Rachel twist at the end. Reading some of the comments on this website have helped explain why they were angry (or whatever you want to call it). I was a little disappointed that they didn't end up together in the end. They both deserve to be happy for a little while.

All in all, I thought it was a great book and I can't wait until the next one comes out. In the mean time, I will play "catch-up" on some of the others.

By Me on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 08:49 pm:

TO Anonymous-
McCaleb died before the book begins. He didn't die in any of the other books.

By Thore E Helland on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 04:25 am:

I’m afraid I did not found The Narrows as well written as anticipated. The combination of first and third person point of view seemed to me to be contrived. Connelly destroyed the illusion of reality when he referred to the “The Poet” and to the movie “Blood Work”. I do agree that the film was a failure, but he could comment that somewhere else than in his own novel. And I didn’t believed Terry McCaleb killed him self to save his family – a stupid thing to do, and Terry was no nitwit. And if The Poet was so clever in the first novel, why would he kill all those people, give some clue to the FBI-woman, and than be stupid enough to be killed like a rat by Harry at the end? It did not convinced me a second. The end was a disappointment.
Please, retire the old characters and invent some new that can freshen up, and plan your plot has well as we know you can, Mr. Connelly.

By Lucy on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 08:31 am:

To Thore, Maybe the Poet was getting tired or cocky, maybe both. I can believe Terry would kill himself, he is not going to get well, he is out of money or will be soon if he tries to get another heart. I think it was great that The Poet and Bloodwork were discussed, I think it made things seem more real. There are all kinds of books written about real crimes.

MC Please Please do not retire the old characters, they are great.

By wayne on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 09:28 pm:

Splended reading from one book to another The Poet is finally gone, cannot wait to see Bosch back at the table working with Kiz. Now the question is how long do us Connelly fans have to wait as I beleive Michael is on a book signing quest and will take him away from his brilliant writting much to my displeasure. Although any of his books are worth the wait, wouold also like to see another Cassy Black novel as I could not put that book down and was finished in 2 days of reading. Hope for the next one soon keep typing Michael.

By Judy B on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 03:05 am:

answer to malou roth....Eleanor turned to poker after she could not get a job after her years in prison (Back Echo). This was the only way she knew to support herself (Trunk Music). If you read carefully everything she does now is for the benefit of her daughter. Give her some space.
Harry during the marriage seemed to neglect are at times in his quest to cure the ills of the world.

By Dan on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 12:34 pm:

I totally agree with Thore E Helland,the ending to me was a big dissappointment,it seemed THE POET was killed a little to easy after all the year's of brilliance of eluding the law and getting away at will.I think this could have been a triology with the bad guy getting his come uppance in a third story.

By Anonymous on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 12:06 pm:

Maybe, Possibly, he could somehow bring back the Poet. He is the author and after all he can do what he wants, right. Think anout ALL the possibilities he has know after what has happen in The Narrows.

By Anonymous on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 02:23 pm:

I agree with Dan. The death was a little too simple for my liking. After all he has done, thats what happens, come on.

By Judy B on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 03:16 pm:

After re-reading the message board I have to ask how anyone can buy a MC book (or any other good author) and put the book aside to be read at a later time? When I get a book by an author I like, I drop everything and read until I'm done. Then I will go back at my leisure and re-read it slowly and enjoy every word all over.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 09:25 am:

I am with Judy B, I can hardly wait to get home from the book store with a new MC book. I have read almost every one at least twice. MC is the BEST

By Henry R. on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 02:15 pm:

MC,
Just finished The Narrows and enjoyed it. I read the postings, looking for someone else who noticed that on page 303, Harry shows the photo of an old man in front of a 2-story house, etc. then carefully puts the photo back in the tray so that it would be found in its original position by the evidence team. But, 26 pages later, on 329, HB pulls out the photo of the old man in front of the station wagon and two-story house, hands it to Rachel, exclaims that he "must've grabbed it while in the trailer and then sort of forgot about it. I found it in my pocket. It was the photo taken from the printer tray". I don't remember it being explained away and it's really not very significant but if I'm correct, fix it in the subsequent printings or the paperback. I've found errors in books by John Sandford, Robert W. Walker, Robert Coram, and Robert Crais. If you are looking for someone to read bound gallies for consistency, I'd consider that my reward.
Henry

By Mel on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 04:53 pm:

Henry, you explained it yourself. Yes, Bosch put the photo back. But later he and Rachel make a mad dash out of the trailer because of the bomb. He must have grabbed it on his way out, but as he says, didn't remember. Just like Rachel grabbed the hat off the corpse. They needed evidence.

By Anonymous on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 11:22 am:

I've read four of the MC novels - Although I read The Narrows before any of the others as I decided to buy it and see where it would leave me. Anyway, I have now also read The Poet, Blood Work, and Void Moon.

Two questions - where does Cassie Black appear in The Narrows? I felt that at the end of Void moon that was it (even though we left her driving thourgh the desert), and we would not here again of her.
My other question is, the movie Blood Work, is it worth renting/buying or is it not really a worthy buy?


Thanks!

By Kathy on Friday, July 23, 2004 - 11:40 pm:

Anonymous,
I don't think the movie Blood Work is worth buying, but rent it if you can just to see the difference between the book & the movie (the book is so much better).
PS. I never pictured Terry to look anything like Clint Eastwood!

By Sam on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 08:38 pm:

Hey anonymous-
Remember what Cassie Black's alias was in Void Moon? That would help you figure out who she is in The Narrows.

By Odii on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 10:37 am:

Just read The Poet and the Narrows. The latter, I felt, was not as good as the former. The guy (Backus), as cunning and dare I say ingenious as he was in the Poet, seemed the lesser in the Narrows. I sense that he had to be lesser in order to come up against the supercop Bosch (and after reading Connelly's interview about leaving a serial killer on loose, I could tell that this was MC's intent....to kill off Backus ....conveniently by his number one guy.)
A better twist than the guy in the trailer would have been to have Rachel see the man in the hat be none other than her previous sex partner, Jack MacEvoy. That's what I thought was going to happen. I mean, hell, McCaleb's dead so why not MacEvoy? That would've definitely coincided with Backus' circle of revenge and completion.
And again because Bosch is the supercop, he had to have one of his other victories, gladiator love. How fitting.
Now, no one's mentioned it yet, I think. I'd like to see Brass Doran come into her own. That's twice now I've seen Brass kick some butt from behind a monitor or speakerbox. haha.

By Andy Mueller on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 08:30 pm:

I just finished reading the Narrows. As with all of the Harry Bosch novels, I was delighted despite whatever flaws are present. I think most of us here can agree that Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch novels are among the best suspense mysteries to read since we're leaving messages on the site. Harry Bosch is the epitome of a cop and the good guy we're rooting for. I think the Narrows had an even more suspenseful and thrilling ending than some of the other Bosch novels. With every Bosch novel, I am expecting it's going to be the last one. So I think it's cool that Connelly keeps coming up with new ideas and stories for Bosch.

It was sad to see McCaleb die but that provided more imperative to the story. And it showed how "dangerous" this Poet really was. I would like to see a movie made out of this one - and not have the director/producer change the ending or change the bad guy. Just leave the damn story the way it's written. I like Clint Eastwood so I hate thinking he was responsible for the story change from the book to the film in Blood Work. Anyway the Bosch novels are so good that Bosch needs to be brought to the screen. Who should play Bosch?

Andy

By jolee on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 06:33 am:

Wow Odii, I never think of Bosch as a supercop or action hero kinda guy, I think he's all too human. I'm not a fan of romance or sex in crime novels either, but must admit that I do like to see Harry get some respite from all that aloneness now and then.

By David Porter on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 05:29 am:

That was really strange the way cassie Black showed up in the Narrows. I loved her in Void Moon and I was praying that she would figure in a twist in the Narrows. It was almost cruel the way MC put her in there watching jets from the XX. You knew she was up to something, but MC never revealed what it was. I guess that was just an inside joke for hard-core MC fans. I'm also very happy to see Harry rejoin the LAPD, it means more great stories are on the way.

By Dan Warman on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 11:59 am:

I liked the surprise ending of The Narrows. Apparently, the next Bosch novel will see Harry back on the police force. I look forward to seeing him work with Kizmin Rider again.

I also look forward to a continuation of Harry's relationship with his daughter. She could evolve into a regular character, a la Lucy in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series.

On the issue of first-person vs. third-person: At first I did not like the first-person, but got used to it. But MC needs to make up his mind which it will be. He shifted back and forth in at least one place in The Narrows, and it was jarring.

Some questions the novel left me with:

1. Was Jane Davis the promised allusion to the Cassie Black character?

2. What was Jane up to with her monitoring of the airport? What was the stuff in the trunk of her car?

By Sy on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 05:41 pm:

Dan-yes, that Jane was Cassie Black from VOID MOON. And he never revealed what she was up to. Maybe that is a lead in to another story coming out way.

By AB on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 04:40 am:

I thought the Narrows was terrific. Am I the only one on the board who enjoyed the uses of both the first and third persons? I thought it helped create suspense, and I was wondering which other writers use the same device? James Lee Burke's new book used a bit of it. Can people think of others?

By Domenic Migliore on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 07:32 pm:

I finished reading the narrows back in July. Since then i read most of MC's books my two favorites are void moon and the last cayote. I but i still have six more of MC's books to read.


Plus, I was lucky to find a singhed copy of the poet and the narrows. i can't wait to read the closers when it comes out. I entered that narrows contest.

By Lisa on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 10:58 am:

AB,

You are not the only one! I love books that incorporate first and third person POV's. I think it adds so much to the story. I don't think an author has to use one or the other at all. It also takes a very skilled author to be able to pull it off. Jonathan Kellerman did it in a few of his Alex Delaware books.

By Anonymous on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 07:21 pm:

Just finished the Narrows and enjoyed meeting all the characters & look forward to reading all of MC's other work! I'm confused about the ending, though. How did Rachel know that Terry killed himself and why did she stop Backus from speaking about it? Why did she become so angry with Harry that he had figured it out? Any thoughts from others would be appreciated!

By Anonymous on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 08:12 pm:

Great fan of Harry, having read them all but none of the others I found after reading the narrows I then had to read the poet! What a GREAT author, I thought it would spoil it knowing the end but not so, I was enthralled all the way throu.
I believe MC makes Rachel mad at Harry the same as mad at Jack in the poet so next book there is no follow on of the romance.

By ErnieE on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 09:41 pm:

I've been enjoying MC's books since I found a used copy of The Black Echo in the used bookstore I was workin' at. I've not got gripes 'cept I'd really like to say--

NO MORE 1st PERSON!

The sense of watching Harry (no more Terry, dammit)is preferable to having Harry telling me what's happening. A new one a month--that's all we ask.

By syl on Friday, August 06, 2004 - 10:26 am:

Anonymous-
read previous posts in this topic. Lots of people have put forth their ideas of why Rachel got mad at Harry and why she was keeping the suicide a secret.

By Anonymous on Friday, August 06, 2004 - 06:37 pm:

Sorry, Syl, don't see anyone commenting on how Rachel found out that Terry committed suicide. Do YOU have an answer?

By Anonymous on Friday, August 06, 2004 - 06:57 pm:

MC does not reveal everything to us-he expects us to work to put some of it together. So hereis my take on this. If you remember, Rachel was assigned to look into the name Billy Bing and the phone number that was written on Terry's folder. She reported back that Billy Bing was a heart transplant patient who had been at the Las Vegas Hospital and she told everyone that Terry must have visited him there and that it was a dead end. We can assume from that, and by her later actions, that she worked to keep the fact that Billy Bing was actually Terry a secret. She must have discovered that Terry knew that his heart was giving out. She also must have know that the Poet would have never have killed him by replacing his drugs--not his MO at all. I think she made some assumptions and then tried to protect Terry's reputation and and family. Harry figued the same stuff out.

By VC on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 07:32 pm:

Overall, "The Narrows" is a good read but is more flat and less suspense than other MC's novels. Like some other readers, I feel the twist at the end is a bit confusing. If the Poet didn't kill Terry, why did he visit Terry, send him his family's photos and give him hints about ZzyZx Road and just stole Terry's GPS? Glad for the re-appearance of Cassie Black, however, it has no connection to the story and is not required. 1st or 3rd person writings are fine to me but I would suggest not to mix them in one section, it's really confusing.

By driscolm on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 08:54 am:

Wow....I am amazed by some of you who think that changing point of view in a novel is a problem. Connelly is a master with this. Perhaps you folk should stick to picture books!!!

By LUCY on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 12:05 pm:

I'm with you driscolm!!!!!!! All these people writing in finding fault, maybe they should give writing a try, see how they do. I think if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. IMHO I think changing points of view makes for interesting reading and GIVES SOME GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE CHARACTERS.

By Anonymous on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 07:24 am:

I can't remember where Jane Davis pops up in the Narrows. Anyone know?
I now understand she is Cassie Black, I missed that fact although I was looking for her in The Narrows (btw, I loved her in Void Moon).

By Anonymous on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 09:02 am:

She was staying in the same Motel as Harry, she was his neighbor.

By Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:19 pm:

I was confused by the reference to the Poet in the Netherlands? Which book did I miss???

By Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 01:23 pm:

No book was ever written about that. It is simply backstory and history for the missing years between The Poet and The Narrows.

By the chick on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 04:28 pm:

the uses of both the first and third persons rocked!!! I think it was one of the best elements of the book.

By Anonymous on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 07:01 pm:

Just finished The Narrows and I started at 8:30AM and read to page 148 and put down because I didn't want book to end. Couldn't resist though and finished it at 9PM. Great read! I got hooked on MC with Angels Flight and went back and read all his older books and wouldn't miss a new one.
I'm glad to see Harry has lightened up a little he was starting to get me depressed! He needs a little happiness to ofset all the gloom and doom.

By Andisue on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 06:07 am:

I agree with the folks who liked the 1st and 3rd person points of view in the same novel. This takes skill and MC has it. I caught the reference to Cassie Black but felt it did nothing to add to the novel and just was thrown in to be 'clever'. Ending was disappointing. Kind of wrapped up everthing neatly in the final few pages and a bit too pat, but overall I enjoyed the book as I have all of MC's novels. Look forward to Harry being back on the force - a great idea to bring fesh life to the series. I hope Eleanor is in the next book - ever since we found out Harry has a daughter I've been watching to see how that relationship plays out.

By Gloria on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 03:39 pm:

On Page 335 of the Narrows Bosch stopped in Victorville for coffee at a McDonald's designed to resemble a train depot. I have lived in Victorville for almost 50 years, went to school here, married here, had children here and work here and I have never seen a train depot here. However there is one in Barstow about 27 miles north of Victorville called the Barstow Train Station. Coming from Las Vegas going south towards Los Angeles it would be before you get into Victorville. ***Just a little bit of trivia.

By Christopher J. Reutter on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 08:08 pm:

Hey everyone! I have been a long time fan of MC's books and I even have 4 of them autographed, but I must say that in my opinion that the Narrows is nowhere near as good as any one of his other books. City of bones, Lost light, and the Poet are my faves. I was slightly disappointed in this book it just didn't feel as good as the others and I too noticed the pic change on 303. I do look forward to his next book "The Closers" and every other book he will come out with.

By Juliet Lange on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 01:12 am:

Hi
I have just finished the Narrows.
Very good read and I wait with anticipation for the next book in 2005.Thanks for ponting out that Jane Davis character was Cassie Black - I did not pick that up.

By david jones on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 02:20 pm:

love your characters. one minor error. a half and half is guiness and harp. guiness and bass is called a black and tan. half and half is the irish drink. black and tan, english. thanks for thje quiet moments.

By Anonymous on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 10:23 am:

could anybody tell me when the next MC book will be out and who will be in it?

By Anonymous on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 04:17 pm:

Read the books page on the web site. There is a blurb about the next book, The Closers.

By Anonymous on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:36 am:

I would just like to say i have all of MC's books and i think they are all great!!

By martha walsh on Wednesday, September 08, 2004 - 11:50 am:

Michael

Thoroughly enjoy your books - with the exception of Chasing the Dime. Took a while for the Narrows to grab me but then it whisked me off in true Connelly style. Still I think it dipped now and again. Need some fresh insights into old Harry.

Martha

By Jim Armstrong on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 09:59 am:

As a long time fan (addict?) of mystery and suspense fiction, I have followed twenty or more authors and protagonists for many years. Michael Connelly and Harry Bosch are among the ones I was lucky enough to find at the very outset of their adventures.
A question that I try to answer after each new effort by these writers is: If this were the first one of the series I read, would I want to go back and read them all?
While "The Narrows" was an OK read, I have to say that the answer may be no. For some reason, I think that the recent change to the first person is the main culprit. Harry's essential darkness and angst are lost when filtered through his viewpoint.
And just to be contrary, I have to say that I do not mourn the loss of Terry McCaleb.

By Anonymous on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 12:03 pm:

Jim-
The next book is going back to third person.

By saeed on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 06:10 pm:

i just finished reading the narrows
great book as always
thank you mc
looking forward to reading the next one

By David Bethards on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 06:52 pm:

I enjoyed "The Narrows" as I have all of MC. I love how his characters make appearances in several books. I am intrigued with the Cassie Black cameo, and with Bosch taking note of her in this book I certainly hope it's a sign of a reunion in future books. As others have noted I expected Jack McEvoy to reappear here and am disappointed in that missing conflict. I also hated when Bosch left LAPD and am thrilled that he'll be back.

By Les B. on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 08:29 am:

Over the past two months I've read MC's entire works, starting with "Black Echo" and ending with "The Narrows". What a great way to spend a summer! Looking forward to the next one. P.S., Good to see Harry back on the job.

By marti on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 09:21 pm:

For those of you confused by the first-person narrative by Bosch in "The Narrows," go read the one of first mystery novels, written in the 1860's. Wilkie Collins, author of "The Woman in White": http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=FRa52y0tax3A&isbn=0375759069&itm=1

Each part of the TWIW is written by the many characters that appear in the novel. On top of that, you (the reader) have to keep up with the Victorian style of writing.

I have read every one of MC's novels and cannot find fault with the first-person narrative by Bosch.

By Roger on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 02:36 am:

I have also read all of Michael Connelly's books this year.
I have just finished "The Narrows" in 2 days in hospital after being taken ill with angina.
Reading "The Narrows" made the stay much more pleasant.

By Anonymous on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 08:32 pm:

I always enjoy Michael Connelly's books, and The Narrows was no exception. One thing that puzzled me, though, was that Harry's language was a bit formal - i.e., relatively few subject-verb contractions (e.g., "I had" rather than "I'd"). It seemed a bit more stilted than the previous books, and I wondered if this was an intentional style element.

By Anonymous on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 02:21 pm:

Just finished The Narrows and have to say it was a most satisfying and throughlly enjoyable read. A long time fan of MC and Harry, I have to say this book didn't disapoint. Loved the way it cleverly weaved from first to third viewpoints: Harry; Rachel and the Poet. Great to see Harry re-joining the LAPD, although I kind of looked forward to reading the continuing adventures of The Boschford Files (sorry James Garner)! Sorry for the loss of Terry, he and Bosch made a good pair - any chance we might see some OLD Terry stories, from when he was with the feds? Please, Michael???

By mikey on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

RIP Terry McCaleb. I liked his character and was sorry to see him killed off, however his death added shock value to "The Narrows" and I enjoyed that aspect.

Just a thought.. maybe the "Poet" at the end wasn't really Backus. He died a little too easy for one and Backus' appearance is described as different. He (Backus) could have had someone helping him. Again, just a thought, but it would be interesting if this were true. It could set up another return...

I think I'm alone on this one but I like Bosch a lot better as a P.I. and not with the LAPD.

By twig93 on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 05:54 pm:

I have been an avid fan of Harry Bosch for a few years now. My first book was City of Bones...after loving it I went and purchased all the HB...right from the beginning. I noticed the change from 3rd to 1st person....I believe the first one was Lost Light. I took that as character development. I read from the first book to Lost Light within a matter of months and thought I saw Harry grow as a person/character. In Lost Light it changed to 1st person because he had finally found himself....was more comfortable with himself and was out of the shadow of the police dept., he was on his own. He was at peace with all that had happened in his life until this point. At least, this is my opinion as to why MC changed the point of view.

I must admit, I do like him in 3rd person more though.

By mike osullivan on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 01:39 am:

Talking about books being told in the first person, no other writer has attempted Agatha Christie's feat of managing to keep the identity of the murderer a scret, even though the story is told in the first person, by the murderer.

I won't mention the title of the book in case there still remain one or two readers who haven't read it.

By Anonymous on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

I read the book in 3 days, but i didn't understand the ending 100%. I know that Backus drowned but who was he? Was he Shandy or Finder? If not one of them then who? Can someone explain.

By Anonymous on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

I've now read all the books, athough not in order.Am I missing something between The Concrete Blonde and The Last Coyote? When was the earthquake or is this just one of those storyline 'jumps'??. Must admit I never finished Void Moon, I just couldn't get into it unlike all his others.

By Goose on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 08:53 pm:

I kind of just felt this book was something of a cop-out. I went into it expecting to see the return of the Eidolon, more crimes that had me spellbound in The Poet. Backus, however, ended up disappointing.

Just because the books are fiction doesn't mean that they don't hold some real events in them. The earthquake was one of those, I believe.

By Anonymous on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 11:09 am:

I'm with David--what happened to McEvoy in The Narrows as he was such a main character in The Poet. I really expected him to pop up somewhere; sometimes I like a little closure. I love Michael's books and even read them while cooking meals as can't seem to put them down once I get started.

By Dhiraj on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 05:06 am:

What a fantastic book. I have read all of Michael Connelly's books and this one ranks amongst the best. Though the poet was better, this book brought together most of the characters from the "Connellyverse" together in one culmination. Referebces to the book "The Poet" and the movie "Blood Work" were wild but also not too out of place. It makes it all seem more realistic. I would like to now see more of the other characters, such as Jack Mcevoy, cassie Black and Henry Pierce. Backus was not as menacing as he could be, but Bosch as usual was fantastic. I would put him above Alex Cross, Jack Reacher and Alex Delaware in the male hero category, he simply is the best.

By Per-Olof Edberg on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 12:59 pm:

I have just finished reading "The narrows", and as usual Michael Connelly has composed a real feast for anyone who enjoys crime fiction. I think it's pretty cool that on page 58 Michael mentions Ian Rankin's name. I got the impression that in doing so, he sort of acknowledges the existence of his peer.

By blah on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 07:50 am:

just read 'the poet' and 'the narrows' (took me about 20 hours of nonstop-reading, lots of coffee and a couple of sandwiches....) and i have to say - awesome - a really good read.

avoided to read the bosch-novells as i did not know with which one to start...any leads folks??? - really got to like the character of hb...

thx

By Anonymous on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 08:35 am:

Blah-
now that you have read the last bosch book, why don't you start at the beginning and see how the character got to that point in The Narrows.

By MC Addicted on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 08:50 pm:

OK you have me absolutely addicted to your books so now you need to get the newer ones out a bit quicker!

By VoidMoon on Friday, December 24, 2004 - 08:50 pm:

Read through the bosch series start to finish. you will not be disappointed the character development is extremely rewarding. bosh feels like a real person.

By Jaap on Saturday, December 25, 2004 - 04:51 am:

Always feel a bit sad after finishing the latest HB. The books are very intense, and you can't help identifuing with Harry. I envy those who have not read all of Connely. They have so many great books aheaf of them.

Merry Christmas to Michael and Harry

By Jaap on Saturday, December 25, 2004 - 04:56 am:

Hahaha, anybody notice the character in the Narrows, Jane Davis, has the same name as the webmaster of this great site?

By Lou McWaters on Sunday, December 26, 2004 - 07:21 pm:

Like another fan above I began with Angels Flight and then searched every bookstore to find more. In one day I purchased 4 and had to check the print dates to see which book I had to read first. I got them back the front but didnt care. I buy a book as soon as possible after I hear a new ones been published and its a pain in the butt that I have to work and put the book down. I have been known to read until 6am and still function the next day. I got my Husband (a policeman)hooked on Harry Bosch and he curses me occasionally when he doesnt get out of his worn chair for hours or gets a sore back reading the book in bed. But do we care? NO Michael Connelly keep them coming as everyone I have told about your work is buying your books. So if we be good and keep buying will you keep writing? I hate finding an even reasonable author, so if you need anyone to type whist you spin your tales come to Australia for a working holiday and I will get my fingers going.

By chris terrett on Sunday, January 02, 2005 - 06:04 pm:

Change of author point-of-view adds flavour but I'm not sure about Harry's proposed move back to LAPD, though perhaps it will add to credibility.
I liked the IT and digital camera stuff.
Connelly's all-in-all much better than Rankin but sometimes not as good as Rendell.
Wonder what others think.

By Ben from England on Monday, January 03, 2005 - 10:12 am:

I'm sorry to have to report that, despite a scheduled release date of December 31st, the paperback edition of The Narrows is not yet available across the UK - least not where I live, anyway. Seems the holiday season slows up the whole distribution process, so somewhere in some warehouse in southern England is a copy of The Narrows with my name on it... well not my name, obviously, but you know what I mean.

By Kevin Bichard on Tuesday, January 04, 2005 - 03:50 pm:

Have just this evening finished The Narrows. This has only recently appeared in paperback in England.

I have read and greatly enjoyed all of MC's novels. For me he goes way beyond what is in the "normal" crime novel and explores the moral dilemmas his fascinating hero faces. There are no easy answers in MC's books. The endings are often ambiguous.

Great stuff. Long may this continue. Thank you Mr C !

By Atomic32 on Monday, January 10, 2005 - 06:15 pm:

I've only just started reading The Narrows. I only buy MC books when they're in paperback (I live in the UK - so its a painful wait for me!!)

Now I'm only up to chapter 4, so dont know how the rest of it goes, but my first reaction -

OH MY GOD, they killed Terry!

Was anyone else as gutted as me! I loved that character and would have loved to have met up with him again in another novel! AWWW.

Also I love the way the book acknowledges the Blood Work movie - Nice touch!

Right - back to the novel - Bye!

By Ben from England on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 11:04 am:

OK - we Blighty dwellers have finally got our paperback Narrowses, as Atomic32 quite rightly reports, and I too am shocked and appalled by the offing of McCaleb.

But as I start Chapter 9, I feel that more important issues are at hand and only our American cousins can help!

Zzyzx - pardon my French, but qu'est-que ce? Firstly, is this a place or some kind of classification? If it is a place, does it really exist? And for the love of cake, how do you pronounce it? NO SPOILERS PLEASE.

It disgusts me to have to admit it, but I own a T-shirt with a picture of Kenny that says OH MY GOD, they killed Kenny! (Obviously I don't wear it in public). Atomic32: Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to get a picture of Clint Eastwood onto a T-shirt with the now immortal line that you coined in your previous message emblazoned above. Only fellow MCites will get it, see - you'll make a killing!!

By Mel on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 12:58 pm:

Ben-
Zzyzx Road is a real road. There is even a photo of it in the site's Photo Gallery.

By Atomic32 on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 - 10:14 am:

Ben from England - It tells us on Page 68 of paperback its pronounced zie-zix. The Americans have come a long way since the Declaration of Independance - (a long way from English!!!)

Tee hee hee, kidding!

By Phil on Saturday, January 15, 2005 - 09:25 am:

I just finished The Narrows and it's one of Michael's best in my opinion. His novels bring Los Angeles to life for me, even though I've never been there (I live in London). Any time I finish one of his novels I just want to hop on a plane and fly to the city, just to visit those places he writes so vividly about. I love Harry and I hate the fact that he never seems to get the girl at the end. Cut the guy some slack Mike ! And keep `em coming. We love Harry and we love you.

By KAREN/L.A. on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 11:22 am:

JUST FINISHED NARROWS, ALMOST PUT IT DOWN WHEN TERRY BOUGHT IT, BUT CAME BACK, THAT PILL GAME HAD TO BE TOO MUCH. LOVE ALL TE INFO YOU SUPPLY, ESPECIALLY ABOUT L.A. RIVER. AS A NATIVE I REMEMBER BEING WARNED AS A KID. IN RESPONSE, LIKE HARRY BUT CANT TOUCH KE REACHER EVEN IF I NEVER FORGAVE JOES HORRIFIC DEATH. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. LIKED HARRY BETTER AS PI. SWELL BOOK, MANY THANKS TO YOUR GREAT TALENT, AM SORRYFOR ONES WHO HAVE NEVER FOUND YOU......

By Mark from New Zealand on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 02:22 pm:

I have really enjoyed all the MC books i have read so far. I really enjoy the Harry Bosch Novels and the Narrows is in my veiw the best so far. Keep up the good work Mike and i look forward to another HB story.

By Frank Bennett on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:10 am:

Really enjoyed The Narrows. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks MC for many hours of pleasure.

By Robert Cardiff on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 06:48 pm:

I am reading The Narrows after finishing all of the other books. I read The Black Echo, and went right out and bought all the other books. I feel like the everyone in the books are real people. Like I know them. In The narrows however one mistake that I found. The Queen Mary is in Long Beach, not in Los Angeles. In Fact the Queen Mary is inside of the City boundries and not the Harbor per se.

By Reeder on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 10:50 am:

Just scrolling through, reading the comments, and I have to say to Ben from England: What a great expression is "for the love of cake", especially in the same sentence with "Pardon my French" and "qu'est-que ce"! Is that a common Gallic expression or did you just come up with it??

By Janice/N Ireland on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 03:14 pm:

Just finished reading The Narrows - as always, love reading about Harry Bosch. Roll on the next one!

By Russel Campbell on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 01:16 pm:

Just finished "The Narrows" last week, having read "The Poet" a few years back.

I think the author has followed up "The Poet" expertly with this follow up novel.

It must have been quite tough through public pressure and a good few years of a gap to have to go back and have the mind set to create a sequel to have Harry Bosch involved this time around.

I reckon the ending of the book was expertly written.

By George Mullin on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 07:19 pm:

"The Narrows" Excellent read Michael. I've been a cop & detective for over 28 years and your books bring back so many great and some horrific memories. Looking forward to your next book. Keep them coming.
GM

By Anonymous on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 04:55 am:

Please tell me something about the Italian translation of this book. Tnx!

By Jane Davis on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 08:34 am:

I have heard that the Italian translation of The Narrows will not be released until 2006.

By Anonymous on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 01:40 pm:

Loved the book, thought I didn't have a chance to read "The Poet". As usually, could't stop reading it till it ended

By Edward Dickson on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 08:56 pm:

The audio of The Narrows performed by Len Cariou is a real treat.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 06:52 am:

Where does Cassie Black appear in The Narrows I think I read it too quick!?

By Anonymous on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 09:40 am:

Look for Harry's neighbor, Jane. Remember at the end of Void Moon, Cassie takes the alias of Jane Davis

By Anonymous on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:45 am:

Kicking myself, thanks! been a while since I read void moon, wonder where she went??? Guess We'll have to wait and see!!!!

By emmanuelle on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 05:44 am:

It was obvious that Harry's neighbour was not so much referred to just for nothing, still... THX THX THX

By dave on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 10:42 am:

its my birthday tomorrow ...

By Elise on Saturday, March 05, 2005 - 12:48 pm:

I was a bit slow this time, but I just finished Narrows, I've been waiting a long time for this one. The Poet was outstanding, as well as all the others, sorry to see Terry go, but glad Harry is back with LAPD. Oh...and Ian Rankin is not in MC standard, McBains early work and Peter Robinson is almost as good. Looking forward to Cassies upcoming return... I hope. Keep up the excellent work MC, and thanks for yet another masterpiece

By Elise on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 04:42 am:

I reread City of Bones, and noticed that MC mentiones "The Closers" in it, it´s when Harry visites Sheila on her job and she's casting for a pilot called...thats right the closers. So is this the first time closers is mentioned or is it in another one too??

By Anthony on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 09:34 am:

I think that's the only reference to The Closers so far.

By Elise on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 02:04 am:

Thank's Anthony. I am rereading all the books now, and they are still as exciting as the first time

By David on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 08:09 am:

Has anyone had the chance to read jill hoffmans new book last witness if so,i would like to here from you ..

By Anonymous on Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 02:34 pm:

I'm guessing I'm pretty dense here since I don't see anyone else asking the question. The answer must be obvious - but I missed the "obvious" connection. Bottom line, I don't get the ending of "The Narrows". Rather, I don't get how Bosch figrued out from the Clue "William Bing" that Terry McCaleb had committed suicide. I understand that "William Bing" is "Billy Bing" the monkey, but what's the connection to the clue written on the flap of the file? It's making me nuts.

By Anonymous on Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 07:57 pm:

William Bling was a patient at the Las Vegas hospital who was dying.

By Eric Keener on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 05:22 pm:

"The Narrows" was a great read just like all of the others. I too find that once I start reading I just can't put down any of Connelly's books. Even when I am reading one for the third or fourth time. I would like to see someone make a movie out of a Bosch novel like they did with Bloodwork. Anything in the works?

By Katie W, UK on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 09:13 am:

Can somebody please tell me what the correct order to read MC's novel is??? I've read most now, and love all of them. I can't wait to read the Narrows.

And although I didn't like Bloodwork as a connection to MC, as a film itslf, I didn't mind it. Plus I must be the only person to think that Clint plays a good Harry!!!

By Anonymous on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 01:24 pm:

Katie-
Look at the web site. There is a page called Books that has all the books listed in published order from newest to oldest.

http://www.michaelconnelly.com/Book_Collection/book_collection.html

By Anonymous on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 06:50 pm:

Clint Eastwood didnt play Harry Bosch, he played Terry McCaleb.

By Kay on Sunday, April 03, 2005 - 02:52 pm:

I live in Ireland, and it is a painful wait for me too when I have to wait on MC's books coming out, when they are usually out in the US first. Great read. Loved the concrete blonde best. Harry Bosch is a great guy.

By Katie W, UK on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 06:03 am:

Thanks for your help folks. I realise my mistake there in saying Clint Eastwood was Harry and not Terry, but in that case, he WOULD make a good Harry!!

By Clay on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 07:20 pm:

Clint already made a great Harry! But, I couldn't help but think who would make a great Harry Bosch as I was reading. The name I kept coming up with is Kurt Russell. That would be my choice. What do you think?

By Bob Weaver on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:41 pm:

I think Kurt Russell is too young to play Harry. Somebody like Stacy Keach (from the old Mike Hammer days) might be more "in character". After all, Harry is no kid anymore.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 06, 2005 - 04:57 pm:

Tommy Lee Jones would play Harry pretty well I think.

By Chase B on Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 12:22 am:

Just finished viewing the Closers video preview here at the MC site...Cool! (No spoilers here, just some comments on the preview) In the excerpt, Harry hears a Hispanic musician playing a song that he 'thinks he heard before...' I immediately thought of a moment of appreciation Harry seemed to have way back in 'Ice' when hearing a lone Spanish guitarist- could that be the song Harry thinks he remembers? A little food for thought...

MC is a true artist...
Chase B

By Anonymous on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 06:18 pm:

I think we've all been led to believe that Harry is a white man. However, I don't know that this was ever actually said (in words) by Mr. Connelly.
Having said that, I think Morgan Freeman would be a great Bosch. Just picture Bosch without a mustache.

By shastalynn on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 09:31 pm:

What about Dennis Franz for Harry?

By shastalynn on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 09:33 pm:

I just read up, I like the idea of Tommy Lee Jones as Harry..........

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 02:04 am:

i think dennis is the wrong build, although he does the unspoken anguish bit really well, a bit too grumpy maybe. sipowicz and harry...what a team they'd be!!

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 02:15 am:

thanks, i was racking my brains about harry's neighbour, i knew there was a connection but didn''t find. read void moon after the narrows but still didn't connect, thick or what!! am on 'the last coyote' just now, have read them higgeldypiggeldy so great to have that website addie for order of reading. thought clint sucked as terry, someone suggested william macy thought that had possibilities. clint would have made a good harry but maybe a bit too tall

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 02:19 am:

cannot believe terry was killed, a day of mourning please

By Marilyn on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 04:41 pm:

I met MC at a book and author luncheon in Florida in March. I had never read his books before, but bought The Narrows and had him sign it. I can't imagine not having read any of his books before. I finished this one and went out and bought 3 more. I haven't found the Poet yet, but will keep looking. MC speaks as well as he writes, and was very well received.

By Sharvest on Friday, April 22, 2005 - 11:18 am:

I agree to a day of mourning for Terry. I surely liked his style

By NELLCAM on Friday, April 22, 2005 - 12:10 pm:

am totally jealous of marilyn. just let me tell you, i had just read 'blood work', thought it was fab, as i've said before i read all the books in a higgeldypiggeldy fashion so was delighted when went inot local sainsburys and saw 'the narrows', joyfully picked it up and read 'widow of friend who died recently' thought maybe jerry, maybe irvin (tho not strictly speaking friend of course), opened book, skimmed first few pages, went inot shock, COULD NOT BELIEVE TERRY HAD BEEN KILLED. I WANT MORE TERRY MICHAEL!!!!!!

By darrenb on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 10:36 am:

Have read all of Michaels books and, like everyone else cannot wait until may 16th for the closers.Got slated the other day by my 78 year old mother in law when i dared say that i thoght that alex cross was as good a detective as Bosch. Seems that people of all ages just get addicted to Harry.

By Bobby Maunder on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 05:34 pm:

Narrows was a letdown after Poet. First book by MC where I kept skipping pages to get to the end.

No real suspense, Terry passing away, no Jack McEnvoy and a pretty tame and abrupt ending. I thought the poet should have put up a better fight.

Looking forward to Closers, though.

By Julie on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 11:08 am:

I'm a recent MC fan and have read a few of his books out of order. The Poet was my first and remains my favorite, but I think The Narrows is nearly as good. I hope MC plans to bring back Jack McEvoy. I kept waiting for at least a reference to him in "The Narrows." What is Jack up to? I'm also hoping to hear more from Rachel Walling. Great books. I feel like there's a whole world waiting to be discovered.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 04, 2005 - 12:51 pm:

I think the problem with finding the right actor to play Harry is that there is no one who is right. Harry is Harry, that's all.

By Harrys Fan Mary on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 07:56 am:

People, people, the only guy to play Harry is George Clooney. He's handsome(the women always go for him right?)yet charming, intelligent, dark hair, dark eyes, does isolated well, is moody and has enough age on him to be THE Harry!

Terry had to go, a heart transplant in a man his age can only last so long...let's be realistic here. The way MC handled it was brilliant, no criminal ever got the best of Terry. He went out on his own terms and took care of his family and friends too.

Thanks MC for great reads!

By djconnel on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

In response to Bobby's comments -- I thought Narrows was a very good book. Having read, with the exception of Blood Work in order, all previous MC books, I was hooked from the start. However, The Poet was a masterpiece. I had the clear impression a lot more time was put into the Poet than into the Narrows. Michael has increased his output to more than one per year, and quality has to suffer from that. But the Narrows was no embarrassment, to either the author or the reader.

By Cristiano on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 09:50 am:

Hi everyone I am an italian guy now living in US.
I'm a long time fan of Mr. MC, I had the oppurtunity to meet him in Milano in a library abd then i asked him to sign all my books

I keep always with me a copy of Darkness more than night with written "stay away from ur darkness" by MC.

I just finished the Narrow and i do not understand why in every book HB have sex with different girls. Be realistic he's around 55, maybe more, not so easy to change girls every time.
This "sex" for me doesn't add any value to the story, sometimes is better to see feeling without "bed".

Long life to HB

By Anna Albanese on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:10 pm:

It may not add to the story, but he is human, available, and has a house that overlooks the beach ...what more can a woman want? 55 is not ancient; look at the other over 50's that get plenty of women. It definitely adds to his appeal.

By Lynn on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 03:54 pm:

I'll be honest I've never read any of MC's books before but I thought I'd give "The Narrows" a chance and WOW I was pleasantly surprised how enthralled I was in this book. All of the character's felt so real and I felt drawn to them, especially Harry Bosch's character. I wonder if he'll run into Rachel Walling again. Those to had a great chemistry. I'm looking forward to reading "The Closers".

By Anonymous on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 12:12 pm:

The Narrows was not as good as the Poet, but certainly a fun read this past weekend on som elong flights. I liked how so many of the characters from previous works were referenced or made an apperance, but too many references to "the movie" made it seem a little silly and overplayed. I agree with others that Bob Backus didn't seem to live up to his rep in the end, but he did say he was going to redeem Walling, so his plan worked in an odd way, but I do not understand how he wanted it to end -- what was HIS plan? Also the William Bing/did Backus kill McCaleb or didn't he? twist at the end was unnecessary and a bit blunt -- was that just a way of tieing up an unfinished thread? Last complaint is that I get why some characters go against their management or supervisers who are caught up in regulations, etc. like Bosch and Walling do, but when they go against reasonable warnings of their peers it seems a bit out of character (eg. Walling entering the trailer despite Bosch's warnings) -- The end result could have been the same even if they had waited for the other agents and/or peeked in the windows and not gone in right away. OK, I am done. Thanks for reading.

By alyn on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 11:24 pm:

i've just finished the narrows.
cant wait for the newest one.. the closers.. but i have to wait for a while, since, here, in indonesia, it hasnt being printed yet.

By ecila on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 05:44 pm:

i think the climax of the book 'for me' was the part with the trailer. It was the part where i really wanted to yell at Rachel for not listening to Bosch... but from there the book kind of went down hill. I don't know what was missing.... it seems sort of rushed... the conformation with Backus. Like others, I was sort of disappointed with him. But throughout the book I loved to interchanging of character views between Bosch, Rachelle, and Backus. I liked how Backus was seen as before the confrontation.

By Conman on Friday, June 24, 2005 - 03:36 am:

I thought The Narrows was a very good book. I thought it was very clever the way MC introduced comments through the characters about how they had been portrayed in Clint Eastwoods film of Bloodwork in the early part of the book. What an unholy mess Eastwood made of a good MC book there. Like others I did not like Terry being killed off, to be honest I never saw that scenario coming.Regards Backus he certainly did not come accross as strongly as he did in The Poet, however for me a very absorbing read.

By Anonymous on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 09:38 am:

I grew up in L. A. but now live on the east coast. Really love the Bosch books. Just finished The Narrows and it was outstanding. I used to drive to Las Vegas on occasion and would pass the infamous Zzyzx Road exit. A minor question: is is Zie-zex or Ziz (rhymes with fizz)-ex? I always said the latter.

By Charlie Richards on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 09:18 pm:

My first MC book was "The Narrows". I couid tell it was good by looking at the cover. Then read "Black Echo" and "Last Coyote"; will probably read the rest in order wtitten. MC is with out a doubt one of the best ever. Some signs: a love of music and arts, some tounge in cheek humor thrown in, brilliant character development and plot lines. Also, think MC hit a major chord, there is a bit of Harry Bosch in all of us when we view contemporary society. PS-I don't want to see any kind of return for Harvey "98" Pounds, but always wonder how HB's current boss compares. Anyone have a boss like "98"??

By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 12:02 pm:

Hello !
I'm french and I bought "the narrows" last week at the train station ("Los Angeles River" is the french title). It was my first MC book and I loved it. I traveled few years ago in the US and I visited Las Vegas (hotels, desert), L.A, the west coast...so while reading the story I was completly "in" the action with Harry, I could imagine the landscape very well...and it was very interesting.
So thanx you MC for this fascinating book...and now I will start reading "The Poet".

By tracie on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 02:55 am:

ive read them all up to the narrows and have just read the jacket i cant bear to read it!!!!! terrys dead!!!!

By janet on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 07:47 am:

tracie-read it. you will love it.

By Roger on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 09:21 am:

Tracie, you are not supposed to be in this forum to you have read the book.
So don't be naughty and don't look at any more just read it , its great.
Enjoy the book.

By Grace on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 02:19 am:

Re: William Bing

No, William Bing was a name that Terry checked himself into the hospital with - - to find out what was wrong with his heart.
When he learned that his heart was once again failing him, he opted to commit suicide so as not to put his family through stress and troubles.

By mel on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 10:08 am:

I prefer to view it that he let his body decline and die. Not that he committed suicide.

By David on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 10:32 am:

I just finished the book and I was reading the message board. Somebody said Cassie Black made a cameo. Did I completely miss that, or did I miss understand the posting? Was Cassie Black in The NArrows?

By Jane on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 09:17 am:

David-
Remember Harry's next door neighbor, Jane, at the Las Vegas motel? Jane Davis is the alias that Cassie takes at the end of Void Moon.

By the way, Harry connects those dots in The Closers.

By david on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:20 am:

Oh that makes sense
Thank You

By casey on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 09:40 pm:

Hi guys, I need a bit of help. I have just finished reading The Narrows (I read The Closers first) and I'm confused --- Why is the poet character so changed? In The Poet, the "signature" of the guy is so clear. In The Narrows, he simply seemed to like killing. What did I miss?

Thanks in advance

By blooker on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 06:42 pm:

In which book did the Poet show up in Amsterdam?

By Janelle on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 09:02 pm:

No book. That information is provided so you know what has been going on inbetween The Poet and The Narrows.

By blooker on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 06:46 pm:

Janelle,
Thanks. Thought I was going crazier.

By kellerwynn7 on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 - 03:36 pm:

Hi, has anyone else seen the "body" out at the end of Zzyzx Road? I was driving by on September 19th and wanted to see if it was as described in The Narrows. It's a really short way off I-15. When I started to turn around to return to the freeway there was a very nude blow-up doll!! It's on the side of a pile of rocks and dirt. I took a picture of it with my cell phone if anyone wants to see it.

By Jedi_Force2006 on Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 05:11 pm:

Ahhhh.... the Poet has resurfaced and is now attacking blow-up dolls! Lol

By DonaldJohnson on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 03:38 pm:

In Narrows there is reference to Amsterdam where the Poet was previously. Is there a book on this?

By Jane on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 08:26 pm:

No, that was just to explain where he has been for the last few years. To fill in the time in between books.

By Arron on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 05:24 pm:

-wow-

"The Narrows" was my first MC book and I was complete blown away. I was in the airport on my way to my home state of Alaska and figures I would pick something up to read. I read the description of it and figured it sounded good. Sadly, I was not able to read it on that trip, but did when I returned.

Very, very good book. By far the best I have read. I now plan on reading "The Poet" and moving onto "The Closers", and hopefully I will be able to read the past books in the Bosch series.

Very good book and I want everyone that can read to read this book.

Very colorful and it will keep you guessing. Thanks for making such a great book!

By Ida Anders on Monday, October 31, 2005 - 09:14 am:

I love Harry Bosch. First novel which I read about him was Angel's Flight. Now I have ten books and I'm going to buy "The closers" soon. Three I had to buy in Germany, becouse they aren't in Poland, where I live.

The Narrows is very good book. But not as good as Darkness more than night or Lost Light.

And Jane Davis is Cassie Black, isn't she? I can't find Void Moon in Poland but I know about what it is and I think that could be she. Am I making a mistake?

By aidan on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 01:23 pm:

heve just started reading "closers". great to see harry back in action, doing what he does best.sorry to see terry go, hopefully we will meet jack mcevoy again soon!! thanks for all the books MC, once i pick one up i cant put it back down. HARRY BOSCH IS KING.

By A. Gair on Friday, December 02, 2005 - 01:39 am:

A question - somewhere in The Narrows, Harry begins to climb onto the adjoining balcony of the motel he's staying at near the airport, because he has "an idea" - but then is interrupted. The topic never comes up again, and I've always wondered what the idea was and if it meant anything. What do you all think?

By Caroline on Friday, December 02, 2005 - 08:33 am:

A-
That neighbor is really Cassie Black from Void Moon. Harry didn't know that in The Narrows but I think he suspected her of being a criminal working that airport. Must have been his cop's instincts.

By A. Gair on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 02:02 am:

Thanks, Caroline. Haven't read Void Moon yet, obviously, but I'm beginning to get the sense of characters showing up sort of out of context from other books.

By Ramon on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 08:35 am:

I was disappointed in The Narrows, since in the end it was nothing else but luck that Harry survived and the Poet died. I like the Bosch-series because Harry always puts 2 and 2 together (with clues given throughout the book so we're given the chance to figure it out ourselves) and then confronts the killer. But in the Narrows the Poet was extremely stupid in the end by postponing the kill long enough for somebody to intervene, like in the old Batman cartoons where his enemies always give him the chance to escape... Such a cliche!
Second of all, there was no satisfying confrontation between Harry and the Poet, I would have loved to read how Harry shot him in his legs to stop him from running, to have a little chat...

By Erinne on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 01:29 am:

"The Narrows", excellent use of language. Brilliant book that distracted my too much from my study!! Thanks MC

By jill lenay on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 02:59 pm:

After reading any of MC's books,,,I become very aware of my surroundings---like someone is out there--or is it just part of the mystique of the writing-- that I might miss a clue!!!!!!!!!

By jim_beam on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 06:16 pm:

I HAVE READ ,THE NARROWS OUT OF SEQUENCE OF COURSE. JUST GETTING INTO HIERONYMUS BOSCH,
WHAT A FIND. MR. CONNELY.
ONE QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE TYPE FASTER, ITS LIKE WHEN I WAS A KID WAITING FOR DESSERT AFTER DINNER.