Nightshade Reviews
“Connelly’s compulsively readable, best-selling crime fiction is propelled by justice-seekers committed to their calling, no matter the risks. In his fortieth novel, Connelly introduces a new righteous law man, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell, and a new base of operations. …With an intriguingly low-key but skilled and principled hero, his significant other, a pesky if useful reporter, a conniving mayor, and a crime boss known as Baby Head, Nightshade is a gripping and promising start to crime virtuoso Connelly’s new series.”
— Donna Seaman, Booklist ⭐️ Starred Review
“In this winning series launch, L.A. noir maestro Connelly proves small-town policing can be just as high stakes as crime solving in the big city. …The claustrophobic setting and layered plotting evoke the crime novels of John D. MacDonald, and Stilwell makes for an intriguing hero, with enough biographical gaps for Connelly to sketch him in further in subsequent installments. The author’s fans will be thrilled to find him working in a new register.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Connelly has created a whole new cast of characters, and just like Bosch and Ballard, Stilwell and the rest are terrific. The case and the story flow nicely, and it wouldn’t be a Michael Connelly novel without a few surprises. His name on the cover guarantees a stellar read, and Nightshade is no exception and hopefully the start of a new series.”
— Jeff Ayers, First Clue Reviews
“A blistering thriller that keeps the police-procedural and suspense genre kicking with gritty twists, exciting sequences, and a kickass new hero, Nightshade is a must-read for all fans of Michael Connelly and those who like to kick back with smart and gritty thrillers.”
— Kashif Hussain, Best Thriller Books
“Connelly is still a master of the police procedural, and it’s evident in this new series debut about a police detective on Catalina Island, a policeman’s exile. The island setting and the unique dynamics at play are a refreshing new context for the mysteries that are intermingled in this top notch thriller. Connelly fans will be very pleased.”
— Murder By The Book
“Having created stalwart characters like Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, Connelly introduces a new cop in his latest propulsive police procedural.”
—Becky Meloan, Washington Post
“Michael Connelly always brings heart and wit to his best-selling police procedurals, and this first outing for Stilwell is no exception, introducing a smart, determined, and highly moral protagonist with a case designed to push all his buttons. As Stilwell methodically works his way through the case, Connelly not only gives us the thrilling step-by-step of investigative work but also mines the tensions of a complicated job—and the struggle to prove oneself in a hostile environment.”
— Apple Books, Best Books of May Staff Pick, Must Listen Audiobook Staff Pick
“Michael Connelly has a knack for creating characters that are strong and interesting enough to carry a series. …Nightshade, Connelly’s 40th novel, proves he hasn’t lost his reporter’s eye for detail or nose for a great story.”
— The Times (UK)
“This is an enjoyably twisty mystery from the master of the genre. The real star is the setting–this place so close to Los Angeles and yet a world away.”
— Mail On Sunday (UK)
“Stilwell shares the same code, sense of justice and attention to detail as Bosch. Nightshade marks another bright turning point for Connelly.”
— Oline Cogdill, Sun-Sentinel
“Damron skillfully delivers this police procedural, rich with the detail, atmosphere, and character depth that we expect from Connelly. …His performance contributes to the tension and intrigue. The result is an absorbing, entertaining listen, and a strong start to what promises to be a compelling new series.”
— AudioFile Magazine (audiobook review)
“It’s a strong, intriguing thriller that moves with pace and purpose…this one is sure to impress.”
— Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books
“It’s superbly plotted and gripping – as always from the master of hard-boiled American crime.”
— Alex Gordon, Peterborough Telegraph, 10/10 review
“Told in Connelly’s deceptively understated style, the story is richly detailed when it comes to island life but delivers its essentials in the pared-back prose of the classic crime novel.”
— Declan Burke, Irish Times
— Amazon Editors’ Picks: Best Books of the Month for May
