The Waiting

It's unnecessary, I know, to give more attention to Michael Connelly, who’s books are instant best sellers.

But I must show some love for his latest, The Waiting. Which had me up all night and into the morning, reading.

Yes, I read past midnight. Crashed for a bit. And awoke at 6–to read some more.

Okay, here’s why it’s so good…

It’s a Renee Ballard book, one of my favorite Connelly protagonists–this super-cool LA detective, who often sleeps in a tent on the beach so she can roll out of her sleeping bag and surf at dawn. 

In fact, the story kicks into gear when some bad guy foolishly steals Renee’s wallet from her car while it’s parked in the lot next to the ocean as she’s surfing. Dumb move, buster  Clearly, you never read a Renee Ballard novel before.

It’s got several riveting plot lines cutting in and out, like riffs in a jazz song. Including one in which Renee Ballard sorta solves the Black Dahlia murder.

Also, it’s anti-Trump. Yes, Connelly’s not too scared to take a stand. One of his plot lines deals with deranged January 6th insurrectionists.

People love The Waiting so much, they're fighting over it...

And just when you think everything’s about to settle down, Connelly comes up with another riveting plot line. I like it when a writer keeps us readers on our toes. 

One more thing I like about Connelly…

He’s great at showing his protagonist’s thinking. In this case it's Renee Ballard. In other books, it's Harry Bosch.

It’s hard for a writer to convey the act of thinking. But that's one of Connelly’s skills. He’ll have his characters sitting in place–at their desk or a coffee shop or in their car. And while they’re sedentary, they’re brains alive. Running through all the possible scenarios in a crime they're trying to solve. Eliminating some. Zooming in on others. I love it when he does that.

Speaking of Harry Bosch–he makes an appearance. As does his daughter, Maddie. The only missing member of the Connelly crew is the Lincoln Lawyer. Can’t do it all.

Check it out from the library–as I did. Or buy it in paperback.