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10 Best Michael Connelly Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

The Waiting: Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch, Book 6

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,322
Main Character
Setting
Plot Complexity

Most important from
43657 reviews

Main Character
Detective Ballard, with help from Maddie Bosch, solves long-standing crimes while Harry Bosch plays a crucial yet brief role.
Setting
Michael Connelly is a top-five crime writer, representing L.A. realistically and creating iconic characters with significant themes.
Plot Complexity
The book features three engaging plots, including a search for a serial rapist, Ballard's stolen badge, and the identification of the Black Dahlia's murderer.
Themes
A masterful exploration of suspense and human resilience, filled with quiet tension and emotionally charged narrative.

The Waiting: Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch, Book 6 is the latest installment in Michael Connelly's acclaimed series. This book is part of a series and features two main characters, Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch, both of whom are well-developed and engaging. The setting is urban, primarily taking place in the bustling city life which adds a layer of realism and grit to the narrative.

The plot is complex, weaving multiple storylines and offering a deep dive into police procedural work. Themes of justice, morality, and the gray areas of law enforcement are prevalent throughout the book, making it thought-provoking and engaging. However, the complexity of the plot may be overwhelming for some readers, especially those new to the series.

It is highly ranked in several categories such as Urban Fiction and Police Procedural Mysteries, indicating its popularity and quality. The audiobook version is narrated by Christine Lakin, Titus Welliver, and Madison Lintz, who bring the characters to life with their excellent performances. At 10 hours and 50 minutes, it offers a substantial listening experience. This book is highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and those who have followed the series, but new readers might find it beneficial to start with earlier books to fully appreciate the character development and ongoing story arcs.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,322
Main Character
Setting
Plot Complexity

Most important from
43657 reviews

Main Character
Detective Ballard, with help from Maddie Bosch, solves long-standing crimes while Harry Bosch plays a crucial yet brief role.
Setting
Michael Connelly is a top-five crime writer, representing L.A. realistically and creating iconic characters with significant themes.
Plot Complexity
The book features three engaging plots, including a search for a serial rapist, Ballard's stolen badge, and the identification of the Black Dahlia's murderer.
Themes
A masterful exploration of suspense and human resilience, filled with quiet tension and emotionally charged narrative.
#2

The Waiting: A Ballard and Bosch Novel (A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel Book 6)

Rating
9.8
Series vs. Standalone
Setting
Plot Complexity

Most important from
43657 reviews

Series vs. Standalone
The book is not just a Ballard and Bosch novel, but rather a Ballard and Bosch family novel, with significant roles for Harry Bosch and his daughter Maddie.
Setting
Michael Connelly is a top-five crime writer who knows L.A. like the back of his hand, creating iconic characters and plotting with exquisite skill.
Plot Complexity
Three engaging plots intertwine: searching for a serial rapist, recovering Ballard's stolen badge and gun, and uncovering the identity of the Black Dahlia's murderer.
Themes
A masterful exploration of suspense and human resilience, delving into an emotionally charged narrative filled with quiet tension.

‘The Waiting: A Ballard and Bosch Novel’ is the sixth book in the Ballard and Bosch series by Michael Connelly. This means it is part of a series and continues the adventures of familiar characters, Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch. Fans of ongoing series will appreciate the continuity, while new readers might find it beneficial to start with earlier books for better context. The main characters, Ballard and Bosch, are a compelling duo, with Ballard as a driven LAPD detective and Bosch as a retired detective who can't let go of his passion for justice. Their dynamic adds depth to the narrative, making it engaging for readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

The setting is the gritty streets of Los Angeles, which Connelly vividly brings to life, enhancing the book's atmosphere. This urban backdrop suits the dark, intense themes often explored in crime fiction, such as corruption, justice, and redemption. The novel weaves multiple storylines and twists, keeping the reader hooked but not overly complicated to follow. It strikes a balance, making it suitable for readers who enjoy a well-crafted mystery without getting lost in the details.

Themes in ‘The Waiting’ revolve around perseverance, the moral ambiguities of law enforcement, and the quest for truth. These are thoughtfully woven into the narrative, providing food for thought while maintaining the pace of a thrilling crime novel. Some drawbacks could be the necessity for new readers to catch up on previous books to fully grasp character backgrounds and ongoing plotlines. Also, those preferring standalone novels might not find this installment as fulfilling. Despite these points, ‘The Waiting’ is a solid pick for fans of crime fiction and those who appreciate deep, evolving characters within a richly depicted setting.

Rating
9.8
Series vs. Standalone
Setting
Plot Complexity

Most important from
43657 reviews

Series vs. Standalone
The book is not just a Ballard and Bosch novel, but rather a Ballard and Bosch family novel, with significant roles for Harry Bosch and his daughter Maddie.
Setting
Michael Connelly is a top-five crime writer who knows L.A. like the back of his hand, creating iconic characters and plotting with exquisite skill.
Plot Complexity
Three engaging plots intertwine: searching for a serial rapist, recovering Ballard's stolen badge and gun, and uncovering the identity of the Black Dahlia's murderer.
Themes
A masterful exploration of suspense and human resilience, delving into an emotionally charged narrative filled with quiet tension.
#3

Resurrection Walk

Rating
9.7
Series vs. Standalone
Main Character
Setting

Most important from
58242 reviews

Series vs. Standalone
Despite some inconsistencies with character behavior from previous books, the story remains a captivating read.
Main Character
The dynamic duo of Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch brings an authentic and thrilling legal and police procedural experience.
Setting
The book delves into the issue of deputy cliques within the LA County Sheriff's Department, adding a layer of social commentary.
Plot Complexity
The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged and on edge throughout.
Themes
The characters are well-crafted and believable, making the story even more compelling.

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly is an engaging audiobook that fits well within the legal thriller and police procedural genres. It is narrated by Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin, which adds a dynamic and immersive experience for the listener. With a runtime of 10 hours and 30 minutes, it offers a substantial amount of content without being overly lengthy. The book ranks well in several categories, indicating its popularity and positive reception among listeners. It is particularly high in the legal thrillers and police procedural mysteries categories, showing its strong appeal to fans of these genres.

As many of Connelly's works, it is expected to have a well-developed main character and a complex plot with twists and turns that keep the listener engaged. The setting is likely to be detailed and realistic, adding depth to the story. The themes explored in the book may include crime, justice, and morality, which are common in Connelly's writing. While the audiobook format is convenient for on-the-go listening, some might prefer a physical book or eBook for a more traditional reading experience.

Resurrection Walk is a strong choice for fans of legal thrillers and police procedurals who enjoy detailed settings, complex plots, and well-crafted characters.

Rating
9.7
Series vs. Standalone
Main Character
Setting

Most important from
58242 reviews

Series vs. Standalone
Despite some inconsistencies with character behavior from previous books, the story remains a captivating read.
Main Character
The dynamic duo of Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch brings an authentic and thrilling legal and police procedural experience.
Setting
The book delves into the issue of deputy cliques within the LA County Sheriff's Department, adding a layer of social commentary.
Plot Complexity
The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged and on edge throughout.
Themes
The characters are well-crafted and believable, making the story even more compelling.

Buying Guide for the Best Michael Connelly Books

Choosing the right Michael Connelly book can be a delightful experience, especially if you are a fan of crime fiction and legal thrillers. Michael Connelly is known for his intricate plots, well-developed characters, and gripping storytelling. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key aspects of his books. This will help you navigate through his extensive bibliography and select a book that matches your preferences.
Series vs. StandaloneMichael Connelly has written both series and standalone novels. Series books, like the Harry Bosch series or the Mickey Haller series, follow the same characters through multiple books, allowing for deeper character development and ongoing storylines. Standalone novels, on the other hand, are self-contained stories with new characters and plots. If you enjoy following a character's journey over time, a series might be the best choice. If you prefer a complete story in one book, opt for a standalone novel.
Main CharacterThe main characters in Connelly's books vary, with some being detectives, lawyers, or journalists. Harry Bosch is a seasoned LAPD detective, while Mickey Haller is a defense attorney. Jack McEvoy is a journalist. Your preference for the protagonist's profession and personality can guide your choice. If you enjoy police procedurals, Harry Bosch books might be ideal. If legal thrillers are more your style, go for Mickey Haller. For investigative journalism, Jack McEvoy is your guy.
SettingThe setting of a book can greatly influence its atmosphere and tone. Many of Connelly's books are set in Los Angeles, providing a gritty, urban backdrop. However, some books take place in different locations, offering a change of scenery. If you have a preference for a particular setting, this can help narrow down your choices. For a classic LA noir feel, stick with the books set in Los Angeles. If you're looking for something different, explore his novels set in other locations.
Plot ComplexityConnelly's books range from straightforward crime stories to complex, multi-layered plots with numerous twists and turns. If you enjoy intricate plots that keep you guessing, look for books with more complex storylines. If you prefer a more straightforward, fast-paced read, choose books with simpler plots. Consider how much time and mental energy you want to invest in the story when making your selection.
ThemesDifferent books by Michael Connelly explore various themes such as justice, corruption, redemption, and personal struggle. Think about which themes resonate most with you. If you are interested in the moral complexities of the justice system, the Mickey Haller series might be appealing. For stories that delve into personal redemption and the fight against corruption, the Harry Bosch series could be a good fit. Identifying the themes that interest you can help you choose a book that will be more engaging and meaningful.

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