The Black Ice by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch #2. There are two meanings to the title of this book. Black Ice is the name of a drug coming out of Mexico. The original, more purer form of the drug called Ice, came from Hawaii. The Mexican drug cartel figured out a way to produce the drug cheaper - and with less overhead because they can just transport it across the border into the US (rather than ship it or fly it over like the Hawaiian's have to do). There is also the more common reference to "black ice", which relates to when rain or snow covers the roads and then freezes, so drivers have to drive with caution due to the possibility of hitting black ice, which will potentially send the driver careening off the road into a ditch. Both meanings of this phrase applies to this book.

Even though Harry is on call (on Christmas) for the next murder scene, he is not called. He finds out about the murder over his police scanner. He goes to the scene anyway, of course. The victim is a cop, who apparently committed suicide in a very graphic way. His face is blown off by a double barrel shotgun. The police department wants to control the scene - and control the information coming out about the apparent suicide - which is why Harry wasn't called. Harry soon believes that it isn't a suicide, but a murder.

It doesn't take Harry long to suspect that this cop's murder (Calexico Moore) is linked to a drug mule case he is already working on. Then, when Harry is told to take over another cop's cases who retired suddenly (Porter), he realizes that one of Porter's last cases is also linked to the first two. So these three cases lead Harry to Mexico, the Mexican authorities and the DEA. Harry has to trust his instincts when it comes to who to trust, at home and in Mexico. Anyone who tries to take down a Mexican drug boss needs to tread lightly. You never know who they have paid off.

This particular drug lord, Zorrillo, breeds bulls for bullfighting. Since Harry attends a bullfight to try to set eyes on Zorrillo, I am reminded of how much a detest bullfighting. Watching an animal suffer until death is not my idea of "sport".

This story has the usual twists and turns - and both good and evil people die. It's interesting how Harry puts it all together in the end. It's all in the details!

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

I liked this book, although I didn't like it as much as Lilac Girls by this same author. I've been trying to figure out why. The thing that bothers me the most is that both Arlette and Josie were taken by people they should have been more suspicious of. If these two were intelligent enough to join the French Resistance at the age of 17 - and survive Ravensbruck - then how is it that they so willingly went along with people I certainly didn't trust! When someone seems too good to be true, then take a step back and consider all the angles. Look at the evidence!

Other than that, I did like the book and I learned a few things I didn't know. I actually wasn't aware of Operation Paperclip and I am appalled at how many top Nazi's were given new identities to leave their crimes behind and live comfortably and safely in other countries. To know that they were assisted by members of the Red Cross and the Vatican is disgusting. All of the medical experiments, the killing of innocent children (including newborns), the starving of children in the Kinderzimmer at Ravensbruck, and all the other, endless, horrific things that went on because of Hitler and his Nazi's, is truly hard to believe. 

The one thing I have never been able to understand about Nazi Germany is how so many people thought these actions (to achieve a superior race) were okay. It's one thing to be taken in by a charismatic leader, or to follow what you are told to do as a child, or to get "caught up in the moment", but what about our innate sense of morality and ethics? How is torturing men, women and children ever beneficial to any cause at all? Even the top scientists and doctors of the time had to see how incredibly wrong it all was. How do you get that brainwashed by a man, or even by a movement? 

I think about how difficult it would have been to trust people during World War II and the aftermath. There were so many spies and double agents from all countries that were assimilated into each community. Russia, Israel and the US each had their own agenda for tracking down Nazi war criminals. When Arlette met Luc and Josie met Aaron, they should have been immediately suspicious. But, Arlette and Josie also had their own agendas (Arlette  to find her son and Josie to find Dr. Snow), so it's somewhat understandable that they "went along" to find out what information they could. But I was sad that some key, wonderful people died along the way.

World War II continues to be one of my favorite topics to read about. I am intrigued with how incredibly brave people were and how they managed to survive living in Europe and/or the camps during the war. From a psychological standpoint, I want to try to understand why the people running these camps thought it was acceptable to treat people the way they did.

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

Just what I needed, to start another detective series! The Black Echo is the first book in the Harry Bosch series. I believe there are 27 books in the series now, with some additional short stories. So.... lots to read, too little time. ;)

Harry is a LAPD homicide detective. In this introduction to Harry, we find out that he was a "tunnel rat" in the Vietnam War. When a man is found dead in a drain pipe often used by drug addicts and homeless people, Harry is called to the scene. Everyone wants to write off this death as another drug addict who overdosed, especially since he has fresh tracks in his arm. Harry notices quickly though that not all is what it seems to be. When the man is finally taken out of the drain pipe, Harry is shocked to realize that the dead man (Billy Meadows) was a fellow "tunnel rat" that had served with Harry. Harry had not seen him in 20 years, although Billy had called him once the previous year and Harry was under the impression that Billy had kicked his drug habit.

Harry's reputation with the police department has been tarnished due to the way he handled his last case. (A man ended up dead, at the hands of Harry.) Internal Affairs is especially "out for him", wanting him to be discharged from the department completely. So Harry has his work cut out for him when it comes to trying to investigate how Billy ended up in the drain pipe. This becomes even more mysterious when other people that Harry talks to end up dead. Harry is not allowed to work with his partner on the case (Jerry Edgar) and instead is told to work with an FBI agent by the name of Eleanor Wish. Harry falls for Eleanor, which complicates a few things as well.

Fortunately, there are colleagues in the department that are still loyal to Harry and they help him track down information he needs to solve this case. There are definitely some twists and turns in the story and I was suspicious of a variety of people along the way, wondering who could really be trusted. (For good reason, you will find out at the end!) The story involves the end of the Viet Nam war, the people who were there at the end, and their actions to profit. It's a very delayed "conclusion of events" from 20 years earlier.

I already ordered books #2-#4. I am thinking that Harry and Edgar will soon be partners again. (Fingers crossed.)

Wendy's Rating: ****