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: ****
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