This book is the prequel to Harry Bosch #10. We are introduced to Jack McEvoy, a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver. His specialty is reporting on the more sensationalized deaths (ie serial killers). He doesn't have the same deadlines as the regular reporters because his stories are more in depth. Jack has a twin brother, Sean, who is a homicide detective. One day his brother is found dead by apparent suicide. Sean had been investigating the brutal murder of a young boy and he kept hitting dead ends. Sean is found dead in his car by (presumably) a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His car is parked at the lake where their sister had drowned years earlier. Jack has a really difficult time accepting that Sean would have killed himself. He asks for permission to write a story about cop suicide, which his editor gives his okay to.
It doesn't take long for Jack to decide that Sean was actually murdered. He asks to fly to Chicago to look into another homicide detective suicide that appears similar to his brother's. This other detective also (supposedly) killed himself after he was having a difficult time solving a brutal murder. Soon Jack is working hard (with assistance from the FBI) to find other cases that may be similar in nature, leading to the possibility of a serial killer.
The agents from the FBI include Rachel Walling (of Harry Bosch's world), her boss Bob Backus, and her ex-husband, Gordon Thorson (who is a complete jerk). Jack falls for Rachel (and they start sleeping together), detests Thorson (who seems to be sabotaging Jack's story) and respects Backus (who keeps sending Rachel away and forcing Jack to work with Thorson, who he doesn't trust). The FBI agents alternate between legitimately working with Jack - and shutting him out of the process. Jack continues to persevere regardless.
The last 100 pages of the book is a wild ride! It's very well plotted. I certainly didn't know who to trust. Very well written. I am eager to start the sequel (The Narrows) with Harry Bosch!
Wendy's Rating: ****
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