Harry Bosch, who retired from the LAPD, returns to work.  His new job has one purpose - closing unsolved cases. 

When Harry met with Abel Pratt, the officer in charge of this unit, he was given somewhat of a lecture.  Pratt explained the difference between closure and closers.  He informed Harry that "closure" is a bunch of B.S.  This was nothing more than a media term that you placed in the newspapers about cold cases.  He stated that family members should not be misled and this unit is one where you don't forget the victims.  The "closers" are the guys brought in at the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game.  If they can't do it, nobody can.  There were 8,000 unsolved cases since 1960.  If they could just solve twelve per year, they would at least be doing something.

Pratt also pointed out that the big difference today is the help of technology such as DNA, fingerprints and ballistics.  The main problem is the department did not go back to look at some of these unsolved cases with the new technology.  As they start to review these cases, many things will seem very obvious to them now but it did not "jump out at them" back then. 

Harry's first case involves an unsolved murder that took place in Los Angeles in 1988.  A sixteen-year-old girl disappeared from her home and was later found dead.  At first the death was thought to be a suicide but later the cause was changed to murder. 

As Harry's investigation begins, he runs into several problems.  Not only is this bringing back tragic memories to the girl's family but Harry also finds resistance from within the police department.

Is Harry able to solve this case? 

This is a Harry Bosch novel that just could not get any better.  Michael Connelly does an excellent job of not only creating the novel but also delivering it in such a way that the reader just can't figure out who killed the young woman.  Harry Bosch is such a "cool" character.  He never has a whole lot to say but you can just see his mind spinning with ideas.  Whether you are a Harry Bosch fan, a Michael Connelly fan, or just a plain old mystery book fan you will enjoy this book.  It is highly recommended.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON