Book Review: Nine Dragons

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Nine Dragons     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Michael Connelly
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Series: Harry Bosch # 15
Little, Brown & Company, 2009, 384 Pages

For twelve years, Harry Bosch has carried a matchbook from Fortune Liquors with one missing match. Bosch remembers being outside Fortune Liquors during a riot and meeting the owner, John Li, who offers him a cigarette. Now Bosch is at the scene of a murder at Fortune Liquors. John Li, the owner has been shot and killed.

Detective David Chu of the Asian Crime Unit is called in to assist in the investigation. Li’s wife does not speak English and an interpreter is needed. As the investigation progresses, Bosch notes evidence that would indicate John Li was being forced to make payments for protection. Bosch is showing his irritation with his partner who seems to want to spend more and more time in the office rather than working the crime. Bosch is also not sure whether he can trust Chu. However, the two do work together and manage to track a member of the triad and bring him in for questioning.

Bosch has personal ties to China. His daughter lives in Hong Kong with her mother. Bosch suddenly realizes he may have stepped on the wrong toes in this investigation. Bosch receives word that his daughter, Madeline, has been kidnapped. Bosch leaves immediately for Hong Kong and begins his search to find his daughter.

The action both in Hong Kong and back in the United States is non-stop. The reader is given a personal side of Bosch that is not often seen. The conclusion of Nine Dragons is both sad and exciting.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM

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