Publisher's Weekly Review
Bestseller Connelly's fast-paced 22nd Harry Bosch novel (after 2016's The Wrong Side of Goodbye) puts the aging L.A. detective, now a volunteer with the San Fernando PD, squarely in the middle of two cases. The execution of two local pharmacists-father and son-sends Bosch into the world of "pill shills," crime networks that use homeless people, crooked doctors, and greedy pharmacists to amass prescription opioids for illegal resale. The other case dates back 30 years to Bosch's days in the LAPD, when he helped put convicted killer Preston Borders on death row. When the case is reopened thanks to newly revealed DNA, Bosch stands accused of planting evidence. At times the parallel narrative lines feel too separate, as if two distinct novels are melded into one, but even so, the book unfolds with great urgency and a sense of righteous indignation, particularly about the opioid crisis ("Fifty-five thousand dead and counting"). The two truths of the title encapsulate Bosch's world: "[the] truth that was the unalterable bedrock of one's life and mission. And the other, malleable truth of politicians, charlatans, corrupt lawyers and their clients." This entry isn't Connelly's best, but it's still a solid procedural sure to please his many fans. Agent: Philip Spitzer, Philip G. Spitzer Literary. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
Forced into retirement and exiled from the LAPD, Harry Bosch (The Wrong Side of Goodbye) is doing battle in court against an overeager district attorney and a wrongful conviction claim-and the stakes couldn't be higher. Accused of planting the evidence that led to a death row conviction, Harry finds his professional reputation on the line. At the same time, he's working his first homicide in years-a professional hit of a father and son at their family pharmacy. The investigation reunites Bosch with former partner Jerry Edgar, now an investigator for the Medical Board of California. With Jerry's help, Harry goes undercover as a pill shill, and he learns just how ruthless prescription drug fraud can be. Verdict Connelly again delivers a solid crime mystery that will delight fans with his perpetually knocked down-detective managing to fight back with his integrity intact. Harry's half-brother Mickey Haller has a prominent role as his attorney, which should please fans of the Mickey Haller series. [See Prepub Alert, 4/24/17.]-Vicki Briner, Broomfield, CO © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.