Trunk Music

LAPD detective Harry Bosch returns to Homicide with a complex case: a film producer found dead in a Rolls-Royce trunk near the Hollywood Bowl. The investigation points to mob involvement and takes Bosch to Las Vegas, where he must navigate the city's criminal underworld. During his investigation, Bosch encounters Eleanor Wish, a former FBI agent from his past, who becomes entangled in the case. The detective works to uncover the truth while dealing with departmental politics, corrupt officials, and dangerous criminal elements. The investigation becomes increasingly dangerous as Bosch pursues leads between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, uncovering layers of deception and criminal enterprise. He must solve the murder while confronting personal and professional complications. Trunk Music explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge in the criminal underworld of two interconnected cities. The novel examines how past relationships and choices continue to influence present circumstances.

Readers describe Trunk Music as a solid police procedural that follows the familiar pattern of Harry Bosch novels but incorporates elements of mob crime stories. Readers appreciate: - The Las Vegas setting and mob connections add variety to the standard LA crime scene - Complex plot twists that connect seemingly unrelated threads - Detail in police investigation techniques - Character development of Bosch and his relationships Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Some plot developments feel predictable - Less suspense than other Bosch books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (68,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (3,900+ ratings) Multiple readers note this book works better if read in series order, as it builds on previous character relationships. Several reviews mention it's "not Connelly's best Bosch novel" but still delivers what fans expect. One frequent comment is that the police procedure details feel authentic but occasionally slow the narrative.

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🔍 "Trunk music" is mob slang for a gangland-style murder where the victim is shot and left in a car trunk - a signature method used by organized crime families 📚 Michael Connelly drew from his experience as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times from 1987-1994, where he covered the LAPD beat and gained insight into police procedures 🎬 The book was published in 1997 and later inspired elements of the Amazon Prime series "Bosch" starring Titus Welliver, though the specific plot wasn't directly adapted 🎭 The Hollywood Bowl setting is significant as it's one of LA's most iconic landmarks, opened in 1922, and has historically been a crossroads between Hollywood glamour and the city's darker underbelly 🎲 The Las Vegas portions of the novel accurately reflect the period when mob influence in Sin City was waning, as corporate ownership began taking over from the traditional casino families in the 1990s