Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve
A combination of factors contributes to the excellence of a crime/mystery novel. Michael Connelly’s thirty-ninth is a splendid example of this in that The Waiting has a clever plot, convincing and authentic details, and a variety of Californian characters. Together they make this book one that a reader will find impossible to set aside.
Renee Ballard is the leader of the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit which investigates Cold Cases, that currently number in the thousands. The group’s existence is regarded as justified if their success rate amounts to a mere total of three, annually. The Waiting testifies just how much dedication, experience and intuition account for this.
Renee and her team of volunteers focus on the ‘Pillowcase Murderer’ and, in unraveling this crime, uncover a solution to the famous Cold Case, The Black Dahlia. Connelly is able to seamlessly incorporate both by cleverly linking fortuitous steps in the original, Pillowcase investigation.
Renee, a keen surfer, is robbed while catching waves before work, which brings a sidetrack into her routine. This in turn helps her to uncover a terrorist plot.
All this sounds overwhelming and would not succeed smoothly as a gripping read if it were not for the masterly touch of a Michael Connelly. He ranks as one of the best in the world, with over 80,000,000 of his books sold.
Years ago, his The Poet which introduced Harry Bosch, was an outstanding thriller, unforgettable in its originality and aura of tension and menace. Harry has retired, and inspired both Renee to become a detective, as well as Maddie, his granddaughter. She joins Renee’s team as both believe in attempting to bring justice to the dead victims and, if relevant, their families. Enthusiastic Colleen Hatteras is also part of the team. Her relentless hovering irritates Renee which adds a minor tension to the story and eventually a dramatic conclusion.
Reviewing a thriller is always tricky in that it is essential that ‘spoilers’ are avoided. Millions of his devoted readers will eagerly seize this latest offering. It has all the attributes of a fine thriller and does not have to resort to lengthy descriptions of heinous murders. One fascinating fact acquired is that a person’s ear is as unique as the fingerprint so may be utilised in future forensic investigations.
Choice of title, too, is apt. Renee has the patience to surf which involves waiting for the perfect wave. The victims of these unsolved cases are waiting for years for guilty to be named, and questions answered.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Waiting Is the conclusion is not choked by sudden revelations that clumsily and often hurriedly allow everything to fall into place. Cases are investigated and steadily arrive at a solution; however, there is a dramatic confrontation finally and a satisfying outcome occurs.
Discerning fans will not be disappointed.
The Waiting
[2024]
by Michael Connelly
Allen and Unwin
ISBN 978 1 76147 1 780
$34.99; 402pp