Michael Connelly Books In Order
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Reading The Michael Connelly Books In Chronological Order
Reading Michael Connelly books in order can be a slightly frustrating experience because there are several different series that he started writing, and some of the characters appear in other series as well.
As I have read all Michael Connelly books so far (and thoroughly enjoyed them all - well, maybe except for his stand- alone Chasing the Dime), I can easily untangle the mystery of how to read them in the order of publication and which series belongs where.
Michael Connelly is a great mystery author, one that I respect a lot, and I can't wait for a new one in his popular Harry Bosch series (so far his latest being The Drop).Shown here is The Drop, his latest Harry Bosch novel, published in 2011)
Contents at a Glance
The Harry Bosch Series
Harry Bosch Series In Order
- The Black Echo (Harry Bosch #1)
- This very first Harry Bosch novel, published in 1992. This book started it all.
- The Black Ice (Harry Bosch #2)
- The second Harry Bosch book, published in 1993.
- The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch #3)
- This was his third Harry Bosch installment, one that was published in 1994.
- The Last Coyote (Harry Bosch #4)
- Book number 4 was first published in 1995.
- Trunk Music (Harry Bosch #5)
- Not one of my favorites in the series, Trunk Music makes Harry Bosch book #5, published in 1997.
- Angels Flight (Harry Bosch #6)
- Angels Flight is his 6th Harry Bosch novel, which was published in 1999.
- A Darkness More Than Night (Harry Bosch #7)
- His next book was published in 2001.
- City of Bones (Harry Bosch #8)
- His 8th Harry Bosch novel got published in 2002. Personally I found that as he grew more mature and wrote more books, they were becoming better and better.
- Lost Light (Harry Bosch #9)
- Book #9, Lost Light is another great on in the series with Harry Bosch. Published in 2003.
- The Narrows (Harry Bosch #10)
- The Narrows was published in 2004 and it's Michael Connelly's 10th Harry Bosch book.
- The Closers (Harry Bosch #11)
- The 11th Harry Bosch novel was published in 2005.
- Echo Park (Harry Bosch #12)
- Another favorite of mine from the Harry Bosch series, it was published in 2006.
- The Overlook (Harry Bosch #13)
- Te Overlook is his 13th novel in the now famous Harry Bosch series. Published in 2007.
- The Brass Verdict (Harry Bosch #14)
- This is a relatively newer book in his Harry Bosch series, published in 2008.
- Nine Dragons (Harry Bosch #15)
- His next novel about Harry Bosch is the 15th in the series, and it was published in 2009.
- The Reversal (Harry Bosch #16)
- The Reversal is the 16th book in the Harry Bosch series, published in 2010.
- The Drop (Harry Bosch #17)
- The Drop is so far the latest in the Harry Bosch series, published in 2011.
The Black Echo (Harry Bosch #1)
The Black Echo: A Novel (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
The Black Echo is the very first novel written by Michael Connelly and it's the first Harry Bosch book as well, the start of a great series. Harry Bosch is a Los Angeles homocide detective who likes to play by his own rules.
The first book starts with the discovery of a homeless guy found in a drainage pipe. Harry realizes that the dead guy was a friend of him back in Vietnam, so of course he feels compelled to find out what happened. A first good start, but personally I found his later novels much better.
The Black Ice (Harry Bosch #2)
The Black Ice (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
The second Harry Bosch novel takes Harry to Hollywood Division because of behavioral problems (which will occur all throughout the later novels as well). That's just Harry and that's what makes him who he is.
This book focuses on Black Ice, which is a drug that needs to be off the streets. The novel has it all: corrupt police, narcotics, bullfights, great scenery in Mexico, adventure and a strong narrative. A great read (albeit a bit slow at the beginning).
The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch #3)
The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $6.49 (as of 06/03/2012)
The third of the Michael Connelly's books in order (both overall and in the Harry Bosch series), is another great adventure featuring our darling detective. His professional reputation is at state here, and he has to defend it in court. So far I found this book his best - chilling to the bone, just the way I like them.
Harry Bosch is on trial being sued by the family of the Dollmaker, a serial killer that Harry killed at some point. During the trial Harry receives a poem with the location of yet another murder...which puts Harry in a pickle...did he kill the wrong guy 4 years ago?
The Last Coyote (Harry Bosch #4)
The Last Coyote (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $4.33 (as of 06/03/2012)
The next novel with Harry Bosch is all about him being suspended from work, which gives him the freedom to find out about his mother's death...Was something covered up 30 years ago?
Another very suspenseful novel by Michael Connelly, one that really keeps you to the edge of your seat.
Trunk Music (Harry Bosch #5)
Trunk Music (Harry Bosch, No. 5)
Amazon Price: $3.27 (as of 06/03/2012)
Here we have the 5th Harry Bosch novel and things are getting better and better. Book 4 was about him getting suspended from the police, but here he is back full-force, ready to tackle the next gruesome case. A body is found in the back of a car, and it happens to be a film producer. A great mystery, a real solid plot as always, one that keeps you flipping the pages to see what happens next.
This book has lots of twists and turns, and it seems it's a bit more complex than his serious novels.
Angels Flight (Harry Bosch #6)
Angels Flight (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $4.70 (as of 06/03/2012)
In this 6th Harry Bosch novel, a high-profile African American attorney, Howard Elias, is the murdered person that Harry has to investigate. As it is a high profile case, Harry has to be extremely cautious where he steps - and Harry is not known for being the tip-toeing type of person.
This book is more than just a crime mystery. It's also about the current politics on the racial issues and how the police force is seen by the mass population at large. A great book.
A Darkness More Than Night (Harry Bosch #7)
A Darkness More Than Night (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $4.36 (as of 06/03/2012)
A Darkness More Than Night is the first Harry Bosch novel where other main series characters also appear, such as Jack McEvoy and Terry McCaleb. Harry and Terry have to work together to solve a strange murder one seemingly done by none other than Harry Bosch himself. Can he pull out himself of this one?
City of Bones (Harry Bosch #8)
City of Bones (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $5.24 (as of 06/03/2012)
This new Harry Bosch novel tackles the discovery of a child's skeleton, buried for 20 years in the forest off Hollywood's Wonderland Drive. Another fast-paced and suspenseful book, if you've liked the main character so far, you'll love this one!
Harry is his usual gloomy, dark and noire self, and the 20 years old cold case becomes fresh again with his involvement. A definitely must read!
Lost Light (Harry Bosch #9)
Lost Light (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 06/03/2012)
This is the book where Harry really takes his distaste from the police force bureaucracy to a new level: he quits the force and retires. But that doesn't mean that he quits solving murders. Even without a badge he can't leave the dead alone - he has to speak for them, to give them a voice, to make them hear - and solve their murder.
In this case he tackles the murder of Angella Benton, an employee of Eidon Productions, who was murdered 4 years ago and her murder was never solved. Guess who will solve this case...Harry Bosch, of course!
The Narrows (Harry Bosch #10)
The Narrows (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $5.47 (as of 06/03/2012)
Here we see Harry Bosch again and in this case we are sad to find out that Terry McCaleb, who we've seen before in A Darkness More Than Night (and Blood Work), has passed away of a heart attack. The problem is though that Terry's widow doesn't think it was a heart attack at all...
Gripping, suspenseful and full of mystery, it's a read that you won't want to put down.
The Closers (Harry Bosch #11)
The Closers (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $5.55 (as of 06/03/2012)
if you recall, Harry is retired from the police force and he's solving cases on his own. He is now considering coming back and he joins the Open-Unsolved Unit (dealing with solving cold cases) with his old partner Kiz Rider. What I liked mostly about this book is that it's mostly about police work and solving the crime - and less about other extras such as politics, etc. This is pure mystery, crime and Harry Bosch figuring out whodunit. Very very good!
Echo Park (Harry Bosch #12)
Echo Park (Rocabolsillo Criminal) (Spanish Edition)
Amazon Price: $9.05 (as of 06/03/2012)
This story is one that has haunted Harry for years now: the one killer that got away. Back in 1993 Harry Bosch got assigned to the case of Marie Gesto, but he could never find out who killed her. Now Harry simply can't let it go and has the urge to finally solve it.
While the previous novel had practically no trace of politics, here it's back with full force again. In a way I wish Michael Connelly focused less on politics and more on solving murders, but still, this is a great read, just as good as his previous Harry Bosch books.
The Overlook (Harry Bosch #13)
The Overlook (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $2.50 (as of 06/03/2012)
His number 13, this is a new Harry Bosch mystery that doesn't disappoint. Harry has a new partner, Ignacio Ferras, and he's trying to hunt down the killer of a shot guy. Here again we have Harry in action, with no interfering politics or anything else. It's just Harry and the prey. Somebody said that this book reads like an episode of 24, and I agree. It's all action, action and more action, and you don't want to pick up the phone if it rings while you're reading what happens next. I loved this one!
The Brass Verdict (Harry Bosch #14)
The Brass Verdict
Amazon Price: $3.55 (as of 06/03/2012)
Brass Verdict is the first Harry Bosch novel that puts him working together with Mickey Haller, his half brother, the hero of another great novel, called the Lincoln Lawyer. This book is a bit different, but still awesome to read. It's half a police procedural, half a court room drama, and i love how Connelly brought together his main two characters of different series. It's just sparks all over the place. Recommended.
Nine Dragons (Harry Bosch #15)
Nine Dragons (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $4.29 (as of 06/03/2012)
I loved this book and I won't give you the story because there is something shocking in it (and sad, unfortunately). But the main idea is that Harry is back again hunting for a killer. This time the story takes him to Hong Kong, to the Chinese Triad, a Mafia style gang that has powers even in the US. It's really a good book and you'll miss a great plot if you don't read it.
The Reversal (Harry Bosch #16)
The Reversal (Lincoln Lawyer Novels)
Amazon Price: $4.97 (as of 06/03/2012)
Here again Harry Bosch meets Mickey Haller, his half-brother and one of the best defense attorneys of LA. Here Harry has to work with Mickey together and this book becomes again half a court drama, but full of suspense - afterall Harry Bosch is here!
Just like in the Brass Verdict, the narrator of this book is Mickey Haller himself (the usual Harry Bosch novels are told from the 3rd person perspective). It is a great read, one that I liked (I still like Harry Bosch better than Mickey Haller, maybe because I've read more books with him).
The Drop (Harry Bosch #17)
The Drop (Harry Bosch)
Amazon Price: $9.76 (as of 06/03/2012)
The Drop is the latest Harry Bosch novel by Michael Connelly. Irvin Irving is Harry's old nemesis, who always tries to find ways to kick him out of the force. In this book, however, he enlists Harry's help in finding the killer of his son.
The question is...does he want to learn the truth about what actually happened?
Should You Read The Michael Connelly Books In Order?
I think yes because each novel builds up on the previous one and there are many references to things happening before which might even be part of the plot - or side-plots.
Also many characters overlap in the various series, so it helps avoid confusions.
The Mickey Haller Books
Mickey Haller Series In Order
- The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller #1)
- The first book in the Mickey Haller series, I found this to be an awesome start. Was published in 2005.
- The Brass Verdict (Mickey Haller #2)
- The second Mickey Haller book is just just as great as the first one, I really enjoyed it. Was published in 2008.
- Nine Dragons (Mickey Haller #3)
- This is actually a Harry Bosch novel , but Mickey Haller does appear at times in it, so if you like to read everything about this character, you'll pick up this book as well.
- The Reversal (Mickey Haller #4)
- Book #4 (some would argue it's the 3rd in the series really) with Mickey Haller, it was published in 2010.
- The Fifth Witness (Mickey Haller #5)
- And so far here is Michael Connelly's latest book about the lawyer Mickey Haller. Published in 2011. Harry Bosch makes a very brief appearance here as well.
The Jack McEvoy Books
Jack McEvoy Series In Order
- The Poet (Jack McEvoy #1)
- Jack McEvoy is a reporter and this is the first book by Michael Connelly where he appears. Published in 1996.
- A Darkness More Than Night (Jack McEvoy #2)
- This novel is actually belonging to the Harry Bosch series, however this is the second book where he is also featured. Book published in 2001.
- The Brass Verdict (Jack McEvoy #3)
- It could be argued that this book is part of the Micky Haller series, and you would be right. However Jack McEvoy does get a small part here as well, so ti's just fair that we mention it for the fans of our beloved reporter. Published in 2008.
- The Scarecrow (Jack McEvoy #4)
- This is the true second book in the Jack McEvoy series, where the entire novel is about him. Book published in 2009.
Other Michael Connelly Books
Terry McCaleb Series In Order
- Blood Work (Terry McCaleb #1)
- Terry McCaleb is a former FBI guy recuperating from a heart transplant. He is featured in 3 novels, this being the first. Published in 1998.
- A Darkness More Than Night (Terry McCaleb #2)
- Here Terry McCaleb and Harry Bosch are working together full force. The second Terry McCaleb was published in 2001.
- The Narrows (Terry McCaleb #3)
- In this novel, Harry Bosch and Terry McCaleb get together again in trying to solve a puzzling story. Book published in 2004.
We could dissect the series even more by adding additional characters like Rachel Walling and Cassie Black, however they mostly feature in already listed novels above with the main characters being either Harry Bosch, Jack McEvoy or Terry McCaleb.
Do You Enjoy Reading The Michael Connelly Books In Order?
Welcome To The Michael Connelly Books In Order Guestbook
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Dan8168
Apr 15, 2012 @ 2:13 am | delete
- Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but if you are going to read "The Poet", make sure you do so before you read "The Narrows". Reading "The Narrows" before reading "The Poet" is a MAJOR spoiler. I made the mistake of reading "The Narrows" first, and pretty much completely spoiled the ending of "The Poet". I wish someone would have warned me about that. =/
Other than that, I haven't really noticed any major cross-series plot spoilers, though I've only just finished "The Closers", and haven't read any of the Mickey Haller novels yet. You may want to also read "Blood Work" before reading "A Darkness More Than Night" and "The Narrows".
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Centavo
Apr 5, 2012 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- I really enjoy his books. Just finished "Chasing the Dime". It was a very good book in my opinion.
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Nick
Feb 26, 2012 @ 6:05 pm | delete
- I've enjoyed all his books and never really gave much thought to the order in which I was reading them, Looking back it probably wouldn't have changed much about how I viewed the characters or the story line that unfolded.
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LewesDE
Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:40 am | delete
- This lens is very ineresting. Please make more lenses!
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SudokuNut
Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:50 pm | delete
- I have some of his books on my shelf but haven't got around to them yet. This lens will be really useful when I do, so thanks!
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entertainmenteveryday
Feb 15, 2012 @ 8:52 pm | delete
- I'm a huge fan of Michael Connelly. My favorite is the Mickey Haller Series. Great lens!
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WriterJanis
Feb 15, 2012 @ 1:20 pm | delete
- Very helpful.
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cinstress
Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:07 am | delete
- saw you on the new lens list, so I figured I'd check it out.
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