🔍 Book Review: Blue on Black by Michael Connelly (Kindle Edition)
A taut, atmospheric short story featuring Harry Bosch and FBI agent Rachel Walling—Connelly delivers a compact mystery that’s rich in tension and character, even within its brief format.
🧠 Overview
Originally published in the 2010 anthology Hook, Line & Sinister, Blue on Black was later released as a standalone Kindle short in the Mulholland / Strand Magazine series. At just 25 pages, this story is a quick but gripping read that pairs LAPD detective Harry Bosch with FBI agent Rachel Walling as they investigate the disappearance of two women—possibly victims of a serial killer with a disturbing hobby.
The story is set against the backdrop of Southern California’s fishing culture, adding a unique thematic twist to the investigation.
🔍 Plot Snapshot
- 🎣 Bosch suspects an avid fisherman named Denninger may be behind the disappearances
- 📸 All he has are mugshots and photos of Denninger with his prized catches—until Walling sees something Bosch missed
- 🧠 The case hinges on subtle visual clues and psychological insight, rather than action or violence
- 🕵️♂️ The story ends with a quiet but satisfying resolution, showcasing Bosch’s intuition and Walling’s analytical edge
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.65/5 from over 6,000 readers
- 📖 Fans of Bosch appreciate the character’s consistency and the story’s noir tone
- 🧾 Some readers felt the story was too short to fully develop its mystery, but enjoyed the premise and pacing
- 💬 “A quick little idea Connelly had that probably wasn’t enough for a full novel… still fun to read.” — StoryGraph reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 25 pages, it’s more of a vignette than a full-fledged mystery
- 📚 Best for existing fans: Readers familiar with Bosch and Walling will appreciate the character dynamics more
- 🧾 Limited character development: The story focuses on plot and atmosphere over emotional depth
🏁 Final Verdict
Blue on Black is a tight, moody short story that offers a satisfying dose of Michael Connelly’s crime fiction style. While it may not deliver the complexity of a full Bosch novel, it’s a worthwhile read for fans who enjoy quick mysteries with sharp dialogue and subtle clues.
