Book Review
Sonya Kerr
As a huge consumer of crime fiction, it was surprising to me to realise that I had never actually read anything by prolific author Michael Connelly. I had been exposed to his work through tv and film adaptations – The Lincoln Lawyer, Blood Work and most notably the series Bosch, but had never actually turned a single page. So it was as a total Connelly newbie that I started his latest book ‘The Late Show’.
‘The Late Show’, Connelly’s 30th novel, introduces a new character into his stable, Detective Renee Ballard of the LAPD’s Hollywood division. His first new character in 10 years and his first female protagonist.
After filing sexual harassment charges against her superior, and being betrayed by her partner, who refused to back her up, Ballard is banished to the night shift – “the late show”. She is stuck in a never ending cycle of beginning investigations, but never clearing them.
Her current partner, John Jenkins works the late show by choice. The regular hours, and the fact that every case they deal with gets turned over to the day shift, gives him time to take care of his sick wife. Ballard ends up working alone more often than not, which suits her just fine.
The book begins with Ballard and Jenkins at a call out to investigate a suspected credit card fraud. A pretty routine case, but such is the life of a detective on the late show. On the way back to the precinct, they are diverted to the hospital, where the victim of a vicious beating is being treated. The victim turns out to be a transgender prostitute, and Ballard can’t help but cling to the case. She senses that there is more to this story and doesn’t want to hand this one over. Ballard knows there’s a ‘big evil’ out there and she wants to be the one to bring it into the light. But the shift is not over yet. Ballard and Jenkins also get called to assist at a nightclub shooting that left 5 people dead, including a young woman who was working as a waitress and was caught in the crossfire. Ballard is sent to secure the young woman’s effects, and she unwillingly ends up getting drawn further into the investigation.
Each one of these cases turns out to be more complicated than first thought, and we are taken on a crazy ride with Ballard, as she fights against prejudice, corruption and institutionalised self protection to bring peace to the victims and justice to the perpetrators.
I adored the character of Renee Ballard. She’s a hard boiled detective with all the issues that go with it. She’s strong willed, witty and intelligent. She’s got her issues, don’t we all, but her drive and need to see justice prevail fuel her with an almost righteous fire. Her experience with the misogyny in the force may have tarnished her and cause her to bite back hard at those who have crossed her, but she’s open, compassionate and willing to push herself to find some form of resolution for the victims of the crimes she investigates. These instincts puts her in some pretty dangerous situations, but she’s willing to sacrifice for them.
Connelly knows how to keep you hooked, switching from case to case, introducing new characters and situations, establishing the professional life of Renee Ballard, but also giving us plenty of her personal story and tragedy. You would think, with so much going on, it would be difficult to keep up with each situation, but Connelly keeps his well practised hand tight on the reins. It’s a very smooth read.
By the final page, Ballard has established herself as a detective worthy to prowl the mean streets alongside the likes of Marlowe, Spade and of course, Bosch.
One line sum up – Perfect commuter reading.
