The Harry Bosch Series In Order refers to the collection of novels featuring the titular character, Harry Bosch, created by renowned author Michael Connelly. Bosch, a relentless and complex LAPD detective, navigates through gripping investigations while facing personal demons.
In this article, we will discuss the chronological order of the Harry Bosch series, providing readers with a guide to experiencing the thrilling adventures of this iconic character from his earliest cases to his latest endeavors.
Understanding Harry Bosch Series
The Harry Bosch series is a popular collection of crime novels written by Michael Connelly, featuring Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch as the main character. Harry Bosch is a dedicated and tenacious detective working in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Division. The series stands out for its detailed police procedural elements, complex character development, and the exploration of moral complexities in the justice system. Let me give you a quick rundown on what makes this series tick:
Main Character
- Harry Bosch: Named after the 15th-century Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch, known for his detailed and complex imagery of hell and fantasy, Harry carries a similar depth and complexity in his character. He’s a Vietnam War veteran who works with a strong sense of justice, often finding himself at odds with the bureaucracy of the LAPD and the realities of the legal system.
Themes
- Justice and Morality: The series frequently explores what justice means in a complex, often morally ambiguous world. Bosch’s quest for truth and justice is a central theme, with many stories questioning how far one should go in the pursuit of justice.
- Corruption and Politics: Bosch often battles not just criminals but the political and bureaucratic challenges within the LAPD and the broader legal system, highlighting corruption and the difficulties of navigating such an environment.
- Personal Demons and Redemption: Bosch’s personal history, including his traumatic experiences in Vietnam and his mother’s murder, play a significant role in shaping his character. The series delves into his struggles and his quest for redemption, both personal and for the victims he seeks justice for.
Structure and Style
- Police Procedurals: The series is well-regarded for its accurate depiction of police work and procedures, drawing on Connelly’s own background in crime reporting.
- Los Angeles as a Character: The city of Los Angeles is more than just a setting in the series; it’s portrayed with a depth that gives it character-like qualities. Its diverse neighborhoods, culture, and history are integral to the narrative.
Reading Order
The series can be read in publication order, starting with “The Black Echo” (1992), which introduces Harry Bosch and sets the stage for the themes and character development that will unfold. There are over 20 books in the series, allowing readers to follow Bosch’s career and personal evolution over time.
Adaptations
- The series has been adapted into the TV show “Bosch,” starring Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch. The show has received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the books’ tone and character, though it takes some liberties with the plot and order of events.
Complete Harry Bosch Series In Order
- The Black Echo (1992)
- The Black Ice (1993)
- The Concrete Blonde (1994)
- The Last Coyote (1995)
- Trunk Music (1997)
- Angels Flight (1998)
- A Darkness More Than Night (2000)
- City Of Bones (2002)
- Lost Light (2003)
- The Narrows (2004)
- The Closers (2005)
- Echo Park (2006)
- The Overlook (2007)
- Nine Dragons (2009)
- Suicide Run (2011)
- The Drop (2011)
- Angle of Investigation (2011)
- The Black Box (2012)
- Switchblade (2014)
- The Burning Room (2014)
- The Crossing (2015)
- The Wrong Side of Goodbye (2016)
- Blue on Black (2016)
- Two Kinds of Truth (2017)
- Dark Sacred Night (2018)
- The Night Fire (2019)
- The Dark Hours (2021)
- Desert Star (2022)
“The Black Echo (1992)”: Introduces LAPD detective Harry Bosch investigating a case involving a dead body found in a drainpipe. It uncovers a complex web of corruption and deceit.
“The Black Ice (1993)”: Bosch investigates the death of a fellow officer in a drug-related case, uncovering a conspiracy involving drug trafficking.
“The Concrete Blonde (1994)”: Bosch faces a lawsuit after a suspected serial killer he shot turns out to be innocent, leading him to reopen the case.
“The Last Coyote (1995)”: Suspended from duty, Bosch delves into his own past to solve the murder of his mother, unearthing family secrets.
“Trunk Music (1997)”: Bosch returns to the force to investigate the murder of a movie producer found in the trunk of his Rolls Royce.
“Angels Flight (1998)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a prominent attorney amidst racial tensions in Los Angeles.
“A Darkness More Than Night (2000)”: Bosch teams up with FBI profiler Terry McCaleb to solve a murder case, but tensions arise between them.
“City Of Bones (2002)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a young boy, leading him to uncover a series of dark secrets in the city.
“Lost Light (2003)”: Retired from the LAPD, Bosch investigates an unsolved case involving a missing person, facing personal and professional challenges.
“The Narrows (2004)”: Bosch takes on a cold case involving the murder of a young woman, leading him into the dangerous world of organized crime.
“The Closers (2005)”: Reinstated to the LAPD, Bosch joins the Open-Unsolved Unit to solve cold cases, including a decades-old murder.
“Echo Park (2006)”: Bosch reopens an old case involving a missing woman, uncovering new evidence that changes everything.
“The Overlook (2007)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a physicist, uncovering a conspiracy involving stolen radioactive material.
“Nine Dragons (2009)”: Bosch travels to Hong Kong to investigate the murder of a Chinese immigrant, facing personal and professional challenges.
“Suicide Run (2011)”: A collection of short stories featuring Bosch tackling various cases throughout his career.
“The Drop (2011)”: Bosch investigates the death of a fellow officer’s son, uncovering corruption within the police department.
“Angle of Investigation (2011)”: Another collection of short stories featuring Bosch solving different cases.
“The Black Box (2012)”: Bosch reopens a case from the 1992 Los Angeles riots, searching for justice amidst political tensions.
“Switchblade (2014)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a high-profile attorney, uncovering corruption within the legal system.
“The Burning Room (2014)”: Bosch and his new partner investigate a cold case involving a deadly fire, uncovering hidden motives.
“The Crossing (2015)”: Bosch teams up with his half-brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, to solve a murder case.
“The Wrong Side of Goodbye (2016)”: Bosch juggles two cases – one involving a billionaire’s missing heir and another concerning a serial rapist.
“Blue on Black (2016)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a veteran, uncovering a trail of corruption and betrayal.
“Two Kinds of Truth (2017)”: Bosch is drawn into two cases – one involving a pharmaceutical scam and another concerning a wrongful conviction.
“Dark Sacred Night (2018)”: Bosch teams up with LAPD detective Renée Ballard to solve a cold case, forming an unlikely partnership.
“The Night Fire (2019)”: Bosch and Ballard investigate the murder of a mentor figure, uncovering connections to a cold case from Ballard’s past.
“The Dark Hours (2021)”: Bosch investigates the murder of a judge, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens to shake the foundations of the justice system.
“Desert Star (2022)”: Bosch faces his toughest challenge yet as he investigates a series of murders in the Mojave Desert, confronting his own demons along the way.
FAQs
What is the Harry Bosch Series about?
The Harry Bosch Series follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he solves complex cases in Los Angeles while navigating personal challenges and ethical dilemmas.
How many books are in the Harry Bosch Series?
As of now, there are over 20 books in the Harry Bosch Series, including novels, short stories, and crossover books featuring other characters from Michael Connelly’s fictional universe.
What order should I read the Harry Bosch Series in?
It’s recommended to start with “The Black Echo” and proceed chronologically. However, each book can stand alone, so readers can also explore based on their interests.
Are there TV adaptations of the Harry Bosch Series?
Yes, the Harry Bosch Series has been adapted into the television series “Bosch,” available on Amazon Prime Video. The show captures the essence of the books and has garnered a dedicated fan base.
Conclusion
The Harry Bosch series takes readers on a gripping journey through the life of a detective committed to justice. Each book builds on the last, creating a deep, interconnected story. This series is a must for those who love mystery and crime novels.
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