The Crossing

I just loved this book; every last bit of it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It would depend on which friend but if the friend liked fast paced mystery-thriller books, yes I would.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It certainly kept me engaged.

What does Titus Welliver bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

More than anything, he brings me Bosch. He sounds like I think Bosch should.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was, but I couldn't. I listened every chance I got, though

Any additional comments?

I'm excited to have Bosch and Haller working together. I'd like to see Bosch loosen up a little but that's me.

33 of 34 people found this review helpful

Bosch Delivers Bigtime

I've read or listened to every book by Connelly. In my opinion, Titus Welliver is by far the best narrator of the 20 odd books in this series. Its only fitting since he plays Bosch in the new tv series. Bosch is a serious character with little emotion or humor. He does not suffer fools, even when they are his family. The narrator has to bring out his humanity without the benefit of a huge personality and Welliver delivers brilliantly.

In the Crossing, Bosch reluctantly agrees to review the murder book of a case his step brother, Mickey Haller of The Lincoln Lawyer fame, is currently working. He is reluctantant because active police forces regard defense attorneys as little better than the criminals they represent. As independent a character as Bosch has always been, he dreads being viewed by his former peers as a sellout. Even in the face of rampant police malpractice, intimidation, ineptitude and criminal behavior, he reluctantly works for an innocent man wo is framed by the police.

I understand Mr. Connelly was a crime reporter for many years. One of the reasons I love his books is the contrasting views he provides us of the justice system from the contrasting eyes of the detectives, press, prosecution, suspects and victims. It is always a complicated, frustrating process to write about. I appreciate the realism he brings to every novel.

So it's another great novel from America's king of police procedurals.

79 of 86 people found this review helpful

CONNELLY IS BACK!

I was very disappointed in the last Harry Bosch book, after buying ALL in the series. It was like someone had ghostwritten that story. But Connelly is back in this one. Plus, the best of his best are combined. "Lincoln Lawyer" Mickey Haller hires Harry as his investigator and the step-brothers really deliver! Even actor Titus Welliver does much better here than he did in the previous installment. Well played, Connelly!

37 of 40 people found this review helpful

Harry Bosch At his best !!! Fabulous Narrator!

This is a wonderful read... I enjoyed it so much that I immediately looked for another Connelly novel read by Titus Welliver. Found only one other Bosch novel read by Welliver, "The Burning Room" which is another very good murder-mystery-suspense novel.

This story involves murder, mystery, courtroom drama and investigative suspense. That's Harry Bosch's niche. As described in the publisher's summary, Bosch's half brother Mickey Haller asks for his help with a case that he trusts that only Bosch's skills can help solve. Although Bosch wants to help his brother, crossing the isle to the defense side in the courtroom is difficult and leaves a bad taste in Bosch's mouth, but he does it and gets to the bottom of the mysteries the story holds. I thought the ending of this story was an unexpected twist/surprise.

I am a diehard Connelly fan and have read most of his novels. This is one of his better storylines. For sure, Titus Welliver is probably the best narrator of Connelly novels along with Dick Hill.

If you like a good story without too much "fluff" or unnecessary detours away from the story, then you will mostly likely love this listen. Not too many characters to keep sorted out, and the main characters are introduced in a memorable way.

Highly Recommend.

62 of 69 people found this review helpful

Where next Harry?

The great thing about this book, I can't wait for the next. Michael does a superb job of taking Harry to the crossroads. The question is, where is the next chapter going.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Painful listening experience.

Would you try another book from Michael Connelly and/or Titus Welliver?

No and no.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Another murder/mystery by a different author.

Would you be willing to try another one of Titus Welliver’s performances?

Absolutely not and I will avoid any book he reads. It was impossible to tell the difference between the two main characters. Mr. Welliver did not change the pitch or diction when he switched between the two brothers and they sounded exactly alike. Mr. Welliver also seemed to read the whole book almost in a monotone. It was really hard to get through this book!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. Usually, my Audible experiences are wonderful!!

Any additional comments?

3 of the happiest words in the English language to hear..."This is Audible." I usually know that is the sound of a great adventure headed my way!!
:)

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Titus Welliver greatly improved

Where does The Crossing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I like the way Connelly highlights the keen eye of the detective and its role in solving the case.

What does Titus Welliver bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was a poor reader his first time around, but he has proven that he has what it takes. He does good voices and credible accents, especially the Asian.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Watch whose path you cross.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Mickey Haller & Harry Bosch Together: Yay!

Connelly is a pro. He gives fans everything they want in "The Crossing" including his twin star characters. What can go wrong? Well, nothing. If you like Bosch and Haller you'll like this and Titus Welliver has the gift to deftly reveal the nuances in this ensemble.

19 of 21 people found this review helpful

Another excellent Michael Connelly novel

All of Michael Connelly's books are in my Audible library. The Crossing includes both of Connelly's major characters, retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch and his half brother Mickey (Lincoln Lawyer) Haller with Bosch playing the larger role. In this novel Bosch goes over to the "dark side" (vs. police side) to try to determine if one of Haller's clients who is indicted for murder is really guilty. Bosch uses the same bloodhound talents that he has previously used as an LAPD detective.

The Crossing is an outstanding novel which is as good as any of the other 19 novels in the Harry Bosch series.

Narration is excellent although not quite as good as some prior narrators of the series such as Dick Hill.

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

42 of 51 people found this review helpful

Dissapointed with the Narrator

Would you consider the audio edition of The Crossing to be better than the print version?

I enjoy Connelly's books and loved Titus Welliver's portrayal of Bosch on Amazon. I also loved his work on Sons of Anarchy. I assumed that this work would be just as nuanced and was looking forward to hearing his interpretation. I should have listened to the audio sample. Every character sound the same! You cannot tell who is speaking unless he names the character. I am interested in the story but would never have purchased the book if I had known that a trained actor would choose to read the story in a dull, dry tone with no character work. I have had better experiences with college professors reading the textbook out loud than hearing Welliver read this book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful