A Conversation about "The Waiting" by Michael Connelly
As soon as I saw Michael Connelly’s latest release, The Waiting, pop up on my radar, I felt that familiar thrill of anticipation that accompanies any new installment in the Harry Bosch and Renée Ballard series. There’s something about Connelly’s ability to weave together gripping plots with deeply human characters that always draws me in. This time, I was especially eager to dive in after my mixed feelings about Desert Star. Fortunately, The Waiting turned out to be a refreshing and rewarding experience.
In this sixth volume featuring Renée Ballard, Connelly restores our protagonist to her rightful place as the primary investigator, something I found lacking in the previous book. Gone is the bureaucratic shadow I sensed creeping into Ballard’s role; instead, she steps into the spotlight with a fierce determination. The focus on her character helps to unpack the nuances of her backstory, including the childhood trauma that has shaped her approach to life and work. I found this development particularly compelling, as it added depth to her already strong personality.
The narrative is structured around three interconnected investigative threads. Ballard’s journey begins with the theft of her badge, ID, and gun while she enjoys an early-morning surf, a captivating incident that leads her into a dangerous underbelly of crime in Los Angeles. Her decision to keep the theft under wraps adds an intriguing layer of tension to the story. What struck me most was the way she juggles this personal case alongside her responsibility as the leader of the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit. Each investigation pulses with urgency and curiosity, especially the DNA familial search linked to the Pillowcase Rapist—a name that sent chills down my spine. This case, rich with secrets and unexpected outcomes from high school, was by far the most riveting of the storylines.
Connelly’s writing style remains as engaging as ever, blending realistic dialogue with vivid geographic imagery of Los Angeles that almost feels like a character itself. I appreciated how he tackled the city’s declining conditions without heavy-handedness. Through Ballard’s observations, we catch hints of the challenges local law enforcement faces in a world where certain crimes have become commonplace.
The title, The Waiting, derives from a Tom Petty song that echoes throughout the book, symbolizing the constant tension of anticipation that Ballard and her team wrestle with. This thematic thread resonated with me, reflecting a broader commentary on patience in our lives, both personally and professionally.
However, I did have mixed feelings about the subplot involving Maddie Bosch and the infamous Black Dahlia case. While it seems like a natural connection to draw with Harry’s legacy, Maddie didn’t quite capture my attention as I hoped she would. Her character needed more development to stand out amid the intriguing dynamics surrounding her.
In conclusion, while The Waiting may not quite reach the heights of The Dark Hours, it stands tall against Desert Star, earning a solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 in my book. I would wholeheartedly recommend this title to fans of crime fiction, particularly those who appreciate character-driven narratives. Connelly has crafted a thrilling, introspective journey that not only delivers on tension but also invites readers to reflect on the scars we carry and the waiting we endure in life. If you’ve ever found solace in a well-told story about determination and human resilience, this book is for you.
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