#1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly introduces Renee Ballard, a fierce young detective fighting to prove herself on the LAPD’s toughest beat–the Late Show.Renee Ballard works the midnight shift in Hollywood, beginning many investigations but finishing few, as each morning she turns everything over to the daytime units. It’s a frustrating job for a once up-and-coming detective, … job for a once up-and-coming detective, but it’s no accident. She’s been given this beat as punishment after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a supervisor.
But one night Ballard catches two assignments she doesn’t want to part with. First, a prostitute is brutally beaten and left for dead in a parking lot. All signs point to a crime of premeditation, not passion, by someone with big evil on his mind. Then she sees a young waitress breathe her last after being caught up in a nightclub shooting. Though dubbed a peripheral victim, the waitress buys Ballard a way in, and this time she is determined not to give up at dawn. Against orders and her partner’s wishes, she works both cases by day while maintaining her shift by night.
As the investigations intertwine, Ballard is forced to face her own demons and confront a danger she could never have imagined. To find justice for these victims who can’t speak for themselves, she must put not only her career but her life on the line.
Propulsive as a jolt of adrenaline and featuring a bold and defiant new heroien, The Late Show is yet more proof that Michael Connelly is “a master of the genre” (Washington Post).
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A great start to a new thrilling series. Connelly remains the king of police procedures. Hard to put down!
I am a big fan of Bosch books and looking forward to next year’s prime video.
This is quite the police procedural, even for Michael Connelly. This is not his best work but it kept me listening. I like that Ballard stands by her beliefs and loves the beach. After I read this book, I wanted to know more about her backstory. I am continuing to read this series.
I recently reread the book and enjoyed even more than the first time. Great , realistic characters.
The story of Renee Ballard, who either stays with her grandmother or pitches her tent on the beach.
A tenacious detective whose disagreement with her boss puts her on the night shift. I
I’m not sure anyone could go without sleep as long as Renee. It is definitely a cop book and worth the read.
I like all of Michael Connelly’s books, but ‘The Late Show,’ with its female police officer who works the late shift is a favourite.
My favorite one in the series.
I enjoyed this book, the female protagonist is smart, independent and does not give in to intimidation. I liked the plot, which had multiple cases being handled and gave a different view of the workings of a police department – the logistics of the night shift. I will be honest there is a twist at the end which I did not see coming because I got distracted by the “red herring” but once the solution was revealed I thought there could have been a little more detail concerning the resolution of some of the outstanding activities that occurred. Mr. Connolly has created another memorable character and I am looking forward to read more books about her adventures.
This is a good story, Bosch and I believe the first with Renee Ballard. She’s a great character added to one of my favorite series, Bosch.
Great story with a very interesting main character
I wanted to read it before I read the 2nd Renee Ballard book with Harry Bosch (love Harry). I was a page turner, finished it in 3 days. I enjoyed it but not one of Michael’s best. Worth the read and Renee is a bad a$$.
I RARELY leave a review that is not enthusiastic, but I really can’t recommend this book. I have read all of Michael Connelly’s previous books and enjoyed most of them — despite the fact that all of the female characters in the books (with the possible exception of Harry Bosch’s daughter) are negative and appear to show a misogynistic bent by the author. This book has a female protagonist, and even her name (Ballard) is weak compared to the tough-sounding names of typical male protagonists. But the worst part is this book is dull and the Ballard isn’t exactly someone you’d root for. I couldn’t finish this book. But if you’re interested in this book, definitely check other reviews. I’m sure some people enjoyed the book.
I got this Audio book from the library Great Audio book plenty of twist and turns.
I enjoyed the story line and the Renee Ballard character. I do enjoy a darker book and this one was that. The twist at the end was excellent
Loved reading this book. Got a good feel for the main character who certainly managed to get herself in some hot spots. Looking forward to reading more about her.
Another fabulous Harry Bosch mystery. Don’t miss it.
THIS BOOK IS SO FRICKING AWESOME! READ IT!
The suspense is almost unbearable at times.
Connelly introduces us to LAPD Detective Renee Ballard. A 14 year veteran, she works the night shift known as “the late show”. It’s where they put detectives who’ve had problems. Renee’s “problem” was that she filed an harassment complaint against her lieutenant that IAB ruled unfounded.
Late show D’s go out on calls where detectives are needed but they don’t follow through on cases. They turn them over to the day shift, file their paperwork and go home.
Well, Renee catches a case of a prostitute beaten so badly that she can’t turn her back on it.
The same night she becomes involved in the case of a waitress killed in a multiple shooting at a local nightclub.
Even though she’s told to stand down, she’s feels a responsibility to the victim.
When something happens to her ex partner….she’s gonna follow through. Damn right.
Both these cases will lead down shocking and very dangerous paths.
Renee Ballard is a skilled and determined investigator (and one tough cookie) and it is a treat watching this refreshing character being put through the paces of this propulsive plot.
Connelly is a master of police crime fiction
Bravo!
Writing is especially well crafted when describing Renee’s thoughts. Police procedural descriptions are especially detailed and dry, but probably necessary to backstop Renee’s theories and evidence. A very good read.
I was surprised I didn’t like this book more, as I am a fan of the author. i didn’t fine the characters likable and the action seemed to drag. It got better about halfway in, just as I was about to give up on it, but still not a book I was eager to keep reading.
Couldn’t put it down!