THE HOLLOW by Michael Connelly

5 stars

We finally learn more about an aging Harry Bosch, as he’s forced to confront atrocities at the abusive MacClaren orphanage in which he spent his childhood in the 1960.

MacClaren has been closed by the state and is about to be demolished, and Bosch has the option of joining a class action civil suit. Bosch joins the suit not because he wants damages, but because doing so gives him access to the orphanage’s records. Bosch has been haunted by the death of Charlie Lamb, known as Chops, a Black boy he befriended there. After being punished by being sent to a dank space under a staircase known as “The Hollow,” Chops was found dead there from blunt force trauma. Neither the orphanage nor the police cared enough to investigate. Bosch picks up this “dead case” with both the experience of his six decades as an investigator and the heart of a friend. He also wants to give any damages he receives, likely around $350,000, to a charity in Chop’s honor.

Bosch goes on a quest to find Chops killer, with all the wisdom, grounding, and tenacity he’s built over the past 60 years. There are some distractions in the way: Bosch inadvertently trips over a federal investigation into a powerful gang leader who also spent time at MacClaren, has the gang leader’s goons after him while also working a cold case on the side.

Bosch emerges ever more the hero who finds a way to vigilante justice for his friend.

Thanks to Little Brown & Company and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.