Sunday, February 23, 2020

City of Bones

A resident in Laurel Canyon reports that his dog found a bone on the nearby hill and that it is a human bone.  Though doubtful, Bosch goes to check on it.  The resident who found it is a retired medical doctor who declares that it is a humerus.  Harry climbed the hill and located more remains.  The next day, an archeological dig is brought in to excavate.  Soon, the bones of a 10 to 12 year-old boy are found and they tell a tale of long-term child abuse.  Dating puts the death between 1975 and 1985.

Harry's marriage is confirmed to be over and he gets involved with a rookie cop met at the scene.  Julia is old for a rookie, having spent time as a lawyer and world traveler before becoming a cop.  She is eager to learn.  In fact, she is impatient to get to Bosch's level rather than driving is a black & white where she deals with domestic disturbances.

The story is gripping as the history of the boy is revealed and the story of his tragic life becomes clear.  Even the hard-boiled Bosch finds himself emotional.  His partner Jerry Edgar, who is a father, is unforgiving of all those who had known the boy.

Of note, this story was used as the first season of the TV Series.  That version is different from this one but also quite good.

Highly recommended.

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