The Drop

Detective Harry Bosch and partner David Chu work in the open-unsolved unit.  A DNA match from a 20 year-old crime is assigned to them.  However, the matched drop of blood belongs to a man - a sex offender - who was only 8 years-old at the time of the crime.  Did forensic mix up a sample?  He is told to look into it quietly.  Before he leaves to tackle the case, his superior informs him that his DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) has been partially approved.  Bosch is at mandatory retirement but gets an additional 39 months through the DROP.  Bosch and Chu have hardly begun their case when they are summoned to the chief's office.  George Irving, son of Bosch's longtime nemesis and former Assistant Chief Irvin Irving, has been found dead, an apparent suicide.  On the other hand, there are indications that he may have been dropped while unconscious.

The two cases are independent of one another, which makes this feel like two books in one.  The investigation of George Irving dominates the first part of the book while the DNA match consumes the second half.  Each bleeds over but one is clearly the dominant case at those points in the book.  Bosch's latest partner is another disappointment.  The departure of Jerry Edgar and Kiz Rider has resulted in mediocre replacements.  Connelly has put a lot less effort into Iggy Ferras and David Chu.  Both feel more like a burden than a partner.  Maybe Bosch is becoming a crotchety old man compared to his younger partners.

Though the title is simple, it is probably one of the best titles ever.  Everything is a drop, just not the same kind of drop.  I wonder if he came up with the title and then the various links.

Highly recommended.