Desert Star (Ballard & Bosch Book 5)

In Desert Star, the fifth instalment of Michael Connelly's thrilling Ballard & Bosch series, former LAPD detective Rene Ballard faces an uphill battle. A year prior, she had left the department, disillusioned by ingrained misogyny and bureaucratic hurdles. Yet the lure of her dream job pulls her back—a chance to spearhead a new cold case unit. Understanding the gravity of unsolved crimes, she extends an enticing proposition to retired detective Harry Bosch: volunteer his expertise and, in return, delve into his own haunting cold case—the brutal murder of an entire family by a cunning psychopath who has evaded justice.

The pursuit of justice isn't straightforward, however, as there's an additional murder that demands their immediate attention. As they delve deeper into the investigation, suspicions and secrets test their partnership. Can Bosch, with his unparalleled intuition and experience, navigate the layers of deception and silence the demons of unfinished business? Can Ballard leverage her instincts and distinctive perspective to untangle the intricate web spun by a determined killer?

In this gripping narrative, Ballard and Bosch must overcome past resentments and harmonize their distinct styles to tackle cases that have long grown cold. Their relentless pursuit illuminates the shadows of Los Angeles, rejuvenating trails that were once ice-cold.

Desert Star masterfully blends suspense with intriguing character development, promising fans an exhilarating ride as the unyielding detectives pursue justice. Michael Connelly's work is a testament to his expertise in crafting compelling narratives and complex characters, earning praise such as "This is brilliant crime writing, worthy of Raymond Chandler" from The Sydney Morning Herald and "Superb crime writing from a master" featured in The Australian.