Michael Connelly’s second Bosch and Ballard book really cements the partnership which tentatively began in Dark Sacred Night. The pair work together on an unsolved case which appears to have haunted Bosch’s old mentor, John Jack Thompson – so much so, that after he dies, he leaves instructions for Harry to get the murder book. On first glance, it all looks too straightforward, but as Harry Bosch and Renée Ballard dig deeper they begin to discover all manner of skeletons in closets. Meanwhile, Ballard is also chasing up on a case that no one else cares about – the death by fire of a homeless vagrant. Read our review here.

Also check out our full guide to the Harry Bosch series.