Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1)

The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1)
The Black Echo - Harry Bosch, Bk 1
Author: Michael Connelly
ISBN-13: 9780316120395
ISBN-10: 0316120391
Publication Date: 10/28/2010
Pages: 640
Edition: Lrg
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 3

4.2 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

89 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

ceylang avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Just read this first installment of the Harry Bosch series and thought it was great! Great page turner, surprised me at the end.
ProfDon avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
In this book we get a deeper look into Harry Bosch's past and we learn just how deeply his time as a 'tunnel rat' in Vietnam helped to mold his character. This tale of murder and mayhem built around a bank heist (or two?) by tunnelers has the usual number of 'gotchas' as Connelly's characters reveal who they are and are not. Darn good read.
MyLikeIt avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 450 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Connelly is one of the finest authors working in the mystery/thriller genre. The Harry Bosch series is outstanding and should not be missed by anyone who enjoys mysteries or police procedurals. This is the first in the Harry Bosch series. Highly recommended!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I wanted to try an author I haven't read before and saw Michael Connelly on The Craig Ferguson Show. He was very humorous and the conversation was easy so I hoped that his writing style would be the same. I was not disappointed with this story. I felt that it developed well and I was satisfied at the end, although I had a suspicision of who the real culprit was from about the middle of the book. The main character of Harry Boush is a likeable one and I can't wait to keep reading this series. I would recommend anyone who likes mysteries and/or cop dramas to give Michael Connelly a try.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
While not the first book by this author I've read, this was the first Harry Bosch novel and I couldn't be more thankful for it. It was a delightful read clear through and reminded me of the detective novels of old. A great read for anyone who enjoys the genre!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
I have become a huge fan of Michael Connelly's writing, and this is the first Harry Bosch novel, which I cannot get at my local library.

For fans of thrillers, Michael Connelly is your man. He is a gifted storyteller, and this book introduces his "main" character, Harry Bosch. Harry is a complex man who can be your worst enemy or your best friend. He is the type of detective you would want investigating a loved one's murder; he is intuitive and insightful and will not be dissuaded if he is convinced something just doesn't feel right. As a fan of great writing and one who loves the thrill ride with all of its twists and turns, I highly recommend Michael Connelly.
fox20000 avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Harry Bosch is one of my favorite detectives. This book has all the excitement and roller coaster feel of his best work. The atmosphere at the stakeouts are amazing and his thought processes is solving the case are just plain fun.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Harry at his best! If you are missing this one, pick it...you'll finish it the first day you get it in th mail. Harry hunting for a killer while fighting his own past.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Harry Bosch, my hero
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Good read. Very entertaining.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I liked this book very much, but then Connelly is one of my favorite authors, right behind the late great Robert B Parker.

I love the Harry Bosch character and Connelly's knowledge of police procedures and
his familiarity with Los Angles is second to none. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first in the Harry Bosch series. This is the 1st book that ive read by Michael Connelly. I am hooked. The ending will surprise you.
thecomet avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 125 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Harry Bosch, one of the best series out there. Great characters and great story lines that keep you wanting to read more.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 105 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My first Harry Bosch novel. Good detective story that starts small and slowly builds into a complex caper. I liked the book, but Harry hasn't won me over yet. I'll suspend judgment until I read Black Ice.

3.5 stars out of 5
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First of the Harry Bosch series. Solid story, very quick read.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Harry Bosch investigates a body found in a drainpipe at a dam. This one is personal because Harry knew the victim. I love Harry Bosch.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Connelly is a great story teller! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely love the Harry Bosch series! This is one of the early ones.
redheadindian avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! I am hooked on Connelly's thrillers and highly recommend them.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Michael Connelly's first Harry Bosch-L.A. cop book. Fast moving,good reading who done it. four and a half stars.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Michael Connelly never disappoints. His Harry Bosch books can be gritty but you can't help but feel deeply for the character
mrrob avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a really good detective story. I don't know why, but I pictured the main character, Harry Bosch, as a pudgy, overweight, "Columbo" type of guy. But he's described as a wiry, nice looking, sharp detective. Oh well, that's my imagination, and has nothing to do with the story.
This story will keep you on your toes wondering just who is behind everything!
A good, quick read & highly recommended!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Connelly is a master mystery writer. As a former police reporter myself, I can appreciate his love/hate representation for "the job" through his protaginist Harry Bosch. Black Echo kept me hanging and thinking till the end.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Page turner, hard to put down.
dutchmade avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Michael Connelly's first fiction debut keeps you in suspense until the end.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Great read...I'll be looking for more in this series.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
For my money this is a rather mundane mystery. I had never known of this author and was disappointed in this book as I had expected more from him. I have read one more of his novels and don't intend to read any more.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Great read. Fast moving and surprise ending.Yea!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 174 more book reviews
Good Harry Bosch tale. He surely has ESP as clues just seem to fall in his lap but there's enough good action to keep you interested and wondering.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
exciting story
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 374 more book reviews
The first of the Bosh series. Good story to the end. Bosh ties a body found to a major robbery tied to Viet Nam vets and refugees.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 204 more book reviews
This is one of those books that I had a very hard time getting into but I am the kind of person that must finish a book once I have started it. Boy am I glad I hung in there. The story became very entertaing and the polt was well written. This is one of those that I ended up not being able to put down for the last 100 pages.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 108 more book reviews
The FIRST Harry Bosch book. Great series and keeps you on edge until the end.
deserttrout avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Visions of Vietnam and searching tunnels revisit Det. Bosch after a body is found in a drainage pipe who happened to be a former comrade of arms. Good reading.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 111 more book reviews
One of Connelly's best, with echoes of the Vietnam War and a haunting narrative. Very memorable. Highly recommended.

Connelly is one of the best mystery writers around today. Articulate, literate, creative, he is for me one of those who are currently holding the gold standard. He can sometimes seem unrelentingly dark, but he's never boring, and never ever stupid.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Fun to read, quick pace. Great for waiting and traveling.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
the first of the Harry Bosch Books - great read
jshumor avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A body in a drainpipe leads Harry Bosch into a case that becomes personal.He finds that the murdered man was a fellow "Tunnel Rat" Vietnam vet.Harry had fought side by side with this guy and has flashbacks of the hideous parts of the war. He fights his way through blind alleys that lead to a daring heist and other complications you need to read to believe.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
Great thriller! Michael Connelly is a master story teller with great attention to detail. This is the second in the Harry Bosch series. He is a meverick LAPD homicide detective who gets assigned to a murder that becomes personal going all the way back to his Viet Nam days. A fascinating thriller and you'll be surprised who the final traitor turns out to be. Don't miss this one.
rfdudley avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 75 more book reviews
Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors. This is the first Harry Bosch book and I've read several others so wanted to pick up from the beginning as I like his character.
twocavaliers avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
This 1 is the start to the series. I enjoyed it, good plot good characters, very well done, right up to the ending, no loose ends. . .now on to Black Ice.
blackhorsecav avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
like all Connelly books, this is excellant
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 204 more book reviews
This is one of those books that I had a very hard time getting into but I am the kind of person that must finish a book once I have started it. Boy am I glad I hung in there. The story became very entertaing and the polt was well written. This is one of those that I ended up not being able to put down for the last 100 pages.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
The first Harry Bosch novel. Great read.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 329 more book reviews
I enjoyed the book very much. Lots of twists and turns and just when I thought I knew it all, boom, another surprise came up. I did feel there was lots of repetition and found that kind of boring but all in all I enjoyed the book. I have always liked Michael Connellys books.
bellasgranny avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 468 more book reviews
Really enjoyed this first book in the Harry Bosch series. Love the character and the writing. Have already moved on to the second in the series.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 437 more book reviews
Enjoyable detective action and intrigue.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Another good read in the Harry Bosch series
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
I'm new to Connelly's Bosch character, and while not usually a fan of on-going characters, I'll most certainly be making an exception for this one.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Wow this book keeps you guessing till the end. Justt when you think you have figured it out, nope ... not it.

Connelly is such an intelligent writer, you are right there in the midst of the action as you are drawn into each and every page and every character.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 151 more book reviews
A really super read
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 210 more book reviews
High tension....left me short of breath and wanting more.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
The first Harry Bosch book will hook you in for the whole series!
cnmor avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 93 more book reviews
I enjoy Connelly's Harry Bosch books.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Ever since I read Connelly's The Poet, I have been well entertained by his novels. The Black Echo is no exception. Very well written.
stapete avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Early Harry Bosch mystery...
BlueFox avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
The first Harry Bosch novel, winner of The Edgar Award for best first novel.
This book has it all suspense, chilling, fear, survival.
From book back: ...for maverick LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe...is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal...because the murdered man was a fellow Vietnam 'tunnel rat' who had fought side by side with him in a hellish underground war. Now Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam...
Tunerlady avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 581 more book reviews
This is the first book of the Harry Bosch series. I had already read two from the series and they were so good, wanted to start at the beginning. This was excellent - very exciting with lots of twists, turns and action!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on
Great book
robinmy avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 2109 more book reviews
The dead man in the pipe was Billy Meadows. He wasn't a junkie who overdosed as everyone was supposed to believe. He was a former Vietnam vet who had been murdered. LAPD Homicide Detective Harry Bosch recognized him and vowed to track down his killer. Joining with FBI Agent Eleanor Wise, Harry uncovers information about a bank robbery, drugs and murder. Now if he can keep Internal Affairs off his back, he just might be able to find Billy's killer.

This is the first book in the Harry Bosch series and I found it to be a very good mystery with lots of twists. We learn about Harry's past in Vietnam and why he is driven to find Billy's killer. My rating: 4 Stars.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Exciting mystery full of twists and turns. Good, rich character development. Interesting (and abrupt) changes in direction. I look forward to more of Harry!
mamatraub avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 151 more book reviews
Just finished this book. Harry Bosch is at it (again- is this the first). He needs to solve a murder of a man from his Vietnam past, the murder leads to a bank robbery and goes up from there.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 107 more book reviews
A great Harry Bosch book.
trekie70 avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 291 more book reviews
First book in Harry Bosch series-excellent read.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
First book in the Harry Bosch series. Great fast paced read!
nccorthu avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 569 more book reviews
A fine thriller, cop, detective story.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 142 more book reviews
This is Michael Connelly's first novel and the first in the Harry Bosch series. He won the Edgar for it for best first novel and it was very well deserved. Connelly is a master.
perryfran avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 1224 more book reviews
This is the first entry in the Harry Bosch series by Connelly. I read a couple of Connelly's other books a few years ago but this is the first Bosch novel that I have read. I decided to try these after seeing the first season of Bosch on Amazon Prime which I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed the other Connelly books that I have read, especially The Poet, so am glad that I finally got back to him. I really enjoyed The Black Echo and the Bosch character who is a maverick police detective working out of the Hollywood division in California. In this one, we learn about Bosch's background in Vietnam where he was a tunnel rat, who was sent into the myriad tunnels in Vietnam looking for VC. When a body is discovered in a tunnel above Mulholland Reservoir, Bosch is sent to investigate and finds out the body was one of his fellow tunnel rats, named Meadows, who he knew in Nam. Bosch is then able to tie Meadows and his murder to an unsolved bank heist where the robbers had tunneled into a bank vault and absconded with the contents of hundreds of safety deposit boxes. But were the robbers really after the contents of the boxes or was there a specific target? Along the way, Bosch teams up with a female FBI agent, Eleanor Wish, who he also has an affair with. He is also hounded by internal affairs who thought he may be involved with the bank heist. A very good entry in this series with a twist at the end that I was not expecting. I will be reading more in this series!
eadieburke avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 1639 more book reviews
I enjoyed this first Harry Bosch novel very much. It was a well-plotted story with lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
In this book you learn a lot about Harry Bosch past. It is an excellent detective story.
krazkat13 avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
This was a great intro to the character Harry Bosch.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Abridged - 4 audio cassettes - 6 hours - read by Dick Hill
debs avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 650 more book reviews
Wow, another excellent book in the Harry Bosch series. Will keep you guessing with twists through and through, all the way to the end. Real page-turner.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Loved the twists and turns, ready for the next..
MichaelS avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
This is the first of the Harry Bosch books. I can't wait to read the rest.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
for readers of harry bosch this book should be read first.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Another good book by Connelly.
agility4me avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 58 more book reviews
I didn't read this one but my Dad did and he said it's typical Michael Connelly, GREAT!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 96 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Harry Bosch series, and it was wonderful. I'm about to read the second, and I can hardly wait.
Sandiinmississippi avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 265 more book reviews
For Connelly fans this is a good read.
damgto1 avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Good, in depth police procedural book with some good twists. A little slow at first but eventually gets moving quicker.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 223 more book reviews
Really good book. Bosch has to face the horrors of Vietnam in the case he solves in this book. He is also lied by his new partner which to Bosch is the greatest betrayal of all.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
I love Harry Bosch novels!
From Publishers Weekly
Connelly transcends the standard L.A. police procedural with this original and eminently authentic first novel, featuring Hieronymus (aka Harry) Bosch, a former hero cop exiled to the small-time Beverly Hills force. In July, Little, Brown will publish a sequel, Black Ice .
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 683 more book reviews
Dective Harry bosch takes it personal when his friend Billy Meadows is killed.Joining him is a seductive FBI agent. Every good novel needs the romantic.
mountainreader avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 113 more book reviews
For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch- hero, maverick, nighthawk- the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal. A great book!
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 222 more book reviews
For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch - hero, maverick, nighthawk - the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.
sealady avatar reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 657 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly: "Connelly transcends the standard L.A. police procedural with this original and eminently authentic first novel, featuring Hieronymus (aka Harry) Bosch, a former hero cop exiled to the small-time Beverly Hills force." Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal: "Harry Bosch likes order, contends that there are no coincidences, and keeps meticulous records in his ``murder book.'' When the body of a former ``tunnel rat'' from Vietnam is found in a drainpipe, Harry is the detective on duty and is called to the scene. His identification of the body begins an investigation that leads to more murder, bank robbery, heroin, diamonds, and betrayal. Connelly's descriptions of autopsies, murder scenes, and police procedure are vivid and realistic. The use of acronyms and police jargon puts readers in the middle of the action. A real page turner with gutty realism and an unusual twist." Debbie Hyman, R. E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 149 more book reviews
For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch hero, maverick, nighthawk the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.
The dead man, Billy Meadows, was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who fought side by side with him in a nightmare underground war that brought them to the depths of hell. Now, Bosch is about to relive the horrors of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city to the tortuous link that must be uncovered, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit.
Joining with an enigmatic female FBI agent, pitted against enemies within his own department, Bosch must make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, as he tracks down a killer whose true face will shock him.

The Black Echo won the Edgar Award for Best First Mystery Novel awarded by the Mystery Writers of America.
reviewed The Black Echo (Harry Bosch, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
Michael Connelly's first book featuring Harry Bosch.
For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch -- hero, maverick, nighthawk -- the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.

The dead man, Billy Meadows, was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who fought side by side with him in a nightmare underground war that brought them to the depths of hell. Now, Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city to the tortuous link that must be uncovered, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit.

Joining with an enigmatic and seductive female FBI agent, pitted against enemies inside his own department, Bosch must make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, as he tracks down a killer whose true face will shock him.