I love every one of Michael Connelly's characters, and a book with 3 of them in it is wonderful. I look forward to Maddie and Ballard working together again.

Everytime I start one of Michael Connelly’s novels, I worry that this one will be the one that disappoints, that shows the author is losing his mojo. And every time I finish one, Imam amazed that I’ve just read another brilliant combination of investigative procedural, character development, and damn good plot. The Waiting focuses on Rene Ballard, with an initial quest for a stolen gun and badge evolving into something much more sinister. It’s billed as a Ballard and Bosch novel, but it is in actuality a Ballard & Bosch & Bosch as two generations of the family pitch in!

The awaiting is a fast paced novel involving the LAPD open and unsolved unit and their efforts in bringing closure to cold cases. Michael Connelly has delivered another hit book in The Ballard and a Bosch series.

A stellar addition to the Ballard series with a story that takes a fresh look at the issue of familial DNA involving a cold case and a new murder. Ballard and Bosch are familiar to readers, yet new facets of their personalities are revealed. The addition of Bosch's daughter Maddie is a nice touch. A twisty, slow burn read that heats up to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.

At first I wasn't sure about the addition of a new detective in this series, but it does make sense as Harry is getting old, and recovering from cancer. I do like the cold cases aspects of these books, a chance to revisit old characters. This is a solid addition to the series.

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard was enjoying her surf, which she tried to do most mornings before heading in to the Open-Unsolved Unit for her day's work, but the morning she returned to her vehicle and it had been broken into, with her badge, wallet and gun missing, was shattering. She couldn't report it, so investigated it surreptitiously, where she found there had been various burglaries of vehicles along the surf coast. Bringing in Harry Bosch as backup when Ballard discovered there was much more to the burglaries than it first seemed, she hoped she wasn't putting him in danger.

Ballard's Open-Unsolved Unit worked tirelessly on cold cases and when a DNA match came up to a twenty year old rape and murder case, it was obvious the Pillowcase Rapist was the father of the match. The work involved to find that person turned up secrets, lies and trouble - both for Ballard's unit and others within the force. And the unit's newest recruit - Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry's daughter - had a fierce passion, and when she took a cold case which was seventy plus years old, Maddie proved her worth. With danger circling Ballard's unit, and several cases on the go, Renée did her utmost to keep her team safe and close.

The Waiting is the 6th in the Renée Ballard series by prolific, and much loved, author Michael Connelly and it was brilliant! Renée's character is filled with determination, strength and courage, and while we didn't see a lot of Harry this episode, what we did see was heartwarming. His daughter, Maddie, is a chip off the old block and I can see her having a much stronger role in the future. I've always loved Michael's stories, and this one was no different. My husband read this one before me, and gave it 5★s as well. Highly recommended.

I receveived a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

Michael Connelly can do no wrong. The book follows Renee who enlists the help of Maddie Bosch after the Open-Unsolved unit discovers DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet two decades ago. What follows is a web of whodunit. Thrilling, fast paced and mysterious. Loved it.

First you should know that I am not really an unbiased reader. I am obsessed with Harry Bosch. I even started going to Musso and Frank because of him. (Sometimes I imagine I see him at the bar in the corner.) So naturally, I loved this latest Ballard and Bosch installation. Though Harry is great in any context (and I've read almost all the Bosch books), I have loved the semi-recent introduction of Renee Ballard into his life. They make a great team. Michael Connelly, who as some of you know is a former police beat/crime writer for the LA Times, is one of the most realistic and vivid police procedural writers out there, and even all these years later, he retains his mastery of the subject, his fantastic characterizations, and his interesting plots. The addition of Maddie Bosch to this book as a patrol officer is also really special for longtime readers.

As a side note, I both read and listened to the audiobook and the audiobook continues to be well-narrated and just as fun to read as the physical book.

Last year, when I reviewed Michael Connelly’s Resurrection Walk (“Highly recommended. Five stars!”), I wrote “I’m generally a big Michael Connelly fan, with the newer series featuring Renee Ballard (sometimes partnered with Harry Bosch) probably being my favorite.” BTW, if you haven’t read The Late Show from 2017, which introduced us to Renee, READ IT. It is amazing!

So getting a copy of this year’s The Waiting in exchange for my honest review (thank you, Little, Brown and NetGalley) made me extremely happy. The only problem was that my husband was scheduled for major back surgery in the fall, so I needed a TBR pile that included some titles that I just KNEW I was going to love…so I kept putting off reading it, saving it for when I’d need sure-fire entertainment – it was my version of “The Waiting,” I guess.

Anyway, Harry Bosch is getting older, and we are gradually seeing more of his daughter Maddie (herself now an LA cop) and Renee Ballard, an outstanding protagonist and partner for Harry.

This one, like many of Connelly’s books, has multiple cases going on at once. This one even includes some ”faction” in the form of the infamous Black Dahlia mystery. We also begin to get more of the backstory of Renee’s life, which has been revealed very gradually through several books.

Using the recently hot topic of genetic genealogy as a crime solving tool, as part of her work with the Open-Unsolved Unit of the LAPD, Renee finds a link between a man who was recently arrested and a serial rapist who had seemed to have stopped his crime spree more than 20 years ago. The recent arrestee is only 24, so he can’t be the serial rapist from years ago. It turns out his father was LA’s “Pillowcase Rapist,” who had terrorized LA for five years. Around the same time as this discovery, Renee’s ID, badge, and gun are stolen and she refrains from reporting the theft to avoid giving her enemies in the department reason to get her fired. She needs help – who better to turn to than Harry Bosch? Even more convenient, Maddie Bosch has joined Renee’s unit on a part-time volunteer basis – and, as expected, all these threads come together via Connelly’s incredible storytelling.

I’m totally anti-spoiler, so I can’t say more - but trust me, this one is SO GOOD. Five stars. I’m glad I waited for The Waiting, and I recommend it highly!

The Waiting is classic Connelly, with steady, deliberate reveals and a slow-building sense of tension as Bosch navigates a case that won’t let him go. What stands out is the emotional depth; the book isn't just about solving the mystery, but about grappling with the frustration of waiting for answers, justice, and resolution. This theme resonates deeply, especially in the current climate where many people feel like they're waiting for change or closure in their lives.

That being said, while I loved the depth and complexity of Bosch's character in this book, the plot itself felt a little slower than some of Connelly’s more high-octane novels. It’s less of a thriller and more of a reflection on what it means to seek justice over a lifetime, which I think will appeal more to readers who are already fans of Bosch and enjoy exploring his character in greater emotional depth.

Overall, The Waiting is a solid, reflective read for Michael Connelly fans and anyone interested in stories about the cost of justice. It may not be as action-packed as some of the earlier books in the series, but it certainly delivers on the emotional and philosophical front, making it a standout in the author's body of work.

One of the key things in Michael Connelly's success is how easy he makes it look. With every new book (and with that time away during the years), you forget just how good he is. Everything from his prose, to the speed of the plot -- his books are rockets and prove just how good he is. Every mystery should be this good. From the setting, to the characters, to the mysteries (three in this one alone!), this book has got it all. And it never feels dull. Ballard proves she's just as good as carrying a series without Bosch (while he's in it, it still feels like a Ballard solo book instead). I also loved the addition of Maddie. Finally getting to see her fleshed out on the page. I hope she keeps appearing as Harry seems to be winding down. At this point, I've read everything Michael Connelly's written, and it still feels like Christmas whenever I start a page one. Like his detectives, I hope he never quits.

The Waiting, the latest in the Renee Ballard series, from Michael Connelly was nothing short of fantastic. I’ve been a fan since the first Bosch book, Black Echo, which was released ages and a day ago. Bosch has taken a back seat to Ballard as his character has aged and retirement is eminent, That is okay with me as long as Connelly continues the Bosch universe with Ballard and Bosch’s daughter, Maddie, who is also a cop.

The Waiting, as with all books in the Bosch universe, have several cases are at play simultaneously. I loved the way Michael Connelly worked in the real life long time mystery of the Black Dahlia. That case was the perfect blurring of lines between fact and fiction. Michael Connelly is a master and no one is better at police procedurals and crime thrillers. The Waiting may be his best yet and with more than two dozen novels that is saying something. In The Waiting we finally learn more about Renee’s personal life, which up until now hasn’t been revealed. We also see Maddie Bosch joining the Open Unsolved case crew. Which is a great way to keep her character in the mix moving forward.

I’m a fan of these books as much as the excellent adaptations that have been made. It would be hard to think of one without the other. As Bosch has less time in each subsequent novel Ballard and Maddie have more. It’s great to see her following her father’s path while doing it her way. The Waiting, like all the Bosch books and Bosch and Ballard books, are ones I could spend endless time with. After I finish one novel, I immediately want the next one. Here’s to waiting for more.

Another stellar thriller from Connelly. Ballard has several cold cases under investigation, as well as a personal case. Maddie Bosch is now volunteering in Ballard’s department.

Renee Ballard has finally come into her own! She’s hard hitting and a bit rogue like her mentor Harry Bosch. Ballard is heading up the Open & Unsolved unit and working to close several years old cases. Very much a police procedural mixed with administrative politics, The Waiting’s storyline involves three separate investigations which keeps the fast-paced action going. When her car is broken into and her badge stolen, Ballard finds herself in the midst of a current nefarious plot for which she brings in Harry to get her out of a jam.
Maddie Bosch joins the unit and it’s Renee’s turn to return the favor as a mentor. I can see this series focusing on these two women going forward.

Love, love, love the character of Renee Ballard. She is the perfect offshoot of Harry Bosch to keep the series going. Of course a little Harry is also good too and the author does a good job writing for his age and position in life. Maddie Bosch as a new (adult, main) character was fun to see. As usual the story was engaging and moved along at a good pace. LA county was represented well too. Highly recommended to any fan of the series, but it really could be read alone too.

The Waiting is a hard-hitting, haunting, and thought-provoking novel that is a must-read for fans of Michael Connelly NetGalley. With its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and exploration of themes that resonate with readers, this book solidifies Connelly's status as the undisputed master of the modern crime novel.

I Iove reading Michael Connelly’s “Bosch” and “Ballard” novels. Harry does not have much of an appearance, but when he appears it is vital to the story. To be honest Ballard is now just starting to grow on me, but I really do not like the addition of Maddie Bosch to the story. The scenes she appears in are stiff and just a plot device to move the story on. She does not feel real. I want more Harry. The book is a police procedural that will satisfy fans. To me it dragged a bit, like the author did not know what to do to make the time go faster. Read the book and get your Bosch and Ballard fix and then wait impatiently until the next book arrives.

This book was a letdown from his previous books. I'm sad that he is phasing out Bosch and making Ballard his primary character. She isn't likeable. Maddie Bosch isn't much better. This book had three separate crimes being investigated which was at least one too many. One of them was a true murder from 1947. How do you fictionally solve a true crime? That didn't work for me. I'll still read Connelly's next book, because overall, they are very good. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The latest installment in the Renee Ballard series continues to demonstrate strength, even after six books. This time, the story features three distinct crime plotlines that feel realistic, with minimal reliance on coincidences or implausible moments. Renee faces trouble when a gang steals her badge and gun, while her team investigates a cold case involving a serial rapist. Meanwhile, young Maddie Bosch, the newest recruit in the Open Unsolved Unit, uncovers a clue related to the infamous Black Dahlia case.

What I enjoy most about this series is the realistic portrayal of police work, which avoids easy answers and far-fetched coincidences. There’s a strong focus on investigation, interviews, and the inevitable mistakes made by ordinary people. It's not a "popcorn" thriller like some other books (which I also enjoy), but it's still fast-paced and entertaining—especially if you're a fan of police procedurals, with an emphasis on the procedural aspect.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

I have read Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series for many years. The current adventure brings together Harry, Renee Ballard, and Harry’s daughter, Maddie. Ballard has been running the LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit with a group of volunteers. This unit’s aim is to close old cases using a variety of new techniques to find the culprits. The newest member of the unit is Harry’s daughter, who wants to volunteer some of her free time.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to future ones in this series.