I love Michael Connelly’s books and think he is the best crime writer working, so I was thrilled when I was gifted an arc of his latest work by @netgalley and @littlebrown I’ve been reading him for decades and he is just so consistently good. And the character of Harry Bosch is one of the best in contemporary literature. I recommend that series a lot but people are often daunted to start a long existing series. Well, Connelly’s newest book is a stand-alone and the perfect way to experience Connelly for the first time.

The book revolves around Officer Stilwell (Stil to those who know him),an LA cop who has been exiled to Catalina island after an incident on the mainland. Unhappy about at is assignment at first, he has now grown to love the laidback atmosphere of dealing with unruly tourists and the occasional poacher. And then one day a young woman’s body is found weighted down under a yacht….and old instincts kick in.

What Connelly does so well is to create flawed characters that are good at their jobs and trying to work through situations. They feel human. His books have a dark grittiness that appeals to me just like the crimes that inhabit them. This one is no different. There is murder, a burgeoning romance, and a murder that took me places I never saw coming. If you have been wanting to try Connelly this would be a great place to start and as usual, it more than delivers. The best crime writer around.

NIghtshade is the first in a new series by Michael Connelly. NIghtshade debuts LA County Sheriff Dept Detective Stillwell, a detective in the mold of Harry Bosch, a great detective but one more interested in doing the right thing for justice than in doing things by the book. This habit seems to have gotten him exiled to sleepy Catalina Island, although we aren’t sure why. When the body of a young woman is found entangled in an anchor, Stillwell is dragged into an investigation to find her killer that no one else seems to care about. Then another case comes up that seems to lead to more violence and mayhem. Although told not to get involved, and thwarted by an old nemesis in the department, Stillwell just can’t leave things alone, and is driven to find out who the young woman is, and get justice for her. Are the 2 cases connected? If so, how? Like a dog with a bone, Stillwell just won’t leave things alone (sound familiar).

Stillwell is a likable new character and is determined to solve the mystery. If you like Michael Connelly’s other books, you will enjoy this one too. I definitely did!

Connelly’s latest brings us a new character so a good place to start if the interconnected backlist is too much for new readers. I liked Stil, though he felt very Bosch-like, and look forward to getting to know him in future books.
4.5 stars

In Nightshade, Connelly introduces us to a new detective. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been moved to a post policing Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk. But while following up the usual crimes that come with his new territory, Detective Stilwell gets a report of a Jane Doe identifiable by a streak of purple dye in her hair. At the same time, a report of poaching on a protected reserve as Stilwell digs into the shady past of an island bigwig.

Crossing all lines of protocol, Stilwell doggedly works both cases. He is convinced he is the only one who can bring justice to the woman known as “Nightshade.” His investigation uncovers secrets to the island that was meant to be his escape from the big city. I did like the new character.

Michael Connelly has done it again!
I loved the new characters and setting, loved how fast-paced this book was as well.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was my first Michael Connelly book and I really liked it! The small island setting great, and the mystery had me hooked! Detective Stilwell has found himself in Catalina Island tucked away and exiled. I really enjoyed the mystery and enjoyed learning about many of the big players on the island.
There were a lot of sketchy things happening behind the scenes and they were revealed in such a thrilling way. Perfect for fans of police procedurals and twisty investigations. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

A very special thanks to Little Brown for the gifted copy.

Detective Stilwell has been displaced to Catalina Island where the policing is filled with simple crimes like petty theft and drunkards. When he woman is found weighted down in the harbor he finally has a case.he can sync his teeth into. Not long after he gets a poaching case that is on a protected preserve. He jumps into investigating both cases but runs into trouble from an ex-colleague. As he delves deeper he uncovers secrets that the island has held for years. Follow along and see if Detective Stilwell can clear both cases and bring forth justice to those involved or will the island keep its secrets and let a killer go free?

Michael Connelly kicks off a new series with "Nightshade," whose hero, Detective Sergeant Stilwell, lives and works on Santa Catalina Island. Stil, as he is known, was transferred from LA County to Catalina after he had a serious altercation with a fellow detective, Rex Ahearn. In Stil's current position, most of the crimes he deals with involve disorderly behavior, theft, and assault.

When someone discovers a woman's body with an anchor chain wrapped around her and snagged on a coral outcropping in the harbor, Stil launches his own investigation. He does this in spite of the fact that the case belongs to the aforementioned Ahearn and his partner, Frank Sampedro. Ahearn loathes Stilwell and warns him not to interfere, but Stil is not in the habit of following orders. He attempts to identify the victim and find out who had the motive, means, and opportunity to bludgeon this woman to death and dispose of her corpse in the water.

Even Connelly's diehard fans may be disappointed in "Nightshade." It lacks the grit, vivid descriptive writing, and intriguing characters that we have come to expect from this gifted author. Stilwell does not have much of a backstory. He is divorced and is in a relationship with assistant harbormaster Natasha (Tash) Dano. It is not particularly exciting to observe Stil poking his nose into matters that do not, strictly speaking, concern him. It is clear, however, that he has good instincts and spots clues that others might miss.

This is a plot-driven tale with a host of red herrings. The villains are dull, the story is slow-moving, and it has limited suspense. In the past, Connelly has thrilled us with thematic, poignant, and memorable works of fiction. This novel does not rise to that high level. Although Stilwell is smart and determined, his personality is too bland to keep us invested in his efforts to track down the guilty parties.

It's exciting to see what is hopefully the first in a new series by Michael Connelly. This was so good, and it goes without saying that fans of Michael Connelly's other books will instantly like this one, featuring a new detective. Detective Stilwell, after some controversy and politics in his old job, has been transferred to Catalina Island, where he is the sole detective in a tiny department. Like all Connelly's heroes, he is smart, resourceful, tough and fair -- and struggles mightily with the establishment and his bosses. In this book, he neatly solves a couple of murders, in spite of having the odds stacked against him. Great new character, idyllic island setting, and Connelly's fast-paced plotting make this a must read.

Nightshade by Michael Connelly is the first of a new series with the character Detective Stilwell. Detective Stilwell has been transferred to the island of Catalina after issues in the homicide department on the mainland. While investigating typical crimes on the island he discovers a dead body which leads into multiple other investigations that also pull in detectives from his former homicide department on the mainland.

I have read and enjoyed several of Connelly’s other books- several in the Bosch universe as well as the Renee Ballard series. This new one didn’t quite meet my expectations from past novels. I felt like there were parts that dragged and yet the end seemed rushed and unfinished. Michael Connelly will still be an auto read for me- hopefully the next will be more in line with past books.

Nightshade introduces Jack Stilwell, a detective on Catalina Island, who gets pulled into two dangerous investigations, one of which has deadly consequences. He is also a quintessential Connelly character: flawed, stubborn, but with a strong sense of justice even when politics and grudges threaten to sideline him. Stilwell follows the clues from the island to LA and back again, slowly unraveling the truth, which kept me hooked and both storylines concluded in a way that was both satisfying and surprising.

I’m always wary when an author I love starts a new series, but Nightshade was a strong start and I am looking forward to seeing how Stilwell fits into the Connelly universe.

This book introduces new characters, who you get to know quickly, like always with Connelly. The intrigue starts out small but grows into a multi-threaded case that keeps you engaged until the end.
The Catalina Island location is fun. I never read a book set there and I enjoyed learning about it. It’s an interesting setting, where the isolation of an island plays in, but since it’s not far from the mainland, you don’t lose the ”big police force” aspects.
As always, this Connelly book reads super smoothly and makes you look forward to the next in the series.

This is an excellent beginning to a new series. I immediately connected with Detective Stilwell and his girlfriend, Tash. I adore the vivid descriptions and atmospheric portrayal of Catalina Island, where Stilwell was also sent after trouble on the mainland. The “case” kept me engaged as Stilwell diligently pieced together the clues. The author’s skillful approach of revealing information gradually keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover how the mystery is resolved.

This review is entirely voluntary and my personal opinions.

Another great read from Michael Connelly!

Nightshade introduces us to a new character, Detective Stillwell. The story takes place on Catalina Island, where Stillwell has been sent off after an incident on the mainland. Not much happens on the tiny island, but when a body is found weighted on the ocean floor, Stillwell is able to work his previously unused detective skills to solve the case. In true Connelly fashion, there’s crime, suspense, a love interest, and of course, detailed descriptions of Catalina and LA. I didn’t find this as action packed as the Bosch series, but I still enjoyed the ride. I felt it was a great introduction to a new series, place, and character, and I look forward to more adventures with Detective Stillwell!

Sheriff's Detective Stilwell is a welcome addition to the Harry Bosch School of Policing. A former sheriff's dive team member, he's a good fit for the quieter pace of Catalina Island in Michael Connelly's Nightshade.

A new addition to the Connelly canon calls for a new setting, and I really enjoyed getting to know Catalina Island, which-- in Stilwell's world-- is known as "the Island of Misfit Toys" because police officers with blotches on their records are sent there if they can't be fired outright. Naturally, boating plays a big part in life on the island. Stilwell has gotten to know his fellow officers, their strengths and weaknesses, and he's in a relationship with a woman who's always lived on Catalina. Her very different perspective means that they don't always see eye-to-eye.

The investigations are what we've come to expect from Michael Connelly-- intriguing, engrossing, and filled with interesting factoids (like Prada's RFI chips). I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Stilwell in the next book. Bring it on!

I just hate that I have to give this latest novel by Michael Connelly just one star. I just couldn’t get into it. I am a huge fan of his other series. This setting and the police politics weren’t interesting enough to hold my attention. It was so slow to start, and I kept hoping for it to turn into a ‘real’ Michael Connelly novel. The dialogue is stilted, the characters one-dimensional, and the plot predictable.

NIGHT SHADE is Michael Connelly’s newest book and he introduces a different protagonist and location from his previous work. Our hero, Stillwell, is a sheriff on Catalina Island, having been sent there as a result of department politics on the mainland. Connelly provides a lot of detail about Catalina Island, and for whatever reason, I just couldn’t get into it. I am a huge fan of his other series that takes place in Los Angeles. This setting and attendant politics weren’t intriguing enough to hold my attention. I kept needing to go back and re-read sections. There’s a solid story hidden within the book. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

A Dull Semi-Literary Thriller About Some Crimes
Michael Connelly, Nightshade: A Novel (New York: Little, Brown and Company, May 20, 2025). Hardcover: $30; Thriller. 352pp. ISBN: 979-0-316588-48-5.
**
“Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been ‘exiled’ to a low-key post policing rustic Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk on the mainland. But while following up the usual drunk-and-disorderlies and petty thefts that come with his new territory, Detective Stilwell gets a report of a body found weighed down at the bottom of the harbor—a Jane Doe identifiable at first only by a streak of purple dye in her hair. At the same time, a report of poaching on a protected reserve turns into a case fraught with violence and danger as Stilwell digs into the shady past of an island bigwig. Crossing all lines of protocol and jurisdiction, Stilwell doggedly works both cases. Though hampered by an old beef with an ex-colleague determined to thwart him at every turn, he is convinced he is the only one who can bring justice to the woman known as ‘Nightshade.’ Soon, his investigation uncovers closely guarded secrets and a dark heart to the serene island that was meant to be his escape from the evils of the big city. Propulsive and atmospheric… launches a brand new character into the Connelly universe…”
The cover is appealing: with a two-color (blue and yellow) theme. The photograph used is intensified with high contrast to stress the water as a major actor.
The summary of this novel is clear. The detective attempts to solve a couple of crimes while struggling with office-politics, and with being in a remote post. This is a strong combination of plotlines that should fit a novel-length nicely.
Though as I looked at the first page of this novel, I realized this is not a text I want to read much into. There is a bit of exposition explaining the tourist season is about to begin. And then an empty dialogue starts. At least the conversation here is about a criminal case: “a mutilation”. The conflict is about if there were several “mutilations” or just the one. Then a ship arrives, and more empty chatter. This is the most anti-tension opening scene I have reviewed in action or thriller novels. The author seemed to be unconcerned if readers stick with this story. Nothing immediately urgent happens. The detective is lounging about rather aimlessly, as he contemplates maybe doing something productive. The descriptions of the state of a ship, or its maintenance is a bit literary. It is probably possible for a pre-interested in this famous author reader to stick with this narrative. But I just can’t read any further. I do not recommend this novel for anybody but committed fans, or those who enjoy literary fiction mixed with a thriller with neither of these sides winning the day, and both kind of losing a good deal of what makes each good.
Pennsylvania Literary Journal: Spring 2025 issue: https://anaphoraliterary.com/journals/plj/plj-excerpts/book-reviews-spring-2025

Michael Connelly may have another winning series. Nightshade (Little Brown and Company 2025) introduces Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective 'Stil' Stilwell, recently re-assigned to Catalina Island off the shore of San Pedro California as punishment for what the bosses perceived as 'bad behavior' in a Los Angeles case. Stil, though, likes it there--the small town atmosphere, the tight nature of law enforcement, and the unexpected love he finds in one of the harbor locals. All goes at an island pace until the illegal slaughter of a federally protected buffalo bleeds into a murder that is being managed by the Sheriff's Los Angeles arm and suddenly, he is back in the crosshairs of those who disdain him. He can't solve his case without solving theirs. For Stil, that's no problem. He just moves forward. "Bull in a china shop" comes to mind... Along the way, he must solve the mystery of missing artwork, a kidnapping, and then there are other murders.

In usual Connelly fashion, this is fast moving and clever with good character development that doesn’t get in the way of the excellent story. It is recommended for those who like murder mysteries though don't expect the brilliant deductions of Harry Bosch or the charisma of the Lincoln Lawyer (yet--but this is only Book 1). Stil has his own way. Why 4/5? The ending left me with questions. I almost wonder if the ARC I received was missing the last chapter, that's how odd it felt, especially since no one else mentioned that in their reviews. If you read this, you might not feel the same. 

--review on my blog in the future

Connelly introduces a new "possible series" featuring Sheriff Stillwell who has been "demoted" to the small town of Catalina where he runs into "big town" problems! I really enjoyed this book and, as always, Connelly's writing style and character development. Thanks for the ARC!