Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Connelly's newest protagonist, Detective Stillwell, makes his debut in Nightshade. I thoroughly enjoyed this flawed, yet determined character and look forward to reading the next installment.

I love Connelly's books so knew I'd love this one with new protagonist Harry Stilwell and girlfriend, Tash. A dead body has been discovered off the coast of Catalina and Stilwell is on the case. Fortunately she has a streak of purple in her hair which makes it easier to identify her so Stilwell is off and running! Like Connelly's other novels, this one is just dicey enough to keep you engrossed until the bitter end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Michael Connolly introduces a new hero for our times with a plethora of twists and turns in a riveting narrative. Nightshade is the type of police procedural that embraces the taut pacing that comes with being a bit rogue

I am a big fan of Michael Connelly and have read every book that he has written. From Harry Bosch to Lincoln Lawyer to Renee Ballard, I am always amazed that the author continues to put out wonderful suspenseful novels. In this book, we meet a new character, Detective Stilwell, who has been relocated to Catalina Island as a result of a homicide decision that he was involved with. Not to give away too much of the plot, the reader meets this dectective and other new characters who are involved in a murder set on this California island. Well written ( as all his books are). I look forward to reading more books involving Detective Stillwell. Wouldn't it be great to have all the other characters from previous books come together to solve another murder mystery!

Another great novel from one of if not the best writer of police procedure. Hope there are more books coming with detective stilwell and the gang on Catalina island. Enjoyed new setting and characters. Looking forward to next one. Thanks to net galley and publisher for digital arc of this great read

Michael Connelly introduces readers to a new character in his police procedurals with Detective Sergeant Stillwell of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Nightshade, arriving on store shelves May 20. Stillwell finds himself assigned to Santa Catalina Island, 22 miles off the Southern California coast, after the politics of the homicide department have forced him off the mainland.

On Catalina, Stillwell leads the sheriff’s substation where he finds most of his workload confined to drunk and disorderly arrests and petty theft cases. He starts most days watching the folks who disembark the Catalina Express, a ferry from the mainland. Many of the tourists expect to be gambling at the Catalina Casino not realizing that it is and has always been a ballroom and a movie theatre.

Today is going to be different because a hull scraper has reported his encounter with a human body anchored down 33 feet under a private boat. Having been a recovery diver when he worked on the mainland, Stillwell suits up for the cold water and plunges into the ocean to verify the claim. Stillwell theorizes the body has been in the water for at least four days; he determines it is a woman who has dark hair with a distinct streak of purple dye.

As he surfaces, he plans the next steps in the investigation: call out the dive team, the homicide unit, and the coroner’s investigators from Los Angeles. Once he turns the murder over to the mainland team, he knows he should stand down but instead he works the case from the island side. He finds himself once again pitted against homicide cop Rex Ahearn, known by cops as A-hole or King A-hole, who wants Stillwell to back off from the case.

Stillwell knows that much investigation can be done on the island rather than from a chair in the homicide unit. Soon, he is on the trail of the woman called “Nightshade,” but once he turns that information over to Ahearn, he finds himself called on the carpet by his boss on the mainland.

When Ahearn pins the murder of Nightshade on the wrong assailant, will Stillwell accept that outcome or will he bring in the real killer himself?

Connelly has left the streets of Los Angeles behind for this island in the Pacific that was once owned by William Wrigley Jr. of chewing gum fame. Along with the change in law enforcement venue, the Nightshade novel introduces a wide-range of supporting characters as well as a few “bad guys.”

After Michael Connelly spent three years covering crime in Los Angeles, he wrote his first novel featuring Harry Bosch, The Black Echo, which he based partly on a true crime. Three of Connelly’s characters have found success on streaming platforms Amazon Prime and Netflix: Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and The Lincoln Lawyer with a third character, Renee Ballard, promised her own series.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting March 18, 2025.

I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company, the Hatchette Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

One of my favorite writers of all time. A slow build on a new character and setting but same fast paced can't put it down style. Loved every second and can't wait to see how these characters continue to develop.... Keep up the good work.

Terrific news in the mystery novel world! Michael Connelly is writing a new series featuring a detective on the seemingly idyllic Catalina Island, off the coast of LA County. Nightshade follows LA County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell as he works the usual drunk-and-disorderlies and petty thefts that are his territory since being exiled by department politics to the low-key post.
Stilwell gets a report of a female body found weighed down in the harbor and a report of a buffalo beheading on the island’s preserve – so he follows the cases where they take him even though he must cross all the lines of protocol and jurisdiction. The woman becomes known as Nightshade, a poisonous flower which grows on the island. The serene island has many secrets and villainous characters though it was meant to be Stilwell’s escape from the evils of the big city. I certainly enjoyed learning about Catalina Island, where no automobiles are allowed and sailing is a way of life.
Connelly is the bestselling author of over thirty books, including twenty-five Harry Bosch novels, eight Lincoln Lawyer novels, six Renee Ballard and Bosch novels and two other series. This new series featuring Stilwell is a stark variance from his other LA novels by setting and main character who is young and has a romantic interest. Stilwell, however, like Bosch, the Lincoln Lawyer and Ballard is a misfit with values in a world with few obvious values.
While I hope to see more Ballard/Bosch novels (my particular favorite of Michael Connelly), this new series is welcome for its setting – a perfect summer read about Catalina Island – and its new lead detective, a combination of Ballard’s youthful doggedness and Bosch’s wisdom.
My rating 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Nightshade will be published on May 20, 2025.

Nightshade is a propulsive, engaging and suspenseful thriller by one of the absolute best crime writers in the business. Michael Connelly delivers yet another winning book featuring a hard-nosed detective involved in solving hard-hitting crimes.

LA County Sheriff's Detective Stilwell runs the station on Catalina Island, a post he’s been exiled to because of past actions and department politics. Despite the usual lack of excitement that goes with chasing petty crimes, Stilwell is making the best of the situation…until a dead body is found submerged in the harbor. Combined with an investigation into buffalo mutilation on the island, Stilwell finds himself in the middle of the action once again. At first partnering with his colleagues on the mainland, then ignoring protocol and investigating on his own, Stilwell is determined to close these cases and bring those responsible to justice. But what he doesn’t count on is the revelation of the evil that lurks on the island and the personal ramifications his crusade will cost him.

This may be the start of a new series, but it delivers the signature gritty, raw intensity that makes Connelly’s crime novels so compelling. Stilwell is a strong character with a clear moral compass, an indefatigable work ethic and the tunnel vision required to be a great investigator, even if it puts him at odds with his peers and superiors, and impacts his personal life. He also likes Jazz music. Sounds like another beloved Connelly detective, doesn’t it?

By moving the main setting to Catalina, Nightshade provides a distinctive setting, new characters and fresh storylines to pursue that differs from Connelly’s Bosch and Ballard books. It’s a great move to open this new avenue for Southern California crime exploration. Something that feels familiar to old fans but also provides an entry point for new readers. There are numerous possibilities for where this series can go, which should excite crime thriller fans. And who knows, maybe there’s potential for a Connelly universe crossover in the future.

Anyone who loves a good crime novel will seriously enjoy Nightshade. It’s a strong, intriguing, intense thriller that moves with pace and purpose. And if you happen to be a Connelly fan already, this one is sure to impress.

Another page turner, with the cliffhanger chapter endings. It was nice to be introduced to new characters and new locations. Lots of twists to hold the attention. Another great book from Connelly.

"Nightshade" marks the second book by Michael Connelly that I've read. It presents a compelling police procedural, although the initial quarter of the book progresses at a somewhat leisurely pace. The narrative introduces a new detective overseeing the police department on Catalina Island. I found Detective Stilwell to be a particularly engaging character; he is both tenacious and compassionate. The plot revolves around two distinct cases, which are easy to follow and ultimately converge satisfactorily by the conclusion. I would rate this book a solid 4 stars!

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing the ARC for my reading and review.

Thanks for the ARC! Always exciting being introduced to a new Connelly lead character, and Stilwell doesn't disappoint. I'm not sure how often murders happen on Catalina Island, but hopefully often enough to keep Stilwell busy, because I want to read more. Catalina is an amazing place, and a great location for a story like this. You get the British countryside small town detective vibe, without getting too cozy, because LA is right there off in the distance, with its seedy LA problems that Connelly is a master at bringing to life. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of Stilwell soon!

Nightshade is the beginning of a new character and setting from Michael Connelly.

"LA County Sheriff's Detective Stilwell has been 'exiled' to Catalina Island after departmental politics moved him off the homicide desk. He spends most of his time dealing with petty theft and drunk-and-disorderlies until he gets called about a body weighted down on the bottom of the harbor. Working against an old colleague, Stilwell works the leads, knowing he is the only one who can get justice for the victim."

Connelly has been in Catalina before but never with this much detail. Stilwell is another Connelly character that hates that bureaucracy would rather have a reason to close a case thatn solve it. His attitude creates a lot of friction with other detectives and his Captain. But he fudges around the edges until he finds what he needs to solve the crime. There are plenty of surprises with both cases that Stilwell is working.
I love the setting. Catalina Island is not exactly isolated but you have to invest some time to get there. It has it's own ecosystem and people. Makes for an interesting mix.

There are similarities to Bosch but Stilwell is different enough.

Great new series from Connelly.

This is a page turner written by a favorite author. Suspense…mysterious…dynamic characters…red herrings…the recipe for a cannot put down story. I like this author and his stories. True to life…although fiction, the reader can imagine it is true crime. Thanks Netgalley

Michael Connolly seems to have the beginning of another great series with the introduction
of Detective Stilwell ~ a seemingly clever Detective who tussled with the wrong ‘dark side’
homicide Detective, resulting in his transfer to Avalon. Avalon is the main City on the Island
of Catalina - and this novel offers the reader a great look at the island and what it has to offer.
We also enjoy corruption at its highest levels, mixed with what I assume are the players for
this upcoming series. The most important take away here is that ‘Stil’ as he’s known to
folks he likes, is a good guy. And a clever Detective who was probably sent to the island
as punishment, but he may just be on his way to happiness and success, so he’ll be happy
to stay.I’ve not visited the island, but I have learned enough about it to feel a part of the ‘sub’
and the permanent residents to know that there is a power structure that should not
be fussed with! I love the tie in with the title of the book! I recommend this book.
My thanks to Little Brown and Company via NetGalley for the download copy of the
book for review purposes.

I’m thrilled to have a new hero from Michael Connelly. Loved Stilwell and Catalina is a fascinating new setting. Connelly would have to try very hard to disappoint me.

I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this new book. I attest my review is original and unbiased.

Michael Connelly is well known for his signature characters of Detective Harry Bosch and his half-brother Mickey Haller or many who know him as the Lincoln Lawyer. NIghtshade introduces a new character, Detective Stillwell, based on Catalina Island off the California coastline. Stillwell or "Still" did not go to Catalina because he wanted to; he was assigned there following an internal investigation in the LA detective bureau. As a personal aside my wife and I visited Catalina several years ago for a short trip. After two nights there we were ready to return to the mainland.

Stillwell is not as well-known as Bosch, but he has similar detective skills and a very analytical mind. Two plots weave simultaneously through the book. The first involves the killing of one of the island's buffalos, an endangered and protected species. The animal was decapitated and the head is missing. The buffalos are a real part of Catalina Island, as are other stories the author weaves into the narrative, adding realism to the story.

The second plot involves the murder of a young woman who worked at a gentleman's beach club as a waitress. Her body is found in the bay, wrapped in plastic and deposited in a large zippered bag. Who is she and who murdered her? This plot is vintage Connelly storytelling, taking the reader through a number of complicated plot twists while revealing new facts and leads in the case.

The climax is able to resolve both mysteries, but not without costs. At the risk of leaving spoilers I'll leave the review here and let you take in the book if interested.

I enjoyed reading Nightshade and give it 4/5 stars. I would like to have more character development on Stillwell, beginning with what's his first name? We don't have much of any background on Stillwell beyond the political mess that brought him to Catalina Island except that he is divorced. Perhaps the author kept it short and will develop this more if Stillwell becomes the focus of a new series. If it is one and done then it doesn't really matter.

Title: Nightshade
Author: Michael Connelly
Series: Detective Stilwell Book #1
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
My Rating: 4.4 Stars!
Pages: 400


Story starts when Detective Sergeant Stilwell with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has been “exiled” to a low-key post policing rustic on Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk,
He will be the lone detective on Catalina Island and a big tourist weekend is coming up. Stilwell knows he’ll be busy the typical drunk-and-disorderly who come with a busy weekend. However, he gets a report of a body found weighed down at the bottom of the harbor. Stilwell puts on his wetsuit to investigate and finds a body in a black plastic bag anchored down. The bag is torn and he can see that the body is a woman with long dark hair with a streak of purple streak in her hair. Additionally gets a report of poaching on a protected reserve.
Link to a You Tube video of author Connelly doing a promo on Catalina Island ~.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alGZrq8idVk

I am a Michael Connelly Mickey Haller, Harry Bosch and now a Stil fan!!!

Living in Southern California I know that being sent to Catalina Island is a punishment any of us would love!
It appears Stil feels the same way!
Looking forward to the next Stil and Tash Catalina adventure!
Additionally love when a story includes so many familiar landmarks!.

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this great eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 20, 2025.

LA County Sherif Detective Stilwell has been “exiled” to scenic Catalina Island because of office politics on the mainland. It is usually petty theft and drunk and disorderly, but then Stillwell gets a report of a body weighed down at the bottom of the harbor. He also gets a call about a stollen statue from the prestigious Black Marlin Club. One of Stillwell’s deputies gets attacked and ends up in the hospital. Are any of these incidents related? This is a lot of crime, and Stillwell is going to have to work with the Sheriffs on the mainland.

It is exciting to read the first book in a series! I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters develop. Like Bosch, Stillwell, toes the line of the rules but will get to the bottom of things. I am absolutely stoked about the series being set on Catalina (bummer to have to do research trips to the island lol). This is a must read!

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC. #Nightshade #NetGalley #MichaelConnelly