Nightshade: A Novel by Michael ConnellyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in a new series by Michael Connelly, focusing on an LA sheriff detective Stilwell (no first name) who works on Catalina Island off the coast of California. Typically, individuals are demoted to Catalina because they have done something that has offended the LA powers-that-be. Detective Stillwell is no exception.
A dead body turns up in the harbor, weighted down by an anchor. Stilwell has to work with his previous colleagues in order to solve this mystery. It's a delicate balance of jurisdiction and motivation on his part, while trying to maintain a working relationship with the mainland detectives. Michael Connelly once again does a great job of writing police procedurals.
I enjoyed this new character -- he's somewhat of a loner, trying to make the best of a bad situation after being transferred to Catalina. However, my major complaint is the huge number of characters involved in the story; I had to start keeping a list after it reached more than two dozen in the first several chapters! However, this won't prevent me from looking forward to another Catalina Island book in this series.
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