Book Review: The Night Fire by Michael Connelly

Reviewed by Sandra Williams, for Books Podcast

Published in 2023 , Nightshade is the 24th installment in Michael Connelly's iconic Harry Bosch series and continues to showcase why Connelly remains one of the most respected voices in crime fiction. This time, Bosch steps out of his usual Los Angeles setting and into an international mystery involving espionage, betrayal, and a decades-old secret tied to the Vietnam War.

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🔍 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Harry Bosch, now officially retired from law enforcement, is pulled back into action when he receives a cryptic message from an old informant—someone he believed long dead. The message refers to “Nightshade,” a covert operation from the Vietnam era that left behind more questions than answers.

Bosch teams up with his former protégé-turned-FBI-agent Jessica Fowles to uncover the truth buried in classified files and Cold War secrets. What starts as a personal quest for closure becomes a dangerous investigation with global implications. As they dig deeper, Bosch and Fowles find themselves hunted by powerful forces who want the past to stay buried.

Connelly masterfully blends historical intrigue with modern-day suspense, creating a thriller that feels both timely and timeless.

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✅ Strengths of the Novel

• A New Kind of Bosch Story : While previous Bosch novels have focused on police procedure and moral dilemmas within the justice system, Nightshade leans into the spy-thriller genre without losing the character depth readers love. It’s a bold but successful shift in tone.

• Strong Supporting Cast : Jessica Fowles, introduced in earlier books, comes into her own here as a compelling foil to Bosch. Their dynamic—part mentor-student, part uneasy allies—adds emotional weight to the narrative.

• Tight Pacing & Global Stakes : Unlike some procedurals that are rooted firmly in one location, Nightshade takes readers across the U.S. and even internationally. The stakes feel larger than ever, yet the story never loses its emotional core.

• Themes That Resonate : The novel explores themes of loyalty, the cost of secrecy, and how history shapes identity—both personal and national.

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⚖️ Character Development

Harry Bosch remains as driven and introspective as ever. Though older and supposedly retired, his relentless pursuit of truth hasn’t faded. In Nightshade , we see him grappling with the consequences of choices made during his early career and military service. It adds a layer of poignancy to his actions, especially as he faces adversaries who once fought on the same side.

Jessica Fowles’ evolution is also worth noting. She brings a fresh perspective, challenging Bosch’s methods while respecting his experience. Their partnership reflects a generational handoff in the world of justice and intelligence—one that feels authentic and emotionally resonant.

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🧩 What Could Have Been Better

Some longtime fans may find Nightshade a departure from the traditional Bosch formula. The espionage angle and international intrigue might feel less grounded compared to the gritty realism of earlier cases. However, for readers open to a broader scope, this change of scenery is refreshing rather than jarring.

Also, while the pacing is generally tight, the middle section slows slightly as the plot delves into bureaucratic red tape and intelligence protocols. Still, these moments serve a purpose in building tension and credibility.

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🏁 Final Verdict

Nightshade is a bold and rewarding entry in the Harry Bosch saga. It proves that even after two dozen books, Michael Connelly can still surprise readers with new angles, settings, and challenges for his iconic detective. It’s a testament to Connelly’s storytelling skill that Bosch remains as compelling in 2023 as he was in 1992.

Whether you're a die-hard Bosch fan or a newcomer looking for a smart, globe-hopping thriller, Nightshade delivers on all fronts.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

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📝 Additional Info

• Title: Nightshade
• Author: Michael Connelly
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Publication Date: October 31, 2023
• Pages: 400
• Genre: Crime Fiction / Espionage Thriller / Mystery
• Series: #24 in the Harry Bosch series