A Fresh Voice Emerges in the City of Angels
In the neon-lit streets of Hollywood, where dreams and nightmares intertwine like smoke from a discarded cigarette, Michael Connelly introduces us to his newest creation – Detective Renée Ballard. The Late Show, the first installment in Michael Connelly’s new series, crackles with the same electric energy that pulses through the veins of Los Angeles after dark. It’s a bold move for an author best known for his long-running Harry Bosch series, but Connelly proves he’s still got plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
Meet Renée Ballard: LAPD’s Newest Night Owl
Renée Ballard is a far cry from the grizzled detectives who typically populate crime fiction. She’s young, she’s driven, and she’s royally pissed off. Relegated to the night shift (aka “the late show”) after filing a sexual harassment complaint against her supervisor, Ballard refuses to let her career go gentle into that good night. Instead, she burns and raves at close of day, starting investigations she’s not supposed to finish and poking her nose where it doesn’t belong.
Connelly’s portrayal of Ballard is refreshingly nuanced. She’s tough as nails, sure, but she’s also vulnerable, complex, and deeply human. Her backstory—raised in Hawaii, abandoned by her mother, shaped by tragedy—adds depth to her character without feeling forced or clichéd. And her habit of paddle boarding to clear her head? It’s a nice touch that sets her apart from the whiskey-swilling, chain-smoking detectives of yore.
A Tale of Two Cases: Burning the Candle at Both Ends
The plot of The Late Show by Michael Connelly revolves around two seemingly unrelated cases that Ballard picks up during her shift:
- The brutal beating of a transgender prostitute left for dead in a parking lot
- A nightclub shooting that leaves several people dead, including a young waitress
Against orders and her partner’s wishes, Ballard works both cases by day while maintaining her night shift. It’s a premise that allows Connelly to showcase both the gritty realities of night-shift police work and the dogged determination of a detective who refuses to let go.
Case #1: More Than Meets the Eye
The assault case is particularly intriguing, touching on issues of gender identity, societal prejudice, and the vulnerability of sex workers. Connelly handles these sensitive topics with surprising grace, never veering into sensationalism or preachiness. As Ballard digs deeper, she uncovers a pattern of similar assaults, leading her to suspect a serial predator is at work.
Case #2: Shots in the Dark
The nightclub shooting, on the other hand, initially seems like a straightforward case of gang violence. But as Ballard peels back the layers, she discovers a web of corruption, cover-ups, and unexpected connections that reach into the highest echelons of power in Los Angeles.
Connelly’s Trademark Pacing and Plotting
One of Connelly’s greatest strengths as a writer is his ability to weave multiple plot threads together into a cohesive and compelling narrative. In The Late Show, he’s at the top of his game. The two cases intertwine in unexpected ways, keeping readers on their toes and flipping pages well into the night (much like Ballard herself).
The pacing is relentless but never feels rushed. Connelly knows when to throttle back for character development or atmospheric scene-setting, and when to floor it for heart-pounding action sequences. It’s a delicate balance, but one he strikes with the precision of a master craftsman.
Los Angeles: A City of Darkness and Light
As with his Harry Bosch novels, Connelly’s portrayal of Los Angeles is pitch-perfect. The city itself becomes a character, its personality shifting with the time of day. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood Boulevard give way to seedy back alleys and forgotten neighborhoods. Connelly captures it all with vivid, economical prose that brings the City of Angels to life in all its beautiful, terrible glory.
Notable Los Angeles Landmarks Featured:
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Sunset Strip
- Venice Beach
- The Los Angeles River
Supporting Cast: More Than Just Window Dressing
While Ballard is undoubtedly the star of the show, Connelly populates his novel with a colorful cast of supporting characters. From Ballard’s world-weary partner, John Jenkins, to the enigmatic Detective Robert Olivas (Ballard’s former supervisor and the target of her harassment complaint), each character feels fully realized and three-dimensional.
Particularly noteworthy is Ballard’s relationship with her grandmother, a touchstone of stability in her chaotic life. These quieter, more personal moments provide a welcome counterpoint to the intensity of the investigations.
Themes: Justice, Resilience, and the Thin Blue Line
At its core, The Late Show by Michael Connelly is about more than just solving crimes. It’s an exploration of:
- The pursuit of justice in an unjust world
- The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity
- The toll that police work takes on those who wear the badge
- The complex dynamics of power and gender in male-dominated professions
Connelly doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of law enforcement, including corruption, cover-ups, and the sometimes blurry line between right and wrong. But he also celebrates the dedication and sacrifice of those who strive to make a difference, however imperfectly.
Connelly’s Writing Style: Lean, Mean, and Utterly Compelling
Fans of Connelly’s previous work will find much to love in his prose style here. It’s crisp, efficient, and devoid of unnecessary flourishes. Every word serves a purpose, propelling the story forward or adding depth to the characters and setting.
How The Late Show Compares to Michael Connelly’s Other Work
While The Late Show shares DNA with Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series (meticulous attention to procedural details, a strong sense of place, morally complex characters), it feels fresh and distinct. Ballard is very much her own person, not just a gender-swapped version of Bosch.
That said, fans of Connelly’s other works will find plenty to enjoy here. The author’s deep understanding of police work and his ability to craft intricate, believable plots are on full display.
Connelly’s Other Notable Series:
- The Harry Bosch series
- The Mickey Haller series (The Lincoln Lawyer)
- The Jack McEvoy series
Minor Quibbles: Nobody’s Perfect
While The Late Show is an undeniably strong start to a new series, it’s not without its flaws. Some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in the early chapters as Connelly establishes Ballard’s world and backstory. Additionally, a few of the plot twists towards the end of the novel strain credibility slightly.
These are minor complaints, however, in what is otherwise a rock-solid police procedural.
The Verdict: A Stellar Start to a Promising New Series
The Late Show is a testament to Michael Connelly’s enduring ability to breathe new life into the police procedural genre. Renée Ballard is a welcome addition to the pantheon of great fictional detectives, and her debut novel sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking series.
With its intricate plotting, vivid Los Angeles setting, and complex, multi-layered protagonist, The Late Show is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. It’s also an excellent entry point for readers new to Connelly’s work.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fans of police procedurals and detective fiction
- Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists
- Anyone fascinated by the darker side of Los Angeles
- Those who appreciate morally complex characters and situations
The Late Show proves that even after decades in the game, Michael Connelly is still at the top of his. Renée Ballard is a character I can’t wait to spend more time with, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this promising new series.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to pull an all-nighter with Detective Ballard. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking at the shadows a little differently afterward. After all, in Connelly’s Los Angeles, the night holds secrets that the day can only dream of.