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The Concrete Blonde summary
Brief summary
This gripping thriller follows homicide detective Harry Bosch as he reopens a case involving a serial killer known as "The Dollmaker." As Bosch delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers shocking secrets and risks everything to catch the true culprit.
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The Concrete Blonde
Summary of key ideas
The Case of the Concrete Blonde
In The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly, we are introduced to Harry Bosch, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. The story begins with Bosch being sued by the widow of a man he shot and killed during a hostage situation. The man, Norman Church, was a suspected serial killer, and Bosch believed he was reaching for a gun when he shot him. However, the widow claims her husband was innocent and that Bosch planted the gun. The media dubs Church 'The Dollmaker' due to his habit of leaving his victims in porcelain baths.
As the trial progresses, Bosch is haunted by the possibility that he may have killed an innocent man. His colleagues, including his partner Jerry Edgar, are supportive, but Bosch is consumed by self-doubt. He becomes obsessed with the case, convinced that Church was guilty and that there must be evidence to prove it. He begins to investigate the murders Church was accused of, despite being warned by his superiors to stay away.
The Twists and Turns
As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the Dollmaker's victims were not random. They were all women who had been involved in a lawsuit against a construction company. The company had been accused of using a dangerous chemical that caused cancer in its employees. Bosch realizes that the Dollmaker was targeting the women to intimidate them into dropping the lawsuit.
Further investigation leads Bosch to a woman named Sylvia Moore, who was the only victim to survive an attack by the Dollmaker. She identifies Church as her attacker, but Bosch remains skeptical. He believes that Moore is lying to protect someone. His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that Moore was having an affair with the construction company's lawyer, who had a motive to silence the women.
The Final Revelation
As the trial against Bosch continues, he uncovers more evidence that points to the lawyer's involvement in the murders. He also learns that the lawyer had an accomplice, a man who had been posing as Church to throw off the police. Bosch confronts the lawyer, who confesses to the crimes and commits suicide. The accomplice is arrested, and Bosch is exonerated.
In the end, Bosch is vindicated, but the case has taken a toll on him. He is left with the knowledge that he killed an innocent man and that the real Dollmaker is still at large. Despite this, Bosch remains committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that the true culprit is brought to justice. The Concrete Blonde is a gripping tale of crime, justice, and the complexities of the human psyche.
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What is The Concrete Blonde about?
The Concrete Blonde is a gripping crime novel that follows detective Harry Bosch as he investigates the case of a serial killer known as the "Dollmaker." When a suspect is killed during a police raid, Bosch becomes the target of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the man's widow. As he delves deeper into the case, Bosch uncovers shocking secrets and must confront his own doubts and fears. This intense and suspenseful book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Concrete Blonde Review
The Concrete Blonde (1994) follows detective Harry Bosch as he navigates a complex case involving a serial killer, compelling readers to delve into the dark world of crime-solving. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Featuring twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end, it offers a gripping and suspenseful narrative.
- The deep dive into Bosch's character development and moral dilemmas adds layers of complexity to the story, making it more than just a typical crime thriller.
- Its realistic portrayal of police work and the criminal justice system brings authenticity, ensuring an engaging and immersive reading experience.
Who should read The Concrete Blonde?
- Readers who enjoy crime fiction and police procedural novels
- Fans of complex and morally ambiguous characters
- Those interested in exploring the dark and gritty side of Los Angeles
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The Concrete Blonde FAQs
What is the main message of The Concrete Blonde?
Justice can be complex, trust your instincts.
How long does it take to read The Concrete Blonde?
Reading time varies. The Blinkist summary takes about 15 minutes.
Is The Concrete Blonde a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Concrete Blonde is gripping with twists, definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Concrete Blonde?
Michael Connelly is the author of The Concrete Blonde.
What to read after The Concrete Blonde?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Concrete Blonde, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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