How Many Bosch Books Are There? Unveiling the Complete List
This article answers the question of how many Bosch books there are. There are currently 26 novels featuring Harry Bosch as the primary or significant secondary character, written by Michael Connelly. Additionally, there are several short stories and appearances in other works.
Introduction to the World of Harry Bosch
Harry Bosch, a complex and compelling character created by author Michael Connelly, has captivated readers for decades. From his debut in The Black Echo to his continuing evolution across numerous novels, Bosch’s dedication to justice and relentless pursuit of truth have made him a fixture in the crime fiction landscape. Understanding the scope of the Bosch universe requires a clear understanding of all the books in which he features prominently. This article will delineate the complete list of Bosch novels and other appearances.
The Harry Bosch Novel Series: A Complete Listing
The core of the Bosch universe resides in the novel series featuring him as the central figure, or at least playing a pivotal role. These novels showcase his career, his personal struggles, and the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles.
Here is the complete list of Harry Bosch novels in chronological order:
- The Black Echo (1992)
- The Black Ice (1993)
- The Concrete Blonde (1994)
- The Last Coyote (1995)
- Trunk Music (1997)
- Angels Flight (1999)
- A Darkness More Than Night (2001) – features Terry McCaleb
- City of Bones (2002)
- Lost Light (2003)
- The Narrows (2004) – features Rachel Walling
- The Closers (2005)
- Echo Park (2006)
- The Overlook (2007)
- Nine Dragons (2009)
- The Reversal (2010) – features Mickey Haller
- The Drop (2011)
- The Black Box (2012)
- The Burning Room (2014)
- The Crossing (2015) – features Mickey Haller
- The Wrong Side of Goodbye (2016)
- Two Kinds of Truth (2017)
- Dark Sacred Night (2018) – features Renée Ballard
- The Night Fire (2019) – features Renée Ballard
- The Law of Innocence (2020) – features Mickey Haller
- Desert Star (2022) – features Renée Ballard
- Resurrection Walk (2023) – features Mickey Haller
Beyond the Novels: Short Stories and Cameos
While the novels form the backbone of the Bosch series, his appearances extend beyond the full-length format. Connelly has written short stories featuring Bosch, and he also occasionally makes cameos in other novels. While not as central to the overall narrative, these appearances offer glimpses into different facets of his personality and career.
- Short Stories: Bosch features in several short stories included in collections such as Crime Beat, Murder in Vegas, and The Cocaine Chronicles. Finding a definitive list of every short story and anthology is tricky due to publishing rights and availability.
- Cameos: While not a primary character, Bosch may have subtle appearances or mentions in Connelly novels where he is not the focus, further enriching the interconnected world Connelly has built.
The Interconnected Bosch Universe: Key Characters and Crossovers
One of the fascinating aspects of the Bosch series is the interconnectedness of Connelly’s characters. Harry Bosch frequently interacts with other protagonists, creating a richer and more complex narrative tapestry.
Key characters and crossovers include:
- Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer): Bosch’s half-brother, the defense attorney Mickey Haller, appears in several Bosch novels, offering a contrasting perspective on the legal system.
- Renée Ballard: A driven and independent LAPD detective, Ballard begins partnering with Bosch in Dark Sacred Night, marking a significant shift in the series’ dynamic.
- Terry McCaleb: McCaleb, a retired FBI profiler, appears with Bosch in A Darkness More Than Night, blending different investigative styles and perspectives.
- Rachel Walling: Another recurring FBI agent, Walling appears in The Narrows and The Scarecrow, creating both professional and personal connections with Bosch.
These crossovers allow readers to see Bosch from different angles and explore the complexities of law enforcement and the justice system within Connelly’s fictional world.
Why Read the Bosch Series in Order?
While each Bosch novel stands alone, reading them in chronological order enhances the reading experience.
Here are the benefits of reading the series in order:
- Character Development: Following Bosch’s journey chronologically allows readers to witness his personal growth, evolution, and the impact of past cases on his present.
- Story Arc Continuity: While each novel presents a self-contained mystery, overarching storylines and recurring characters weave through the series, creating a more satisfying and immersive experience.
- Contextual Understanding: Understanding the historical context within the series (e.g., Bosch’s relationships, past cases) enriches the reader’s understanding of the present narrative.
- Appreciation of the Interconnectedness: Reading in order highlights the intricate relationships between Bosch and other characters, revealing the full depth of Connelly’s fictional universe.
Popular Entry Points into the Bosch Series
Despite the benefits of chronological reading, some novels serve as excellent entry points for new readers.
Recommended starting points include:
- The Black Echo: The first novel in the series provides a foundational understanding of Bosch’s character and his approach to police work.
- City of Bones: A compelling mystery that showcases Bosch’s unwavering commitment to justice and his unique investigative skills.
- The Closers: This novel marks Bosch’s return to the LAPD after a period of retirement, offering a fresh perspective on his career.
These novels offer a balance of engaging storytelling and accessible entry points into the larger Bosch universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Bosch Book Series
How many Harry Bosch books are there in total, including short stories?
While there are 26 novels featuring Harry Bosch, pinpointing an exact number for all short stories is difficult. He appears in several anthologies and collections, making a definitive count challenging due to varying publishing rights and availability.
Are the Mickey Haller (Lincoln Lawyer) books connected to the Bosch series?
Yes, the Mickey Haller series is directly connected. Haller is Harry Bosch’s half-brother, and they frequently interact and collaborate in both series.
Is there a specific reading order recommended for the Bosch series?
While each novel can be read as a standalone story, reading the books in chronological order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storylines.
In which book does Renée Ballard first appear alongside Harry Bosch?
Renée Ballard first appears alongside Harry Bosch in the novel Dark Sacred Night, marking the beginning of their partnership.
What is the best Bosch book to start with if I’m new to the series?
Good starting points include The Black Echo, which is the first novel, or City of Bones, which is a compelling and accessible mystery.
Are the Bosch books the same as the Bosch TV series?
The Amazon Prime Video series “Bosch” is loosely based on the Harry Bosch novels, combining elements from multiple books. The show is a great adaptation but does not strictly follow the plot of any single book. “Bosch: Legacy” picks up the story after Bosch leaves the LAPD.
Does Harry Bosch ever retire in the book series?
Yes, Harry Bosch retires from the LAPD at one point but eventually returns as a cold-case detective in The Closers.
What are some of the recurring themes in the Bosch novels?
Recurring themes include justice, corruption, morality, and the complexities of the legal system. Bosch’s personal struggles and his unwavering commitment to solving crimes are also central themes.
Is Michael Connelly planning to write more Bosch novels?
As of the current date, Michael Connelly continues to write Bosch novels, much to the delight of his fans.
Where does Bosch live in Los Angeles?
Harry Bosch lives in a house on stilts high in the Hollywood Hills, which has become an iconic location in the series.
Does the Bosch series ever explore Bosch’s family life?
Yes, the series delves into Bosch’s relationship with his daughter, Maddie, which becomes increasingly important as the series progresses.
Are there any books where Harry Bosch works outside of Los Angeles?
While most of the series is set in Los Angeles, some cases, such as in Nine Dragons, take Harry Bosch outside of California, expanding the scope of his investigations.