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Nightshade By Michael Connelly

Nightshade

By Michael Connelly

  • Release Date: 2025-05-20
  • Genre: Police Procedural
  • $14.99
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 722 Ratings

Description

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island.

 
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been “exiled” to a low-key post policing rustic Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk on the mainland. But while following up the usual drunk-and-disorderlies and petty thefts that come with his new territory, Detective Stilwell gets a report of a body found weighed down at the bottom of the harbor—a Jane Doe identifiable at first only by a streak of purple dye in her hair. At the same time, a report of poaching on a protected reserve turns into a case fraught with violence and danger as Stilwell digs into the shady past of an island bigwig.
 
Crossing all lines of protocol and jurisdiction, Stilwell doggedly works both cases. Though hampered by an old beef with an ex-colleague determined to thwart him at every turn, he is convinced he is the only one who can bring justice to the woman known as “Nightshade.” Soon, his investigation uncovers closely guarded secrets and a dark heart to the serene island that was meant to be his escape from the evils of the big city.
 
Propulsive and atmospheric, Nightshade launches a brand new character into the Connelly universe, and proves without question that Michael Connelly is “the undisputed master of the modern crime novel” (Real Book Spy).

Reviews

  • Another great detective story

    5
    By MingoNW
    Man, I always love a Michael Connelly book. So good! Inhaled it in a day. Very satisfying
  • Nightshade

    4
    By Artymusician
    I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the new characters and setting. The ending seemed abrupt; I would like to see all the dots connected and learn more about what happened to Dan, Leigh-Anne, Baby Head, Crane, Stil, and Tash. Stil reminded me of Harry Bosch and his relentless pursuit of the truth and disdain for lazy coworkers/ detectives and office politics.
  • Loe the New Character

    5
    By Nancie820
    Nice book with all the visual’s you’d expect from a Michael Connelly novel. As an Angelino growing up, I love his landmark descriptions. Great story and well developed characters. Looking forward to more of this storyline
  • Disappointed

    3
    By Ivy sable
    Felt like he phoned it in, very short.
  • Outstanding

    5
    By Mirage Flyer
    I finished this in one day.. I couldn’t put it down.
  • Review of Nightshade by Michael Connelly.

    4
    By Not Zite
    Nightshade is a gripping and well-paced read that makes for a perfect escape over a long weekend. Michael Connelly once again proves why he’s a master of crime fiction, blending tightly woven plotting with crisp, believable dialogue and strong character development. The story pulls you in right away and keeps the tension building without ever feeling rushed. What really stands out in this installment is the introduction of new characters, especially Stillwell, who brings a compelling edge to the story. He feels like a worthy successor—or perhaps even a challenger—to Bosch, which makes for an exciting dynamic moving forward. This book has everything Connelly fans love: realism, intelligence, and a gritty sense of justice. I would absolutely recommend Nightshade to both longtime followers of the series and newcomers alike. Let’s see if Stillwell can out Bosch Bosch.
  • Island Intrigue

    5
    By KC4VJ
    A compelling tale of deceit and political intrigue on an island 22 miles off California coast - a haven for LAPD misfits. Connolly introduces a new featured character and he’s a winner!
  • Excellent. 10/10.

    5
    By DNuxie
    Nightshade reminds me of the older Harry Bosch stories and Stilwell is Bosch-like. I read it in just a few days.
  • Good new detective character from Connelly

    5
    By steviegtr
    The start of a new story arc that I hope continues for a long time! In the tradition of Bosch, a detective who obsessively follows the truth in pursuit of justice wherever it leads.
  • Another great read

    5
    By goldydaone
    Problem is, once I get a Connelly book, I can’t put it down, and I’m finished and waiting for the next.