Nightshade
By Michael Connelly
- Release Date: 2025-05-20
- Genre: Police Procedural
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
Nightshade
5By mgilbert10This was the first book I read for this author. It was a good story and plot. I enjoyed it a lot, and will read more books from this author.The 1st Bosch book, theBlack Echo moves like the speed of sound
5By The Pomona KidThe black echo resonates through Harry Bosch’s psyche to explain his past & present. It’s a page turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat while the tight plot unfolds.Terrible
1By Marcy SueAs a huge fan of Michael Connolly, and someone who has read every one of his books, this one was truly a disappointment. I can’t think of one redeemable thing about it. Characters were bland and indistinguishable. The main character had nothing interesting to compel me to read anything more about him. And the story was boring and predictable. Sorry, but this one was a fail.Likin’ it
5By Marzipan24I like this new character Sheriff Stilwell on Catalina Island. Taking to an island setting emphasises island life and water details I have no familiarity with. This new main character is just as smart and committed to justice for the dead as Bosch, he’s got his flaws, but he’s very likeable. Of course he’s got a past that landed him on the island from the mainland homicide unit he was kicked off of, but now he’s got to find the who behind a young woman’s murder and more. I especially like he’s in a relationship and glimpses into his private life which are usually missing from other detective series. Looking forward to following this new detective of McConnelly’s!A first…
3By ButchiezI was disappointed in this book. I have loved every Bosch, Ballard, and Lincoln Lawyer book, but felt this one was amateurish and predictable! Sorry!Nightshade
5By WJRJRWJRExcellent read from beginning to end. Great characters that kept you involved during entire book.Shouldn’t surprise me anymore
5By nolacoachrickMichael keeps surprising me with the depth and breadth of not only the characters he creates but also the worlds in which they live and exist. Cheers!As good as Raymond Chandler. Which means beyond great.
5By JB-upper eastJust excellentNightshade
5By barbaratexasEnding was good but would be more compelling for the next read with at least a little cliffhanger. Stilwell is an inscrutable policeman who needs a fleshed out backstory. Or maybe that is the cliffhanger.Nightshade
3By di trutherLove Michael Connelly’s writing. Storyline not so much. Pretty predictable.My review
5By Ruddman1967I fully enjoyed this thriller and it had me changing my mind several times before the culprits were finally revealed. And I can’t wait to see Stilwell finally put Baby Head away for good.Nightshade
4By marielitrenProcedural police novel. Ok until you find a captivating book. This one is average.Good story
4By Rg110647I enjoyed this book. The story, characters and writing was excellent. I hope that there are other books with the same people.Meh
2By Lily ButtSlow moving and the end was meh.Not bad
4By Evfdst60Not the worst book I have ever read.Loved it!
5By Baseball 9000Great read! Love the location and plot. Hope to more of these characters in the future.Good, but over too soon
4By Wreck'em2004The characters are introduced well and nothing gets in the way of steady progression of the story. My only complaint is that it wraps too quickly. When all the players and their motives finally come together I was left wanting to know more about what happened next.If you liked the Jessy Stone books….
5By tankinmdReading Nightshade, I kept going back to the Robert B. Parker, Jessy Stone series. More than a few similarities, which was not a bad thing for me. Point is, I liked this book a lot. Good story, good characters, well written.Excellent!
5By EGSweetExcellent! Looking forward to reading the next book about Stilwell!
