This is a review of the abridged edition of Echo Park by Michael Connelly and read by Len Cariou.
Echo Park features one of Michael Connelly's most well known and much loved characters, Harry Bosch. In Echo Park, LAPD detective, Harry Bosch, is working in the Open-Unsolved Unit. He is investigating cases that have remained open and these include the case of a missing young women, Marie Gesto, that he had investigated himself in 1993.
Echo Park - The Plot
The case of the disappearance of Marie Gesto has continued to haunt Bosch over the years. Several times he has reviewed the case material following up old leads and trying to get to the bottom of this case that holds a terrible fascination for him. Thirteen years later the DA's office calls with information about an accused killers offer to confess to several killings in order to avoid the death sentence. The alleged killer says that one of these murders is the brutal killing of Marie Gesto. Bosch is given the task of taking the statement of the alleged killer and determining whether he is telling the truth or trying to scam the authorities to avoid a death sentence.
The plot develops, taking many twists and turns as Bosch gets close to the truth while also facing some uncomfortable facts about himself.
The Narration
Echo Park is skilfully read by Len Cariou, who has also read a number of other books by Michael Connelly. The narration keeps the plot moving at a fast pace, but without the listener feeling that their being rushed over important plot points. Cariou's narration is full of life, but without the characterization that when done badly can make an audiobook difficult to listen to.
Len Cariou is obviously very familiar and comfortable with the character of Harry Bosch and this shines through throughout his reading of Echo Park. The only negative point in Cariou's reading of the book is that he tackles the task of reading the female parts by softening his voice. This results in some parts of the audiobook being a little quiet .
Abridged Edition
The abridged edition of the Echo Park audiobook is six hours in length and this compares with the unabridged edition that plays over ten and a half hours. The plot has therefore been substantially abridged. The abridgment has been successfully completed with no loose ends or unexplained plot points. It would have been more satisfying to learn more about some of the characters, however this is obviously a compromise that is achieved when listening to abridged editions of audiobooks.
Other Harry Bosch Novels by Michael Connelly
- The Brass Verdict (2008) - in this bestseller, Connelly unites Mickey Haller from The Lincoln Lawyer with Harry Bosch.
- The Overlook (2007) - Harry Bocsh works with FBI Agent Rachel Walling
- The Closers (2005) - Harry Bosch is assigned to the Open-Unsolved Unit
- The Narrows (2004) - Harry Bosch works as a private investigator
- Lost Light (2003) - Harry Bosch investigates an unsolved murder
- City of Bones (2002) - Harry Bosch investigates the death of a 1 year old boy
- A Darkness More Than Night (1999) - Terry McCaleb and Harry Bosch are featured together
- Angels Flight (1999) - Harry Bosch investigates a murdered lawyer
- Trunk Music (1997) - Harry Bosch investigates the murder of a Hollywood producer
- The Last Coyote (1995) - Harry Bosch investigates his own mother's murder
- The Concrete Blond (1994) - Harry Bosch is accused of killing the wrong man
- The Black Ice (1993) - Harry Bosch investigates drug trafficking
- The Black Echo (1992) - The first Harry Bosch novel. He investigates the murder of an old war buddy
More Information
Title - Echo Park
Author - Michael Connelly
Narrator - Len Cariou
Publisher - Hachette Audio (2006)
Format - cd, download
ISBN - 978-1-60024-525-1
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
