The Poet

Michael Connelly
Genre: Crime Thriller
597 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Synopsis
Denver crime-beat reporter Jack McEvoy specializes in violent death. So when his homicide detective brother kills himself, McEvoy copes in the only way he knows how–he decides to write the story. But his research leads him to suspect a serial killer is at work–a devious murderer who’s killing cops and leaving a trail of poetic clues. It’s the news story of a lifetime, if he can get the story without losing his life.

My review
The Poet by Michael Connelly is an excellent crime thriller that has largely stood the test of time since its publication in 2002. There are a few moments when its age shows, but they’re easy to overlook in an otherwise compelling and expertly crafted story. It’s a great example of Connelly’s storytelling ability and a reminder of why he remains one of the leading authors in crime fiction.

It’s been a while since I last read Connelly, and when I do pick up one of his books, it’s usually a Harry Bosch novel. I’ve read his books here and there over the years, but I always seem to forget just how much I enjoy his writing until I pick up another one.

Connelly does a great job getting into the minds of his characters and exploring what drives people to do good or truly terrible things. The Poet has plenty of twists and turns. I guessed a few along the way, but the final reveal completely caught me off guard. What starts out as a seemingly straightforward story about a killer and the reporter trying to track him down turns into something much darker, exploring the disturbing worlds of child predators and serial killers.

The result is a gripping crime thriller with memorable characters, a layered plot, and an atmosphere that keeps you guessing. Connelly’s strengths are on full display here, from his sharp prose and thoughtful character development to his knowledge of police and FBI procedures and his ability to weave everything into a cohesive, compelling story.

The Poet was an exceptionally good read, and I’ve promised myself I won’t wait so long before picking up another Connelly novel.

My recommendation: definitely worth the read!