The Last Coyote

Detective Harry Bosch investigates the murder of his mother 31 years ago. In the course of a conversation with a police psychologist, Bosch reveals what would become his trademark rule: “In homicide there is one rule that I have when it comes to the cases I get. Everybody counts or nobody counts.” When asked to explain, Bosch says: “Just what I said.  Everybody counts or nobody counts. That’s it. It means I bust my ass to make a case whether it’s a prostitute or the mayor’s wife.  That’s my rule.” It’s a simplistic rule that is indefensible on deeper examination, but it fits with Bosch’s character and becomes a theme used to decent effect in later books. Michael Connelly claims that this novel is his favorite.