The Concrete Blonde
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Michael Connelly |
The Concrete Blonde represents the third novel authored by American crime writer Michael Connelly, centering on Los Angeles detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch. Its initial publication occurred in 1994.
Background
Connelly attributed the inspiration for The Concrete Blonde to a casebook utilized by forensic specialists.
Plot
Detective Harry Bosch of the LAPD investigates a serial murderer known as "The Dollmaker," who applies makeup to his victims. Following a lead from a prostitute linking suspect Norman Church to the cosmetics used on the victims, Bosch confronts Church and fatally shoots him when Church reaches for his toupee. Although internal affairs clear Bosch of wrongdoing, he is reassigned from the prestigious Robbery-Homicide Division to the Hollywood desk. The makeup found corresponds to that on nine of the Dollmaker’s victims.
Four years later, amid a lawsuit filed by Church’s widow, authorities discover a new victim encased in concrete but killed in a similar fashion. This victim, along with two from the original series, share characteristics: they are large-breasted blondes working in adult entertainment and advertising as upscale prostitutes. Bosch’s task force suspects Detective Mora from vice, who has connections to adult film productions and insider knowledge of the case.
While monitoring Mora, Bosch uncovers child pornography at Mora’s residence. Mora issues threats toward Bosch but is ultimately cleared as the copycat killer. In exchange for immunity and resignation, Mora provides information on Professor Locke—a suspect spotted on adult movie sets alongside victims.
Bosch receives a threatening message from the copycat killer aimed at his girlfriend Sylvia. After securing her safety at a hotel, Sylvia proposes they separate due to the dangers posed by Bosch’s profession.
During court proceedings, the jury awards Church’s widow one dollar each in compensatory and punitive damages. Meanwhile, Honey Chandler, another blonde plaintiff attorney, is discovered murdered in a manner consistent with previous victims but also bearing burn and bite marks.
Professor Locke appears at the crime scene but presents an alibi. Bosch begins to suspect Los Angeles Times journalist Joel Bremmer after linking an unpublished article reference to Bremmer’s correspondence. Upon confronting Bremmer at his home, Bosch obtains a confession and arrests him following a struggle.
Bosch urges the district attorney to pursue first-degree murder charges against Bremmer despite initial hesitation. Forensic evidence connects Bremmer to the crimes; videotapes depicting murders are recovered from a storage locker rented under an alias. Bremmer agrees to life imprisonment without parole in exchange for revealing additional victim locations.
Bosch takes a two-week leave to work on home renovations. Sylvia returns, and they spend a weekend together, rekindling their relationship.
Characters in The Concrete Blonde
- Harry Bosch – Detective with the Los Angeles Police Department
- Honey "Money" Chandler – Attorney representing plaintiffs
- Rodney Belk – Assistant city attorney for Hollywood
- Lieutenant Harvey "Ninety-eight" Pounds – Bosch’s commanding officer
- Joel Bremmer – Reporter for the Los Angeles Times; author of a book about the Dollmaker
- Jerry Edgar – Partner to Bosch
- Dr. John Locke – Psychologist from USC assisting with the Dollmaker investigation
- Hans Rollenberger – Assistant Lieutenant heading the Follower task force
- Alva Keyes – Judge presiding over the trial in US District Court
- Sylvia Moore – Bosch’s girlfriend and high school English teacher
- Irvin Irving – Assistant Chief of LAPD
Style
The Concrete Blonde exemplifies the police procedural genre, emphasizing the detective's engagement with a variety of investigative partners.
Reception
Writer Janet Evanovich referred to The Concrete Blonde as "a quintessential entry in Connelly's Harry Bosch collection—and among my top picks." The Weekly Standard commended Connelly for his expertise in courtroom storytelling within this work. Meanwhile, the Library Journal characterized it as a gripping thriller marked by clever plot developments, brisk pacing, and intense suspense.