The Waiting by Michael Connelly Summary

The Waiting by Michael Connelly follows LAPD Detective Renée Ballard and the Open-Unsolved Unit as they pursue a DNA connection to the Pillowcase Rapist, a serial killer dormant for twenty years. The book interweaves multiple cold case investigations, including Ballard's personal crisis when her badge, gun, and ID are stolen. Maddie Bosch joins the unit bringing a lead on Los Angeles's most infamous unsolved murder: the Black Dahlia case.

The Waiting is ideal for fans of police procedurals, Harry Bosch series readers, and crime fiction enthusiasts who enjoy methodical detective work. Readers interested in cold case investigations, forensic DNA technology, and Los Angeles crime history will find this compelling. If you enjoyed previous Ballard and Bosch novels or shows like Bosch Legacy, this continuation delivers authentic LAPD procedures with multiple interwoven mysteries.

The Waiting receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, earning starred ratings from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, with critics calling it "Michael Connelly at his very best". Most reviewers give it 4-5 stars, praising the tight prose, suspenseful plotting, and compelling character development. However, some longtime Bosch fans note Harry's minimal presence disappoints slightly, though the book remains a "Grade-A mystery" showcasing Connelly's mastery of concurrent investigations.

The Waiting is a police procedural crime fiction novel published in October 2024. The 416-page book exemplifies Connelly's signature style of realistic detective work, following proper chain-of-command procedures and modern forensic technology. It blends cold case investigation with personal jeopardy and legal complexities, positioning itself as both a Ballard novel and part of the extended Bosch universe with cross-series character development.

Renée Ballard is the head of the LAPD's Open-Unsolved Unit, a dedicated detective who lives for solving cold cases rather than serving departmental politics. The Waiting reveals deeper layers of her character, including her surfing lifestyle, family trauma, and complex about proving herself in a male-dominated field. She operates with Bosch-like determination, willing to go rogue and work outside the department when necessary to achieve justice for victims.

Harry Bosch appears minimally in The Waiting, primarily when Ballard seeks his help to recover her stolen credentials and investigate outside official channels. His daughter Maddie Bosch takes a more prominent role as a new volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit. Multiple reviewers expressed disappointment at Harry's limited presence, with one noting "No-Harry-Bosch" significantly impacted their enjoyment compared to traditional Bosch-led novels.

The Pillowcase Rapist was a serial rapist and murderer who terrorized Los Angeles for five years before going dormant twenty years ago. In The Waiting, Ballard's unit discovers a DNA connection between a recently arrested 24-year-old man and the killer—indicating the suspect is the young man's father. The investigation leads to a baffling revelation: the suspect may be a Superior Court Judge, creating legal hurdles and requiring delicate handling.

The Waiting incorporates the real-life Black Dahlia case—the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, Los Angeles's most iconic unsolved mystery. Maddie Bosch brings this case to Ballard's Open-Unsolved Unit on her first day volunteering, pursuing her own ulterior motives for accessing the city's "library of lost souls". Reviewers noted Michael Connelly's boldness in tackling this historically famous cold case within his fictional narrative.

The Waiting weaves three major investigations simultaneously.

• First, the theft of Ballard's badge, gun, and credentials creates personal and professional jeopardy she cannot officially report.
• Second, the Pillowcase Rapist DNA connection to a potential Superior Court Judge demands careful navigation.
• Third, Maddie Bosch's pursuit of the Black Dahlia case adds historic weight.

These concurrent mysteries unfold at a "torrid pace" with Connelly's characteristic tight prose.

The primary criticism of The Waiting centers on Harry Bosch's minimal presence, disappointing longtime fans who felt "something was missing" without him leading investigations. Some readers found the pacing dragged and felt "exhausted by Renee" as the sole protagonist. One reviewer compared it to "Laverne & Shirley when there was only Laverne," noting the book didn't "stand head and shoulders above the pack" like traditional Bosch novels. However, most critics still rated it 4-5 stars overall.

The Waiting represents a shift in the Bosch universe, functioning more as a Ballard-led novel with Bosch in a supporting role rather than the traditional Bosch-centered narrative. While featuring Connelly's trademark multiple concurrent investigations and authentic LAPD procedures, it lacks Harry's "corner-cutting, deficiencies and frailties" that typically elevate these novels. The Los Angeles Times noted the book "provides a succession plan for the ailing Harry" while developing Ballard and Maddie Bosch as future series leads.

Maddie Bosch, Harry's daughter and a patrol officer, joins Ballard's Open-Unsolved Unit as a volunteer with an ulterior motive. She brings the Black Dahlia case to the team, mirroring her father's dedication to cold case justice. The Waiting develops Maddie as a character following in Harry's footsteps, positioning her as a potential future lead for the series. Some reviewers expressed concern about her potentially replacing Harry, though her character mirrors the television portrayal from Bosch Legacy.