book thoughts: Fair Warning by Michael Connelly

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The backstory: Michael Connelly is my favorite mystery writer. I've read all thirty-six of his novels (so far), and I read through most of those in 2014 when I was pregnant with Hawthorne.

 The basics: Fair Warning brings back journalist Jack McEvoy, whom we haven't seen in more than ten years (in The Scarecrow). He finds himself a suspect when a woman he had a one-night stand with is murdered. He takes on the story as a reporter.

 My thoughts: Connelly started has a newspaper reporter, and he uses this opportunity to showcase how the profession has changed since we last saw Jack McEvoy: "I was proud of what we had accomplished and proud to call myself a journalist in a time when the profession was constantly under attack." Connelly has written most of his novels featuring LAPD detective Harry Bosch, but his two other series (The Lincoln Lawyer--Mickey Haller and this one, featuring McEvoy) have always featured mysteries that couldn't or wouldn't be solved by the police.

It was fun to spend time with Jack McEvoy and recurring character Rachel Walling again. The mystery leads to a bigger story, and it's a fun ride. Fair Warning is both a gripping mystery and a compelling reminder of the importance and power of good journalism.

 Favorite passage: "I felt supported and protected. It was not a good time to be a journalist. It was the era of fake news and reporters being labeled by those in power as enemies of the people."

 Rating: 5 out of 5
Length: 417 pages
Publication date: May 26, 2020
Source: publisher

 Want to read for yourself? Buy Fair Warning from an independent bookstore or Amazon (Kindle edition.)

As an affiliate, I receive a small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

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