Review of "The Late Show: Renee Ballard #1" by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly is the author of two best-selling mystery/suspense series. One series stars Harry Bosch, ace investigator for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).....and later the San Fernando Police Department. The other series features Mickey Haller, the cleverest attorney in Los Angeles.

Now, Connelly has started a new series - starring Detective Renee Ballard - a driven thirtysomething cop who likes to paddleboard and surf; sleep in a tent on the beach; and hang out with her dog Lola.

*****

The story: LAPD Detective Renee Ballard worked in the elite Robbery Homicide Division until she accused her boss, Lt. Robert Olivas, of sexual harassment. Renee's traitorous partner, Detective Ken Chastain, didn't back her up.....and Renee was shunted off to the night shift, called 'The Late Show.'

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On the night shift, Renee and her new partner - Detective John Jenkins - get to start investigations, but then have to pass them off to the day shift. Thus, Renee and Jenkins rarely get to close a case. This is okay with Jenkins, who wants to spend time with his cancer-stricken wife during the day.....while she's awake. Renee, on the other hand, yearns to follow through with investigations, like she used to do.

One night, Renee and Jenkins are called out to three crimes: a stolen credit card used to buy goods on Amazon;



The vicious assault of a transgender prostitute named Ramona Ramone;



And a multiple shooting at the 'The Dancers' nightclub - which kills four lowlifes and an innocent waitress.



Renee, who can't let things go, quietly stays on the credit card case and - using her wiles - gets permission to pursue the perp who beat up Ramona Ramone. The Dancers' homicides, however, fall under the supervision of Lt. Robert Olivas, and he quickly eases Renee out of the nightclub - and orders her to stay off the investigation.

Before she exits the The Dancers, Renee sees her old partner, Detective Ken Chastain - and tells him off for being a betrayer and liar.



A few hours later, Chastain is shot dead. Renee is convinced the detective's murder is associated with the club killings and - despite Olivas' instructions - secretly continues to look into the case. As a result, Renee makes some startling discoveries.

Like Harry Bosch, Renee pushes hard while she's trying to solve a case. During her various investigations Renee interviews persons of interest; speaks to Amazon representative in India; visits a porn movie studio; makes multiple visits to Ramona Ramone in the hospital; gets a parole officer to help her raid a suspect's house; test drives a car to snoop on a possible perp; flushes out a major criminal; puts a few detectives' noses out of joint; gets herself kidnapped and almost killed; and more.



Renee even manages to squeeze in a bit of low-key romance; frolics in the surf with her dog Lola; and visits her Tutu (Hawaiian grandma) in Ventura.



This is an excellent mystery with a slam-bang climax.....and Renee Ballard makes a great 'third musketeer' to join Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller in Connelly's outstanding stable of lead characters.

Highly recommended to readers who enjoy mystery/thrillers.

Rating: 3.5 stars