Finished just in time for publication day and what a ride it was!

A new series from Michael Connelly, which is very odd because Bosch is just the dream character for me and I feel like a Connelly world without him can't be true!

This book had a lot to live up to and I'm pleased to say it delivered. We have the usual writing style from Connelly, and the perfect characterizations of pretty much every one in the book. The landscape/setting was dreamy (bar the murders and seedy underbelly) and I loved the new scenery.

Looking forward to the next in this series, and also hoping this won't spell the end of Bosch! :)

I am a big fan of this author so, when he starts a new series, am I going to jump in with both feet...? Heck yeah I am! So I did. And it was, mostly, good.
Set on the small island of Catalina, a place where "difficult" cops go to be "exiled", we meet Sheriff's Detective Stilwell who has managed to establish himself after being "sent" there after some shenanigans. Interesting shenanigans, but I will leave you to find out the details, suffice to say he is one of the good guys...
Anyway, after getting a bit bogged down initially with a whole bunch of boating stuff which did take me a while to get to grips with, coupled with a load (no exaggeration) of characters all introduced at once, there's a body found weighed down by an anchor. He is already investigating a case of poaching but, as this appears to be foul play, he knows he has to hand it off to the mainland Detectives which, in itself, is another issue for him. Lucky for him, as he is called to investigate another case, this time theft.
Suffice to say, things get messy, well, they are bound to when a posh yacht club is concerned, and bigwigs are not to be upset... But, as already mentioned, Stilwell is one of the good guys so he won't let a bit of politics get in the way of finding the truth and bringing justice for all...
Now I did like this book. We did get off to a shaky side and, tbh, the speed the characters appeared and the assumption I followed the boating stuff did make me feel like this might be either an already ongoing series, or a spin off, or I had missed an introductory short story somewhere. I don't thin I did, but, like I said, it was a bit messy for me initially but, as I do have a great track record, it was enough for me to plough my way through and, once it all settled down, things went mostly swimmingly thereafter.
Outwith the crimes, we also have his personal and work lives - both of which are in balance and complemented rather than distracted from the main. The fact (now established) that this is a series opener allows the author a proportion of setup - characters and setting and this is commensurate with such.
And the crimes sure did keep me on my toes throughout, as they meandered around and about each other, spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied.
All in all, notwithstanding the already mentioned issues, this was a good solid series opener, which I guess did its job as it has left me wondering what is next for Stilwell...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY! 🎉✨📚
As a dedicated fan of Michael Connelly, I eagerly anticipate each new release, and “Nightshade” certainly did not disappoint! It marks the intriguing start of a brand-new series, introducing us to a fresh protagonist rather than the familiar faces we've come to know and love.

Enter County Sheriff Detective Stilwell, affectionately dubbed 'Stil.' After facing challenges on the mainland, he finds himself assigned to picturesque Catalina Island, a move that initially leaves him feeling uncertain. However, it doesn’t take long for him to fall head over heels for the island's charm and the promise of a new life, complete with a budding romance. But when things start to look up, tragedy strikes—a young woman's body is found, weighted down in the harbour.

What follows is a gripping investigation that forces Stil to confront his past as he collaborates with mainland colleagues with whom he has a tumultuous history. As he digs deeper, the dark undercurrents of the island begin to surface, revealing a side completely at odds with its serene facade.

True to Connelly’s masterful style, the narrative unfolds steadily, initially laying the groundwork for establishing this new series. But make no mistake—the journey is as dark, gritty and captivating as ever, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Stilwell is a richly developed character who is fiercely independent and unwavering in pursuing the truth, no matter the personal cost. Watching him adapt to his new surroundings and their impact on those around him is truly fascinating.

The island plays a vital role, almost like a character in its own right, adding depth and atmosphere to the storyline. Connelly also disperses clever nods to his previous works, rooting this tale within the broader timeline and setting the stage for thrilling future crossovers. With this new character leading the charge, Connelly proves once again that he is a powerhouse in the procedural thriller genre, and it’s exhilarating to add another must-read novel to his impressive collection! I will anxiously be awaiting the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this for fans of procedural thrillers and character-driven plot-driven storylines.

Fans of Michael Connelly can stop worrying; this latest crime fiction outing from the author ticks all the Connelly boxes: well drawn characters; a plot that has depth and breadth so that the reader has to explore various possibilities before being guided to a credible resolution; momentum that builds steadily towards the eventual denouement; and a geographical setting that is well described. So, as expected, this is another Connelly book that is hard to put down.
If there was any slight disappointment there was a vague sense that one of the lead character’s investigations had been left somewhat incomplete, leading this reader to wonder if there was more to come from Detective Sergeant Stilwell. Overall, though, a solid and engaging novel, as we have come to expect from Michael Connelly.

Detective Stilwell works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff on the small island of Catalina, just off the coast of L.A.
He’s been exiled for his own good, and now his main job is dealing with petty crime and the odd drunk. That is until the body of a young girl is discovered wrapped in plastic. He is told not to get involved in the investigation, but he can’t help himself and starts to look into it.
After a short time he starts to find out more about the island than he thought possible, and it’s not the quiet haven it’s made out to be, and this murder might be the catalyst to reveal all its dark secrets.
Detective Stilwell is a wonderful new character to add to the impressive collection of characters written by this author, and this first book in the series is just simply outstanding.
It has a main character that is dogged and determined to find the truth no matter what, and it’s set in a unique and wonderful place.
When it comes to writing crime fiction, I personally think Michael Connelly is the best in the business and Nightshade is a perfect example of his writing prowess.

I have always found Michael Connolly writes a great story and have enjoyed his Bosh series throughly. So I was really excited to be allowed by NetGalley to review his new series. It is exactly what I expected from a brilliant writer at the top of his game, even though it was the first book in the series Mr Connelly developed the world in which it takes place fully, you fell like you know the characters and Catalina right from the start. The story line develops in an engaging way with an excellent pace, lots of threads pull you through the book to a satisfying end leaving you satisfied but looking for the next instalment. Highly recommended to you, this will be another enjoyable series by a master storyteller at the top of his game!

I’m a big fan of Michael Connelly’s books and have read many over the years so it was exciting to be introduced to a new detective and new setting. I enjoyed the different and more laid back pace of this book with its base on the island of Catalina. Stilwell, the new detective, is likeable but obviously needs more time and development to become as engaging as Harry Bosch. Overall an enjoyable and easy read which leaves you wanting more.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review and to the author for another good book.

The first in a new series Detective Stilwell. Sergeant Stilwell has been transferred to Catalino Island off Long Beach having previously worked Homicide with LAPD. Not the most ideal of positions but he finds himself enjoying the quieter and easier life in comparison with life on the mainland. As soon as the introduction of these new characters and situation are done the pace moves up a notch and I was compelled to read it in one sitting!

Briefly, the laidback lifestyle Stillwell has been enjoying comes to an end when, first a headless bear is found and then a woman’s body is discovered in the harbour anchored to the bottom. There is also a reported theft of a statue from the boat club. Are they connected? Stilwell has a local girlfriend Tash who finds herself caught up in the criminal activity on the island. Stilwell of course does not endear himself to his bosses in the manner in which he sorts that out!

I liked Stillwell, I can’t help but think Bosch, in that Stillwell is an abrasive character who makes enemies easily and it always dedicated to solving the case regardless of his superiors orders and his own safety. This similarity is definitely not a bad thing. I love Bosch. A great plot and twists aplenty this is classic Connelly territory and makes for a most enjoyable read. I can’t wait for book 2.

A new character for Michael Connelly, but still the excellent, all-engaging writing, and another brilliant character in Los Angeles County Sheriff's Detective Stilwell and the new beautiful (yes, I was googling the location) of Catalina Island.
This is a multilayered read: a fabulous main plot, a nice subplot with lots more to offer and a great backstory of how Stilwell is exiled to this ‘backwater’. All human emotions are here and skillfully interwoven into the narrative.
There are no surprise cameos from our beloved Bosch, Ballard, or Mickey Haller, but there is a nice nod to something that happens in a previous novel that did make me smile.
Another outstanding read from this master storyteller. No one could ever replace my affection for Harry Bosch but I was delighted to hear Michael say we will be hearing more from Stilwell and I’m already looking forward to it.

A law enforcement officer is in overall charge of Catalina Island as a punishment by his superiors for what they consider a breach of judgment based on evidence from a lazy unprofessional colleague. Holding a grudge but committed to policing the island with integrity, he comes totally involved in solving a murder case of a young woman despite warnings from his commanding officer to leave the investigation to mainland officers. Wrong footed from the onset of finding the body, he travels the tenuous and lonely journey of interviewing potential witnesses determined to find the killer. The investigation uncovers numerous characters and potential witnesses many who appear superfluous to the crime. Michel Connelly is the expert and weaving a tangled and convoluted plot line giving his stories the inescapable magic of totally confusing the reader as to whether something is relevant or a character planted as a red herring. A slow methodical exposure of information gathers momentum towards a fast paced conclusion that delivers another five star read from an author who never fails to deliver. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

As a reader who is currently working his way through the Bosch Universe of books I was intrigued to see Michael Connelly had a new,series starting and couldn't wait to jump in.

From the outset its all very Michael Connelly and you instantly get that irresistible writing style that has drawn so many millions of readers to keep coming back.

The slow laid story of a murder on an island for the rich plays out very much as expected but the style in which it is executed is second to none. There isn't a better crime writer out there today and Connelly deserves to be thought of as one of the very best.

Nightshade is a stand-alone novel by Michael Connelly but definitely has the potential to make an exciting new series. Detective Stilwell has been posted to Catalina Island, where boat owners are king. It's a far cry from the LA Homicide division and Stilwell finds it hard to let go of his old habits. Soon he has a murder to investigate when the body of a young woman is found. Who is she and how did she die?

Along with the action happening in the police sub-station, Stilwell has his hands full and things don't always go to plan.

Nightshade is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Not the usual fast paced, intriguing novel from Michael Connelly. A slow burner that never really gets going, in my opinion. Trundles along, has an attempt at excitement and ends. A pleasant way to spend some time but for me forgettable.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

The author is one of my favourites and I always enjoy his books. I loved the Catalina Island setting of this one but I failed to connect with the characters, Stillwell, the main character, is a bit of a loner and I just failed to empathise with him. The pacing was a bit on the slow side and the dialogue was stilted. Perhaps the follow up will be more interesting, although he plotting had promise it just failed to deliver. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I’m a huge fan of Michael Connelly so new books from him are always a treat and this is no exception, even though it’s the start of a whole new series and we don’t meet the familiar faces.

County Sheriff Detective Stilwell (‘Stil’) has been sent to a new posting on Catalina Island off the coast of California following problems on the mainland. His initial apprehension about the location has changed to a love of the island and a blossoming relationship, both disturbed by the discovery of the body of a young woman weighted down in the harbour. His investigations force him to work with those on the mainland with whom he has had problems and begin to uncover a dark side of the island.

As always with Connelly, it’s a great read. It does take a little time to get going and is slowed slightly purely because there is so much to set up for the new series, but the story is as interesting and gripping as ever. Stil is a very good character, independent in his outlook and dedicated to uncovering the truth no matter the damage to him personally, and it’s interesting to see that side of him coming out for the first time in his new home and impacting those around him too.

As with the city in his other books, the location is key to this one and almost becomes a character in itself. There are also nice little mentions of events from Connelly’s other books which set it in the same time period and allows the chance for there to be more future crossovers. Connelly is an absolute master at this kind of thriller and it’s great to have a new character to add to the list of unmissable reads from him.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I'm a huge Michael Connelly fan, so I was excited to be approved for his latest book. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Detective Stilwell (nickname Stil) is sent to the Avalon Substation on Catalina Island following an incident on the mainland. I loved learning about him, his small team on the island and the team back on the mainland where is tension between him and the others. The location setting is a backdrop to the plot, especially when a body is found in the marina attached to an anchor. Stil investigates a mystery of what happened to a buffalo, which then leads him to more than he is expecting. It was taut, tense and a rollercoaster of a book! The highlight for me - is how they get around on golf buggies, lol!! I look forward to book 2.

What a treat! A new first in series from one of my favourite authors.

County Sheriff Detective Stillwell is moved from a homicide team in LA to the quieter location of Catalina Island. He is very quickly embroiled in more than one case and the reader is gradually introduced to some of the residents on Catalina, his work team on the island and the wider team back on the mainland. There are some similarities to Michael Connelly's Bosch novels, for example the complexities of dealing with more than one case at a time. But I really enjoyed reading a new set of characters in a new location. Some of the relationships in the wider team are a bit broken and this really adds to the tension throughout the novel.

Some reviewers have said the book was a bit slow to start. I agree, but I think this is purely due to it being the first in a new series. In this book, all the introductions need to be made, whereas in book two some of the names will already be familiar.

A great read. Looking forward to book two (and the next Bosch/Ballard and the next Lincoln Lawyer!).

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

New character and series from Michael Connelly set on Catalina island.

Starts slowly, however, the reader is soon hooked like any good Connelly novel. Detective Stilwell is a flawed but likeable character and he certainly earns his keep in this storyline with murder, kidnapping and corruption. Better still, the police navigate the island on golf buggies!

Strong start to a new series from one of today's finest crime authors.

‘Nightshade’, by Michael Connelly,is the first book in the new Detective Stilwell series.
As a returning reader used to catching many of his captivating novels featuring Harry Bosch, Renee Ballard,or Mickey Haller it initially feels slightly off kilter to be introduced to new characters where there isn’t immediate sense of empathy for them or some knowledge of their backstory.It takes a little while to settle into the fresh surroundings and pace of Stilwell’s professional exile to Catalina island.
The story gradually picks up momentum and increases interest as the investigations into a gory buffalo mutilation and an unknown woman found dead at the bottom of a harbour progress.
Overall this feels like solid investigative cases where the writing is entertaining through Michael Connelly's style but there were for me too few real surprises or twists in the unfolding storyline.An enjoyable enough routine tale but a bit more predictable than I expected from this rightly celebrated writer.
It will be interesting to see how the series progresses and characters are developed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group,for an Advance Readers Copy.

Lovely book, sooo easy to read, flowed fluently and a different type of police procedure crimes. The character of the police sergeant could be made into a TV series or a new series of books. Love the sound of the island culture, who doesn't want to live there.