Synopses & Reviews
Forced out of the
Los Angeles Times amid the latest budget cuts, newspaperman Jack McEvoy decides to go out with a bang, using his final days at the paper to write the definitive murder story of his career.
He focuses on Alonzo Winslow, a 16-year-old drug dealer in jail after confessing to a brutal murder. But as he delves into the story, Jack realizes that Winslow's so-called confession is bogus. The kid might actually be innocent.
Jack is soon running with his biggest story since The Poet made his career years ago. He is tracking a killer who operates completely below police radar — and with perfect knowledge of any move against him. Including Jack's.
Review
"Alternating point of view between villain and reporter, Connelly builds tension expertly, using dramatic irony to its fullest, screw-tightening potential. Even confirmed Harry Bosch fans will have to admit that this Harry-less novel is one of Connelly's very best." Booklist (starred review)
Review
"Michael Connelly is one of modern pulp fiction's most skilled, prolific authors....The Scarecrow isn't some tongue-clucking cautionary tale, but at the same time, Connelly's detailed depiction of journalism under siege is as vivid and frightening as any murder plot. (Grade: B+)" The Onion AV Club
Review
"This Bosch adventure is a great read that can't be put down. Harry's getting on in years but is still a great detective." San Jose Mercury News
Review
"Connelly has done it again....The newspaper industry is on the verge of collapse these days, and ex-newspaperman Connelly here tackles the subject head-on while juggling an intricate mystery at the same time....[T]errifying and compelling..." Library Journal (starred review)
Review
"[R]ip-roaring crime fiction that hits the ground running and doesn't let up until the finale. Connelly is one of the most consistent of today's crime fiction writers. The Scarecrow ranks among Connelly's best work." South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Review
"With its ingenious story line and the twisted brilliance of the creeps involved, The Scarecrow holds its own with its predecessor [The Poet], which was a breakthrough novel for Connelly." The Washington Post
Review
"The Scarecrow, a return to form for Mr. Connelly and his sharpest book since The Lincoln Lawyer, pivots energetically among its subplots, often returning affectionately to the newspaper world." Janet Maslin, The New York Times
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About the Author
A former Los Angeles Times crime reporter, Michael Connelly's familiarity with the seamy side of L.A. adds a steamy kind of street cred to his hardboiled, gritty detective novels — especially his bestselling series of mysteries featuring dark detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch.