I’ll admit upfront: Nightshade was my first foray into the world of Michael Connelly, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Known for his Bosch series, Connelly’s reputation precedes him, but here he introduces a new detective, Frank Stilwell, and a fresh setting: the windswept, deceptively tranquil Catalina Island. It’s a police procedural with a twist, small-town charm masking big-city corruption.
Stilwell, a former diver turned LA County sheriff’s detective, has been exiled to Catalina after a professional fallout. His new post is meant to be quiet, uneventful. That illusion shatters when a woman’s body is found in Avalon Harbor, anchored to the seabed. Stilwell, despite being sidelined, refuses to let the case be swept away by indifferent mainland detectives. What unfolds is a layered investigation involving poaching, local politics, and a mutilated buffalo – yes, really.
The mystery itself is medium-paced and not overly complex, but it held my attention. Connelly’s writing is clean and confident, and while the plot occasionally feels like groundwork for future instalments, there’s enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Stilwell grows on you: he’s flawed, stubborn, and driven by a quiet sense of justice. He’s not flashy, but he’s the sort of cop you’d want in your corner.
One of the standout elements for me was the thematic undercurrent: the tension between commercialism and preservation, and the stark class divide among Catalina’s residents. Connelly doesn’t hammer the point, but it’s there, simmering beneath the surface. The island itself could’ve been more vividly drawn, it had the potential to be a character in its own right, but even so, the nautical atmosphere adds a unique flavour to the story. Boats, docks, and salt air permeate the narrative.
That said, not everything landed. Some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, and Stilwell’s love interest came across as more petulant than compelling. The ending felt a touch rushed, with a few threads left dangling. Still, I appreciated the way Connelly wove together multiple crimes without overwhelming the reader. It’s a solid start to what I hope becomes a longer series.
Who might enjoy Nightshade? Fans of police procedurals who appreciate a slower burn and a grounded, methodical approach to crime-solving. If you like your mysteries with a touch of grit and a setting that’s off the beaten path, this one’s worth a look. It’s not a high-octane thriller, but it’s quietly compelling.
Nightshade didn’t blow me away, but it did enough to make me want more. Stilwell is a promising lead, and Catalina Island has plenty of secrets left to uncover. If Connelly continues this thread, I’ll be following along. A good book, not perfect, but a welcome introduction to a new corner of Connelly’s crime universe.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
About the author: MichaelConnelly.com
