Nightshade: A Mixed Canvas from Michael Connelly
When a new release from Michael Connelly hits the shelves, it often feels like a literary event. I eagerly anticipated "Nightshade," hoping it would serve up the gripping thrills and intricate plot twists that Connelly is renowned for. However, as I delved into the pages, I found myself navigating an uneven landscape—one marked by a compelling plot yet lacking in rich characterization, leaving me with a myriad of thoughts for days.
At its heart, "Nightshade" revolves around Sergeant Stilwell, an intriguing but enigmatic figure introduced to us without a first name or substantial backstory. The narrative starts with a fragmented atmosphere, juxtaposing three seemingly disparate cases: an unidentified body in the harbor, a mysterious buffalo slaughter, and the assault of Stilwell’s deputy. These threads slowly begin to weave together, intensifying the stakes as the story unfolds. Connelly’s skill at constructing a suspenseful plot shines through, leading to a rewarding payoff by the end, particularly for fans of crime fiction.
Yet, the characterization felt like a missed opportunity. Unlike the richly developed characters we often see in Connelly’s works, Stilwell leaves us wanting more depth. His philosophical musings on justice and the flaws within the system are interesting, but without context regarding his upbringing or personal history, they feel somewhat hollow. While I found his perspective on societal issues relatable—“when you’ve involved a revolving door at the entrance to the jailhouse, you were inviting the system’s downfall”—the lack of layered experiences behind that philosophy made it difficult to truly empathize.
Even Stilwell’s romantic subplot with Tish fell flat for me. She felt more like a device to propel the plot forward than a fully fleshed character with her own arcs or emotions. Their interactions, particularly a quarrel that disrupts the narrative momentum, felt jarring and unwarranted, especially from a seasoned storyteller like Connelly. Moments like these detracted from the excitement that the remainder of the narrative built up, momentarily severing my connection to the plot’s tension.
The novel opens with a less-than-gripping prologue set on Catalina Island that’s dense and, at times, confusing. I found myself resorting to Wikipedia to grasp the geographic and historical nuances that Connelly seems to expect readers to simply absorb. Descriptive writing has never been Connelly’s strongest suit, but the early chapters felt particularly challenging and could greatly benefit from more seamless integration with the action.
As I flipped through the pages, the pacing ultimately picked up, leading to an engaging climax that reminded me of Connelly’s previous masterpieces. The resolution of the cases was satisfying, offering just enough closure to leave readers fulfilled. However, my overall impression lingered around 3.5 stars—conceding a rare misstep for an author I hold in high regard, whose previous books have usually soared to four and five-star levels.
In conclusion, "Nightshade" may appeal to die-hard Connelly fans interested in revisiting the crime-laden landscapes he expertly constructs, despite its flaws. It’s an earnest attempt that provokes thought about justice and societal structures but lacks the rich character tapestry that many have come to expect from this maestro of crime fiction. My personal reading experience was bittersweet; while I adored the gripping investigations, the characters yearning for depth left me contemplating the missed opportunities. Still, sometimes a shaky step can offer intriguing lessons for the next expected journey.
So, if you find yourself curious about Stilwell’s world, approach "Nightshade" with an open mind but tempered expectations—after all, every artist has their off days.