Michael Connelly has added a new location and a fresh protagonist to his crime‑fiction catalogue. The first two novels, Nightshade and Ironwood, are set on Catalina Island, the 22‑mile offshore community off the California coast, and follow Sergeant Stilwell, the head of the island’s sheriff’s station.
Sergeant Stilwell arrives on Catalina
Stilwell, known as “Stil”, is a former homicide detective who was transferred to the island after accusing a colleague of obstructing justice. The move takes him from the gritty streets of Los Angeles – the familiar ground of Connelly’s long‑running characters Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller – to a quieter, small‑town environment where local politics play a larger role.
Nightshade establishes the setting
The debut novel, Nightshade, opens with Stilwell handling routine poaching and petty offences. The plot escalates when a woman’s body is discovered in the harbour, prompting a murder investigation that uncovers corruption within the mayor’s office. The case’s resolution places Stilwell’s new love interest, Tash, in jeopardy, forcing him to act swiftly to protect her.
Ironwood builds on the momentum
Published in May, Ironwood picks up a few months after the events of Nightshade. A drug bust at the island’s airport goes awry, resulting in the death of one of Stilwell’s deputies. Despite orders to adhere to protocol, Stilwell pursues the incident, which leads him into a hunt for a serial killer. The novel features a crossover with Renée Ballard, another of Connelly’s detectives, whose partnership with Stilwell is highlighted as a strong point of the story.
Contemporary tone and critical response
Connelly’s writing retains a contemporary feel, weaving references to current issues such as ICE and the Southern California wildfires into the narrative without allowing them to dominate the plot. Reviewers note that Ironwood improves on its predecessor, offering an engaging and entertaining read. The Catalina series is described as a refreshing addition to Connelly’s body of work, and observers anticipate further developments as Stilwell and his team continue to navigate the island’s unique blend of small‑town politics and crime.
First reported by the source report.