Meet Michael Connelly's newest detective, Sergeant Stilwell, who runs the sheriff's station on Catalina Island, 22 miles off the coast of California. Stilwell, or Stil for short, is a former homicide detective who was transferred to the island after accusing a colleague of obstructing justice. The island, with its quiet atmosphere and small-town politics, is a far cry from the gritty streets of Los Angeles, where Connelly's other detectives, such as Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, have made their mark.
Catalina Island: A New Setting for Connelly's Crime Fiction
In the first book of the series, Nightshade, Stilwell investigates poaching and petty crimes, while navigating the complexities of small-town politics. However, things take a turn when a woman's body is discovered in the harbor, leading to a murder investigation and uncovering corruption in the mayor's office. Stilwell's success in solving the case puts his new love interest, Tash, in danger, and he must act quickly to save her.
The second book, Ironwood, published this May, picks up a few months after the events of Nightshade. A drug bust at the local airport goes wrong, and one of Stilwell's deputies is killed. Despite being told to respect protocol, Stilwell investigates the incident, which leads him to a hunt for a serial killer. Renée Ballard, another Connelly detective, joins forces with Stilwell to solve the case. The collaboration is a highlight of the book, showcasing the skills and determination of both detectives.
Connelly's writing is characterized by its contemporaneous feel, with references to current events, such as ICE and Southern California wildfires. However, he handles these references with a light touch, focusing on the story and characters rather than making a statement. The result is an engaging and entertaining read, with Ironwood being an improvement over Nightshade.
With its unique setting and characters, the Catalina series is a refreshing addition to Connelly's crime-fiction repertoire. As the series continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see how Stilwell and his team navigate the complexities of small-town politics and crime.