The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly - Cover reveal.

 The Dark Hours sees the return of Ballard and Bosch from @Connellybooks in their latest explosive case. Out in November.

The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly (Orion Books) Published 9 November 2021

Has a killer lain dormant for years only to strike again on New Year's Eve? LAPD Detective Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch team up to find justice for an innocent victim. There's chaos in Hollywood on New Year's Eve. Working her graveyard shift, LAPD Detective Renee Ballard seeks shelter at the end of the countdown to wait out the traditional rain of lead as hundreds of revelers shoot their guns into the air. As reports start to roll in of shattered windshields and other damage, Ballard is called to a scene where a hardworking auto shop owner has been fatally hit by a bullet in the middle of a crowded street party. It doesn't take long for Ballard to determine that the deadly bullet could not have fallen from the sky. Ballard's investigation leads her to look into another unsolved murder-a case at one time worked by Detective Harry Bosch. Ballard and Bosch team up once again to find out where the old and new cases intersect. All the while they must look over their shoulders. The killer who has stayed undetected for so long knows they are coming after him.

Michael Connelly honoured with CWA Diamond Dagger

The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) will award the CWA Diamond Dagger, given annually for “sustained excellence”, to US author Michael Connelly.

The prize recognises crime authors “who have made a significant contribution to the genre”, with previous recipients including P D James, John le Carré, Dick Francis, Ruth Rendell, Lee Child and Ann Cleeves.

Connelly will be presented with the highest honour in British crime writing at the CWA’s Dagger Awards ceremony in London on 25th October.

Martin Edwards, chair of the CWA, said: “Michael Connelly’s crime novels have won international acclaim for more than a quarter century, and have given readers, television viewers, and film fans rich entertainment. 

“A combination of wonderful characters, vivid settings, and gripping storylines characterises his work. The CWA is delighted to celebrate his achievements with the award of the Diamond Dagger.”

Connelly described the award as “truly exciting”.

The Philadelphia-born writer said: “How can a writer who writes about a guy trying make sense of things in Los Angeles ever expect to receive recognition from such a fine group from so far away? It's beyond anything I could have imagined, and I am very honoured and humbled.”

The former newspaper reporter has written 31 novels and one work of non-fiction.

His first novel, The Black Echo (Little, Brown), published in 1992, introduced Hieronymus ‘Harry’ Bosch and won an Edgar for the best first novel. Two of his books have been adapted for film and in 2016 Connelly produced his own TV series, Bosch, for Amazon with the show now in its fourth season.

He embarked on a new series with Orion last year, as well as publishing a further Harry

Bosch novel.

The CWA Diamond Dagger is selected from nominations provided by its members. Nominees have to meet two essential criteria: first, their careers must be marked by sustained excellence, and second, they must have made a significant contribution to crime writing published in the English language.

Exclusive Bosch competition

EXCLUSIVE to SHOTS! We have ONE signed copy of the Amazon Prime promotion brochure signed by both Michael Connelly and Titus Welliver. The competition is over on the Shots website competition page.. One simple question to answer: Name the three books that Series One of BOSCH is based on. Include your name and address within the answer. Good luck!