Positive Press

I had the pleasure of visiting a great new bookstore this weekend, Book Passage, in Corte Madera, Marin County, California, and of meeting their esteemed guest author, Michael Connelly.

I’d been wanting to hear Mr. Connelly speak for over a year, and have only been reading his work for a few years.

I grew up with mystery writers like Dick Francis, Robert B. Parker and John D. MacDonald, and when I got wind of Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, Mickey Haller and Renée Ballard, I was hooked for life.

Connelly’s ability with plot, story and character are seldom rivaled, and to hear him speak was a privilege. He is an outstanding writer, but also a man of character, and he treated everyone at the event with courtesy and respect.

Sure, his readers are his bread and butter, but you can tell when someone is skillful, but also considerate, thoughtful and intentional about doing his work with excellence and interacting with his audience well. Connelly went above and beyond, to make this event a success.

I also had the honor of hearing Book Passage co-owner, Elaine Petrocelli speak; she interviewed Connelly, sharing that she’d been friends with him for many years. She was a great person to ask questions of him, and the two exchanged wit and humor to the delight of the audience.

There was a Q&A after the talk, and while I was unable to ask my question (about the background and origins of his Haller book, Resurrection Walk), I enjoyed hearing the other readers’ queries.

It is striking how loyal his readership is. I heard two fellow guests remark, “I hope he doesn’t kill off Bosch.”, and, “I have to ask him if Harry is okay!”, respectively. I too, admire his characters, and feel a kinship towards them.

It is also notable that Michael Connelly ages his favorites and gives them adversity and makes changes in their lives. Not all author’s of beloved series have the knack Connelly does with developing and bringing change, growth and even sad elements that impact us, and endear us to his protagonists.

The author spoke about his writing, answered audience questions, signed my book, and encouraged me in my writing. I really could not have asked for more. The event was memorable, and I’m looking forward to reading his latest book, The Waiting, and having the pleasure of walking back into the Bosch universe once again.