The Late Show
by Michael Connelly
LAPD Detective Renée Ballard works the graveyard shift, catching cases no one else wants. When two cases intersect dangerously, she must go rogue to find justice.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Overview
The Late Show introduces Renée Ballard, an LAPD detective exiled to the graveyard shift. When two cases demand more than her shift allows, she goes rogue to find justice.
What Makes This Exceptional
Renée Ballard
One of the best new detectives in crime fiction:
- Fierce and determined
- Damaged but not broken
- Willing to break rules for justice
- Complex and compelling
- Absolutely unforgettable
The Graveyard Shift
The "late show" setting is brilliant:
- Cases start but don't get solved
- Investigations handed off at dawn
- The invisible shift no one wants
- Unique challenges and perspectives
- Perfect metaphor for Ballard's exile
The Cases
Two investigations that won't let go:
- The assault: A transgender prostitute beaten nearly to death
- The shooting: A nightclub attack with political complications
Both require Ballard to go rogue, pursuing them on her own time.
The Social Commentary
The book addresses:
- Sexual harassment in law enforcement
- The cost of speaking up
- Institutional sexism
- Crimes against invisible victims
- Power protecting power
What I Loved
The Protagonist
Ballard is immediately compelling - fierce, flawed, and absolutely dedicated to justice despite the personal cost.
The Setting
The graveyard shift perspective is fresh and fascinating. The temporary nature of every case adds urgency.
The Plot
Two cases that intersect in unexpected ways, both requiring Ballard to risk everything.
The Writing
Classic Connelly - tight, efficient prose that serves the story perfectly.
The Authenticity
The LAPD details feel real, from procedures to politics to the cost of bucking the system.
The Ending
Satisfying resolution that leaves you wanting more Ballard.
Key Themes
Justice vs. Procedure
Sometimes doing the right thing means breaking the rules.
Speaking Truth to Power
Ballard's harassment complaint cost her career advancement but not her integrity.
Persistence
Even when cases are supposed to be handed off, some demand to be solved.
The Invisible
The victims no one else fights for deserve justice too.
Why 4.4 Stars?
This is exceptional crime fiction - a compelling protagonist, unique setting, intelligent plot, and social relevance, all wrapped in Connelly's masterful writing.
It's not quite 5 stars because a couple of plot threads feel slightly rushed, but it's very close to perfect.
Who Should Read This
- Fans of Michael Connelly
- Readers who love strong female detectives
- Anyone who enjoys police procedurals with depth
- Those who appreciate social commentary in crime fiction
- Readers looking for intelligent, well-crafted thrillers
The Connelly Canon
Connelly is known for Harry Bosch, but Ballard stands on her own as an equally compelling protagonist. This is the start of what promises to be an excellent new series.
Final Thoughts
The Late Show is a brilliant introduction to Renée Ballard and a reminder of why Michael Connelly is considered one of the best in crime fiction.
Ballard is a protagonist worthy of a long series - complex, compelling, and absolutely fierce in her pursuit of justice. The graveyard shift setting is inspired, giving fresh perspective to the procedural format.
The plot is layered and intelligent, the writing is top-notch, and the social commentary adds depth without overwhelming the story.
If you love smart, well-crafted crime fiction with protagonists who refuse to back down, this is essential reading. I can't wait for more Renée Ballard. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
My Notes & Takeaways
A New Connelly Hero
The Late Show introduces Renée Ballard, a fierce and complex LAPD detective working the "late show" - the graveyard shift where cases start but rarely get solved.
Renée Ballard
Exiled to the night shift after filing a sexual harassment complaint against her supervisor, Ballard:
- Works cases from midnight to dawn
- Hands off investigations at end of shift
- Rarely sees cases through to completion
- Burns with fierce determination for justice
- Breaks rules when necessary
The Cases
On one shift, Ballard catches two cases that won't let her go:
- A brutal assault on a transgender prostitute
- A nightclub shooting with multiple victims
She's supposed to hand them off at dawn, but she can't let them go. Going rogue, she pursues both cases on her own time.
What Makes It Exceptional
Renée Ballard: A compelling, complex protagonist
The Late Show Setting: Unique perspective on police work
Authentic LAPD Detail: Connelly's research shows
Layered Plot: Multiple cases that intersect brilliantly
Social Commentary: Addresses harassment, power, and justice
Tight Writing: Classic Connelly - no wasted words
The Themes
- Justice vs. procedure
- Speaking truth to power (consequences)
- Persistence in face of obstacles
- The invisible victims of crime
- Institutional sexism
- The cost of doing the right thing
Why It's Outstanding
Connelly has created another unforgettable detective. Ballard is fierce, flawed, dedicated, and absolutely compelling.
The graveyard shift setting is brilliant - giving fresh perspective on police procedurals.
The plot is tight, the pacing is perfect, and the writing is classic Connelly excellence.
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