Michael connelly books in order

1. Early Life and Influences
2. The Fortunate Discovery and a Journalism Career
3. Reporting the Front Lines as a Crime Correspondent
4. The Road to Authorship
5. The Emergence of Harry Bosch and Literary Success
6. New Frontiers: Jack McEvoy and Terry McCaleb
7. The Bosch Legacy and Legal Escapades
8. Screen Adaptations and Television Collaborations
9. Personal Life and Inspirations

Early Life and Influences

Michael Connelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1956, into a working-class family. His father's complaints about sacrificing a creative career for a reliable income in the construction business instilled in him the importance of pursuing his passions. Conversely, his mother's love for detective novels ignited his fascination for criminal intrigue from a young age.

The Fortunate Discovery and a Journalism Career

In 1978, the Connelly family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was there that Michael's innate investigative abilities emerged when he discovered a discarded gun hidden in a hedge. He alerted the authorities, setting in motion an understanding of the intricacies of police work.

Abandoning plans to follow his father's path in construction, Connelly enrolled in the University of Florida. His mediocre grades prompted him to explore his love for detective fiction and attempt writing his own. He pursued a master's degree in journalism and a creative writing minor, graduating in 1980.

Reporting the Front Lines as a Crime Correspondent

Michael Connelly's career as a crime correspondent began with local newspapers and magazines in Lauderdale. During the infamous "Cocaine Wars" in South Florida, he witnessed firsthand the grim realities of drug-related violence and the relentless pursuit of justice. His writing earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1986 for a poignant article about survivors of a tragic airplane crash.

The Road to Authorship

After three years at the "Los Angeles Times," Michael Connelly traded crime reporting for fiction writing. Inspired by his favorite author, Raymond Chandler, he rented the legendary Dilworth Building, where Philip Marlowe resided, as his writing space.

The Emergence of Harry Bosch and Literary Success

Connelly's third novel, "Black Echo," was a breakthrough. Published in 1992, it introduced Harry Bosch, a Vietnam War veteran and LAPD Detective. The story, based on a real-life bank heist, garnered an Edgar Award for Best First Novel and propelled the series to immense popularity.

New Frontiers: Jack McEvoy and Terry McCaleb

In 1996, Connelly created a new protagonist, Jack McEvoy, a reporter investigating his brother's suicide. This led to a spin-off series, "The Scarecrow." He also introduced Terry McCaleb, a retired FBI agent, in "Blood Work." Both McCaleb and McEvoy would intertwine with Bosch's stories in later novels.

The Bosch Legacy and Legal Escapades

The Harry Bosch series has grown to include over 17 novels, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. Connelly has also delved into legal thrillers with his "Mickey Haller" series, starting with "The Lincoln Lawyer," which became a blockbuster movie.

Screen Adaptations and Television Collaborations

Beyond his literary success, Michael Connelly has collaborated on television. He wrote the documentary "Night of the Blue Neon" and contributed to the popular series "Castle." A television series based on Harry Bosch is currently in development.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Michael Connelly resides in Florida with his family. His passion for travel fuels his imagination and provides him with compelling material for his writing.